This session provides a practical look at executive functioning (EF) skills and how they shape early learning. We’ll break down how EF—like attention, memory, and self-regulation—connects to speech and language development in Pre-K and Kindergarten students. We will work towards a better understanding of EF challenges in young learners and simple, effective strategies to build EF skills into everyday classroom routines.
This session focuses on the effective use of play-based learning to manage and guide behavior in children. Play is a natural, engaging way for children to learn social, emotional, and cognitive skills, and when used thoughtfully, it can be a powerful tool in managing behavior. Through structured and unstructured play activities, educators can create environments that foster positive behaviors, build emotional resilience, and teach problem-solving skills.
In this session, we will cover general articulation strategies to support clear speech in young learners and increase sound awareness. We'll review "Communakit," a playful classroom resource, that can be used to integrate monthly language goals set by SLPs into a small group or center to continue learning in a fun, engaging way.
Play fosters creativity, independence, problem solving and ownership in learning. This workshop will provide you with ways to successfully incorporate play into any class and give you ideas to use in your next lesson.
