Our Projects

HIGH FIVE® SPORT

With a focus on girls in sport, this four-hour training is geared towards coaches who work directly with children 4 - 12 years in recreational and competitive sports programs. By exploring the growth and development of children and the impact the HIGH FIVE® Principles and Design Guidelines have on a child’s sport experience, coaches will learn how to take a child-first approach by understanding child motivations for participating in sport programs, be able to build quality practices/training programs, know how to deliver healthy competition, and plan for a successful post-season/session.

HIGH FIVE® GIRLS IN SPORT

This training will help coaches use the HIGH FIVE® Principles and Design Guidelines to create positive sport experiences for girls by learning about the physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development of girls (nine - fifteen years). They will also benefit from current research and HIGH FIVE®-centred tips, tools and resources to help provide quality experiences for girls in sport. 

This virtual on-demand training is a supplement to HIGH FIVE® Principles of Healthy Child Development and/or HIGH FIVE® Sport. 

HIGH FIVE® PRINCIPLES OF HEALTHY CHILD DEVELOPMENT 4-HOUR

This innovative training equips front-line staff with the knowledge of the physical, social, emotional and cognitive attributes of children 4 - 12 years age by exploring the HIGH FIVE® Principles and Design Guidelines fundamental to to a quality program.

HIGH FIVE® STRENGTHENING CHILDREN’S MENTAL HEALTH

This one-day in-person training, developed in collaboration with Canadian Mental Health Association, Ontario, will help anyone running children’s programs be more informed and prepared to support their staff in promoting positive mental health in children. Participants will learn key concepts and factors that affect children’s mental health including the impact of stress and environment on a child’s ability to cope. This training will provide tools and suggested activities to use with staff to help improve their understanding and interactions with children who face challenges in their programs (HIGH FIVE®, 2018).

HIGH FIVE® PRINCIPLES OF HEALTH AGING (ACADEMIC SUPPORT)

This one-day training provides insights into the unique needs of older adults when participating in recreation or leisure activities in municipal or retirement communities. It provides evidence-based approaches to improve the experience of participants by implementing the HIGH FIVE® Principles of Healthy Aging. Topics include ageism, program planning, and the importance that physical literacy plays in sustained long-term health, increased social connectedness, improved general mental and physical well-being and a better quality of life (HIGH FIVE®, 2019).

HIGH FIVE® TIPS FOR NEWCOMERS (2018)

HIGH FIVE® BEHAVIOUR STRATEGIES (2018)

HIGH FIVE® GAP ANALYSIS REPORT (2019)

HIGH FIVE® AQUATICS (2021)

“WordPLAY Consulting was contracted to update the HIGH FIVE® Sport Training and develop HIGH FIVE® Girls in Sport targeted at coaches across Canada. We found Jen to be innovative in her thought process, adaptable in her approach, and easy to work with. Jen certainly understands children and sport and embodies the HIGH FIVE® and healthy child development in the work she does.”

Marion Price
Director, Quality Assurance and Professional Development
HIGH FIVE® National, Parks and Recreation Ontario, Play Works

Program and Community Engagement Coordination

CALGARY ADAPTED HUB

Calgary Adapted Hub brings together a consortium of academic institutions, municipal recreation, and sport programming stakeholders to share information, resources, and expertise on sport and recreation programming for children and families living with disabilities in Calgary.

Calgary Adapted Hub program partners and volunteers bring a wealth of experience backed by a common love of sport and recreation and a mission to ensure all children and youth, regardless of ability, can be healthy and connected through a lifelong commitment to sport and recreation.

PROJECT LEAD

INclusion INcorporated is a forward-thinking consulting company that embraces the reality of diversity and champions the choice of inclusion.

Our mission is to empower leaders to excel in fostering safe, inviting, and inclusive spaces where individuals can truly feel a sense of belonging. With a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, we work hand in hand with organizations to cultivate environments that celebrate individual differences and promote collaboration.

At INclusion INcorporated, we believe that diversity is not only a fact of life but also a valuable asset that, when coupled with intentional inclusion efforts, paves the way for innovation, growth, and success.

