First 5 Mendocino hosted a Professional Training in their State of the Child series March 5th at the Ukiah Valley Conference Center, bringing Dr. Tina Payne Bryson and Georgie Wisen-Vincent to Ukiah. The workshop centered around their insightful new book, The Way of Play: Using Little Moments of Big Connection to Raise Calm and Confident Kids. This inspiring and engaging full-day session explored the profound impact of play on child development and the essential role it plays in fostering emotional intelligence.

Key Takeaways:

• Importance of Play: The workshop emphasized that play is not just a leisure activity; it is crucial for children’s cognitive, social, and emotional growth. A central message to their new book is “when kids can’t say it, they play it.”
• Playful Parenting: Bryson and Wisen-Vincent shared strategies for parents and educators to incorporate play into daily routines, enhancing connection and communication with children. When children play with a trusted and loving adult in their lives, and they experience “mutual delight,” they are then building the healthy and secure relationships.
• Practical Strategies: Attendees learned various playful techniques and activities that promote learning through exploration and creativity. They covered the 7 strategies outlined in their new book that teaches effective play with children Those strategies include: Think out loud, Make yourself a mirror, Bring emotions to life, Dial intensity up and down, Set play parameters, Scaffold & stretch, and Narrate to Integrate.
• Benefits of Play: Discussion included how play can help children learn about their emotions, connect with parents and caregivers, and process difficult experiences. As adults in their lives learn these play strategies and tools, children will benefit in incredible ways with strong brains and emotional resilience.

Audience Engagement: Participants had the opportunity to engage in interactive play scenarios, table discussions, and asking questions, making the workshop not only informative but also a collaborative learning experience.

This inspiring and empowering workshop with Tina Bryson and Georgie Wisen-Vincent provided valuable insights into The Way of Play, reinforcing the idea that nurturing a playful environment is vital for the holistic development of children. Attendees left with a copy of their new book, practical tools to implement in their homes and classrooms, and a deeper understanding of how to foster a culture of play that supports growth and connection.