Optimism is both powerful and fragile. How can you harness the power of optimism to create safe, loving, joyful, and engaging environments where kids can heal, grow and thrive? Join Early Childhood Investigations Webinars and The Life is Good Playmaker Project for this webinar to learn about this approach.
Attendees will discover the power of optimism and play, learn the right approach to creating correct, optimal environments for kids to heal, learn, grow and thrive, and understand the importance of developing a personal wellness practice to be able to bring your most optimistic human disposition into your work.
Session Details
Thursday, March 23 | 2 – 3:30 p.m.
Virtual
Register
Learn More
Can’t participate in our webinars at the appointed time? Never fear! All of the webinars are recorded. To view the recording, simply register now and you will receive an email with a link to the recording when it is ready to be viewed. You can still download the certificate by watching the recording to the end when the certificate link is announced and displayed on the screen.
You can earn .2 CEUs for this webinar. The cost is $15 paid to University of Oklahoma online when you apply.
To learn more, visit the Early Childhood Investigations website.
Join Playful Pittsburgh Collaborative, Trying Together, CitiParks and ZeroFossil for the Ultimate Play Day! Ultimate Play Day is a celebration of playfulness for people of all ages.
Hosted by the Playful Pittsburgh Collaborative, this annual event is an opportunity for people throughout the Pittsburgh region to play together and raise awareness of the benefits of play for all people—from birth to 199 years. Partner and community organizations offer play activities for all ages at a different venue each year.
Location
Lower McKinley Park
Bausman Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15210
Share our flyer with your networks.
Additional Information
This event is a part of Remake Learning Days. Remake Learning Days Across America is an innovative learning festival for families and youth! Taking root in regions across the nation, these hands-on and engaging events are designed for kids of all ages at libraries, schools, tech centers, museums, play spaces, community centers and more. This year’s festival is from April 20 – May 26, 2023.
Southwestern PA Remake Learning Days is from May 4 – 23, 2023.
More details for this event will be available in the coming months. Please subscribe to the Trying Together newsletter for more details.
Join edWeb and Common Sense Education for an upcoming professional development session on integrating play into the school day. Registration is required for this virtual event.
About the Session
Bringing play into the school day isn’t just important for young learners but is also beneficial to older students. Play brings out creativity, facilitates the exploration of interests, and engages students in activities of their choice without academic pressures. “NavTime” is a structured activity time that provides students with the ability to play, have fun in a mentored space, and explore their individual interests while building relationships.
In this edWebinar, you will learn how your school can create this opportunity for students (and teachers) to bring joy into their day. Dr. Derek Fialkiewicz, Principal, and Heidi Carr, Teacher, both from Clark County School District in Nevada, will share:
- Why they implemented NavTime at their middle school
- Ways you can and/or your school can implement NavTime
- The benefits to all stakeholders
This edWebinar will be of interest to K-12 teachers, librarians, school and district leaders, and education technology leaders. There will be time for questions at the end of the presentation.
Join the Playful Pittsburgh Collaborative and CitiParks for the Ultimate Play Day this spring! Ultimate Play Day is a celebration of playfulness for people of all ages.
Hosted by the Playful Pittsburgh Collaborative, this annual event is an opportunity for people from throughout the Pittsburgh region to play together and raise awareness of the benefits of play for everyone—from birth to 199 years. Partner and community organizations offer play activities for all ages at a different venue each year.
Location
Liberty Green Park
100 Larimer Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15206
Additional Information
This event is a part of Remake Learning Days. Remake Learning Days Across America is an innovative learning festival for families and youth! Taking root in regions across the nation, these hands-on and engaging events are designed for kids of all ages at libraries, schools, tech centers, museums, play spaces, community centers and more. This year’s festival is from April 22 – May 23, 2022.
More details for this event will be available in the coming months. Please subscribe to the Trying Together newsletter for more details.
Amid concern for the welfare of children during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Recess Advocacy Team, co-led by Trying Together and the Playful Pittsburgh Collaborative, have created a toolkit highlighting research, strategies, and advocacy opportunities for play and physical activity at home and at school. Families and educators may use the toolkit to discover new ways to play this summer and to advocate for playful learning next school year.
About the Toolkit
The Recess Advocacy Toolkit is designed to be a resource for educators and families on the importance of recess and play for the healthy social-emotional growth of children and includes:
- information on different types of play;
- research to inform educators and administrators on the benefits of recess;
- testimonials and tips from Physical Education teachers; and
- template emails and social media posts for digital advocacy.
Learn More
Families and educators may access The Recess Advocacy Toolkit on the Trying Together website. The creation of this toolkit was made possible by The Grable Foundation and Remake Learning Tomorrow Grants. For questions or suggestions, please contact recess@tryingtogether.org.
In April 2021, as part of Month of the Young Child, Trying Together launched the Parenting Together Pathway to provide high-quality information on early childhood topics for caregivers. The Parenting Together Pathway provides families the opportunity to learn more about: brain development; play; interactions and relationships; technology; child care; and advocacy to better support their children’s healthy growth. Additional videos will be released through 2021.
