Dec 3, 2025 | Instructor Spotlight
Instructor Spotlight: Meet Shannon!
This month, we’re thrilled to shine the spotlight on one of our most beloved instructors – Shannon! A true multi-talented force at Playocity, Shannon brings joy, energy, and heart to everything she teaches, from Dance, Yoga, and Creative Movement to her role as our Lead Instructor for the newly launched Tiny Tunes program. Shannon has been an absolute pleasure to work with, consistently impressing our school and daycare partners with her professionalism, care, and creativity. Most importantly, the children absolutely adore her, and it’s easy to see why.
With a lifelong background in dance, international performing arts experience, and a deep passion for teaching and helping others, Shannon brings a beautiful blend of skill, warmth, and empathy into every classroom. As a mom herself, she teaches with incredible intention, always striving to be the kind of instructor she would want for her own child: fun, patient, inspiring, and safe. Whether she’s leading little ones through Tiny Tunes, guiding students through creative movement, or spreading positivity through dance and yoga, Shannon’s impact is felt in every space she enters.
Get to know Shannon a little better in the Q&A below – we think you’ll love her just as much as we do!
1. What has your experience been with our company culture?
Playocity is genuinely a fantastic company to work for. I wake up excited to go to work each day! Alanna and Alena are always available when I need them and empower me to add my own personal flair to each program that I teach. I feel supported AND appreciated each and every day!
2. If you had to eat one meal every day for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Without a doubt, I would happily choose to eat soup every day for the rest of my life!
3. What did you want to be when growing up?
When I was about 5 years old, I wanted to be a farmer. Once I began dancing more and more, I wanted to become a Broadway performer. After dancing professionally for a few years, I went back to school for child and youth work and later went back to school for a third time to become a Personal Support Worker. I love learning, teaching and helping people. Although I don’t actively work in all of these “career paths,” everything I’ve learned along the way helps me become a better teacher, mom, wife and person daily!
4. What is your favourite thing to do in your free time?
In my free time, which is very limited when you have a 3-year-old haha. You’ll find me wrapped in a blanket watching “Good Mythical Kitchen” on YouTube. However, if the weather is nice, I’ll be outside as much as possible, taking walks, going to the beach, or escaping to my parents’ cottage up north.
5. How did you get into performing arts?
I’ve been a dancer my whole life. To quote Mamma Mia, “Mother said I was a dancer before I could walk.” I started taking dance classes at a young age, and my passion kept on growing. In high school, I started performing in plays through our drama program and later moved to California to attend The Young Americans Performing Arts College, where I got the opportunity to perform and teach around the world.
6. Do dancing and acting run in your family?
As a career, no, but my family loves the arts. My sister grew up dancing and playing piano, and my parents are never shy to hit the dance floor! When we gather for the holidays, you’ll always find us around the piano singing and playing our favourite songs.
7. What advice do you have for kids who are struggling in school?
“Comparison is the thief of joy!” Whether you are having a tough time academically, getting along with your peers, or fighting personal struggles, comparing yourself to other people is always going to take away your joy. It is easier said than done, but try to focus on being the best YOU! Focus on your victories, even the small ones that no one else can see. Celebrate the things that make you uniquely you. You are amazing!
8. Who or what inspires you?
My immediate answer would be my son. Everything I do, I do with him in mind. Right now, I am predominantly working with preschool and kindergarten-age children, which is the age range that my son, Carter, falls into. Every time I teach a class, I have a voice in my head asking, “is this something I’d want my son learning? Is the way I’m talking the way I’d want someone talking to him?” My goal is to be a fun, patient, inspiring and safe presence in any room I teach in.
9. What is your least favourite exercise?
Easy! I despise planks!
10. What is your favourite time of the year and why?
I love the Fall. Early fall, specifically, where all you need is a light jacket, but leaves are already changing colours. It’s beautiful and calming and makes me so happy!
Oct 16, 2025 | Education, Teacher Resources
Halloween is one of the most exciting times of the year for young learners – a season filled with imagination, creativity, and laughter. For teachers and childcare educators looking for creative Halloween classroom ideas, it’s the perfect opportunity to turn spooky fun into meaningful learning experiences.
At Playocity, we believe every celebration can nurture creativity, inclusivity, and connection. Here are five simple, classroom-friendly ways to make Halloween both fun and educational this year.
