There is so much information out there about play based learning that you don't even know where to start?
You need the support of like minded people to walk through this jouney with you?
Struggle to explain to parents the benefits of play based learning?
Want to give children a developmentally appropriate environment but struggle letting go of societal expectations?
The Play Based Masterclass was designed to help early childhood educators transform their practice from dabbling with play, to fully play based. From teacher directed to child centered. From stressful and structured, to relaxed and magical.
Access to the course materials begins immediately when you enroll. Campers will learn the foundations of play based learning, the nuts and bolts of a play based learning environment, the adult's role in the environment and so much more!
I CAN'T WAIT
This course had given me the confidence I needed to shout PLAY from the rooftops!! The content was fun and easy to follow, even with a busy schedule. I love connecting with like-minded educators, which was truly an invaluable part of the experience!
The Play Based Learning Masterclass has been such an amazing experience! Kristen gives you so much information in an organized fashion that makes sense and isn't overwhelming. I was able to do this course at my own pace so I didn't have to sacrifice family time to complete it. I loved that I was able to have a "TROOP" of people that are all on a play based journey and are able to share resources and support each other. Kristen created a safe learning environment where people can ask questions and get advice. I am on my way to being a better teacher for my kids and I have let go of my worries about what other people think because I am now armed with knowledge and research that supports my practice.
You could build the early childhood classroom or program you've dreamed of.
You could ditch detailed lesson plans and set up the classroom environment for optimal discovery and exploration.
You could reignite your passion for early childhood education and remember why you chose this path.
You could have the confidence to fully implement play based learning and give children a magical childhood.
I WANT TO BE A CAMPER!Nine years ago I was teaching preschool in a traditional program. I was overwhelmed with planning and prepping and teaching AT children. I struggled with behavior management, and fitting in all of the letters of the alphabet and getting kids to sit still at circle time.
Then I found play. I leaned in. I learned and reflected and implemented. I created a preschool in my community that gives children the most magical childhood.
In the process of starting my own program, I was overwhelmed with all of the information out there about play based learning. I didn't know what to implement and when to implement it. I spent the last 8 years gathering and implementing and here I am now...
I did the work for you so I could be here to guide you through your journey.
If you are ready to put full belief in years of brain research that clearly shows that children learn through play, I am inviting you to become a troop member at Camp Play. I want to walk this journey with you, give you the tools you need and be your biggest cheerleader!
✓ you yearn to teach in a more developmentally appropriate way
✓ you want to fine tune your play knowledge
✓ you want a program or classroom that supports brain research
✓ you want to transform into a confident advocate for play
✓ you want a community of people to support your play based learning journey
Play
the definition of play, what play is and what it isn't, the foundations of early childhood and the power of relationships in a play environment
Environment
indoor spaces and outdoor spaces, how to facilitate play through the classroom environment, loose parts, open ended materials and more
The Adult's Role
documentation, planning, assessment, supporting turn taking, risk taking, voluntary sympathy, rough and tumble play and communication
Essentials
supporting children with time, space, freedom, a yes environment, process art, creativity and movement
Earn your badges in play based learning foundations! Meet the OG influencers of play theory, discover what play is, the stages of teacher development, developmentally appropriate practice, play schema and the stages of play.
The bulk of your badges will be earned in this stage of camp! You will learn what it means to be a play facilitator, the essential daily elements in a play based program, why TIME is one of the most important indicators of success in a play based program, planning for play, mythbusting what a 'teacher' looks like in early childhood, documentation, communication with grown ups, loose parts, the indoor and outdoor environments and planning for play!
Once you have earned your badges in base and play camp, you will become a junior counselor! In this part of camp you will learn strategies to create a truly child centered approach to early learning. Turn taking, voluntary sympathy, power play, circle time, clean up time, social and emotional support, and confronting your own bias to truly see children for the whole people they are.
The canteen is where you find all the goodies... Access to Kristen's parent handbook, parent letters, conference forms and assessment tools based on early learning benchmarks, planning tools, ideas for all the areas in your indoor and outdoor learning environment and the Camp Trail Guide for PLAY! PLUS MORE!
Camp PLAY includes:
- 10 years of experience and personal research compiled into powerful, bite size chunks
- access to the video and lesson library with over 32 training videos
- access to all of Kristen's program handbooks, play handouts and assessment forms
- a 50+ page pdf Camp Trail Guide (workbook)
- a completion certificate totaling 24 hours
- ENROLL TODAY and get all the upgrades the course will get in a few months
Ditch the boxed curriculum and actually engage the children in play?
Start facilitating play and feel confident when talking about play?
Join a group of like-minded educators?
Give children the gift of a magical and developmentally appropriate childhood?
Discover the magic that can happen when children are trusted with their own learning?
YES I AM!