Purposeful for Play: Unpacking the Neuroscience of Playful Teaching

Play is a universal, essential part of learning for ALL children. When children play, their bodies and minds are engaged as they discover and discuss the world around them. Purposeful play enhances language, executive function, math, scientific thinking, social-emotional skills, and more. This best practice, pedagogically sound instruction, helps to facilitate learning by taking cues from children''s interests and guiding them to promote deeper, lifelong learning. In this session, Playologist, educator, author, and illustrator, Jed Dearybury will take a deep dive into the neuroscience of play and what is happening in the minds of students as they learn through purposefully playful lessons. Of course, the session will be meaningful, relevant and fun, filled with learning experiences ready to take back to the classroom the next day.