1. Spooktacular Classroom Fun – Quick, No-Prep Activities
Sometimes, the best ideas are the simplest! Try these easy, high-energy activities that bring instant joy to your group:
- Monster Freeze Dance – Play Halloween tunes and have children dance like silly monsters. When the music stops – freeze! Check out our curated Monster Mash & Classroom Bash playlist on Spotify!
- Magic Potion Science – Mix baking soda, vinegar, and food colouring for a bubbly “potion” experiment.
- Shadow Art – Trace shadows and transform them into friendly ghosts or creatures.
💡 Tip: These short activities are great for transitions, rainy days, or between lessons.
2. Creative Halloween Crafts for Little Hands
These creative Halloween classroom ideas help children explore art, movement, and imagination while developing fine motor skills.
Here are a few Playocity-approved favourites:
- Paper Plate Pumpkins – Paint and decorate pumpkins with unique expressions.
- Monster Collage Madness – Create friendly monsters using scrap paper and recycled materials.
- Glow-in-the-Dark Art – Paint stars, bats, and ghosts with glow paint, then turn off the lights for a magical surprise!
Encourage storytelling as students share their monster’s name, personality, or “superpower.”
3. Mindful & Inclusive Halloween Fun
Not every child loves costumes or spooky surprises – and that’s okay!
You can keep Halloween inclusive and joyful for everyone with a few simple adjustments:
- Offer a costume-free celebration for those who prefer not to dress up.
- Create a Calm Craft Corner with soft lighting and sensory-friendly art.
- Encourage kindness with a “Treat-Sized Compliments” activity – children share positive notes with each other.
These thoughtful touches make all children feel comfortable, supported, and included.
4. Halloween Around the World – A Cultural Exploration
Halloween is a great way to spark curiosity about world traditions and cultural diversity. Explore how different communities celebrate the season:
- Día de los Muertos (Mexico): Families honour loved ones with colourful altars and marigolds.
- Samhain (Ireland): The Celtic festival that inspired many modern Halloween customs.
- Obon Festival (Japan): A summer celebration honouring ancestors through dance and lanterns.
🎨 Classroom idea: Have students create Kindness Lanterns or Memory Art to celebrate what they’re grateful for.
5. Move, Groove, and Play – Halloween Movement Games
Movement brings excitement and energy to any celebration! Try a few of these Playocity-inspired favourites:
- Pumpkin Groove – Dance to fun Halloween tracks and freeze like a statue when the music stops.
- Monster Parade – March, stomp, and pose as your favourite characters.
- Witch’s Broom Limbo – A playful take on a classic game — just grab a broom and giggle away!
Movement-based play builds coordination, confidence, and community spirit.
Halloween is about more than costumes and candy – it’s about imagination, connection, and creativity. Whether you’re painting pumpkins, exploring world traditions, or dancing like friendly monsters, these ideas can help turn your classroom into a space of laughter and learning.
If you’re looking for more creative Halloween classroom ideas or inspiration for your next themed program, connect with the Playocity team to learn about our Visual Arts and Movement offerings.
Happy Halloween from all of us at Playocity!
Jul 30, 2024 | Education, Health and Wellness, Teacher Resources
Outdoor play is essential for a child’s development, providing opportunities for creative learning and physical activity. Here are 15 classic outdoor games for kids, perfect for childcare centers, schools, and playgrounds.
These games come with brief instructions, making it easy for teachers and caregivers to facilitate them:
Hide and Seek: One player closes their eyes and counts while others hide. The seeker then tries to find all hidden players.
Tag: One player is “it” and tries to tag others. Variations like Freeze Tag (tagged players freeze until freed by another player) and Shadow Tag (tagging shadows instead of bodies) add variety.
Red Light, Green Light: One player is the “traffic light” and calls out “Green Light” (players move) or “Red Light” (players stop). The first to reach the traffic light wins.
Duck, Duck, Goose: Players sit in a circle. One walks around tapping others saying “Duck” until choosing “Goose.” The chosen player chases the tapper around the circle, trying to tag them before they sit in the Goose’s spot.
Hopscotch: Draw a hopscotch grid with numbered squares. Players throw a small object onto a square and hop through the grid, skipping the square with the object. Retrieve the object on the way back.
Simon Says: One player, “Simon,” gives commands prefaced by “Simon says.” Players must follow only these commands. If “Simon” gives a command without saying “Simon says,” players should not follow it.
Capture the Flag: Divide players into two teams, each with a flag. Teams try to capture the opponent’s flag and bring it to their own base without being tagged.
Four Square: Draw a large square divided into four smaller squares. Players bounce a ball between squares, aiming to eliminate others by making them miss or incorrectly hit the ball.
