Kindergarten: Where Play and Learning Can Meet

Wednesday, December 12, 2018

Time: 6:00 p.m.–7:30 p.m. Central Time

Location:
Lukancic Middle School Auditorium
725 Normantown Rd.
Romeoville, Illinois

Description:

What can kindergarteners gain from play-based learning? Kindergarten: Where Play and Learning Can Meet is a documentary that explores the advantages associated with a play-based approach in kindergarten and features stories of how two Illinois school districts—Valley View School District 365U and Elgin Area School District U-46—made the transition to play-based learning.

The documentary also includes scientific findings about the cognitive and social-emotional benefits of play from experts Dr. Roberta Golinkoff (University of Delaware), Dr. Christina Weiland (University of Michigan), and Dr. Eboni Howard (American Institutes for Research). Kindergarten: Where Play and Learning Can Meet was produced in partnership with WTTW Channel 11 and the Midwest Early Childhood Research Alliance at REL Midwest.

REL Midwest is hosting a screening to provide an opportunity for community members to ask questions about the research and programs featured in the documentary. After the screening, REL Midwest is facilitating a panel discussion with documentary participants.

Partnership: Midwest Early Childhood Education Research Alliance

Speakers:

• Jillian Tsoukalas, Executive Director of Elementary Services, Valley View School District
• Teresa Therres Kindergarten Teacher, Valley View School District
• Jessica Cwiakala, Kindergarten Teacher, Valley View School District
• Patsy Guzman, Kindergarten Teacher, Valley View School District
• Sarah Rand, Producer and Communications Consultant, REL Midwest

Resources:

• Event agenda [114 KB ]
• Viewing guide [2,275 KB ]