can improve their services , help clients in a new way , and potentially have an even stronger lasting impact on families that can ’ t typically access their physical spaces and services . Although this study is responsive to our current situation , the results will be relevant after the ELC spaces are open again , and for as long as our organizations continue operating . Part of our contract is that I will also be working with ELC staff to share information and do some education surrounding what ends up being coconstructed .
I anticipate that we will also develop a clear picture of what is actually helping people to be more playful at this time , and be able to share this information with the community . The community constructs and benefits from the project . I ’ ve seen some organizations adapt to the pandemic response by going virtual with all their programming and I ’ m curious to find out what else organizations can do to support families at home during this time ( and after ) without being in direct contact . I ’ ve found out through my thesis that part of the allure of physical playspaces is that when people visit them , they are at least temporarily relieved of their domestic tasks they face around their home . It is challenging for some folks to be playful at home where they struggle to relieve their mind of the mess , laundry , and uncooked meals they ’ re surrounded by . They depend on an actual physical compartmentalization for play via visiting playspaces . Some people of course are also able to work from home right now , which means most people are managing work , home tasks , and play all in the same environment . It ’ s necessary to understand what effect this will have on families and how they can be supported at home . I ’ m also curious to find out if working from home is a facilitating factor to play for any families .
What has been your experience of researching as a student at the U of R ?
I ’ m thrilled with my experience in grad school at the U of R . The committee who supports my work consists of Dr . Marc Spooner , who is my supervisor ; Dr . Valerie Triggs ; and Dr . Patrick Lewis , who is mentioned above . It ’ s an honour to also have Patrick on the board of directors of Project Play YQR .
My committee has been inspiring and supportive . I ’ m grateful for their high standard for quality of work . It ’ s not lost on me how fortunate I am to have the committee members that I do . I ’ m also of course grateful to Lynn Gidluck from the Community Research Unit and to Monica Totton from the Regina Early Learning Centre for this opportunity and collaboration . This is an opportunity to do good work .
LEE AIRTON SPEAKS TO STUDENTS ABOUT GENDER DIVERSITY
Fireside chat photo by Jay Fladager ( L-R ) Organizers Julie Machnaik , Dr . Cristyne Hébert , and Education student discussion participants Rachel Morgan and Ashlee Sandiford , with author Dr . Lee Airton .
( L-R ) Ashlee Sandiford , Dr . Lee Airton , and Rachel Morgan . Photo used with permission of Rachel Morgan
On November 15 , 2019 , Dr . Lee Airton , author of Gender : Your Guide — A Gender- Friendly Primer on What to Say , What to Know , and What to Do in the New Gender Culture , read selected readings from their book and engaged in lively conversation about the re-emergence of gender diversity in public life and what this means for everyone . The following day , students , educators , and members of the education sector participated in a workshop entitled " Gender is Ordinary : How to Welcome Gender Diversity Every Day in Your Classroom .
First year students Kassia Nameth and Tamara Bartley attended and tweeted about the PD event . Photo used with permission of Kassia Nameth
Page 12