SPARC Alberta

SPARC-ing POSITIVE YOUTH DEVELOPMENT THROUGH SPORT E-LEARNING MODULE

SPARC-ing Positive Development through Sport is powered by HIGH FIVE® and Sport for Life and designed for coaches, leaders, and volunteers who support children and youth in community and recreational sport programs. 

By utilizing the Positive Youth Development (PYD) Framework, this training brings together tips, tools, and strategies to help coaches, leaders, and volunteers create positive sport experiences for children and youth.

SPARCING CONVERSATIONS IN COMMUNITY SPORT WEBINAR SERIES

This webinar series brings experts and champions from across North America to share how PYD can benefit children and youth in grassroots sport.

SPORT FOR LIFE/SPARC SUMMIT (SPRING 2022)

ALBERTA SPORT TRAINING MATRIX

ALBERTA RECREATION & PARKS ASSOCIATION HIGH FIVE® COORDINATION

The Alberta Recreation and Parks Association (ARPA) is a not-for-profit organization committed to building healthier and happier communities and citizens by developing and promoting recreation and parks across Alberta.

ARPA is proud to be the Alberta provider of HIGH FIVE®, Canada's only Quality Assurance Program for recreation and sport programs for children aged 4 - 12 and more recently, older adults. HIGH FIVE® provides a range of quality training opportunities (online and in person) and comprehensive assessment tools and resources to ensure that sport and recreation organizations deliver the high quality program to Canadian children.

Chairperson of the following provincial committees:

Physical Literacy and You (PLAY) in Alberta

ARPA RCN: Community of Practice

ARPA Summer Camp Collective/SCC Campfire Chats

Youth Development through Recreation Symposium (YDRS) 2023

POWER UP! - CONFIDENCE BUILDING THROUGH SPORT

GIRLS IN SPORT AB

Girls In Sport AB aims to provide strategies to coaches, leaders and organizations across Alberta to increase girls confidence in their physical and mental ability through sport and physical activity. Through local research and collaboration with other experts in the field Girls in Sport AB intends to increase girls participation in competitive, recreational and lifestyle sport.

“I love the opportunities that Girls in Sports Alberta provides for young girls - these programs foster confidence and give girls the chance to establish their presence in sport, as well as to learn the valuable lessons that sport teaches you!”

Power Up! Parent

FUN TEAM ALBERTA COACHES TRAINING AND MULTI-SPORT TOOLKIT

FUN TEAM ALBERTA

Started in 1990, this amazing organization assists individuals and families in participating in low cost, rural sport programming that is based on cooperation, fair play, and FUN!

With over 3000 members, 400 volunteers/coaches, and 50 Fun Team groups across the province, we are so excited to help take Fun Team learning and development to the next level!

“It was an absolute pleasure being able to work with Jen and the Wordplay Consulting team on a project that will benefit our organization and membership base for years to come. We experienced a level of professionalism that made the entire process relaxed and left no doubt in our minds that we were getting the finished product that we wanted. Their passion for recreation programming is contagious! Lines of communication were always open, no detail was left unattended to and their team created something more interactive than we could have hoped for. The content that was created will educate our volunteers while reinforcing and delivering our vision of keeping sport family oriented, accessible and fun!”

Ryan O’Neill

Executive Director, FunTeam Alberta

FINE ARTS CLUB INTERNATIONAL TEACHER CERTIFICATION PROGRAM

The international Fine Arts Club program is focused on providing creative and fun learning opportunities for 2 - 5 year olds through dance, yoga, music, art and drama that build confidence, foster creativity and spark little imaginations.

Based on the latest in early child development research and best practices, the Fine Arts Club International Teacher Certification program provides Fine Arts Club teachers with early childhood development fundamentals, tools and resources to set their program up for success and innovative strategies to foster positive behaviour.

“WordPLAY Consulting Inc. created a curriculum that is up to date with research and highly effective in achieving the results we wanted which was to inspire and educate our teachers. Both of the Jens were so easy to work with, personable and effective communicators who asked great questions to ensure my curriculum would be tailored to our needs. Their customizable approach is top notch - I highly recommend them to any organization whether it be in sport, schools or extra curricular to lead and educate their teachers to create impact.”

