Training Topics

Our training topics fall into the three categories: Play And Early Learning, Self-Care And Relationships, and Do It Yourself. Below, you’ll find a selection of current training topics divided into those categories. We can also create custom sessions to best meet the needs of your audience.

Jeff’s Training Topics

Understanding Play Schema Theory

New

Description

Have you ever met a child who repeatedly dumped containers of toys, threw everything they could get their hands on, or loved hanging upside down? These repeated patterns of behavior are examples of play schemas. Understanding these schemas provides insight into why kids do such things. This self-paced, on-demand training investigates 11 common play schemas and ways to support them in an early learning setting. It also looks at why a deeper understanding of schemas can improve interactions with children–and learning.

Outcomes / Goals

Attendees will:

  • Learn how a deeper knowledge of play schema theory can improve interactions with children
  • Investigate 11 common play schemas
  • Explore ways to support schema play in early learning settings

Core Knowledge Area

  • Alabama | Learning Experiences And Enrichment / Child Development
  • Illinois | Curriculum Or Program Design
  • Michigan | Teaching And Learning
  • Missouri | Learning Environment And Curriculum
  • 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:

TopicTimeActivity
Introduction03 minutesMonologue
What’s A Play Schema And Why You Should Care15 minutesDiscussion
11 Common Early Childhood Schemas40 minutesDiscussion
Conclusion02 minutesMonologue

Related Books

This session is based in part on content from these titles (affiliate links):

Understanding Heavy Work

New

Description

Heavy work refers to activities that push or pull against the body or involve carrying. Such activities support physical, social, and emotional development. Sadly, 21st-century kids engage in much less heavy work than previous generations. This training looks at heavy work’s role in learning and development, shares many examples of heavy work, and explores ways to provide kids with more opportunities to engage in heavy work.

Outcomes / Goals

Attendees will:

  • Understand the definition of heavy work and its role in learning and development
  • Investigate a variety of playful heavy work activities
  • Explore ways to provide children with more opportunities to engage in playful heavy work

Competency Area

  • Alabama | Learning Experiences And Enrichment / Child Development
  • Illinois | Curriculum Or Program Design
  • Michigan | Teaching And Learning
  • Missouri | Learning Environment And Curriculum
  • 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:

TopicTimeActivity
Introduction03 minutesMonologue
Understanding Heavy Work10 minutesDiscussion
Heavy Work Examples25 minutesDiscussion
Supporting Heavy Work20 minutes Discussion
Conclusion02 minutesMonologue

Related Books

This session is based in part on content from these titles (affiliate links):

Playing With Measuring

New

Description

From beakers to yardsticks, supporting play with measuring tools is a great way to help children bump into opportunities for STEM learning–and lots of other learning. This training looks at the value of measuring play, recommended measuring tools, and ideas for supporting child-led measurement play.

Outcomes / Goals

Attendees will:

  • Understand the wide range of learning that can take place during measurement play
  • Explore a variety of measuring tools that can easily be added to early learning settings
  • Collect ideas for implementing and supporting child-led measurement play

Competency Area

  • Alabama | Learning Experiences And Enrichment / Child Development
  • Illinois | Curriculum Or Program Design
  • Michigan | Teaching And Learning
  • Missouri | Learning Environment And Curriculum
  • 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:

TopicTimeActivity
Introduction03 minutesMonologue
What Kids Can Learn While Playing At Measuring10 minutesDiscussion
Measuring Opportunities25 minutesDiscussion
Supporting Measuring Play20 minutes Discussion
Conclusion02 minutesMonologue

Related Books

This session is based in part on content from these titles (affiliate links):

Play And The 8 Sensory Systems

New

Description

From squishing sticky sensory play concoctions to spinning on the swings, play helps children wire and connect their brains and nervous systems. This session examines how that process works, looks at the body’s 8 sensory systems, and offers ideas for supporting play that nourishes those systems.

Outcomes / Goals

Attendees will:

  • Understand the role of Play in wiring the brain and nervous system
  • Learn about the human body’s 8 sensory systems
  • Acquire ideas for supporting play that nourishes all 8 sensory systems

Competency Area

  • Alabama | Learning Experiences And Enrichment / Child Development
  • Illinois | Curriculum Or Program Design
  • Michigan | Teaching And Learning
  • Missouri | Learning Environment And Curriculum
  • 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:

TopicTimeActivity
Introduction03 minutesMonologue
The Brain-Body-Play Connection15 minutesDiscussion
Play And The 8 Sensory Systems40 minutesDiscussion
Conclusion02 minutesMonologue

Related Books

This session is based in part on content from these titles (affiliate links):

Building Early Math Skills With Play

New

Description

This training offers ideas for supporting the development of 11 early math skills through child-directed play. We’ll define each of the 11 skills, look at how children develop them while playing, and share ideas for building math-friendly play environments.

