The Power of Play-based Learning with Dr Suzan Weishof

In this episode of Kids Gone Global, 'The Power of Play-based Learning,' Sarah Reich interviews Dr. Suzan Weishof, an expert in play-based child therapy. 

Dr. Weishof explains that unstructured play is crucial for developing social, negotiation, and problem-solving skills. Based on these important findings, Suzan describes how the International School of Hamburg incorporates play-based learning into its program and after-school care offer. She explains how play assists teachers in meeting each child's individual needs. 

The interview concludes with a discussion about the decline of unstructured play in children's lives and the role of parents in encouraging learner agency by providing time, space, and open-ended materials for their children's play.

Creators and Guests

Host

Sarah Reich

Sarah Reich, your host, serves as the Director of Community Relations at the International School of Hamburg. With a career in European government relations and public affairs, Sarah has worked within EU institutions, the consular corps, and leading international companies. Her academic and professional interests have always centred on governance and citizenship, making the mission of the International School of Hamburg—to prepare students as tomorrow’s global citizens—a perfect fit. In 2022, upon joining the International School of Hamburg, Sarah launched the Kids Gone Global podcast. This initiative aims to provide a platform for sharing the insights of experts and students in the dynamic field of international education. Through the podcast, she engages parents and the broader community in discussions about modern educational approaches and how international schools are addressing contemporary challenges in learning and growing up in a global environment.

Guest

Dr. Suzan Weisof

Dr. Suzan Weishof, Learning Support Teacher and Child Safeguarding Officer at the International School of Hamburg, is a sought-after speaker, consultant and published author in the area of play and the integration of play therapy techniques in early childhood settings. Her journey at the International School of Hamburg began in 1995 when she started as a Junior School teacher, subsequently transitioning to roles as a Counselor and Head of Learning Support. Suzan pursued a sabbatical to complete her Ph.D. in Educational Counseling, where she served as a first responder to children who lost family members after the attacks on September 11 in New York City. Upon her return in 2003, she assumed the role of Junior School Principal from 2010-2019. Her academic research on play therapy techniques significantly influenced her approach to the early years program, aligning it with international best practices in the field. Dr. Weishof earned her B.A. from Mount Saint Mary’s University, a Master’s in Educational Counseling from California State University, San Bernardino, and a Ph.D. in Educational Counseling from the University of North Texas.

What is Kids Gone Global - The International School of Hamburg Podcast?

In the new podcast series "Kids Gone Global" we embark on a journey to understand how the International School of Hamburg, Germany’s pioneering institution in international education, shapes its students into global citizens.

By delving into these topics, be prepared to gain a deeper understanding of the experiences and perspectives of international education experts and how they prepare students to thrive in a globalized world.

Join Sarah Reich, Director of Community Relations at the International School of Hamburg, as she leads us on this journey. Through discussions with students and experts in education, we learn about the school's approach to helping students hone their skills to be ready for the future workplace and confident to engage actively in an increasingly interconnected world.

There is a reading list available for this series on our website. Please visit - https://info.ishamburg.org/podcast