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Kelly Hutcheson: The Global Play Rebellion Rooted in Six Bricks At Care for Education, we’ve always believed in the profound power of play. Few embody this belief with more fierce dedication and transformative insight than Kelly Hutcheson. Her journey with us, particularly alongside her father, Brent Hutcheson, in the development and global dissemination of the Six Bricks methodology, was the forging of a revolutionary new approach in education and parenting. Today, Kelly Hutcheson continues to champion a radical rethinking of childhood, education, and parenting, and her foundations were solidified here, amidst the colorful potential of six simple bricks. From "Problem Child" to Play-Driven Pioneer Kelly’s mission is deeply personal. Growing up navigating the challenges of dyslexia within traditional education systems, she was often labeled the "problem child." It was a label that could have defined her, confined her. But in her home, a different story was being written… one where play-based learning became the key that unlocked a world of understanding and unique capability. Her perceived "disruptions" were recognized as creative breakthroughs, her "struggles" as the forging of unique problem-solving pathways. This personal transformation became a shared vision. Witnessing the profound impact of this approach, her father, Brent Hutcheson, a foundational innovator at Care for Education, developed Six Bricks . What began as an intuitive response to one child’s needs blossomed, with the support of entities like the LEGO Foundation, into a global movement. Kelly was at the heart of this, translating personal experience into actionable, international training, playing a pivotal role in bringing Six Bricks to educators and children in diverse countries like Ireland, China, Germany, Egypt, the US, and Ukraine. Challenging the Death of Genius Kelly Hutcheson’s work with Six Bricks and Care for Education laid the groundwork for a broader, more urgent calling: to challenge the very foundations of systems that, in her words, often contribute to The Death of Genius . She argues that our current educational and parenting paradigms, obsessed with conformity and control, are systematically stifling the innate brilliance within every child . She believes children don’t need more instruction, just more freedom. Less top-down control, more intrinsic curiosity. Less relentless scheduling, more space for the kind of productive struggle that builds true confidence. For Kelly Hutcheson, The Secret to Smarter Kids isn't found in accelerated academics or a pile of educational toys, but in nurturing their natural ability to learn through play, to question fearlessly, and to trust their own minds. Her philosophy is a direct challenge: "You say you want independence but you interrupt every attempt at it. You say you value empathy but model emotional reactivity and call it “protection.”... We are raising children to be obedient machines in a system that is emotionally bankrupt and then we wonder why they don’t know how to care. Empathy is dying. Because our children have never seen it lived." This is about questioning the deep-seated fears and societal pressures that lead to over-parenting and restrictive educational environments. From Denmark's Innovation to Diverse Curricula Kelly Hutcheson’s commitment to this vision is backed by extensive, hands-on international experience. Her journey has taken her from facilitating Six Bricks training globally with Care for Education to: Greengates International School, Mexico Nova Pioneer, South Africa Sandton Junior Colleges, South Africa International School of Billund (ISB), Denmark This diverse exposure, coupled with degrees in Early Childhood Development and Learning Support from the University of Pretoria, and research on international reading programs at Harvard University (focusing on the Tools of the Mind Curriculum), has given her a unique understanding of how children learn best across various cultural and systemic contexts. Her expertise also extends to Special Needs education, ensuring her approach is inclusive and adaptable. She has also served as a World LEGO Robotics Competition Judge, underscoring her connection to playful innovation. The Play Alchemist & Free the Child The fire ignited during her time with Care for Education and the global Six Bricks movement now burns brighter with The Play Alchemist . Through this platform, Kelly offers parents and educators a new paradigm, tools, and the fierce conviction needed to transform homes and classrooms into laboratories of creativity, critical thinking, and authentic self-discovery. This philosophy, this urgent call to action, has culminated in her provocative book, Free the Child . It’s a direct, often uncomfortable, but ultimately liberating guide for parents ready to dismantle fear-based habits, step back from over-intervention, and cultivate true resilience and independence in their children. Free the Child is a manifesto for a new generation of parenting. Kelly Hutcheson is a catalyst for change, deeply connected to the Care for Education family and the legacy of Six Bricks, now taking those foundational principles to challenge and inspire a global audience. Her message is clear: if you're ready to question everything, to embrace discomfort for the sake of profound growth, and to truly free your child, Kelly Hutcheson is leading the charge.

