IPA USA 2024 RIGHT2PLAY, RIGHT NOW: Full Schedule

Welcome to the IPA USA 2024 Conference, The Right to Play, RIGHT NOW! To ensure ease in registration, here are a few tricks.

Once you have purchased your ticket for the conference, you will be directed to a Registration Form. This form is not just a document; it’s a key part of our planning process, and your participation is highly valued. Please complete it to help us track attendees for each of the special events.

If you wish to enhance your conference experience by adding a T-shirt or the Saturday Evening Celebration, you can do so by visiting this page: https://ipausa2024right2playnow.sched.com/?iframe=no

To add the T-shirt or the Saturday Evening Celebration to your registration, click on the ’Reserve Tickets’ button and select the option/s you want to add on.

If you want to attend the Pre-Conference, please follow the link below to register.

PreConference Session – Wednesday, September 25 – 9:30-2:30 pm
Connecting Children with Nature: A Practical Workshop for Educators
Follow this link to register for the preconference——https://events.humanitix.com/connecting-children-workshop

Looking forward to seeing you in Greenville, SC

Deb, President, IPA USA

9:30am EDT

Teaching By Example: Creating Playful Spaces in Higher Education

Thursday September 26, 2024 9:30am - 10:30am EDT

Children's Museum Rm Discover It LOWER LEVEL

In this presentation I will discuss strategies implemented to transform my role as college instructor and promote learning through play while creating a more playful atmosphere in the university classroom for pre-service teachers. This included introducing the use of manipulatives into our learning space, more playful cooperative learning, and multiple methods of demonstrating learning. By reevaluating my course methods and content, I have been able to model for students how play supports learning and how we can find playful ways to explore any content.

Presenters

Andrea Sanchez

Andrea Sanchez is an advocate, researcher, teacher, and mother, with over two decades in the early childhood field. For the past twelve years, Andrea has served as a kindergarten teacher, working to create a classroom environment where curiosity is nurtured and every child feels valued... Read More →

Thursday September 26, 2024 9:30am - 10:30am EDT
Children's Museum Rm Discover It LOWER LEVEL

Session

10:45am EDT

How Authentic Play in STEM Fosters Cog. Development

Thursday September 26, 2024 10:45am - 11:45am EDT

Children's Museum Rm Discover It LOWER LEVEL

In this session, the author will explore the various research supports and frameworks that provide evidence for expansive cognitive growth and development when children are engaged in authentic (freely chosen) play in STEM contexts. Play in STEM areas including play with toys promotes concept development, problem solving, critical thinking, an increased imagination, and opportunities to build STEM understandings and identity.

Presenters

Brian Stone

Dr. Brian A. Stone is an Assistant Professor at Northern Arizona University. He teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in science and social studies methods, play education, and assessment. He is a Play Ambassador for The Genius of Play, and he is the faculty lead for the Professional... Read More →

Thursday September 26, 2024 10:45am - 11:45am EDT
Children's Museum Rm Discover It LOWER LEVEL

Session

1:15pm EDT

Cardboard Connections: Using Non-traditional manipulative

Thursday September 26, 2024 1:15pm - 2:15pm EDT

Children's Museum Rm Discover It LOWER LEVEL

This interactive session will inspire participants to embrace the role of the playful learner as we explore engagement via nontraditional manipulatives as a learning strategy. Using cost-effective materials, such as cardboard, tape, paper, etc., all not considered typical manipulatives of play, participants will brainstorm, build, and collaborate to solve a playful problem. This session is designed to be easily transferred and adapted for specific students, learning needs, and learning environments. It will include a brief introduction, play time, and group reflection, fostering a highly collaborative and reflective environment.