Outcomes / Goals

Attendees will:

  • Understand the difference between real play and play-like activities
  • Learn how to support 11 early math skills through child-directed play
  • Acquire ideas for creating a math-friendly play environment

Competency Area

  • Alabama | Learning Experiences And Enrichment / Child Development
  • Illinois | Curriculum Or Program Design
  • Michigan | Teaching And Learning
  • Missouri | Learning Environment And Curriculum
  • 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:

TopicTimeActivity
Introduction03 minutesMonologue
Real Play Versus Play-Like Activities10 minutesDiscussion
Supporting Early Math Skills Through Play30 minutesDiscussion
Creating A Math-Friendly Environment15 minutes Discussion
Conclusion02 minutesMonologue

Related Books

This session is based in part on content from these titles (affiliate links):

Reimagining Your Dramatic Play Space

Description

Dramatic play is often confined to a classroom corner with a table, a kitchen set, plastic food, and a few baby dolls. Such setups are fine, but dramatic play can be so much more. This session highlights ways to reimagine and support vibrant dramatic play spaces. We’ll dig into ways to create reinvigorated, child-led, creative dramatic play spaces full of loose parts, imagination, and learning.

Outcomes / Goals

Attendees will:

  • Acquire ideas for making dramatic play more child-led
  • Understand the value of a more flexible dramatic play space
  • Understand how changing up their dramatic play space can improve play and learning

Competency Area

  • Alabama | Learning Experiences And Enrichment / Child Development
  • Illinois | Curriculum Or Program Design
  • Michigan | Teaching And Learning
  • Missouri | Learning Environment And Curriculum
  • 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:

TopicTimeActivity
Introduction05 minutesMonologue
Why reimagine Your Dramatic Play Space?25 minutesDiscussion
Dramatic
Play Ideas
25 minutesDiscussion
Conclusion05 minutesMonologue

Related Books

This session is based in part on content from these titles (affiliate links):

Managing Mud Play

Description

Slimy, sticky, dirty, gooey mud play is so messy…and so fun and learning-rich. This session looks at why adults shouldn’t shy away from offering it up as a regular part of the curriculum. We focus on the magnificence of mud play–setting it up, supporting it, and understanding all the learning it offers.

Outcomes / Goals

Attendees will:

  • Gain practical ideas for setting up and managing mud play
  • Understand the learning that takes place during mud and related messy hands-on sensory play.
  • Learn why such play shouldn’t just be a once-in-a-while activity

Competency Area

  • Alabama | Learning Experiences And Enrichment / Child Development
  • Illinois | Curriculum Or Program Design
  • Michigan | Teaching And Learning
  • Missouri | Learning Environment And Curriculum
  • 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:

TopicTimeActivity
Introduction05 minutesMonologue
Managing
Mud Play
30 minutesDiscussion
Demonstration
Mud Play Learning20 minutesDiscussion
Conclusion05 minutesMonologue

Related Books

This session is based in part on content from these titles (affiliate links):

Supporting Ramp Play

Description

Supporting Ramp Play is ramps from beginning to end! We’ll look at DIY ramps and ramp supports, the difference between ramp play and ramp lessons, what kids learn while playing with ramps, creating a supportive ramp play environment, and more. The session offers a balance of practical ideas and theories to help you offer children a richer ramp play experience.

Outcomes / Goals

Attendees will:

  • Understand how to set up and support ramp play
  • Leave with a better understanding of what kids learn when playing with ramps
  • Acquire ideas for inexpensive and easy-to-make ramps and ramp supports

Competency Area

  • Alabama | Learning Experiences And Enrichment / Child Development
  • Illinois | Curriculum Or Program Design
  • Michigan | Teaching And Learning
  • Missouri | Learning Environment And Curriculum
  • 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:

TopicTimeActivity
Introduction05 minutesMonologue
Ramp Play Ideas35 minutesDiscussion
Demonstration
Ramp Play Learning15 minutesDiscussion
Conclusion05 minutesMonologue

Related Books

This session is based in part on content from these titles (affiliate links):

Using Tools With Kids

Description

Using tools makes kids feel strong, capable, confident, and powerful. This session looks at setting up learning-rich and safe tool-use experiences for young children. We also offer tips to help adults who feel intimidated by tools get more comfortable with them, so they can better support tool-wielding kids.

