🎙️ Podcast Summary Notes

Episode Title: The Power of Play: Gamification, Creativity & Student Voice with Dustin Remy

Guests: Dustin Remy (@teachersplayground)

Hosts: Megan Wells and Candace Miller

👤 Guest Bio: Dustin Remy

Dustin Remy is a veteran educator, speaker, and edtech innovator passionate about transforming classrooms into engaging, curiosity-driven learning spaces. From teaching AP Government and Debate to middle school STEAM and electronic media, Dustin brings a quirky, learner-centered approach to every subject. He’s known online as @teachersplayground where he shares gamified strategies, makerspace inspiration, and playful edtech ideas. Dustin is also a Learning Luminary with Forward Edge and a microcredentialing enthusiast.

🧠 Key Topics

Gamification & Play-Based Learning

How games help drive engagement and content retention

iCivics, Prodigy, and Play-Doh in economics to teach real concepts

AI-enhanced learning tools and interactive challenges

Student Choice & Passion Projects

Choice boards, open-ended research, and student-led tech explorations

Letting students pursue coding, Canva design, video production, and more

Empowering learners to take the wheel and personalize their education

Reflection & Growth

Exit tickets and digital reflections as daily routines

Building portfolios to track growth

The shift from classroom teacher to academic interventionist and what reflection means for credit recovery students

Professional Development & Badging

Deep dive into Edge•U Badges by Forward Edge

Motivation through microcredentials and gamified PD

Praise for mentor Jillian and self-guided learning as growth fuel

Digital Sharing & Community

Power of educator social networks: Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok

Remixing ideas from online communities like Teach Better and Edgy Badges

Vulnerability, introversion, and pushing through social anxiety at conferences

💬 Notable Quotes

“I've always wanted everybody to embrace their own creative weird.”

“Let kids take the wheel. I learned more and had more fun as an educator this year than ever before.”

“I use my kids as my research — what works for them often works in my classroom too.”

“We need to stop assuming students will use AI to cheat. It can be a creativity tool.”

“Reflection isn’t just an exit ticket — it’s a bridge to confidence and real growth.”

“If I can help students check the school box more easily, then I’ve done my job.”

📌 Follow & Explore

Instagram & TikTok: @teachersplaiground

Website: teachersplaiground.com

X- @therealrimmey

In this inspiring episode, BreAnne Fennell—educator, author, and play advocate—joins Meghan Wells and Candace Miller to discuss the power of play in education. From building classrooms out of Legos to publishing books that center joy, Bre shares her journey through 16 years of teaching, writing, and leading with authenticity.

Whether you’re a high school science teacher or a kindergarten paraprofessional, Bre reminds us all that play isn't just fun—it's foundational. You'll leave this episode with practical ideas for incorporating purposeful play, engaging student creativity, and connecting across grade levels.

• Why play belongs in every classroom—yes, even high school

• Bre’s books: Play Yay, Choose Your Cheer, and Cooper’s Comics

• Using games to teach math fluency and literacy

• Classroom transformations and themed learning days

• How writing made Bre a better advocate for teachers

• Grant writing tips for classroom materials

• The emotional side of changing schools

• Strategies for connecting with students and encouraging leadership

• Creating learning moments with Legos, checkers, fidget spinners, and slime

Bre Fennell is a third-grade teacher in Ohio, a published author, a former Teach Better ambassador, and a recent Scholastic fellow. She blends child development expertise with a passion for accessible, engaging learning through books and hands-on activities.

📚 Books by Bre:

• Play Yay

• Play Yay Baby Talk

• Choose Your Cheer

• Cooper’s Comics

• Contributor to Scholastic’s Classroom Management Guide

📲 Follow Bre:

• Instagram: @BreAnneFennell

• Other platforms: @playyay

• "Play isn’t a bad word. It’s how kids learn best."

• "You’re not just letting them play—you're letting them learn through play."

• "I knew I wanted to write and teach since I was seven."

• "You can teach rules, citizenship, and conflict resolution through four square."

• "Writing a book is like what we ask kids to do every day—be vulnerable and share their work."

• TeachBetter.com

• Well Played (Math Games Resource)

• First Book Marketplace – for low-cost classroom supplies and books

• Global School Play Day

Bre plays “Play or Nay” where she gives quick takes on classroom ideas like fidget spinners, dress-up days, and escape rooms. Tune in for her genius Lego writing strategy!

• Facebook: @nonamepaperpodcast

• Subscribe and leave us a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts!

📝 Episode Summary🧩 In This Episode👩‍🏫 Guest: Bre Fennell🗣️ Favorite Quotes🛠️ Resources Mentioned🎮 Game Segment: Play or Nay📢 Connect With Us

In this episode, Meghan Wells and Candace Miller sit down with the ever-curious and adventurous educator, Becky Schnekser, to explore how science, travel, and authentic storytelling can change the classroom.

🧪 Becky shares the story behind her incredible collection of Amazon artifacts and how her field expeditions influence both her teaching style and student engagement. From navigating jungle terrain to sparking student inquiry, Becky brings global science education alive in the most tactile way.

We talk about:

• 🧭 The power of experiential learning

• 🧳 Packing curiosity into every lesson

• 🦋 The science of wonder and exploration

• 🧠 Creating classrooms that mirror the real world

• 🛠️ Why teachers are engineers of possibility

Whether you’re an educator looking to bring more real-world science into your teaching or a listener fascinated by stories from the field, this episode is for you.

🔗 Follow our guest:

• Instagram: @expedition_schnekser

• Website: expeditionschnekser.com

🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review No Name Paper wherever you listen to podcasts!

#ExpeditionScience #STEMeducation #GlobalLearning #TeacherPodcast #RealWorldScience #BeckySchnekser #NoNamePaperPodcast

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