Presenters

Maddy Moreland

Clemson University

Maddy is an artist, a player, and a Ph.D. student at Clemson University. She focuses on arts education as a critical component of all teacher education and play’s pedagogical role, especially within arts education, to engage learning for all students. She recently completed her... Read More →

Thursday September 26, 2024 1:15pm - 2:15pm EDT
Children's Museum Rm Discover It LOWER LEVEL

Session

2:30pm EDT

The Canadian Center for Outdoor Play

Thursday September 26, 2024 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT

Children's Museum Rm Discover It LOWER LEVEL

With many children spending up to 30 hrs/wk in childcare programs, entrenching the delivery of childcare outside is an opportunity to promote access to outdoor play and learning and its benefits for a greater diversity of children. An ongoing challenge in advancing outdoor play and learning is the disconnect between government, researchers, educators and policymakers. To address this, we have launched the Canadian Centre for Outdoor Play, a national demonstration site for advancing policy, practice and research on outdoor play and learning. Our presentation will provide an overview of this initiative where promoting equity is at the core of our work.

Presenters

Louise de Lannoy

Executive Director, Outdoor Play Canada

Dr. Louise de Lannoy completed her PhD at Queen’s University in clinical exercise physiology. Her interests in population health and knowledge translation led her to join the Healthy Active Living and Obesity Research Team at the CHEO Research Institute in 2020 where she became... Read More →

Bayan Kaid

Bayan Kaid is a Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE) who recently graduated from the Bachelor or Early Learning and Community Development (BELCD) honours degree program at Algonquin College, and was recently selected as the 2024-2025 Canadian Centre for Outdoor Play (CCOP... Read More →

Thursday September 26, 2024 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
Children's Museum Rm Discover It LOWER LEVEL

Session

3:45pm EDT

Designing Dynamic Outdoor Environments for Infants and Toddlers

Thursday September 26, 2024 3:45pm - 4:45pm EDT

Children's Museum Rm Discover It LOWER LEVEL

A presentation that includes photos and designs of toddler spaces created by Green Space Learning, photos of toddlers at play in nature spaces, 10 minutes for participants to brainstorm ways to use these ideas in their programs. 10 minutes for Q&A

Presenters

Bethene Edwards

Beth Edwards (MS.ECE) is a seasoned early childhood educator with over 35 years as a toddler teacher, preschool administrator and trainer. As a passionate advocate for preserving the essence of play in Childhood, Beth champions the importance of creating unique and intentional indoor... Read More →

Thursday September 26, 2024 3:45pm - 4:45pm EDT
Children's Museum Rm Discover It LOWER LEVEL

Session

10:30am EDT

Stepping Back: Creating Spaces for Children's Nature Play & Empathy to Flourish

Friday September 27, 2024 10:30am - 11:30am EDT

Children's Museum Rm Discover It LOWER LEVEL

Stepping back not only supports the child’s right to play it creates space and opportunity for their social-emotional development. This session explores the role of the adult in children’s nature play: by adopting a posture of deep observation and offering opportunities to practice, we adults can create an opening for children to use their play in remarkable, developmentally appropriate ways to connect with their peers and the earth. Brought to life by real stories, concrete strategies will be shared to apply in your unique context.

Presenters

Claire Underwood

Claire Underwood (MEEd) is a Doctoral Student at the University of Cincinnati, where she is the Editorial Assistant for the Children, Youth, Environments Journal and conducts research with the Arlitt Center for Education, Research, & Sustainability. Since 2021, Claire has researched... Read More →

Friday September 27, 2024 10:30am - 11:30am EDT
Children's Museum Rm Discover It LOWER LEVEL

Session

11:45am EDT

Nature Play: Not Just Woods & White Kids

Friday September 27, 2024 11:45am - 12:45pm EDT

Children's Museum Rm Discover It LOWER LEVEL

In our presentation titled "Nature Play: Not Just Woods and White Kids," we embark on a journey to explore the multifaceted relationship between children and nature, while shedding light on the disparities and challenges that hinder equitable access to outdoor experiences. Throughout this session, we delve into the diverse ways in which our interactions with nature shape our worldview, examining the profound impact of our early experiences in natural environments on our perceptions and attitudes towards the world around us.

Central to our discussion is the exploration of nature optics and their role in perpetuating exclusionary messaging. We critically examine how societal narratives and cultural norms contribute to the marginalization of certain communities, reinforcing the misconception that nature is primarily for privileged individuals. By investigating the optics of nature, we aim to uncover the underlying biases and systemic barriers that limit access to nature-based experiences for marginalized groups.