Outcomes / Goals

Attendees will:

  • Acquire ideas for setting up tool-use experiences for young children
  • Understand the benefits of supporting children’s tool use
  • Gain confidence in their abilities to use tools and support children’s use of tools

Competency Area

  • Alabama | Learning Experiences And Enrichment / Child Development
  • Illinois | Curriculum Or Program Design
  • Michigan | Teaching And Learning
  • Missouri | Learning Environment And Curriculum
  • 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:

TopicTimeActivity
Introduction05 minutesMonologue
Benefits Of
Child Tool Use
10 minutesDiscussion
Tool Use Ideas, Strategies,
And Tips
40 minutesDiscussion
Demonstration
Conclusion05 minutesMonologue

Related Books

This session is based in part on content from these titles (affiliate links):

Establishing A Tinkering Space

Description

This session looks at setting up a creative space for kids to tinker, create, muck about, and build with loose parts. Whether they’re building spaceships, zombie traps, or the world’s tallest cardboard box tower, such play offers a learning-rich creative outlet.

Outcomes / Goals

Attendees will:

  • Collect ideas for setting up a tinkering space
  • Learn ideas for managing the tinkering space
  • Acquire a deeper appreciation for the value of fiddling around with odds, ends, bits, and pieces

Competency Area

  • Alabama | Learning Experiences And Enrichment / Child Development
  • Illinois | Curriculum Or Program Design
  • Michigan | Teaching And Learning
  • Missouri | Learning Environment And Curriculum
  • 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:

TopicTimeActivity
Introduction05 minutesMonologue
The Value Of Tinkering10 minutesDiscussion
Tinkering Space Ideas, Strategies, And Tips40 minutesDiscussion
Demonstration
Conclusion05 minutesMonologue

Related Books

This session is based in part on content from these titles (affiliate links):

Setting Up A Process-Focused Craft Center

Description

This session looks at establishing a space for child-led, process-focused creation and creativity. We’ll look at what to include in your creative area, set up suggestions, managing the mess, keeping everyone safe, and more. We’ll also dig into why process-focused creation spaces like this are more child-friendly and learning-rich than product-focused alternatives.

Outcomes / Goals

Attendees will:

  • Collect ideas for setting up a process-focused craft center
  • Learn ideas for managing the creative space
  • Acquire a deeper appreciation for Process in children’s creative projects

Competency Area

  • Alabama | Learning Experiences And Enrichment / Child Development
  • Illinois | Curriculum Or Program Design
  • Michigan | Teaching And Learning
  • Missouri | Learning Environment And Curriculum
  • 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:

TopicTimeActivity
Introduction05 minutesMonologue
The Power Of Process10 minutesDiscussion
Tinkering Space Ideas, Strategies, And Tips40 minutesDiscussion
Demonstration
Conclusion05 minutesMonologue

Related Books

This session is based in part on content from these titles (affiliate links):

Simple Machines In The Preschool Classroom

Description

This session looks at supporting play and STEM learning with the six classic simple machines (ramps, wedges, levers, screws, pulleys, and the wheel and axle). We’ll provide an overview of these machines, offer ideas for supporting play with them in your preschool classroom, and discuss why kids should have hands-on, self-directed experiences.

Outcomes / Goals

Attendees will:

  • Learn about the six classic simple machines
  • Understand that STEM experiences should be hands-on and child-led
  • Acquire ideas for supporting play with the six classic simple machines

Competency Area

  • Alabama | Learning Experiences And Enrichment / Child Development
  • Illinois | Curriculum Or Program Design
  • Michigan | Teaching And Learning
  • Missouri | Learning Environment And Curriculum
  • 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:

TopicTimeActivity
Introduction05 minutesMonologue
STEM Play10 minutesDiscussion
The Six Classic Simple Machines40 minutesDiscussion
Demonstration
Conclusion05 minutesMonologue

Related Books

This session is based in part on content from these titles (affiliate links):

Building Brains With Hands-On Play

Description

Young children learn best through hands-on, up-close-and-personal, full-contact interactions with the world. The problem many caregivers have with such learning is that kids who fully engage the world often make a mess of things–a million blocks dumped on the floor, green paint on the floor, and muddy footprints on the carpet.

Based on ideas from our book, Let Them Play, this session looks at why this type of play is integral to early learning, ideas for managing the mess, and tips to help caregivers support hands-on play.

