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Promoting play, defending childhood, and empowering caregivers.
Explorations Early Learning
01/28/2025 | Zombie Vampire Veterinarian Moms
Weapons, rough-and-tumble, superhero, death, and similar types of play often get a bad rap in early learning settings. Attempts are made to restrict and outright ban these types of play because they are loud, rowdy, aggressive, violent-looking, and can make adults uncomfortable. The problem is such play is ripe with learning possibilities and developmental benefits. Based on ideas from our book, Let Them Play, this session looks at the positive side of the play that makes adults uncomfortable and offers suggestions for embracing and supporting it instead of trying to ban it.
- All sessions take place at 7:00pm Central Time, USA. (Eastern 8:00pm | Mountain 6:00pm | Pacific 5:00pm )
- If you cannot attend the live event but still want the information and a professional development certificate, you can register and access the session recording afterward. The recording is posted to the session’s landing page by noon the following day. I’ve confirmed that I can issue valid professional development training certificates for IL, MI, NE, and WI participants and that watching the recording is unacceptable for MO and OK participants. Beyond that, you’ll have to check into what counts and does not count as professional development in your corner of the world.
- Contact me at any time if you have questions or need help.
- After registering, you will receive an email with session details. If you’re new to our site, you will receive a separate email with your username and a link to set a password. You must log in with your username and password to attend the training.
- This training takes place live at explorationsearlylearning.com via the Zoom meeting platform.
- To receive a valid Certificate Of Completion, you must attend the entire event with your video on, sign in via the chat area, participate, and submit an evaluation after the session.
- Trainings are recorded for archival purposes.
- Browse our training FAQs.
Recordings of past live online training events are available for those interested in the topic but who do not need a training certificate. These recordings also include access to a resource page full of useful related links
Description
Weapons, rough-and-tumble, superhero, death, and similar types of play often get a bad rap in early learning settings. Attempts are made to restrict and outright ban these types of play because they are loud, rowdy, aggressive, violent-looking, and can make adults uncomfortable. The problem is such play is ripe with learning possibilities and developmental benefits. Based on ideas from our book, Let Them Play, this session looks at the positive side of the play that makes adults uncomfortable and offers suggestions for embracing and supporting it instead of trying to ban it.
Outcomes / Goals
Attendees will:
- Understand why the types of play that make adults uncomfortable are beneficial
- Examine their feelings about, and experiences with, these ‘uncomfortable’ types of play
- Leave with ideas for managing and supporting such play
Competency Area
- Alabama | Learning Experiences And Enrichment / Child Development
- Illinois | Curriculum Or Program Design
- Michigan | Teaching And Learning
- Missouri | Use A Broad Repertoire Of Teaching Skills And Strategies For Learning
- Nebraska | Planning Learning Experiences And Curriculum
- Oklahoma | Learning Environments And Curriculum
- South Dakota | Learning Environments
- Wisconsin | Learning Experiences, Strategies, And Curriculum
- CDA | Advancing Children’s Physical And Intellectual Development
Clock Hours
Available in 60 and 90-minute formats
Agenda
This is the breakdown for the 60-minute version of the session:
| Topic | Time | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction | 05 minutes | Monologue |
| Understanding Power Play | 25 minutes | Discussion |
| Supporting Power Play | 25 minutes | Discussion |
| Conclusion | 05 minutes | Monologue |
Related Resources
This session is based in part on content from my books:
- Let Them Play
- Let’s Play
- Let’s All Play
Content Level
Beginner / Intermediate
Age Group Focus
- Toddlers (12 months to 36 months)
- Preschool (36 months to 5 years)
- School Age (5 years to 12 years)
- Adults
Target Audience
- Family Child Care Providers
- Child Care Center Teachers
- Child Care Center Directors
- Head Start Teachers
- Head Start Administrators
- Early Head Start Teachers
- Service Coordination Staff
- Technical Assistance Specialists
- Home Visitors
- Parents
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