IGNITING HIGH – LEVEL LEARNING THROUGH PLAY USING PLAY TO MAKE LEARNING VISIBLE

Play is important! Children need multiple opportunities to use play every day to explore, investigate, problem solve, and pretend. However, not all play experiences in early childhood programs have the same developmental benefits for children. Using thoughtful and intentional planning, teachers can guide children toward deep engagement in the high-level, purposeful and complex play where learning occurs.

 Play + Early Learning Standards + Inspiration  =  SUCCESS

Teachers ignite high-level learning in play when they:

·         Plan the daily schedule with ample time for play

·         Organize and structure the play environment

·         Plan for play experiences with learning goals in mind

·         Choose among a variety of roles to support children’s play

In this presentation, practical ideas will be shared to help early educators plan for and facilitate play with high-level learning in mind. Teachers will see that play provides opportunities for them to get to know children better and to truly delight in their ideas, personalitieis, and incredible growth.  come, get inspired and fired up about advocating for play!

SCHEDULE:

5:00 – 5:30 pm   Registration

5:30 – 6:30 pm   Keynote Address

6:15 - 7:00 pm  Buffet Dinner and Discussion

7:15 – 8:30 pm  Making Learning visible and Advocating for Play

8:30 - 8:45 Questions and Door Prizes

3 training hours for NYS licensing requirements

Keynote speaker  

 Gaye Gronlund, M.A., is an early childhood education consultant who works with programs across the country helping them implement best practices in curriculum and authentic assessment for young children. She is the author of eight books published by Redleaf Press and several articles that have been published in Young Children. She served as the Project Manager for NAEYC for resources related to the third edition of Developmentally Appropriate Practice and as the lead consultant for the States of New Mexico, Illinois, and Minnesota in writing and revising their early learning standards.

 In her writings, keynote addresses, staff development sessions, she focuses on implementing learning through play, incorporating early learning standards, and assessing children’s progress through observation and portfolios. Her suggestions are realistic and practical, helping early educators continue to maintain their passion for their work, to focus on meeting the needs of individual children, and to work in partnership with families.