Outcomes / Goals

Attendees will:

  • Understand why hands-on play is important for young children
  • Leave with tips and strategies for managing hands-on play
  • Acquire ideas for supporting hands-on play

Competency Area

  • Alabama | Learning Experiences And Enrichment / Child Development
  • Illinois | Curriculum Or Program Design
  • Michigan | Teaching And Learning
  • Missouri | Learning Environment And Curriculum
  • 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:

TopicTimeActivity
Introduction05 minutesMonologue
The Value Of Hands-On Play25 minutesDiscussion
Supporting And Managing
Hands-On Play
55 minutesDiscussion
Conclusion05 minutesMonologue

Related Books

This session is based in part on content from these titles (affiliate links):

Getting Comfortable With Risky Play

Description

While research is clear on the value of children taking reasonable risks as they play and explore the world, many adults need to be more comfortable with such play and exploration. This session offers adults a chance to gain a deeper understanding of risky play’s value, reflect on their feelings about such play, and see how risk-taking supports learning.

Outcomes / Goals

Attendees will:

  • Reflect on their feelings and experiences with risky play
  • Understand what children learn from risk-taking
  • Become familiar with types of risky play

Competency Area

  • Alabama | Learning Experiences And Enrichment / Child Development
  • Illinois | Curriculum Or Program Design
  • Michigan | Teaching And Learning
  • Missouri | Learning Environment And Curriculum
  • 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:

TopicTimeActivity
Introduction05 minutesMonologue
Types Of
Risky Play
20 minutesDiscussion
Risky Play Reflection20 minutesDiscussion
Risky Play Learning10 minutesDiscussion
Conclusion05 minutesMonologue

Related Books

This session is based in part on content from these titles (affiliate links):

Defining Play

Description

While play researchers and theorists have established a clear and agreed-upon definition of play and its importance in the lives of young children, confusion remains about what is and is not play. This session examines the purpose of play and the difference between real play and play-like activity.

Outcomes / Goals

Attendees will

  • Become familiar with the five conditions of play
  • Understand the difference between real play and play-like activities
  • Understand the importance of real play

Competency Area

  • Alabama | Learning Experiences And Enrichment / Child Development
  • Illinois | Curriculum Or Program Design
  • Michigan | Teaching And Learning
  • Missouri | Learning Environment And Curriculum
  • 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:

TopicTimeActivity
Introduction05 minutesMonologue
The 5 Conditions Of Play25 minutesDiscussion
REAL Play
Vs Play-Like
25 minutesDiscussion
Conclusion05 minutesMonologue

Related Books

This session is based in part on content from these titles (affiliate links):

Building Better Block Play

Description

This session looks at re-energizing your block play area with playful props, thoughtful policies, and appropriate support. We will also dig into the comprehensive and deep learning opportunities block play promotes.

Outcomes / Goals

Attendees will:

  • Leave with ideas for re-energizing their block play area with additional materials
  • Understand how to better support block play
  • Leave with a better understanding of the learning that takes place in the block play area

Competency Area

  • Alabama | Learning Experiences And Enrichment / Child Development
  • Illinois | Curriculum Or Program Design
  • Michigan | Teaching And Learning
  • Missouri | Learning Environment And Curriculum
  • 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 (affiliate links):

TopicTimeActivity
Introduction05 minutesMonologue
Supporting
Block Play
20 minutesDiscussion
Supporting Materials20 minutesDiscussion
Demonstration
Block Play Learning10 minutesDiscussion
Conclusion05 minutesMonologue

Related Books

This session is based in part on content from these titles:

Cows In The Basement

Description

The early years should be full of whimsical fantasy play, yet in many classrooms, time for such play is limited as more and more time is devoted to teacher-led activities. This session looks at why children should have plenty of time for self-directed fantasy and imaginative play, creative storytelling, and make-believe and offers tips for supporting such play.

Outcomes / Goals

Attendees will:

  • Leave with ideas for supporting fantasy and imaginative play
  • Practice using their imaginations
  • See the relationship between fantasy play and learning

Competency Area

  • Alabama | Learning Experiences And Enrichment / Child Development
  • Illinois | Curriculum Or Program Design
  • Michigan | Teaching And Learning
  • Missouri | Learning Environment And Curriculum
  • 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:

TopicTimeActivity
Introduction05 minutesMonologue
Fantasy Play
And Learning
20 minutesDiscussion
Supporting Fantasy Play15 minutesDiscussion
Imagination Practice15 minutesGroup Activity
Conclusion05 minutesMonologue

Related Books

This session is based in part on content from these titles (affiliate links):

Zombie Vampire Veterinarian Moms

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 | Learning Environment And Curriculum
  • 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:

TopicTimeActivity
Introduction05 minutesMonologue
Understanding Power Play25 minutesDiscussion
Supporting
Power Play
25 minutesDiscussion
Conclusion05 minutesMonologue

Related Books

This session is based in part on content from these titles (affiliate links):

Trusting Kids As Learners

Description

Children are wired for learning–they are good at it, eager to do it, and driven to it. Yet, too often, they are not supported in leading their learning. Based on ideas from our book, Let Them Play, this session is about trusting kids as learners and creating environments where they are empowered and supported in leading their learning.