Moreover, we tackle the pressing issue of finding quality, access, and equity in nature, addressing the nature gap and its far-reaching implications. Through an exploration of systemic, financial, and mental barriers, we illuminate the myriad challenges that prevent children from accessing outdoor spaces and engaging in nature play. By recognizing and interrogating these barriers, we aim to foster a deeper understanding of the inequities that exist within our educational systems and society at large.

Finally, we transition to a discussion on actionable changes that educators can implement in their classrooms to provide equitable experiences in nature for every child. Drawing on best practices and innovative strategies, we offer practical solutions for overcoming barriers and creating inclusive outdoor learning environments. From redesigning outdoor spaces to integrating nature-based curriculum activities, we empower educators to champion equity and accessibility in nature play.

In summary, our presentation seeks to challenge traditional notions of nature play by advocating for inclusivity, diversity, and equity in outdoor experiences. By examining the optics of nature, addressing systemic barriers, and proposing actionable solutions, we strive to create a future where every child has the opportunity to explore, learn, and thrive in the natural world, regardless of their background or circumstances. Together, let us embrace the transformative power of nature play and work towards a more equitable and sustainable future for all.

Presenters

Kisa Marx

Kisa Marx is a Child Advocate and Anti-Oppression Educator with over two decades in the field of Early Childhood Development. In late 2023, she blazed a path towards healing, justice, and joy through a liberation focused pedagogy and founded The Play Lab Foundation. This non-profit... Read More →

Friday September 27, 2024 11:45am - 12:45pm EDT
Children's Museum Rm Discover It LOWER LEVEL

2:00pm EDT

Play and Sneaky Teaching

Friday September 27, 2024 2:00pm - 3:00pm EDT

Children's Museum Rm Discover It LOWER LEVEL

Educated by Nature are strong believers and advocates in children naturally learn through play. There are no PowerPoint presentations in this unique workshop, but an opportunity to be immersed in play! On-entry, participants are provided with a 'play station' to attend and a 'role' to play. Roles include children of different ages with different personality types, educators and observers. Through role play, participants explore materials and have fun being able to act out children they know so well! At the conclusion of the time of play, participants assigned to the 'observer role' are invited to share. As a group, we will discuss how adults encourage or hinder play, examine the depth of learning that has developed in 'sneaky' ways and reflect on this type of learning. The ultimate 'sneaky teacher' is able to encourage play and learning in a single session! This workshop requires a minimum of 25 participants.

Presenters

Daniel Burton

CEO, Educated by Nature (Australia)

Daniel Burton is the CEO and co-founder of Educated by Nature, a world leader in play-based nature education. He is a qualified teacher, rites of passage facilitator, and education consultant. Daniels's workshops combine research and practica examples to teach research-based pedagogies... Read More →

Friday September 27, 2024 2:00pm - 3:00pm EDT
Children's Museum Rm Discover It LOWER LEVEL

Session

3:15pm EDT

How learning DIRFloortime supports meaningful play and development of children with unique developmental journeys

Friday September 27, 2024 3:15pm - 4:15pm EDT

Children's Museum Rm Discover It LOWER LEVEL

This presentation will introduce a developmental framework for human development. The session will support participants in understanding ways to join and engage children in their play - that is meaningful to the child - but also in ways that support increased regulation and engagement in order to support the development of the child. Play is a right of every child and DIRFloortime is a respectful methodology for kids with developmental differences that uses play to support development while considering the Functional Emotional Developmental Capacities as a guide.

Presenters

Gretchen Kamka

Gretchen Kamke, MS, OTR/L, DIR-Expert works full-time for ICDL coaching parents and clinicians using DIRFloortime® as they support their children and clients through unique developmental journeys. Gretchen has advanced training in sensory integrative processing and continues to have... Read More →

Friday September 27, 2024 3:15pm - 4:15pm EDT
Children's Museum Rm Discover It LOWER LEVEL

Session

IPA USA 2024 RIGHT2PLAY, RIGHT NOW

From $20.00