Administration with Holy Trinity Catholic School Division is thrilled that a world-renowned educator from New Zealand is coming to Moose Jaw to discuss how to improve student learning through play.
“Holy Trinity is always actively exploring educational best practices and evolving pedagogy to help meet the needs of each of our students,” said education director Ward Strueby. “Our goal is to have our students actively engaged in their learning and excited to come to school.”
Laura Adrian, the division’s early years learning facilitator, has been engaged in play pedagogy for several years and has had the opportunity to discuss this approach with Aiono, Strueby continued. This connection is how the three-day workshop arose.
April 22 is a full-day workshop at the Events Centre where attendees will experience “the magic of play” through an introduction to play pedagogy. April 23 will feature two half-day talks: one about teaching the curriculum through play and a second about teachers’ roles in a play-based curriculum.
“There is a great deal of excitement leading up to this event, and we have 170 participants attending from across the province,” said Strueby.
On April 24, Aiono will offer a free community-focused parent/caregiver session that will uncover how the human brain grows and develops when humans are engaged in learning through play, he added.
The former educator will share insights into why play is crucial for brain development and provide strategies to bridge the gaps for children as they grow and enter “an unpredictable and ever-changing world.”
The division is thrilled that Aiono is travelling from New Zealand to share her expertise and passion with people here, especially since play pedagogy has the potential to transform the way children experience their learning environment, said Adrian.
“Play fuels curiosity, sparks creativity and inspires a lifelong love of learning. In our province, many educators and professionals who work with children already practice elements of Play-Base Learning,” she continued.
“We feel honoured that Dr. Aiono recognizes our current efforts and is willing to guide us as we continue to develop our skills.”
As a practitioner and consultant, the former New Zealand educator’s knowledge and skill set will support Holy Trinity’s theoretical and practical knowledge in the areas where it works and learns alongside children, added Adrian. The division eagerly anticipated Aiono’s arrival and looked forward to learning more.
To register for the public presentation, click here.
