The Dynamics of Play: Exploring the Current State of Play & What the Pandemic Has Taught Us

Conversations on the value of play in early childhood and early grades education have recently resurfaced, along with growing concern over the negative impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on all areas of child development. In two independent, but related workshops for highly experienced, currently practicing Waldorf early childhood educators and grades 1-3 teachers – this workshop presented online, the other in-person – we will re-examine and begin recommitting to the essential role of play in education, helping to inspire you to create therapeutic environments that foster healthy play for children from early childhood up to third grade.

The pandemic’s impact on children extends far beyond education. It has created a children’s mental health crisis leading to high rates of anxiety and depression among young people. Through an examination of theory and collaborative conversations, this online workshop will explore how the pandemic impacted play in cultural practices while developing respectful family partnerships.

Together we will:

• Examine myths about play
• Connect to contemporary research on play
• Explore a trauma-informed approach to play-based learning
• Opportunities for community learning will include facilitator presentations, small group conversations, individual reflections, and artistic activities.

Facilitators: Lisa Miccio, Sondi Eugene

This workshop takes place in live Zoom sessions. Sessions will not be recorded.

Schedule
Friday evening, February 23: 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm ET
Saturday, February 24: 10:30 am-12 pm and 12:30 – 2:00 pm ET

Cost: $175, includes a $25 non-refundable registration fee

For the in-person companion workshop, see also: The Dynamics of Play: Observing, Understanding & Relating Play to Educational Objectives and the Foundations of Academic Achievement, taking place at Sunbridge, April 26-27. Registrants signing up for both workshops receive a discounted price.