Early Childhood Summer Institute Day 2

This FREE event consists of TWO sessions.

Session 1 (9:00 – 12:00): Building Joyful Rigorous Classroom Spaces Through Play by Kristi Mraz – As we reflect and recover from a year like no other, it is easy to linger on the things we lost. This year also presents us with an opportunity to examine classroom practices and build better classrooms for our return in the Fall. This session will focus on the way that play (as a mindset and as an instructional practice) provides a space for children to question, problem-solve, analyze and collaborate, all while acquiring traditional academic skills. This session will cover research, structures, and ways to link play with academic standards and social-emotional growth. Come ready to rethink and reclaim what play can be in our school spaces.

Session 2 (12:15 – 1:00): Early Childhood Educator Panel – This panel featuring several perspectives will discuss how to successfully implement developmentally appropriate practice in various early childhood educational settings. The panel will also address how to effectively advocate for and validate play-based teaching and learning to meet required objectives and standards.