Lively Minds at Play: Supporting Intellectual Engagement in Early Childhood

“The primary aim of education is to enable youngsters to learn how to invent themselves—to learn how to create their own minds.” – Elliot Eisner

This 3-day session explores play as an ideal setting for engaging children’s minds and promoting intellectual growth. Through activities, presentations, classroom observation, and discussions, participants will consider what it means for children to have lively minds, how play promotes intrinsic motivation and intellectual engagement, and how building knowledge and skills can be integrated within the process of play. Educators from Bing will examine play experiences that engage children’s exploration of math, literacy, science, music, and more. The session will focus on the importance of stimulating development of children’s intellectual competencies and dispositions, engaging their “lively minds” (Katz, 2015).

Hosted by the Kordestani Program for Parents and Educators at Bing Nursery School.

Session Days and Times:

Wednesday, July 24: 10:00am - 6:00 pm

Thursday, July 25: 8:30 am - 4:00 pm

Friday, July 26: 8:30 am - 3:00 pm

Registration Information:

Open to Early Childhood Educators. Limited to 30 participants total. Limit of three participants from one organization.

Fee: $750 (lunches and opening dinner included). Full payment due upon registration to secure a ticket.

Registration will open on April 1, 2024 at 9am.

Refund policy: Withdrawal by May 10, 2024 for a full refund. Refunds will not be granted after May 10.

Certificate of course completion provided. Separately, in conjunction with Stanford Continuing Studies Program Special Programs (CSP SP), participants can receive an optional 2 units or 20 professional development hours upon course completion for an additional $75 (paid separately by check).

Contact [email protected] with questions.

Visit bingschool.stanford.edu/educators for more information.

Participation Disclaimer:

Registration as a Summer Session for Educators participant and attendance at or participation in events on campus or other Bing Nursery School or Stanford University activities constitutes an agreement by the participant to the University’s use, licensing, and distribution (both now and in the future) of the participant’s image or voice in photographs, videotapes, electronic reproductions, or audiotapes of such events and activities. Such images or voice recordings may appear in a variety of media, including, but not limited to websites, Facebook, and other promotional materials.

Host or Publisher Bing Nursery School