Using puppets, movement breaks and simple strategies to increase playfulness in the classroom     

For many educators, being playful in the classroom can feel daunting—especially amid the pressures of curriculum, assessment, and classroom management. Yet playfulness is not just a personality trait; it’s a professional disposition that can be nurtured and developed.

In this webinar, we’ll explore practical, research-informed strategies to help teachers reconnect with their own sense of play and bring that energy into learning environments. From using puppets and movement breaks to simple techniques that foster creativity and joy, you’ll discover how small shifts can make a big difference.

Learning outcomes:

By the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:

- Develop confidence in cultivating a playful mindset—even when it doesn’t come naturally.

 - Explore the use of puppets as a tool for enhancing pupil engagement and fostering creativity.

 - Identify rhythmic, playful movement breaks that support regulation  - Apply simple, practical strategies to help teachers grow into playful professionals without compromising instructional goals.

Facilitator Bio

Helena Walsh (MIAPTP, M.Ed & B.Ed). Helena is a primary teacher with over 20 years teaching experience. She is an accredited child & adolescent psychotherapist, a play therapist and a lecturer with Foebel & Hibernia Teacher Training Colleges. Helena is passionate about educating teachers & parents on the immense value of play in fostering wellbeing at every age. She designed and facilitated an online summer course with Mayo Education Centre entitled 'Experiential Wellbeing: The Power of Relationships & Play.'