Welcome to The Playground Rules where
Creativity + Genius =Joy!
Don't Think. Just P.L.A.Y.
Team Playground Rules
The Playground Rules is based in Henderson, NV, and co-led by educators Trinise "Polaryss" Crowder and Margaret Simon. With 20+ years combined experience in the classroom, we are passionate educators on a mission to spark Creativity, Genius and Joy! We believe that learning should be felt, explored, and conquered through experiences that reflect each persons' Zone of Genius. By putting Rubik’s cubes into as many hands as possible, we promote the art of critical thinking making problem solving a joyful experience.
Through our innovative approach, blending Rubik’s cube-based assessments, hip-hop-inspired mnemonic devices, and innovative products/services , we are intentionally infusing creativity, genius and joy into every human interaction. Whether training educators, business leaders, or engaging students, The Playground Rules is reinvigorating the human spirit!
What Defines Us
VISION
Our vision is to reinvigorate the human spirit by infusing Creativity, Genius and Joy into every learning experience. We aim to transform environments into dynamic spaces where individuals feel empowered to engage, explore, and achieve.
MISSION
VALUES
Our mission is to inspire school leaders, educators, and parents to create vibrant, engaging spaces where students excel academically, socially, and emotionally by encouraging every child to operate in their Zone of Genius.
By integrating Rubik’s Cubes, mnemonic raps, and the Socratic approach to problem solving, we embolden educators and parents alike to create dynamic spaces where joy and creativity thrive.
Creativity + Genius = Joy
Pedagogy
The Playground Rules believes every child is born with the genius they need to thrive. Our pedagogy is rooted in a Socratic approach to facilitated gamification; a method that combines guided inquiry and purposeful play to ignite critical thinking, creativity, and confidence.
We model our teaching after the unspoken rules of the playground; the kind children follow instinctively, without adult instruction. On the playground, kids solve problems, form teams, create games, and learn through doing. We bring that same spirit into every learning space.
Using tools like the Rubik’s Cube, we help students explore their own thinking, discover their Zone of Genius, and gain lasting insights through hands-on, immersive experiences. This is where joy meets rigor, and learning transforms into a game worth mastering.
Don’t Think. Just PLAY.
Our Mantra
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?' Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
― Marianne Williamson, A Return to Love: Reflections on the Principles of "A Course in Miracles"
Why The Playground Rules
Rubik's Cube Assessment
Problem Solving
Creativity
Joy
Genius
Hip Hop Mnemonics
STEAM Education
Critical Thinking
Discover Your Zone of Genius
A Rubik's Cube approach to unlocking real-world career potential
At The Playground Rules, we believe every person has a unique zone of genius. Our programs connect learning styles to real-world STEAM career pathways; so individuals can see where their strengths can take them. Whether they think in beats, build with their hands, or design with their eyes, we show them that their way of learning is their way to lead.
Margaret and Polaryss before conducting Raps & Rubik's Cubes Workshop at The Alexander Dawson School STEAM day.
Group of STEAM workshop presenters at Dawson Elementary School
Polaryss showing middle school students how she cubes
Margaret and Polaryss before conducting Raps & Rubik's Cubes Workshop at The Alexander Dawson School STEAM day.
Our Offerings
innovative resources
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Rubik's Cube Supplemental Curriculum
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Don't Think. Just Cube online cube bootcamp
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Comprehensive Rubik's Cube Assessments w/"Zone of Genius" profiles
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Creativity, Genius, Joy! STEAM Workshop
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STEAM digital/physical products
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"Zone of Genius" Rubik's Cube App (Coming Soon)
Discover a fresh, engaging approach to teaching and learning! In this hands-on workshop, we’ll introduce you to how to find your Zone of Genius while demonstrating how mnemonic devices and rhythm can enhance memory retention. Whether you're an educator, parent, or lifelong learner, you'll walk away with creative techniques to boost problem-solving skills and make learning more interactive and fun. No prior experience needed; just an open mind and a willingness to think outside the cube!
An online space for Disruptive Educators to connect and build community!
Ionia Hammer, MN
“Loved it! Definitely exceeded expectations! Would love to see you back."
Workshop
Testimonials
Suzanna Stankute, NV
“This was really fun and useful, I'll be keeping this in mind!!”
Sarah Graham, MN
"I was inspired on how to lead my own classroom. From start to end it was engaging and also created joy at the same time."