Outcomes / Goals

Attendees will:

  • Understand why children should be supported in leading their own learning
  • Leave with ideas for creating more trusting early learning environments
  • Understand that curriculum should grow from the children’s interests and existing knowledge of the world

Competency Area

  • Alabama | Learning Experiences And Enrichment / Child Development
  • Illinois | Curriculum Or Program Design
  • Michigan | Teaching And Learning
  • Missouri | Learning Environment And Curriculum
  • 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 (affiliate links):

TopicTimeActivity
Introduction05 minutesMonologue
Why Let
Them Lead?
25 minutesDiscussion
Creating Trusting Learning Environments 55 minutesDiscussion
Conclusion05 minutesMonologue

Related Books

This session is based in part on content from these titles:

Supporting Play And Learning Through Observation

Description

This session looks at supporting children’s play by becoming a more tuned-in and systematic observer. We’ll discuss why stepping back and watching children at play is important. We’ll also look at how (and when) to use a collection of free observation tools we’ve made available on the Playvolution HQ website.

Outcomes / Goals

Attendees will:

  • Understand why becoming a better observer will help them support children’s play and learning
  • Become familiar with how to use observation tools to better understand what they observe
  • Understand how to use their observations to make adjustments to their play space

Competency Area

  • Alabama | Learning Experiences And Enrichment / Child Development
  • Illinois | Curriculum Or Program Design
  • Michigan | Teaching And Learning
  • Missouri | Learning Environment And Curriculum
  • 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 (affiliate links):

TopicTimeActivity
Introduction05 minutesMonologue
The Value Of Observation15 minutesDiscussion
Observation
Tool Overview
35 minutesDiscussion
Conclusion05 minutesMonologue

Related Books

This session is based in part on content from these titles:

Understanding Loose Parts Play

Description

This session starts with a look at Simon Nicholson’s definition of loose parts and how the term covers so much more than pine cones and shells. After defining loose parts, we dig into things like sourcing loose parts, supporting loose parts play, the learning that happens during loose parts play, and how to explain loose parts to parents and others who may not grasp their value.

Outcomes / Goals

Attendees will:

  • Understand the definition of loose parts
  • Understand how children learn with loose parts
  • Understand how to support loose parts play

Competency Area

  • Alabama | Learning Experiences And Enrichment / Child Development
  • Illinois | Curriculum Or Program Design
  • Michigan | Teaching And Learning
  • Missouri | Learning Environment And Curriculum
  • 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:

TopicTimeActivity
Introduction05 minutesMonologue
Defining
Loose Parts
10 minutesDiscussion
Supporting
Loose Parts Play
30 minutesDiscussion
Loose Parts Learning10 minutesDiscussion
Conclusion05 minutesMonologue

Related Books

This session is based in part on content from these titles (affiliate links):

The Seven Stages Of Block Play

Description

Nearly 100 years ago, a pioneering early learning caregiver and researcher observed 7 distinct stages of play children progress through as they engage with blocks. This session looks at that researcher, the stages she observed, and what you can do to better support children and the move through each stage.

Outcomes / Goals

Attendees will:

  • Learn about Harriet Johnson and her contributions to early learning
  • Understand the 7 stages of block play
  • Leave with ideas for supporting play in each of the 7 stages

Competency Area

  • Alabama | Learning Experiences And Enrichment / Child Development
  • Illinois | Curriculum Or Program Design
  • Michigan | Teaching And Learning
  • Missouri | Learning Environment And Curriculum
  • 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:

TopicTimeActivity
Introduction05 minutesMonologue
About Harriet Johnson10 minutesDiscussion
The 7 Stages
Of Block Play
40 minutesDiscussion
Conclusion05 minutesMonologue

Related Books

This session is based in part on content from these titles (affiliate links):

Supporting ‘Bad’ Behavior

Description

Activities like running, climbing, throwing, spilling, punching, pinching, kicking, biting, tattling, and yelling are often labeled as bad behavior. Many early learning settings attempt to limit them–if not outright ban them. This session takes a contrarian view, looking at these activities as learning opportunities, and offers ideas for encouraging and supporting them. These things can be done safely–without hurting others–and don’t have to create friction between children and their caregivers.

