Explorations Early Learning

Promoting play, defending childhood, and empowering caregivers.

Explorations Early Learning

Zombie Vampire Veterinarian Moms

Zombie Vampire Veterinarian Moms
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Training Topics

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:

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

Related Resources

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

  • 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