The Glitter and Coffee Teacher

We talk a lot about active, hands-on learning …..
But active doesn’t always mean play.

And that distinction matters.

Children can be busy, engaged and using materials …..
while still following an adult-led process.

Play adds something deeper:
✨ Choice
✨ Control
✨ Meaning

Both are valuable but they’re not the same.

The real question is
👉 Are we creating space for true play in all classes?

💬 I’d love to hear your thoughts

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Play isn’t something children earn when the “real work” is done or something to be used as a threat or punishment for not getting the “real work” done.
It is the real work.

When we treat play as a reward or a punishment, we miss its power.
When we embed it intentionally, we honour children’s rights, deepen learning and create classrooms where engagement, wellbeing, regulation and curiosity can thrive.

This is a core belief I return to again and again in my webinars because playful pedagogy isn’t an add-on:
It’s curriculum.
It’s practice.
It’s a right. ✨☕️

playfulcurriculum

learningthroughplay playfulpedagogies learningisfun playfulness teacher juniorinfants theglitterandcoffeemama theglitterandcoffeeteacher ✨ ☕️

Who fancies a Christmas giveaway?? I was very kindly gifted these gorgeous books by and they would make a fab addition to any classroom. This book has gorgeous original works in it and accompanying activities to do with your class.

Like this post and comment below. Tag a pal and share something playful and creative you have done in your classroom recently.

I’ll pick two winners on Tuesday so get entering ☺️



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Found this photo on my phone from ages ago - I forgot to post it.

I have this lovely display at the back of our classroom - it’s much lovelier now with photos of the children and all our activities than it was when I took this photo 😂

Learning isn’t just what we know, it’s how we get there.
Our Learning Journey board shows the process of learning: the curiosity, the play, the fun and the breakthroughs that happen along the way. 🌈✨



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I am so excited, still in shock and delighted to announce that our school’s application for the Féilte Bursary Scheme 2025 has been successful and we will be awarded €2,000 by the Teaching Council.  
 
I can’t wait to get started - as you know playful pedagogies are close to my heart as is teacher professional development so this is such an exciting project to be leading and working on 🥰

Mid-November Monday check-in

How are you?

☕️ coffee-on-the-couch tired
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