It is widely accepted in the Early Childhood Education field that children learn best through play, yet many programs struggle with defending this practice. Understanding current research, having skills for communicating its importance as well as the conviction to implement is key. Increasing pressure for academics to be introduced at younger and younger ages, has many educators feeling the tension to compromise best practices. This interactive workshop will help participants discover the valuable processes and outcomes that happen when children are allowed the freedom to direct their own learning through play.

In this training participants will:

• Define “play”, “play-based” and “emergent curriculum”
• Observe play (via videos and photos) and identify learning and developmental implications that emerge in this play
• Explore the hallmarks of emergent curriculum including active participation, relationship building, flexible and adaptable methods, inquiry, and play-based learning
• Leave with new ideas and skills to provide an environment that supports children’s development through play!

Participants will engage in activities, small and large group discussions (as the Zoom format will allow) and personal reflection. There will be a good balance of active and receptive learning throughout the workshop.

Registration ends March 8, 2023