Use our Six Bricks Books filled with content around play-based learning. Six Bricks Books Books Index Groups & Games Perceptual Skills Literacy Skills Physical Skills Numeracy Skills Social - Emotional

< Back Thanda Community Centre in Mtwalume (Extract from LEGO Foundation Play Box Study: A Retrospective Assessment of Practices [South Africa Case Study Brief]) Jessica Winter 11 Jul 2022 The study thematically presents findings from Thanda Community Centre in Kwa-Zulu Natal. The report describes the rural setting of Thanda Community Centre, the commitment and passion of the staff towards harnessing children’s full potential using Play Box, as well as the innovative curricula development and neighbourhood learning groups established by Thanda Community Centre. Read the full extract by Gareth Rossiter and more about the newly established neighbourhood learning groups and the extension of Thanda Community Centre in the Eastern Cape. Thanda Community Centre in Mtwalume (Kwa-Zulu Natal) .pdf Download PDF • 335KB Previous Next

< Back Supporting Learning through Play with Six Bricks in Gauteng Jessica Winter 07 Dec 2023 This report will explore the experiences of teachers during these classroom observations, report on teacher reflections, and make suggestions to address challenges and bolster the support and integration of LtP using Six Bricks. Each district and its unique circumstances will be considered in its own section. This report describes observations from a series of school and classroom visits and reflects on discussions with teachers in these schools in Gauteng from July to September 2023. Supporting Learning through Play using Six Bricks in Gauteng .pdf Download PDF • 2.65MB Previous Next

Look at what people around the world are doing with Six Bricks Six Bricks World Ideas The global Six Bricks community is growing and thriving with many Six Brickers creating inspirational activities all based on the characteristics of PLAY. Because we love sharing and don’t want to lose any interesting and fun ideas, we use PADLET , an easy and accessible platform, to store and share Six Bricks activities and games from all over the world. Padlet Grobby Six Bricks - Farmyard Adventure Grobby Six Bricks is a Superhero / Superheroine. Unlike the caped superheroes, Grobby uses Six bricks, brain power and problem solving skills to devise a solution to a pressing problem. This is a story to be shared and enjoyed by the children. The story will act as a springboard for the children to write their own Grobby Six Bricks stories. Author: Martin Pender Read all about GROBBY or order the book here Watch a video of a 'reading' of the book below. Six Bricks Interactive Whiteboard Software This is an amazing software support to all Six Bricks Enthusiasts & Practitioners + it’s FREE! The Software is full of great ways to use Six Bricks in curriculum. Tip: when you access the software and the 35+ tools, be sure to check out the ‘Teacher Notes’ above each toolbar to get an idea of how to operate and apply the software in curriculum. Link to: Six Bricks Software Author: Martin Pender

Start using Play Box resources for your teaching and learning. Resources Play Box Activities Activities Information Play Box Lego Fun and Games Play Box Lego Language Play Box Lego Life Skills Play Box Lego Maths with photos Play Box Lego Maths Play Box Lego Social Sciences Play Box Lego Technology Guidelines for sorting and storing your LEGO DUPLO Play box activity booklet LEGO Play box activity booklet Field of Vision Play Box Summary

