“How did it get like this?”I’ve been asked this question many times since my previous post describing the events of the Playcentre Aotearoa Annual General Meeting in late July. As is usually the case, there are no simple answers… but I can share my perspective based on observing and participating in national Playcentre governance over the past 6 years. In fact, in attempting to understand the situation, I’ve gone right back to before my first child was born, even back before I had moved to NZ. I had the experience ofSEE DETAILS
Kia Ora, I'm Ann!
Let's discover the power of play...
MY VISION
Unlocking the power of play for physical, mental, intellectual, and socio-emotional wellbeing throughout the lifespan.
SERVICES
Let's collaborate to create the conditions for meaningful play experiences
schools
Play-based learning is rapidly becoming a preferred teaching methodology both within New Zealand and internationally. Ann offers professional development, resources and support for educators looking to develop and solidify their play practices, with particular expertise in forest schooling, loose parts provision, and tinkering/makerspace pedagogy.
work
To survive and thrive in a dynamic business market, organisations often depend on their staff to learn new skills and think creatively. Through entertaining and humorous speaking engagements, workshop delivery, and in-depth consulting services, Ann supports businesses to harness the power of play for professional learning and innovation.
communities
Play provision for all ages is increasingly recognised as an important community goal for maximising physical, mental, social and emotional wellbeing. Ann works with local, regional, and national government agencies, as well as community organisations, to develop policies, practices, and programmes that promote play throughout the lifespan.
BLOG
Thoughts and feelings about EVERYTHING play.
ABOUT ME
Ako: Everyone is a teacher and everyone is a learner...
Ann Langis
Ann is a passionate advocate for play with over 25 years’ experience working alongside children from early childhood through to college, as well as holding a master's degree in Education from Harvard University. Her practical experiences as a parent of 3 children, Playcentre educator, classroom teacher, and Conscious Kids Education Co-Founder and Director have solidified her understanding of the conditions required for authentic and meaningful play to emerge, for learners of all ages. The provision of outdoor risky play is her particular area of expertise, including nature play, large loose parts, and tinkering/makerspace. When she’s not thinking about play, writing about play, or talking about play, she can be found outside playing, generally climbing a tree or having an impromptu boogie in the grass.
Speaking Engagements
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New Zealand Recreation Conference 2018
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Air New Zealand Un-conference 2019
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Sustainable Schools Hui 2019
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Devonport-Takapuna Kahui Ako Conference 2019
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Natural Phenomena Conference 2019
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MUV talks 2019
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Shipwrecked Music and Arts Festival 2019
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Green Pavlova Recreation Aotearoa Conference 2020
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Longworth Joy of Play Conference 2020
Media
Green Pavlova Recreation Aotearoa Conference 2020
MUV talks 2019
NZ Herald July 2018
TESTIMONIALS
Gary Lawrence
Principal Vauxhall Primary School
Ann has been a huge support to Vauxhall School and is extremely highly regarded. She has provided professional development and support to our teachers over the last few years as we have integrated play into our school philosophy. Ann has also led workshops at our Devonport Peninsula Schools Conference on play, learning and development in children. The Junky Monkeys programme visits Vauxhall school on an annual basis, which is a real highlight for our children and has inspired us to acquire our own large loose parts play gear
Andrew Walters
Director of GAPO (Global Action Plan Aotearoa)
GAPO are excited to partner with Ann Langis and Conscious Kids. The programmes are effective and well organised, the waste minimisation messages and Kaitiakitanga principles are extremely well integrated into the programme. Getting kids playing and learning with waste a resource and something fun is a refreshing change from traditional waste education. We've enjoyed working in partnership immensely and its added great value to our services and offerings to Auckland Council. We can't wait to do more programmes together in the spring!
Maria Teape
Devonport Community Coordinator, Devonport Peninsula Trust
We recently invited Ann and the Conscious Kids team to participate in our annual community event, the Bayswater Halloween Trail, providing nature and junk play zones. Previously, parts of the trail didn’t have much in the way of activities for families to do and the nature and junk play zones were perfect for activating these quieter areas. It was also great for kids to be able to step off the trail for a time to engage in some focused tactile play before heading back out amongst the crowd. Our sincere thanks to Ann for happily supporting our event and giving it a great new dimension!
Annette Pram
Junior School Team Leader, Western Heights School
What a pleasure it was to have you at our school. All the teachers commented on how much they enjoyed the day. You effortlessly sparked a love of the outdoors and how easily we can incorporate this into our school days. All the activities set out allowed teachers to experiment and collaborate together or have some quiet time. Very much like our children. This was a brilliant team building exercise where we were all laughing, supporting and learning off one another. You have a wealth of knowledge and we all enjoyed learning from you.
Let's work together!
To inquire about working with Ann or having her speak at your next event, please send us a message using the form below
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