June 2026 Early Childhood Days of Play

Are you feeling the ‘academic squeeze’? Join us to discover why you don’t have to sacrifice play to meet foundational standards. Based on the groundbreaking research of Bodrova & Leong, this session explores how to transform "immature" play into high-level learning. We’ll explore how brief, strategic teacher actions can scaffold children’s play & provide practical, evidence-based techniques that boost executive function and self-regulation. You’ll walk away with a clear framework for assessing play quality & a toolkit of strategies to naturally integrate literacy and math into the ‘play world.’ Turn your dramatic play center into a powerhouse for academic and social success!

Are you feeling the ‘academic squeeze’? Join us to discover why you don’t have to sacrifice play to meet foundational standards. Based on the groundbreaking research of Bodrova & Leong, this session explores how to transform "immature" play into high-level learning. We’ll explore how brief, strategic teacher actions can scaffold children’s play & provide practical, evidence-based techniques that boost executive function and self-regulation. You’ll walk away with a clear framework for assessing play quality & a toolkit of strategies to naturally integrate literacy and math into the ‘play world.’ Turn your dramatic play center into a powerhouse for academic and social success!

How do we ensure play for 'all' actually includes everyone? This session is a direct response to SPED educators seeking practical ways to adapt play-based literacy for students with diverse physical, cognitive, and sensory needs. We will move past the one-size-fits-all approach to explore the ‘Ms. Mary Method’ of scaffolding: adapting environments, modifying materials, and using visual supports to make play accessible. From sensory-heavy story bins to adaptive role-play, you’ll gain a toolkit of inclusive strategies that honor every child’s developmental stage while fostering a genuine love for stories.