Teacher Training: The Benefits of Play for Young Children

Through play, children learn to regulate their behavior, lay foundations for later academic skill sets (math, science…etc.), grow and nurture problem-solving skills, establish and maintain social relationships, and so much more.

However, in spite of play being recognized as a central component to healthy child development by most child expert across academic and medical fields, the time in which children are allowed to engage in play continues to decrease often as a result of ill-suited rising academic standards. This workshop will explore the importance of play in healthy developing children and provide hands-on ways of incorporating play in the classroom.

Trainers:

Dr. Bonny Stewart is a Licensed Psychologist, Licensed Specialist in School Psychology (LSSP), and Registered Play Therapist who specializes in working with children, adolescents, and parents. She has extensive training in diagnostic evaluations, independent educational evaluations, and play therapy. Dr. Stewart’s focus is to help parents and children identify tools, resources, and strengths specific to their needs in order to be successful and independent. She utilizes play therapy to improve emotional regulation, self-esteem, and social skills.

Liz Ener, PhD, LPC, NCC, RPT specializes in play therapy and psychoeducational/diagnostic evaluation. Dr. Ener works with children experiencing    a wide range of emotional, behavioral, and academic struggles (learning related struggles, ADHD, anxiety, depression, aggression, gifted children, and grief/loss) in the school and agency settings.  In addition to her roles at JFS, Dr. Ener additionally teaches graduate level counseling courses at Southern Methodist University and University of North Texas.

Date: Wednesday, January 30, 2019

6:30pm Dinner; $15 per person

7:00pm-9:00pm Training

Place: JFS Board Room, 5402 Arapaho Road