STEMposium
STEMposium
the power of play
“Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood.”
-Fred Rogers
Play is foundational to learning in early childhood education. It is the cornerstone of development – a necessity.
By the time a child is three years old, over 70% of neural wiring is complete. Play is a critical component of brain development. Russian psychologist Lev Vgotsky recognized that children actively learn when immersed in hands-on experiences. As children play, their knowledge is building upon itself, a process dubbed by Vgotsky as “scaffolding”.
Through play, children develop cognitive, social, and emotional fluencies. With the proper support, educators and mentors can present children with the opportunities to embrace playful learning, tapping into an innate love of learning and inspiring a child-centered approach to education.
Designed to spark your love of learning and stretch your thinking, we will explore the practical applications of play in education and more broadly, human development. Registration includes a full day of learning from experts in the field, lunch, and networking opportunities.
DATE & TIME
Thursday, Nov. 9th, 2023
9:00AM – 3:00PM
AGENDA
Coming Soon!
discussions 
& insights
Speakers will present on the power of play with topics ranging from:
Keynote Speaker
Dr. Stuart Brown
Founder, National Institute of Play
Speakers
Nancy Acosta-Mesa
Early Intervention Specialist, ARC of San Diego
Neville Billimoria
SVP Marketing & Community Relations, Mission Fed Credit Union
David Bronner
CEO, Dr. Bronner’s
Satyan Devadoss
Fletcher Jones Professor of Applied Mathematics and Professor of Computer Science, USD
Pradeep Gidwani
Medical Director, HDS & First Steps at American Academy of Pediatrics – California Chapter 3
Bianca Gregori
Children’s Bereavement Program Manager, The Elizabeth Hospice
Diane Lowrie
Expressive Arts Educator Early Intervention Services, ARC of San Diego
Samira Moosavi
Children’s Bereavement Coordinator, The Elizabeth Hospice
Whitney Raser
Director of Education, San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum
STEMposium
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