This week we explore what Fun is from the perspective of the players. Our guest is Heather Mannix, USA Hockey Regional Manager and researcher on the Fun Integration Theory. With Heather we explore the operational definition of fun that the Fun Maps provide, how to create a Fun environment, what makes certain activities Fun and how Fun is connected to motivation, participation, confidence and development. The biggest takeaway is that Fun is development and development is Fun! This is a great conversation and Fun Maps is a great tool for anyone working with kids!
Heather has provided many great resources for you to learn more about Fun Maps. Check them out here:
Amanda Visek Webinar - https://youtu.be/jeSTS3dUgdE.
Heather Mannix Webinar - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h2w_rmBBFY8&t=907s.
2015 Paper - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4201634/.
2018 Paper - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6779170/.
Heather and the Fun Maps are on twitter check them out at @hmannix14 and #funmaps. Don't forget to connect with the show as well (@thecoachsroad) on twitter, Facebook and Instagram. As always, feel free to send us an email with any thoughts, questions or recommendations. Our email is thecoachsroad@gmail.com.
Thanks for listening!
