In this intensive, 90-minute workshop we will demystify the power of play by exploring the compelling neuroscience that proves its essential role in child development. Based on the Play-Activated Learning (PAL) Model from the book Nurturing Brilliance, this session moves beyond theory to provide a clear, science-backed framework for understanding how play builds a smarter, more resilient, and more regulated brain. You will leave with the language and confidence
to advocate for play as the gold standard of early education, grounded in a practical understanding of what’s happening inside a child’s mind.
Learning Objectives – Participants will be able to: Articulate the limitations of traditional educational models versus the benefits of a play-activated approach
-Identify the four pillars of the PAL Model: Permission, Choice, Repetition, and Voice
-Explain the core brain science associated with each pillar (e.g., sensory integration, the limbic system, myelination, and language centers)
-Connect specific play behaviours (like wandering, repetition, or imaginative dialogue) to critical brain development processes
-Apply this understanding to make one immediate, impactful shift in their educational practice.