Outcomes / Goals

Attendees will:

  • Understand the developmental benefits of supporting running, climbing, throwing, spilling, punching, pinching, kicking, biting, tattling, and yelling
  • Acquire ideas for creating a space where kids can run, climb, throw, spill, punch, pinch, kick, bite, tattle, and yell
  • Examine their feelings and policies about running, climbing, throwing, spilling, punching, pinching, kicking, biting, tattling, and yelling
  • Understand that these behaviors are driven by developmental inclinations

Competency Area

  • Alabama | Learning Experiences And Enrichment / Child Development
  • Illinois | Curriculum Or Program Design
  • Michigan | Teaching And Learning
  • Missouri | Learning Environment And Curriculum
  • 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:

TopicTimeActivity
Introduction05 minutesMonologue
Why Support
‘Bad’ Behaviors?
20 minutesDiscussion
Examining
Your Feelings
10 minutesDiscussion
Supporting These ‘Bad’ Behaviors20 minutesDiscussion
Conclusion05 minutesMonologue

Related Books

This session is based in part on content from these titles (affiliate links):

Caring For The Caregiver

Caring For The Caregiver

Description

Working with children can be physically and emotionally exhausting, and many caregivers spend so much time focused on the kids’ needs that they fail to take care of themselves. This often leads to stress and burnout as caregivers struggle to find time in their busy lives for self-care. The result? Stressed, anxious, drained, frustrated, and burnt out early learning professionals. Based on the books, Finding Your Smile Again and Keeping Your Smile.

Outcomes / Goals

Attendees will:

  • Understand stress and burnout’s impact on their lives
  • Leave with simple and doable ideas for managing stress and burnout
  • Understand the relationship between their mindset and the quality of care they provide

Competency Area

  • Alabama | Personal And Professional Leadership Development / Quality Child Care And Licensing
  • Illinois | Personal And Professional Development
  • Michigan | Professionalism
  • Missouri | Professional Development And Leadership
  • Nebraska | Professionalism And Leadership
  • Oklahoma | Professionalism And Leadership
  • South Dakota | Professionalism
  • Wisconsin | Professionalism
  • CDA | Maintaining A Commitment To Professionalism

Clock Hours

Available in 60 and 90-minute formats

Agenda 

This is the breakdown for the 60-minute version of the session:

TopicTimeActivity
Introduction05 minutesMonologue
How Stress
And Burnout Impact Your Life
10 minutesDiscussion
Self-care Ideas40 minutesDiscussion
Conclusion05 minutesMonologue

Related Books

This session is based in part on content from these titles (affiliate links):

Babies In The Rain

Description

Like it or not, since everything infants and toddlers encounter is new, exciting, and a chance to learn, caregivers are Professional Role Models.

Based on the book, Babies In The Rain, this session looks at the importance of the emotional environments caregivers create with young children. It also looks at the significance of Here and Now caregiving and meeting children where they are developmentally.

Outcomes / Goals

Attendee will:

  • Understand how their mood/emotional state impact the children in their care
  • Understand the importance of child-caregiver relationships
  • Understand why it is important not to rush children through their childhoods

Competency Area

  • Alabama | Child Growth And Development / Child Development
  • Illinois | Interactions, Relationships, And Environments
  • Michigan | Interactions And Guidance
  • Missouri | Interactions With Children And Youth
  • Nebraska | Relationships And Social-Emotional Guidance
  • Oklahoma | Interactions With Children
  • South Dakota | Guidance And Behavior Management
  • Wisconsin | Guidance And Nurturing
  • CDA | Positive Ways To Support Children’s Social And Emotional Development

Clock Hours

Available in 60 and 90-minute formats

Agenda 

This is the breakdown for the 60-minute version of the session:

TopicTimeActivity
Introduction05 minutesMonologue
Don’t Rush10 minutesDiscussion
Emotional Relationships40 minutesDiscussion
Conclusion05 minutesMonologue

Related Books

This session is based in part on content from these titles (affiliate links):

Attack Of The Snoterpillars

Description

Strong relationships with the children are a cornerstone of any quality early learning environment. Creating and maintaining such relationships is hard work when times are good–and downright difficult when you’re stressed, exhausted, tired, or being attacked by snoterpillars.

Based on ideas from my book, Babies In The Rain, this session looks at creating robust emotional environments, maintaining a healthy mindset, and the significance of child-caregiver relationships in building age-appropriate early learning environments.

