Why Play Matters With Emilie Warren | In This Together

In this episode, host Becky Dawson sits down with Emilie Warren, an attachment play trainer and Director of Little Fox Education, to explore how play can transform child development and learning. Emilie discusses the fundamentals of attachment theory and introduces "attachment play" as a versatile tool for building safety, trust, and connection in educational settings. The conversation addresses the challenges of a demanding curriculum and highlights how shifting from consequences to playful interactions can effectively support behavior management and student wellbeing. The discussion delves deep into practical strategies for educators, emphasizing that play is not just for early years but is a vital communication tool through secondary education. By reframing play as a targeted intervention rather than a "reward" to be earned, teachers and TAs can co-regulate with students to reduce dysregulation and anxiety. Emilie advocates for a cultural shift in education where play is recognized as a powerful, measurable vehicle for both academic outcomes and adult wellbeing. Takeaways - The Essentials of Attachment Play: A specific type of play that fosters secure attachments by helping children feel safe and protected through laughter and connection. - Play as Behaviour Management: Moving away from bribery or consequences toward playful interventions can de-escalate dysregulated behaviour and build long-term trust. Universal Accessibility: Attachment play can be done by "anyone, anytime, anywhere," utilizing simple tools like puppets, clapping games, or "silly" interactions to break tension. Regression for Progression: In secondary settings, allowing older students to engage in "younger" play can support their secondary period of attachment and emotional growth. Adult Wellbeing Benefits: Integrating play into the school day reduces stress for educators, as laughter and joyful connection provide a natural tension release for adults too. Overcoming Institutional Barriers: Addressing the "fear of play" and the lack of time in the curriculum through training and "pocket-sized" playful strategies. Support the Podcast: If you enjoyed this episode, please follow us on your preferred platform and leave a rating or review to help other educators find these vital conversations. Get in Touch: We want to hear from you! Share your thoughts or the brilliant wellbeing work you're doing at [email protected]. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction - Becky Dawson introduces Emilie Warren and the topic of play in education. 00:57 - Defining Attachment Play - Explaining attachment theory and the primary need for safety and comfort. 04:34 - Practical Examples - Using clapping games, puppets, and small world play to build connection. 07:32 - Behaviour Management - How playful interactions serve as an alternative to rewards and punishments. 10:44 - Advocacy and Challenges - Discussing the right to play and barriers like time and curriculum pressure. 16:11 - Measuring Impact - The difficulty of measuring wellbeing outcomes vs. academic stats. 18:23 - Top Tips for Educators - "Pocket" strategies and focusing on connection over "solving" problems. 22:34 - Play in Secondary Education - Addressing regressive play and building relationships with teenagers. 26:01 - Future Hopes - Emilie’s vision for play as an integral part of the national curriculum. ? Get a 30-Day FREE Trial with Twinkl! ? Unlock access to over 1,000,000 teaching and activity resources, created by experienced educators. Whether you're a teacher, parent, or homeschooler, we've got everything you need!