The Science of Play: A framework for deep, joyful, and developmentally essential learning by Amanda Morgan, MS

Play isn’t a break from learning—it is learning. Yet in classrooms around the world, play is often the first thing squeezed out by mounting academic pressures. In this eye-opening session, Amanda Morgan—author of Not Just Cute: How Powerful Play Drives Development in Early Childhood—will explore why play is not only developmentally appropriate, but developmentally essential for all children.

Blending research, real-world examples, and her signature warmth and wit, Amanda will guide you through the Recognize–Emphasize–Maximize Method—a practical framework for making play purposeful and powerful in any early childhood setting. Whether you're a teacher on the ground or a leader shaping program direction, this session will reframe the way you view play—and inspire you to champion it with clarity and confidence.

By the end of this session, you will be able to:

1. Identify common misconceptions about play and learn how to reframe them to more effectively address challenges.

2. Confidently explain why play is critical to whole-child development.

3. Apply the Recognize–Emphasize–Maximize framework to reflect on and improve current classroom or program practices.

4. Advocate for play in ways that reflect current research and resonate with colleagues, families, and stakeholders.

5. Maximize the impact of play by designing experiences and environments that support agency, joy, and deep learning.