2010 Alberta Early Years Conference Wednesday Workshop

Dr. Roberta Golinkoff - Playing for the Future: Preparing 21st Century Children for a Global World.
Edward Zigler, the father of the Head Start program, wrote that “play is under siege.” But why let children play? Is it a waste of time when there is so much they need to learn? Should we be emphasizing memorization or teaching children in a playful and engaging way? This talk highlights the importance of play and playful learning. It will describe the power of play not only for school achievement but also for the development of the social and emotional skills children need for future success.

Dr. Roberta Golinkoff is a H. Rodney Sharp Professor in the School of Education at the University of Delaware and has joint appointments in the Department of Psychology and the Department of Linguistics and Cognitive Science.

Those who work with young children have the best opportunity to lay the foundation of experiences that strengthen a child from within. In order to rear caring, responsible children, we must meet basic needs for Belonging, Mastery, Independence , and Generosity. These were called the Circle of Courage in Reclaiming Youth at Risk: Our Hope for the Future by Larry Brendtro, Martin Brokenleg, and Steve Van Bockern (National Educational Service, 2002). The Circle of Courage philosophy operates at the level where all children are alike regardless of the ethnic community from which they come. This presentation shows how caregivers, families, and communities are using these Circle of Courage principles as a birthright for all children and a blueprint for growing greatness in youngsters.

Dr. Martin Brokenleg is an Emeritus Professor and most recently Director of Native Ministries and Professor of First Nations Theology and Ministry at the Vancouver School of Theology in Vancouver, British Columbia.

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