MOVRS
The mission of the MOVRS podcast is to educate listeners on the importance of movement and play in the lives of children. Listen as we interview leaders in the fields of education, movement, and play from around the world.
MOVRS
Building Character Through Play with Dr. Debbie Rhea | Episode 1
Dr. Debbie Rhea is a full professor in Kinesiology and Associate Dean of Research and Health Sciences in HCNHS at Texas Christian University. She prepares K-12 physical education teachers and is fully invested in her newest research called LiiNK (Let’s inspire innovation ‘N kids) which examines whole child development through the addition of unstructured, outdoor play breaks and character development in the schools daily.
In this episode we draw on her decades of experience as an educator, and time overseas performing research in Finland. We talk about the importance of unstructured outdoor play, increased recess time, and the value of a character development program.
The Liink Project
Wrong Turns, Right Moves in Education
Debbie's 4 Steps to Change Schools:
- 4 Unstructured Play Breaks/Day, 15 Minutes Each
- Character Development Curriculum Taught Daily
- Pre-K-Grade 2 Half Days Only
- Developmental vs. Academic Achievement Assessment Models
Dr. Rhea's Favorite Books:
Timeline:
5:03 - Debbie's backstory
15:14 - Her experience in Finland
20:26 - 4 Steps to Change Schools
27:10 - Character Development
30:42 - Benefits of unstructured play
34:22 - No balls on the playground
41:29 - Ethics/religion class in Finland
51:01 - Liink Project details
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