Playful Minds in the Age of AI: Reclaiming Human Connection Pre-K – 12
3 credits / 45 hours
Instructor Denise Black
Course Description
While current educational trends often prioritize rigorous academic achievement over unstructured exploration, we are depriving our students of their right to find their own unique potential. Despite a growing lack of understanding regarding its importance, play remains a vital, transformative tool that fosters executive function and equity across all grade levels. This course is designed to provide educators with a comprehensive understanding of how play serves as a foundational pillar for equitable and engaging learning environments. Throughout five specialized blocks, we will bridge the gap between theory and practice, starting with the neuroscience and cognitive benefits of play. You will explore several types of play, from physical and constructive to dramatic. You will be able to see how these strategies evolve across grade levels to meet the unique needs of students from early childhood through high school. Furthermore, we will delve into the practicalities of designing playful environments. This course will conclude by equipping you with the tools for advocacy and policy change, ensuring you can champion the vital role of play in modern education.
Price range: $285.00 through $580.00
Course Description
While current educational trends often prioritize rigorous academic achievement over unstructured exploration, we are depriving our students of their right to find their own unique potential. Despite a growing lack of understanding regarding its importance, play remains a vital, transformative tool that fosters executive function and equity across all grade levels. This course is designed to provide educators with a comprehensive understanding of how play serves as a foundational pillar for equitable and engaging learning environments. Throughout five specialized blocks, we will bridge the gap between theory and practice, starting with the neuroscience and cognitive benefits of play. You will explore several types of play, from physical and constructive to dramatic. You will be able to see how these strategies evolve across grade levels to meet the unique needs of students from early childhood through high school. Furthermore, we will delve into the practicalities of designing playful environments. This course will conclude by equipping you with the tools for advocacy and policy change, ensuring you can champion the vital role of play in modern education.
Course Objectives
Students that enroll in this class will...
Know
1. The neuroscience behind play, including its impact on brain development and neuroplasticity
2. Key executive function skills are bolstered by play, such as self-regulation, working memory, and flexible thinking
3. The different types of play (e.g., physical, constructive, fantasy, and games with rules) and their specific educational values
4. The distinctions between free play and guided play
5. Current education policies regarding recess, curriculum mandates, and accountability systems
Understand
1. How play serves as a Zone of Proximal Development based on Vygotsky’s theory
2. The evolution of play from early childhood through high school and its continued relevance in adolescent development
3. The relationship between play and Social-Emotional Learning (SEL), including empathy and conflict resolution.
4. The importance of play equity and the disparities in access to playful learning environments
5. How inclusive play strategies support neurodiverse learners and cultural responsiveness.
and Be Able To
1. Design flexible classroom environments and select materials that invite exploration and playful learning
2. Integrate play-based strategies into various subjects, such as STEM through constructive play or literacy through dramatic play
3. Assess students’ progress through play using observational techniques and formative feedback
4. Implement gamification, simulations, and role-play tailored to specific grade levels from Pre-K to Grade 12
5. Advocate for play-based approaches by communicating their impact to stakeholders and decision-makers