Outcomes / Goals

Attendees will:

  • Understand how their mindset impacts their relationships with children, parents, and coworkers
  • Understand the importance of creating and maintaining healthy emotional environments
  • Leave this session with useful tips for dealing with their stress and managing their mindset

Competency Area

  • Alabama | Child Growth And Development / Child Development
  • Illinois | Interactions, Relationships, And Environments
  • Michigan | Interactions And Guidance
  • Missouri | Interactions With Children And Youth
  • Nebraska | Relationships And Social-Emotional Guidance
  • Oklahoma | Interactions With Children
  • South Dakota | Guidance And Behavior Management
  • Wisconsin | Guidance And Nurturing
  • CDA | Positive Ways To Support Children’s Social And Emotional Development

Clock Hours

Available in 60 and 90-minute formats

Agenda 

This is the breakdown for the 60-minute version of the session:

TopicTimeActivity
Introduction05 minutesMonologue
Mindset And Relationships25 minutesDiscussion
Self-care Tips25 minutesDiscussion
Conclusion05 minutesMonologue

Related Books

This session is based in part on content from these titles (affiliate links):

Making Mindful Change

Description

Making lasting change–in your work with children or home life–is a challenging task. If it was, we would all eat healthier, exercise more, and successfully implement new ideas in our early learning programs. We’re creatures of habit–and changing those habits can be scary and uncomfortable. Whether it’s self-care or classroom practice, this session looks at practical strategies for becoming more successful at making lasting change.

Outcomes / Goals

Attendees will:

  • Learn strategies for making mindful changes in their life
  • Understand the value of taking baby steps–making slow changes over time
  • Leave the session with a deeper understanding of why making lasting change is difficult

Competency Area

  • Alabama | Personal And Professional Leadership Development / Quality Child Care And Licensing
  • Illinois | Personal And Professional Development
  • Michigan | Professionalism
  • Missouri | Professional Development And Leadership
  • Nebraska | Professionalism And Leadership
  • Oklahoma | Professionalism And Leadership
  • South Dakota | Professionalism
  • Wisconsin | Professionalism
  • CDA | Maintaining A Commitment To Professionalism

Clock Hours

Available in 60 and 90-minute formats

Agenda 

This is the breakdown for the 60-minute version of the session:

TopicTimeActivity
Introduction05 minutesMonologue
The Challenges
Of Change
25 minutesDiscussion
Strategies
For Change
25 minutesDiscussion
Conclusion05 minutesMonologue

Related Books

This session is based in part on content from these titles (affiliate links):

Feeding The Good Dog

Description

In this session, based on content from our books, Finding Your Smile Again and Keeping Your Smile, we’ll dig into the importance of our mindset when creating environments for young children and managing stress and burnout.

Outcomes / Goals

Attendees will:

  • Learn what it means to ‘feed the good dog’
  • Understand that their responses are choices
  • Understand the importance of their own mindset and outlook in dealing with stressful situations

Competency Area

  • Alabama | Personal And Professional Leadership Development / Quality Child Care And Licensing
  • Illinois | Personal And Professional Development
  • Michigan | Professionalism
  • Missouri | Professional Development And Leadership
  • Nebraska | Professionalism And Leadership
  • Oklahoma | Professionalism And Leadership
  • South Dakota | Professionalism
  • Wisconsin | Professionalism
  • CDA | Maintaining A Commitment To Professionalism

Clock Hours

Available in 60 and 90-minute formats

Agenda 

This is the breakdown for the 60-minute version of the session:

TopicTimeActivity
Introduction05 minutesMonologue
Feeding The
Good Dog
20 minutesDiscussion
Mindset Matters15 minutesDiscussion
You’re In Control15 minutesDiscussion
Conclusion05 minutesMonologue

Related Books

This session is based in part on content from these titles (affiliate links):

Time For Yourself

Description

If you’re like most parents and caregivers, you spend lots of time focused on the needs of others and tend to neglect your own needs. How long can you go on like this? Who is going to meet your needs if you don’t? In this session, we dig into the importance of investing in self-care.

