The Cultural Paradox of Play

In this webinar we explore one of international education’s most fascinating tensions: how play across the ages can be both a unifying and a divisive force. Why might a parent see chaos where a teacher sees learning, why might one learner’s fun be another learner’s frustration?
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Play – the most natural of human behaviours – becomes surprisingly complex in the context of education. This webinar is suitable for teachers of all age groups from any school who are interested in cultural intelligence and responsive pedagogy.


Challenge and rethink our assumptions about when, how,
with whom and why we play and facilitate play for our learners!

What's included?

Pre-webinar engagement

Consider your experiences with playful learning and reflect on key implications for learning.

60-minute webinar

A recorded webinar where special guest, Sarah Blackmore, supports you to challenge and rethink your assumptions about play.

Practical application

Learn how to extend your learning by attending one of our in-person Global·Learn·Connect Conferences and more.

Meet the Presenters

Sarah Blackmore

Speaker, Director, ICA

With over three decades of dedicated experience in the field of education, Sarah is currently the inaugural director of the International Curriculum Association and a driving force in shaping transformative educational experiences worldwide.

Laura James

Host, Head of the IEYC

Laura is a British educator currently based in France. She currently works as the Head of the IEYC and has worked in and with schools in the UK and internationally for the past 20 years.

brought to you by
This webinar highlights one of the three key themes of the  Global·Learn·Connect Conferences taking place in 2025. These two-day events explore The Learning Effect: Play, Paradox, and Passion. Click the image to learn more about a GLC Conference near you!
Patrick Jones - Course author