Cara Poppitt
Founder/CEO of Soul Connexion

MAKING PHYSICAL LITERACY FUN IN EARLY CHILDHOOD RECREATION PROGRAMS

DECHO REGION - RESILIENCY THROUGH SPORT & RECREATION: STORIES FROM THE NORTH  

Did you know that building physical literacy into early childhood programming not only increases a child's fundamental movement skill development, but also decreases challenging behaviour and increases problem solving skills, self-regulation and connection to caregivers?

Join me as we explore how to easily incorporate FUN physical literacy learning opportunities into your early childhood recreation program along with some great tips, tools, and resources you can share with parents, staff, and community groups to keep little ones moving!

Becoming a teacher: 101

UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY - EDUCATION STUDENTS ASSOCIATION

ST. MARY’S UNIVERISTY - EDUCATION STUDENTS ASSOCIATION

UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE - FACULTY OF EDUCATION (FALL 2023)

Ever wonder what experienced teachers wish they knew when they started teaching?

As a former U of C Education student, and now, Calgary-based teacher, I wondered that same thing!

After surveying hundreds of teachers from across Alberta, we are excited to share with you some of their best advice, biggest learnings, and lots of great tips and tricks to build amazing classrooms and school communities in this interactive online or in-person session.

“I could not recommend Jen highly enough! This session was a fantastic session providing great advice for teachers - highly engaging and done in a fun and informal way. We really felt like friends hanging out, talking about education”

Vice President
Education Students Association
University of Calgary

THE MENTAL HEALTH CONNECTION

CITY OF CALGARY - SOUTHLAND LEISURE CENTRE

Mental health challenges affect 1 in 5 Canadians and does not discriminate based on age, education, income level or background (Canadian Mental Health Association, 2019).

Learn about some of the factors that impact mental health and how you can build positive connections with individuals experiencing mental health challenges through: 1) Respecting One’s True Self, 2) Courageous Conversations, and 3) Creating Positive Rituals.

8 SIMPLE WAYS TO ENGAGE AN AUDIENCE

NORTHWEST TERRITORIES PARKS AND RECREATION ASSOCIATION (NWTPRA)

Want to know how to connect with your audience in order to boost engagement and participation? Looking to strengthen your facilitation skills?
Discover eight simple ways to engage an audience by practicing fun engagement techniques and check out helpful resources to take your presentations to the next level!

active for life

Active for Life is a Canadian not-for-profit social initiative founded by B2ten that was created to help parents give their children the right start in life through the development of physical literacy.

Learn more about Active for Life projects:

Active for Life Summer Day Camp at Home program for Summer 2020

How to Become an Active Homeschool Family

Say Yes to Adventure: How to be a Partner in Your Child’s Daring Play

Hockey Mom to Hockey Player

Small Ways to Build Physical Activity into Your Daily Routine

When is a Good Age to Start Fencing?

“Jen Goeres and Jen Smith are a dynamic team, with endless ideas for fun ways to introduce more physical activity into children’s everyday lives. The articles they have contributed for Active for Life are dependably well-written and submitted on time. It has been a pleasure to work with both of them, and I wouldn’t hesitate to do again.”

Briana Tomkinson
Editor
Active for Life

CALGARY’S CHILD MAGAZINE

Since 1994, Calgary’s Child Magazine has supported, connected and informed parents and is the trusted sources for news and information about issues cases, activities and support for families.

Learn more about our Calgary’s Child Magazine articles:

Quality Summer Programming for Kids

Choosing a Quality Summer Camp for a Child with a Disability

How to Foster a Sense of Belonging with School Age Children

How to Ensure a Smooth Transition

Non-competitive Sports and Activities for the Pre-teen in Your Life

How to Get Your Preschooler Excited for Day Camp

The Benefits of Becoming a Summer Camp Leader

Fostering Healthy Competition

Disconnect and Reconnect as a Family This Summer

“Teaching the importance of communicating, belonging and participating is so important when you’re raising kids to feel confident in themselves. WordPLAY Consulting Inc. consistently provides simple to implement, effective and useful advice for parents and teachers to help kids learn how to navigate their world in a healthy way - physically, emotionally and socially. Calgary’s Child’s readers love their articles, and we truly believe the work that WordPLAY is doing is making Calgary a happier place for our kids.” 

M.L. Ellen Percival
Publisher/Editor-in-Chief
Calgary’s Child Magazine