Course Content
The Parenting Together Pathway currently includes six topics related to early childhood.
The Beautiful Brain
- This presentation provides an overview of how the brain develops during early childhood. Caregivers will learn about the impact of interactions, environments, and trauma on a child’s brain, and develop an understanding of how strong brain development can be effectively supported through fun and engaging activities.
It’s More Than Just Play: The Role of Play in a Child’s Life
- This presentation provides an overview of the types of play and how play benefits young children. Caregivers will learn about how they can support playful learning.
Everyday Interactions Matter: Noticing the Simple and Ordinary
- This presentation provides an overview of positive interactions between children and their caregivers. Caregivers will learn to recognize moments of connecting, sharing, growing, and belonging in everyday moments.
The Role of Technology in Caregiving and Caregiving Experiences
- This presentation provides an overview of how technology can be resourceful in caregiving experiences. Caregivers will learn how integrating technology into children’s daily routines, including play, can be fun and supportive towards their development.
How to Choose High-Quality Child Care
- This presentation provides an overview of important characteristics to look for when searching for child care. Caregivers will learn about the various aspects of child care that attribute to high quality interactions and experiences.
Becoming A Child’s First Advocate
- This presentation provides an overview of advocacy, its definition, and the role it plays for young children and their families. Caregivers will learn about various campaigns related to early childhood and how they can become and advocate for all children.
Additional Information
Please visit the Trying Together website to view video content for the Parenting Together Pathway.
Finding Joy through Playful Learning aims to bring together educators, researchers, policymakers, and practitioners who have a variety of experiences related to education, play, and learning. The conference will take place via Zoom over the course of several days covering six topics related to playful learning. The goal is to generate dialogue among different stakeholders and share best practices to support children and families in learning through play.
About
Join Playful Learning Landscapes Action Network, Playful Pittsburgh Collaborative, and Trying Together in February for a virtual conference bringing together educators, researchers, policymakers, and practitioners to discuss and share best practices to support children and families in learning through play.
Act 48 and PQAS credits are available. PPID and PD Registry numbers will be collected during the sessions. The following discount code is available for early educators who wish to participate in individual sessions or the entire series:
Available Sessions
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Rethinking Education During and Post COVID-19
Wednesday, February 3, 2021 | 3 – 5 p.m.
Join featured speakers Dr. Kathy Hirsh-Pasek, Dr. Scott Miller, and the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy for discussions of how playful learning can change education during and after COVID-19. Featured Speakers: Dr. Kathy Hirsh-Pasek (Temple University, Brookings Institution), Scott Miller (Avonworth Primary Center), and Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy.
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How Play Can Improve Mental Health and Wellbeing
Thursday, February 4, 2021 | 9 – 11 a.m.
Hear from Sarah Grubb, Cindy Eggleton, and Sheba Gittens about play’s role in mental health and wellbeing. Featured Speakers: Cindy Eggleton (Brilliant Detroit), Sarah Grubb (ELRC Region 5), and Sheba Gittens (University of Pittsburgh).
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Addressing Equity Issues Through Playful Learning
Thursday, February 4, 2021 | 3 – 5 p.m.
Dr. Nikole Hollins-Sims and Dr. Mandy McGuire will present their work on using play and playful learning to address inequity. Featured Speakers: Dr. Nikole Hollins-Sims (PaTTAN) and Dr. Mandy McGuire (University of Texas at Dallas).
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Activating Communities Around Playful Learning
Tuesday, February 9, 2021 | 3 – 5 p.m.
Ariana Brazier, Justin Forzano, Shari Hersh, Gamar Markarian, and Sarah Siplak, will discuss what it means to activate communities and how their communities inform the work they do. Featured Speakers: Ariana Brazier (ATL Parent Like a Boss), Justin Forzano (Open Field), Shari Hersh (Mural Arts), Gamar Markarian (New School), and Sarah Siplak (Playful Pittsburgh Collaborative).
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Using Technology to Strengthen the Way We Learn and Play
Wednesday, February 10, 2021 | 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Learn about technologies and applications from Katie Gullone, Megan Rooney, Javier Maisonet, and Project Rangeet. Featured Speakers: Elias Blinkoff (Temple Infant & Child Lab), Katie Gullone (Trying Together), Javier Maisonet (Math Talk), Simran Mulchandani (Project Rangeet), and Megan Rooney (La Escuelita Arcoiris).
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Replicable and Low-Cost Ideas for Playful Learning
Wednesday, February 10, 2021 | 3 – 5 p.m.
Explore low-cost and replicable ways to encourage playful learning from Shannon Merenstein, Amy Kronenberg, Rebecca Fabiano, and Aishwarya Narayana. Featured Speakers: Rebecca Fabiano (Fab Youth Philly), Amy Kronenberg (Learn to Earn Dayton), Shannon Merenstein (HATCH Art Studio), and Aishwarya Narayana (HUME).