Mother May I?: One player is “Mother.” Players ask “Mother, may I…?” to perform actions. “Mother” approves or modifies the request. The first to reach “Mother” wins.
Red Rover: Divide players into two teams. Teams hold hands and call a player from the other team to run and break through their chain. Successful players bring a player back to their team; unsuccessful players join the calling team.
Jump Rope: Players jump over a spinning rope, either solo or in groups. Rhymes and tricks add to the fun.
Kickball: Similar to baseball, but with a rubber ball. Players kick the ball instead of hitting it with a bat and run bases to score.
Sardines: A reverse hide and seek where one person hides and others seek. When a seeker finds the hider, they join in hiding. The last seeker to find the group becomes the next hider.
Tug of War: Two teams pull on opposite ends of a rope, aiming to drag the other team across a designated line.
Scavenger Hunt: Create a list of items for players to find within a set area. The first to find all items wins, fostering creativity and observation.
These 15 classic outdoor games for kids are more than just fun; they are valuable teacher resources for creative learning. They help develop physical, social, and cognitive skills in children, making them ideal for childcare owners, operators, supervisors, teachers, and school principals. Integrating these activities into your curriculum can enhance the learning experience and provide a well-rounded education.
At Playocity, we believe in the power of play as a tool for learning. Our programs are designed to integrate play and education seamlessly, providing a holistic approach to child development. Explore more resources and ideas on our website to make learning fun and effective.
By including these 15 classic outdoor games for kids in your curriculum, you can enhance your childcare or school program, providing children with a balanced mix of physical activity and creative learning. These activities are not only enjoyable but also promote essential developmental skills, making them a valuable addition to any educational setting.
Apr 4, 2024 | Dance Classes, Instructor Spotlight, Yoga Classes
Meet Julia, Our Featured Instructor based in Toronto
Welcome to this month’s Instructor Spotlight, where we shine a light on the exceptional individuals who make our programs so memorable. This time, we’re thrilled to feature Julia, a beacon of creativity, movement, and joy for children of all ages. Julia has been a part of the Playocity family for two years, specializing in Dance, Yoga, and Creative Movement programs. Her passion for nurturing growth and confidence in children through playful learning aligns perfectly with Playocity’s core mission: to educate and empower children through the arts.
Julia’s journey in the performing arts began at a young age, twirling to any tune she heard, and has since blossomed into a fulfilling career. Her dream of dancing professionally evolved into a desire to inspire and teach, much like the mentors who once inspired her. Julia’s commitment to spreading positivity and empowering children through the arts is evident in every class she teaches. Whether it’s exploring the African Safari in the Animal Kingdom program or igniting a passion for dance and movement, Julia’s vibrant spirit and dedication to her craft make every lesson a magical experience.
Julia’s advice to children struggling in school to embrace their uniqueness as a superpower is a testament to her supportive and inclusive teaching philosophy.
As we delve into a Q&A with Julia, you’ll discover more about the heart and soul she brings to Playocity and the transformative impact of her work. Join us as we celebrate a truly remarkable instructor whose warmth, creativity, and enthusiasm inspire everyone around her.
1. What parts of our mission do you connect with?
One of Playocity’s core values that I connect with is that children have the fundamental need to play, and I think the same applies to grown-ups too! As one of the instructors at Playocity, I love engaging with children while simultaneously inspiring them through creativity and movement. Playocity’s mission is to educate and empower children through creativity and social interactions, and I have seen first-hand just how impactful these skills are. Over the years, I have enjoyed watching students flourish and gain confidence in ways that I credit to Playocity’s goals. The detailed and well-thought-out lesson planning allows children to walk away with knowledge and tools they can apply to everyday life, and that’s my favourite part about Playocity’s mission.
2. What do you like most about working with Playocity?
The collaborative, warm, and enthusiastic environment is what I like the most about working with Playocity. Not only is the team super talented, but Alena, Alanna, and Krystina go above and beyond to ensure that each of their instructors feels comfortable and supports our individual needs!
3. If you had to eat one meal, every day for the rest of your life, what would it be?
If I had to pick only one meal to eat for eternity, it would be Macaroni & Cheese! (Extra cheesy please!)
4. What did you want to be when growing up?
As a child, I dreamt of becoming a ballerina or a professional dancer. As I got a bit older, I realized that dance was still a huge part of my dreams though I also wanted to help people and spread positivity. I looked up to the dance instructors who inspired me and hoped to do something similar one day, which is why I am super grateful to be a part of the Playocity team!
