Gifted Program Director & Professor Emporia State University, Kansas
Short description: Childhood playgrounds may evoke memories as inclusive spaces full of possibilities, challenges, and risk-taking. What if teachers brought creative playground energy into classrooms across the educational spectrum? How might playground autonomy and freedom transform teaching and learning? This interactive session immerses participants in themed playground activities that energize social-emotional intelligence, empathetic communication, equitable collaboration, and creative productivity in diverse P-16 classrooms.
Learning Outcomes: Participants will:
Dispel myths about the value of creativity in classrooms
Practice restorative playground strategies that energize classrooms
Access resources to plan virtual and in-person playground classroom experiences