Play Reimagined with Jules Gilleland. JULES GILLELAND BRINGS HER AWARD-WINNING ‘THINK WITH THINGS’ METHOD TO WILTSHIRE.
For more than two decades, Jules Gilleland has been transforming the way teams and classrooms approach creativity and problem-solving. And winning international recognition along the way.
After 24 years working in Brussels, Belgium, Jules is bringing her Think With Things methodology to Wiltshire. And with a permanent base at Bothy Gardens, Chiseldon.
Putting down roots
‘It feels incredible to plant roots here in Wiltshire,’ says Jules. Bothy Gardens will be the heart of this work. It’s a place where we can explore creativity, build connections and use play to solve real challenges.’
Jules developed the ‘Think With Things’ method after winning the prestigious Open Education Challenge in 2014. But her idea originated some years before.
The Open Education Challenge launched that year, in partnership with the European Commission. It’s an invitation for innovators to submit projects and receive technical support through the European Incubator for Innovation In Education and access funding. Jules and a friend won the challenge along with six others.
Over the following years, Jules has worked with:
- The European Commission
- Other European institutions
- Leading organizations
- Museums and educational bodies. All helping them tackle complex challenges through play and hands-on problem-solving.
A simple concept
The concept is simple but powerful. Using everyday objects like small toys, pinecones, buttons, etc., individuals and teams are encouraged to model their ideas, visualize problems, and spark solutions. This enables them to think in a different way while connecting with one another.
‘Play is universal,’ Jules explains. ‘As children, it’s second nature to us, but somewhere along the way, we stop. I’ve discovered that bringing play back into our lives sparks creativity. It also unlocks new ways of thinking and problem-solving.’
Jules is building a dynamic hub for education, business workshops, and creative retreats at Bothy Gardens. All grounded in the Think With Things method.
The ‘real’ space won’t have its official opening until autumn 2025. Meanwhile Jules is currently offering bespoke virtual workshops for businesses and educators to reconnect through hands-on problem-solving and creativity.
‘Bothy Gardens will be a place where creativity thrives,’ says Jules. ‘Whether you’re a teacher looking to re-engage your students or a business leader seeking fresh ideas, we want to create the perfect space to become inspired.’
To support her methodology, Jules has created the THINGS LAB app as a way to share her experience and knowledge remotely.
Jules designed the app to inspire and support people worldwide, making creativity accessible to everyone, everywhere.
It offers playful tools and programmes to unlock creativity. They include free games, resources, and access to workshops like the Education Founders Lab.
‘It’s about using what you already have to create something extraordinary,’ Jules explains. ‘My method makes creativity accessible to everyone, everywhere.’
Starting February 17, 2025, the six-week virtual Education Founders Lab in the app will teach educators how to transform disengaged lessons into creative, object-based experiences.
To sign up visit the app. To learn more visit https://www.thinkwiththings.com/
Swindon in 50 More Buildings
I’m delighted to announce that I’m making good progress with turning my Swindon in 50 More Buildings blog series into a book. It’s been a long haul but I’m getting there now.
The reason why I mention that here is because the Bothy Gardens – well the bothy itself to be precise – is one of the fifty. I’m pleased to say.