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Discover how to incorporate learning through play into your teaching practice and how to fuel children’s natural desire for creativity & learning by using a playful approach in your lessons. Unlock the power of playful learning with our workshops and courses, designed to revolutionize your teaching approach! Our expert-led workshops offer practical tools and strategies to help you foster curiosity, spark imagination, and promote a love for learning in children of all ages. Workshops Resources View our workshops below and click the button of the workshop you are interested in to start transforming your teaching into an exciting, playful adventure! Learning through Play ECD ECD Join our hands-on workshop to discover creative ways to bring Learning Through Play into your program, with fun activities and laughter, all aligned with the National Curriculum Framework! LSEN Workshop: LSEN Bring learning to life! This hands-on workshop explores playful interventions and practical strategies to support learners with special needs through Learning Through Play. Specialised Workshop: Special Custom-crafted workshops with a playful twist! Perfect for teams, big organisations, and focused projects. Got a fun idea? Let’s bring it to life together! Facilitator Course: Facilitator Dive into a 4-day Learning Through Play adventure in the heart of South Africa! Get certified to lead fun, hands-on workshops on the magic of play with manipulatives. Therapist Workshop: Therapist A 2-day HPCSA-accredited workshop for therapists and healthcare pros! Add a playful touch to your practice with hands-on skills you can use right away. Six Bricks Workshop: Six Bricks Join us for a fun workshop and discover playful ways of teaching and learning using Six Bricks. FPI Online Course: This course introduces you to play-based learning & how to integrate it in foundation phase. Suitable for teachers Start Six Bricks Resources The following resources are recommended when conducting Six Bricks Activities: SUDUKO MIDLINE BOOKS INFORMATION TEMPLATES VIDEOS Download the Six Bricks App here Foundation Phase Initiative - Support Activities Try these fun weekly activities suited for Grade R to Grade 3. • Aligned with CAPS & DBE Workbooks (blue books) • Term & week specific Term 1 Activities Term 2 Activities Play Box Resources The following resources are recommended when conducting Play Box Activities: ACTIVITIES Whether you're a teacher, educator, or caregiver, our courses will empower you to create engaging, fun-filled environments that fuel creativity and enhance educational outcomes.

Through our innovative approach to play-based learning, we have compiled a lot of resources for you to use in your lessons. Resources Six Bricks Padlet Six Bricks World Ideas Six Bricks Resources The following resources are recommended when conducting Six Bricks Activities: CAPS Activities VIDEOS BOOKS SUDUKO MIDLINE TEMPLATES INFORMATION FIND ME FAST Find a Certified Six Bricks Facilitator Near You! Explore our directory of qualified facilitators from around the world and connect with experts who can bring the Six Bricks learning approach to life. Whether you're looking for workshops, training, or hands-on guidance, our facilitators are ready to support you. View Our Global Facilitator List Now! Open Play Box Resources The following resources are recommended when conducting Play Box Activities: ACTIVITIES Care For Education has developed over 250 activities for Six Bricks which cover various aspects of child development (± 3 - 12 years). These activities are contained in an easy-to-use teacher guide and are only available from Hands on Technologies . The global Six Bricks community is growing and thriving with many Six Brickers creating inspirational activities all based on the characteristics of PLAY. Because we love sharing and don’t want to lose any interesting and fun ideas, we promote and share Six Bricks resources developed by our Six Bricks Community from all over the world. Subscribe and become a member of the Six Bricks Community Facebook page and start sharing your ideas with the benefit of interacting with people that value learning through play . Below is some of the content developed by our international play champions! Grobby Six Bricks - Farmyard Adventure Grobby Six Bricks is a Superhero / Superheroine. Unlike the caped superheroes, Grobby uses Six bricks, brain power and problem solving skills to devise a solution to a pressing problem. This is a story to be shared and enjoyed by the children. The story will act as a springboard for the children to write their own Grobby Six Bricks stories. Author: Martin Pender Read all about GROBBY or order the book here Six Bricks Interactive Whiteboard Software This is an amazing software support to all Six Bricks Enthusiasts & Practitioners + it’s FREE! The Software is full of great ways to use Six Bricks in curriculum. Tip: when you access the software and the 35+ tools, be sure to check out the ‘Teacher Notes’ above each toolbar to get an idea of how to operate and apply the software in curriculum. Link to: Six Bricks Software Author: Martin Pender Watch a video of a 'reading' of the book below. Different on the outside but the same on the inside! Each idea has a broad focus which could be Loving Language , Number Fun or Moving and Learning , so they may look a little different on the outside, but each idea includes all the richness that comes with Learning through Play. Use the activities below to make learning fun! Moving & Learning Human Brick Conveyor Belt Wonky Towers Sleight of Hand 3D Hide and Think What is the secret letter? Number Fun Towers with a Twist How many studs can you see? How many are left? Tower Take Down! Estimate and Check Loving Language Building with Language Bringing Storybooks to Life Bricks & Bat, Balloons & Balls Build your Ice Cream Tops and Tails