Registration
To register, visit the online registration page. General Admission tickets cost $55 and include admission to all sessions. Single session registration is also available for $10 per session. Attendees will receive the Zoom link for each day’s session prior to the start of the event.
More Information
For questions, contact admin@playfullearninglandscapes.fun or 267.468.8610.
Join Playful Learning Landscapes Action Network, Playful Pittsburgh Collaborative, and Trying Together from February 3 – 10 for a virtual conference bringing together educators, researchers, policymakers, and practitioners to discuss and share best practices to support children and families in learning through play.
About
Finding Joy through Playful Learning aims to bring together educators, researchers, policymakers, and practitioners who have a variety of experiences related to education, play, and learning. The conference will take place via Zoom over the course of several days covering six topics related to playful learning. The goal is to generate dialogue among different stakeholders and share best practices to support children and families in learning through play.
Act 48 and PQAS credits are available. PPID and PD Registry numbers will be collected during the sessions.
Available Sessions
-
- Rethinking Education During and Post COVID-19
Wednesday, February 3, 2021 | 3 – 5 p.m.
Join featured speakers Dr. Kathy Hirsh-Pasek, Dr. Scott Miller, and the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy for discussions of how playful learning can change education during and after COVID-19. Featured Speakers: Dr. Kathy Hirsh-Pasek (Temple University, Brookings Institution), Dr. Scott Miller (Avonworth Primary Center), and Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy.
- How Play Can Improve Mental Health and Wellbeing
Thursday, February 4, 2021 | 9 – 11 a.m.
Hear from Sarah Grubb, Cindy Eggleton, and Sheba Gittens about play’s role in mental health and wellbeing. Featured Speakers: Cindy Eggleton (Brilliant Detroit), Sarah Grubb (ELRC Region 5), and Sheba Gittens (University of Pittsburgh).
- Activating Communities Around Playful Learning
Tuesday, February 9, 2021 | 3 – 5 p.m.
Ariana Brazier, Justin Forzano, Shari Hersh, Gamar Markarian, and Sarah Siplak, will discuss what it means to activate communities and how their communities inform the work they do. Featured Speakers: Ariana Brazier (ATL Parent Like a Boss), Justin Forzano (Open Field), Shari Hersh (Mural Arts), Gamar Markarian (New School), and Sarah Siplak (Playful Pittsburgh Collaborative).
- Using Technology to Strengthen the Way We Learn and Play
Wednesday, February 10, 2021 | 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Learn about technologies and applications from Katie Gullone, Megan Rooney, Javier Maisonet, and Project Rangeet. Featured Speakers: Elias Blinkoff (Temple Infant & Child Lab), Katie Gullone (Trying Together), Javier Maisonet (Math Talk), Simran Mulchandani (Project Rangeet), and Megan Rooney (La Escuelita Arcoiris).
- Replicable and Low-Cost Ideas for Playful Learning
Wednesday, February 10, 2021 | 3 – 5 p.m.
Explore low-cost and replicable ways to encourage playful learning from Shannon Merenstein, Amy Kronenberg, Rebecca Fabiano, and Aishwarya Narayana. Featured Speakers: Rebecca Fabiano (Fab Youth Philly), Amy Kronenberg (Learn to Earn Dayton), Shannon Merenstein (HATCH Art Studio), and Aishwarya Narayana (HUME).
Registration
To register, visit the online registration page. General Admission tickets cost $55 and include admission to all sessions. Single session registration is also available for $10 per session. The following discount codes are available for early educators who wish to participate in individual sessions or the entire series:
- EDU-ALL for $25 price for all six workshops
- EDU-CHOOSE for $5 per workshop
Attendees will receive the Zoom link for each day’s session prior to the start of the event.
More Information
For questions, contact admin@playfullearninglandscapes.fun or 267.468.8610.
Join the Highmark Caring Place on January 13 for their webinar “The Curious Observer: Understanding the Behavior of Grieving Children” to learn how behaviors can serve as a manifestation of children’s grief.
About
We often misunderstand grief in children, or mistakenly believe that children do not experience grief at all. Yet, anyone old enough to love is old enough to grieve. Because young children and infants experience and respond to grief in unique ways, their grief is not always clear to adults and caregivers. Children’s grief can even be masked for adults because children communicate via their behaviors, such as play.
Since it can be difficult for children to verbally express their complicated and confusing feelings about the death of their loved one, especially during times of grief and loss, it’s important that we understand behaviors such as play as ways of communication. This webinar will discuss how behaviors can serve as a manifestation of children’s grief. As a caring adult, you will learn activities and interactions that can support the children in your life through their grief work.
Featured Topics
During the webinar, participants will:
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- learn how behavior (such as play) is a form of communication for children from birth into adulthood,
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- recognize how behaviors can serve as an expression of a child’s grief, and
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- identify activities and interactions that support children in their grief work.
Registration
To register for this event, visit the online registration page.
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