Outcomes / Goals

Attendees will:

  • Learn the importance of investing time and energy in self-care
  • Learn strategies for making more time for their own needs
  • Understand that investing in self-care makes them better at taking care of others

Competency Area

  • Alabama | Personal And Professional Leadership Development / Quality Child Care And Licensing
  • Illinois | Personal And Professional Development
  • Michigan | Professionalism
  • Missouri | Professional Development And Leadership
  • Nebraska | Professionalism And Leadership
  • Oklahoma | Professionalism And Leadership
  • South Dakota | Professionalism
  • Wisconsin | Professionalism
  • CDA | Maintaining A Commitment To Professionalism

Clock Hours

Available in 60 and 90-minute formats

Agenda 

This is the breakdown for the 60-minute version of the session:

TopicTimeActivity
Introduction05 minutesMonologue
Why Invest Time In Yourself?20 minutesDiscussion
Making Time
For Self-Care
30 minutesDiscussion
Conclusion05 minutesMonologue

Related Books

This session is based in part on content from these titles (affiliate links):

Do It Yourself Early Learning

Description

Based on our books, Do It Yourself Early Learning and Everyday Early Learning, the session takes a hands-on look at dozens of ideas for using materials from your local home center, grocery store, big box store, dollar store, or recycling bin to promote child-directed play, exploration, discovery, and learning.

Outcomes / Goals

Attendees will:

  • Acquire simple ideas for supporting child-led play
  • Understand why children are drawn to play with everyday items
  • Better understand the concept of loose parts

Competency Area

  • Alabama | Learning Experiences And Enrichment / Child Development
  • Illinois | Curriculum Or Program Design
  • Michigan | Teaching And Learning
  • Missouri | Learning Environment And Curriculum
  • 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:

TopicTimeActivity
Introduction05 minutesMonologue
Why DIY Play?10 minutesDiscussion
Loose Parts10 minutesDiscussion
DIY Ideas30 minutesDemonstration
Conclusion05 minutesMonologue

Related Books

This session is based in part on content from these titles (affiliate links):

Do It Yourself Early Literacy

Description

This session discusses simple and practical ideas for helping children build early literacy skills. We’ll look at a bunch of ideas for making books, discuss how active physical play helps prepare kids to read and write, look at play-based ways to help grow vocabularies, and touch on other ideas for supporting literacy skill-building in your play environment.

Outcomes / Goals

Attendees will:

  • Leave with lots of do it yourself book making ideas
  • Understand how active play prepares children to read and write
  • Learn how to support the development of pre-literacy skills in their play environments

Competency Area

  • Alabama | Learning Experiences And Enrichment / Child Development
  • Illinois | Curriculum Or Program Design
  • Michigan | Teaching And Learning
  • Missouri | Learning Environment And Curriculum
  • 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:

TopicTimeActivity
Introduction05 minutesMonologue
Play And
Literacy Skills
15minutesDiscussion
DIY Book Ideas35 minutesDemonstration
Conclusion05 minutesMonologue

Related Books

This session is based in part on content from these titles (affiliate links):

Do It Yourself Block Ideas

Description

This session offers many ideas for inexpensive do-it-yourself blocks made from simple, affordable, and readily available materials. We also discuss the value of child involvement in making blocks and how DIY blocks spice up traditional block play spaces.

Outcomes / Goals

Attendees will:

  • Leave with lots of ideas for blocks they can make with and for children
  • Understand the value of involving children in making these blocks
  • Understand how DIY blocks add interest and novelty to block play

Competency Area

  • Alabama | Learning Experiences And Enrichment / Child Development
  • Illinois | Curriculum Or Program Design
  • Michigan | Teaching And Learning
  • Missouri | Learning Environment And Curriculum
  • 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:

TopicTimeActivity
Introduction05 minutesMonologue
Why DIY
With Kids?
05 minutesDiscussion
The Value
Of Novelty
10 minutesDiscussion
DIY Block Ideas35 minutesDemonstration
Conclusion05 minutesMonologue

Related Books

This session is based in part on content from these titles (affiliate links):

Do It Yourself STEM Play

Description

In this session, you’ll learn how to support STEM learning with simple do-it-yourself toys and materials. You’ll also develop a deeper understanding of how children learn about Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, and more through hands-on play and exploration.

Outcomes / Goals

Attendees will:

  • Leave with simple do-it-yourself ideas for supporting hands-on STEM play
  • Understand the importance of child-led play and explorations
  • Learn ways to better support child-led STEM learning

Competency Area

  • Alabama | Learning Experiences And Enrichment / Child Development
  • Illinois | Curriculum Or Program Design
  • Michigan | Teaching And Learning
  • Missouri | Learning Environment And Curriculum
  • 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:

TopicTimeActivity
Introduction05 minutesMonologue
The Value Of
REAL Play
10 minutesDiscussion
Supporting
STEM Learning
10 minutesDiscussion
DIY STEM
Play Ideas
30 minutesDemonstration
Conclusion05 minutesMonologue

Related Books

This session is based in part on content from these titles (affiliate links):

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