Elevating Joy: Play-based cultures where teachers and children flourish

Elevating Joy: Cultivating play-based cultures where teachers and children flourish

“It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression & knowledge.” – Albert Einstein

This 3-day session promotes joy as an essential aim for early childhood education, for both children and educators. It examines elements of the educational culture in classrooms and highlights play as an ideal setting for cultivating a joyful culture. Through activities, presentations, classroom observation, and discussions, participants will consider what essential goals for early childhood are, how classroom culture influences opportunities for joy, the role of the teacher in shaping the classroom culture, and how educators can promote joy through purposeful practice. Educators from Bing will share experiences of joy in their classrooms, shedding light on the role of planning, personal interests and experience, collaboration, spontaneity, and presence.

Hosted by the Kordestani Program for Parents and Educators at Bing Nursery School.

Session Days and Times:

Wednesday, July 23: 10:00am - 6:00 pm

Thursday, July 24: 8:30 am - 4:00 pm

Friday, July 25: 8:30 am - 3:00 pm

Registration Information:

Open to Early Childhood Educators. Limited to 30 participants total. Limit of three participants from one organization.

Fee: $750 (lunches and opening dinner included). Full payment due upon registration to secure a ticket.

Registration will open on April 1, 2025 at 9am.

Refund policy: Withdrawal by May 16, 2025 for a full refund. Refunds will not be granted after May 16.

Certificate of course completion provided. Separately, in conjunction with Stanford Continuing Studies, participants can receive an optional 2 units or 20 professional development hours upon course completion for an additional $75 (paid separately by check).

Contact [email protected] with questions.

Visit bingschool.stanford.edu/educators for more information.

Participation Disclaimer:

Registration as a Summer Session for Educators participant and attendance at or participation in events on campus or other Bing Nursery School or Stanford University activities constitutes an agreement by the participant to the University’s use, licensing, and distribution (both now and in the future) of the participant’s image or voice in photographs, videotapes, electronic reproductions, or audiotapes of such events and activities. Such images or voice recordings may appear in a variety of media, including, but not limited to websites, Facebook, and other promotional materials.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Bing Nursery School, 850 Escondido Road, Stanford, United States