Crystal O’Connor: Authentic Play – Or How to Make Children Really Smart!

Rock Room

Over the recent years of rapid technological advances, the field and practice of early childhood development has seen many new ways of working with young children and tracking their learning and development. But with so many systems, methods, and classroom devices being offered as opportunities to do more and better, it can seem that real play, which is a key part of just plain good pedagogy, is being left in the dust. This session is designed to bring the rich benefits of authentic play back into focus with strong brain science, married with our reflective experiences as evidence.

Ann Gadzikowski: Play, Explore, Learn: Favorite STEM Activities

Northwestern #1 Room

What’s your favorite STEM activity? Block play, mud pies, and cardboard constructions are just a few of the “greatest hits” we’ll explore in this hands-on, messy workshop. We’ll discuss and share ideas for sparking children’s interest in science, technology, engineering, and math through creative and open- ended play.

Ramona Richards & Alex Pafilis: Learning through Play for Grown Ups

Northwestern #2 Room

This interactive workshop invites participants to experience the power of play firsthand and reflect on its role in learning and Learning through Play for Grown Ups development. Through playful activities, shared memories, and collaborative discussion participants will explore how play powers learning, how adults amplify learning through play, and how the environments we create set the stage for playful learning.

Molly Babu: Discovering Nature’s Secrets

Armadillo Room

Calling all adventurers! Discovering Nature’s Secrets is a fun hands-on nature workshop designed to spark curiosity and a love for the outdoors. This workshop encourages children to connect with nature, develop observation skills, and embrace the joy of outdoor discovery one tiny treasure at a time.

Melinda Martinez-Epperson: Play It Forward - Reigniting Joy, Advocacy, and Well Being for All Ages

Arch Room, Session I only

This presentation explores the transformative power of play for both children and adults, highlighting how play fuels learning, creativity, and well-being across the lifespan. Drawing on the latest brain research and practical strategies including insights from Feel Good Productivity by Ali Abdaal, the session demonstrates why play is essential for young learners and adults seeking to reignite their passion, productivity, and joy. Participants will engage in interactive activities, hear real-world advocacy stories from Teach Plus Illinois and The Change Collective, and discover how local, national, and global movements (like the National and International Days of Play) advance equitable, play-based learning. The session also addresses barriers to play, offers actionable resources, and empowers attendees to become champions for play in their communities and lives. Attendees will leave with renewed energy, practical tools, and a clear call to action, ready to prioritize play for themselves and those they serve.

Yoly Figueroa: Pequeños/Small Ones

Arch Room, Session II Only

El juego permite a los niños a interactuar desde pequeños con quienes los rodean y a desarrollar nuevas habilidades que fomentan la creatividad y la independencia. También les ayuda a prender a resolver problemas socializar y mucho más. Esta presentación proveerá información sobre las diferentes teorías del juego sus beneficios características etapas del juego en la primera infancia y las señales de alarma en el juego de lo niños en relación a sus habilidades.

Carole Stephens Make Music Your Super Power!

Lake Room

Ignite imagination & creativity, connect neural pathways & community! Music is a universal language children of all abilities can learn through, creating joy and skills in the process. We’ll sing, dance and LEARN!

Melinda Martinez – Epperson, Master Teacher & Founder of The Play Lab Play It Forward: Building Powerful Partnerships Through Play

Louis Room, networking event & lunch

Join us for a fast-paced, hands-on networking lunch where play meets purpose! Connect with passionate advocates, map your collective strengths, brainstorm creative ways to champion play-based learning, and leave with new partnerships and a personal commitment to advocacy. Discover how easy-and-fun it is to build a movement when you play together!