Synergy is the creation of a whole that is greater than the simple sum of its parts. The term synergy comes from the Attic Greek word συνεργία synergia from synergos, συνεργός, meaning "working together".

How do we:

• implement a culturally responsive curriculum?
• ensure every student reaches their potential?
• ensure children feel safe and welcome?
• make mathematics fun?
• cater for diversity through differentiation without streaming?
• motivate, inspire and empower young people?
• activate students to work harder than teachers?

Could the missing piece of the pedagogical puzzle actually be productive play?

Is play the educational equivalent of re-inventing the wheel?

I do not know the answer, but I think it is worth investigating WITH the students. A collaborative inquiry.

• Ask the students if they are interested in trying a new way of learning.
• Explain that play based learning is about being productive and creative. The aim is to help each other learn whilst having fun.
• Hand out the cards and get students to sort them together.
• When students have sorted the cards, and you have checked in with the group, they can start to play.
• An easy game to start with is snap. (Check the students know how to play it, many do not). No two cards are the same, if you say snap you must then say the reason. The others in the group must agree it is a valid reason.
• Model mathematical literacy and grab any teachable moments.
• Encourage students to come up with their own games.
• Once you have established a play routine, which might take a while, you might just find you can sit down and take a well earned rest.
• Let the children play & let the teachers rest. Expect them to play hard and focus on the learning.
• View behaviour as communication. If students are off-task give them the learning habits cards to play with to re-inforce positive behaviour.
• Work with the students to decide how often they should play. If it does not work perhaps try different cards or a different time of day. Leave it for a week or so before trying again.

Alzheimers Research: The results showed that people who played games or did puzzles most frequently were more likely to have greater brain volume in several brain regions, and better scores in tests of memory and thinking skills.