6.4 Lessons from the Sandbox: Discovering Play and Embracing the Whole Child through the Lens of Fred RogersPresenter: Dr. Kathleen Harris Title: Dean School of Education and Applied Social Sciences Organization: Seton Hill University Co-Presenter: Shelby Ilich Co-Presenter: Sara Shadwick Workshop Description A section of the workshop will be devoted to play through Mister Rogers’ Eyes. Children need to play. “Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children, play is serious learning. At various times, play is a way to cope with life and to prepare for adulthood. Playing is a way to solve problems and to express feelings. In fact, play is the real work of childhood” (Rogers, 1994, p. 47). Family members’ watch children play and mimic the world around them. Children engage in various types of play which are vital for development. Families can utilize the beliefs of Fred Rogers to better understand their children and promote a safe, nurturing environment for development. The wisdom of Fred Rogers guides how families view and approach play with their children. Part of the workshop will explore the joy of children’s play through the eyes of a mother guiding a child’s imagination with wonder and new discoveries. Educators attending will participate in play activities inspired by Fred Rogers. The workshop will also focus on the trials and tribulations of a mother supporting her child who is on the Autism Spectrum. The mother’s journey goes from denial to acceptance that the child has a disability. As educators, we must provide information and guidance for families seeking an understanding of Autism. Supporting parents with knowledge of Autism and services will give additional help. Ultimately, our role as educators will determine the families and their student’s success. Discovering what her child needed was not an easy task. Fred Rogers provides the best example, which includes unconditional acceptance and compassion for every child. Fred Rogers did not discriminate; he made all children feel important and unique and just the way they are. The concept and compassion for all students with disabilities are what we all aspire to achieve. Inclusionary literature will be introduced and shared with educators along with opportunities to role play and discuss ways educators can be powerful 'change agents' for families who are raising children with disabilities. |