5. What is your favourite thing to do in your free time?
During my free time, I love indulging in a good book or watching a movie. Depending on my mood, I may read a suspenseful thriller or mystery, or I will be laughing out loud at some of my favourite actors like Steve Carrel and Will Ferrell in a light-hearted comedy.
6. Where would you like to go on a dream vacation?
My dream vacation would be going to the African Safari and seeing all the beautiful animals that my students and I explore in our Amazing Animal Adventures program!
7. How did you get into performing arts?
As a baby, I would wiggle and dance around whenever I heard music and as soon as I was old enough, my parents signed me up for dance class. This would soon lead me down the road of competitive dance, teaching, and performing arts schools, and my parents supported me every step of the way.
In elementary school, I was accepted into the arts program at Baythorn Public School and then was part of the Dance program throughout high school at Westmount Collegiate Institute. There are several teachers and peers that I will never forget, and I am grateful for having the arts as a positive outlet during such transformative years.
8. What advice do you have for kids who are struggling in school?
As someone who struggled to fit in as a kid, I know that bullies can be mean and have the power to make you feel small. Don’t give up! If someone calls you weird, say thank you! One day you will see that your “weirdness” or uniqueness is a superpower and that being different is WAY ‘cooler’ than being like everybody else.
9. If you were stuck on an island, what three things would you bring?
Music that I enjoy dancing to, a notebook, and plenty of instant Mac & Cheese!
10. What is your favourite time of the year and why?
While I love experiencing the changes of seasons, my favourite time of the year is summer! During these warm months, my family and I spend time up north relaxing on Georgian Bay and continue to create many lasting memories. Some of my favourite activities to do in the summer are swimming in the lake, paddleboarding, hiking, exploring nature, roasting marshmallows over a bonfire, and camping underneath the stars!
Apr 4, 2024 | Health and Wellness, Teacher Resources
In the dynamic world of education, where each day brings new challenges and learning opportunities, the importance of a positive learning environment cannot be overstressed. At Playocity, we believe that the foundation of effective education lies in nurturing spaces where students feel safe, valued, and inspired to explore their potential. Drawing from our extensive experience and conversations with educational leaders, we’ve identified five essential steps that exceptional educators take to create and maintain such environments.
1. Establish Clear Expectations
Effective teachers know that a well-ordered environment starts with clear, consistent expectations. From the first day, they communicate their rules and routines in a language that is accessible to all students, ensuring that these guidelines are understood and internalized. This clarity not only helps minimize behavioural issues but also fosters a sense of security among students, as they know what is expected of them and what they can expect in return.
2. Cultivate a Culture of Respect and Empathy
A positive learning environment thrives on mutual respect and empathy. Educators set the tone by modeling respectful behaviour, treating each student as an individual with unique thoughts and feelings. This approach extends beyond teacher-student interactions, as educators encourage students to listen to and respect each other’s perspectives. Activities that promote social-emotional learning, such as collaborative projects and reflective discussions, are integral in nurturing empathetic relationships within the classroom.
3. Foster a Growth Mindset
One of the hallmarks of an inspiring classroom is the promotion of a growth mindset – the belief that abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work. Teachers who embrace this philosophy celebrate effort over innate talent, encourage risk-taking, and view failures as opportunities for growth. This mindset helps students to embrace challenges, persist in the face of setbacks, and view criticism as a valuable tool for learning.
4. Integrate Interactive and Inclusive Learning Experiences
To cater to diverse learning styles and interests, outstanding educators incorporate a variety of teaching strategies, including hands-on activities, technology integration, and collaborative work. These approaches not only make learning more engaging but also ensure that all students feel included and valued. Inclusivity extends to embracing cultural diversity, where lessons reflect and celebrate the backgrounds of all students, fostering a global perspective and mutual understanding.
5. Prioritize Emotional and Physical Safety
Lastly, a conducive learning environment is one where students feel both emotionally and physically safe. This involves proactive measures to prevent bullying and harassment, alongside strategies to support students facing emotional challenges. Physical safety is equally prioritized, with educators ensuring a clean, well-maintained, and hazard-free classroom. When students feel safe, their readiness to learn and participate significantly increases.
At Playocity, we are committed to supporting educators in their mission to create nurturing and effective learning environments. By implementing these five steps, teachers can significantly enhance the educational experience, paving the way for their students’ success both in and out of the classroom. Together, let’s inspire a generation of learners who are not only knowledgeable but also compassionate, resilient, and prepared to make a difference in the world.
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