Just a quick few bits this month!
A reminder that Katie Piatt is stepping down as PLA co-chair and you have a couple more days to express an interest in taking over. Under our rolling model, we are seeking a new co-chair to work alongside Andy Walsh. This is a four year term to lead our community, organise events, manage the website and run monthly newsletters. See https://playfullearningassoc.co.uk/about/ for full responsibilities.
This is to replace Katie as co-chair of the Playful Learning Association, not the Playful Learning Conference co-chair role.
Eligibility and Attendance:This opportunity is open to all active association members. To ensure evidenced commitment, as part of your application, please list which of the 6 PLA (online and in-person) events you have attended over the last two years (we will take travel distance into account).
How to apply: Please send three annotated photos telling your playful story and what you would hope to achieve as co-chair, along with your list of attended events. Send these to Andy (andywalsh999@gmail.com) by Friday 21st August.
The new co-chair will be formally announced and take-over from Katie at our November meeting. Please get in touch with Andy if you have any questions.
Call for Contributions: No More Boring Lectures! (NMBL)
Got a 5 minute activity that brings energy and interaction to a lecture? David Anderson (University of Lincoln) is leading No More Boring Lectures! a collaborative project to build a curated, open access deck of 20+ ready to run activity slides and facilitator guides for educators across disciplines.
Whether it is a low stakes game, a clever icebreaker or a quick reflection prompt, we want your ideas! Check out the details, browse the example slide, and submit your contribution via our short form or slide template . Submissions close 28th August 2026.
Our next in person meeting is open for bookings! Thanks to Giskin, we’ll be in London at Imperial College on 12th and 13th November. In the continuing tradition of our previous events, everyone is warmly welcomed – whether you’re new to the Association, a veteran of the previous Special Interest Group, or based in or around London and interested in the use of play and games for adult learning.
The content of our meetings are crowd-sourced from our members and normally include playtests, active discussions, sharing of practice, and creation of new ideas or projects. If you are attending and would like to offer a session please contact Katie Piatt (K.Piatt@sussex.ac.uk).
The theme is “Playful Spaces and Urban Places”. This might relate most directly to being located in a city but can extend to playfulness in different types of spaces. There is no need to stick to the theme!