BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
X-WR-CALNAME:july2026earlychildhooddayso
X-WR-CALDESC:Event Calendar
METHOD:PUBLISH
CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
PRODID:-//Sched.com July 2026 Early Childhood Days of Play//EN
X-WR-TIMEZONE:UTC
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260616T094528Z
DTSTART:20260720T153000Z
DTEND:20260720T170000Z
SUMMARY:If I'm Not Playing\, I'm NOT Learning!
DESCRIPTION:In this session\, we unpack how movement\, imagination\, and hands-on exploration wire executive functions\, language\, and self-regulation in real time. You’ll see why the brain craves play\, how it builds attention and problem-solving\, and how to design classrooms where learning sticks because it’s lived\, not just taught. Expect practical strategies\, brain-based insights\, and a few “wait…that’s actually neuroscience?” moments.
CATEGORIES:KEYNOTE
LOCATION:Engage A/B
SEQUENCE:0
UID:2ab09e0d3f43000c51216c63d73016a5
URL:http://july2026earlychildhooddayso.sched.com/event/2ab09e0d3f43000c51216c63d73016a5
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260616T094528Z
DTSTART:20260720T171500Z
DTEND:20260720T183000Z
SUMMARY:Tracy Gunn
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:
LOCATION:Innovate B
SEQUENCE:0
UID:63614ef196e705b12f4d669ba7e09ac2
URL:http://july2026earlychildhooddayso.sched.com/event/63614ef196e705b12f4d669ba7e09ac2
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260616T094528Z
DTSTART:20260720T171500Z
DTEND:20260720T183000Z
SUMMARY:Exercising Experience Based Learning: Centers Circuit
DESCRIPTION:Get ready to stretch your teaching muscles as you explore how to design intentional\, hands-on\, experience-based learning rotations that keep minds energized and bodies moving. You will discover how to connect academic skill-building and engagement through centers that start with the Pre-K standards first. Learn how to embed purposeful play by layering in sensory\, fine motor\, dramatic play\, stem and gross motor activities that build vocabulary\, and background knowledge. Walk away with practical strategies to create healthy planning habits to build balanced and strong learning experiences.
CATEGORIES:CURRICULUM CHAT
LOCATION:Innovate A
SEQUENCE:0
UID:b52737e1f8104a81b75fc7c941b75772
URL:http://july2026earlychildhooddayso.sched.com/event/b52737e1f8104a81b75fc7c941b75772
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260616T094528Z
DTSTART:20260720T171500Z
DTEND:20260720T183000Z
SUMMARY:Let Them Play
DESCRIPTION:Play is work! Refresh and reframe the way you view play. Learn how child-led play can help students better access grade-level content\, gain autonomy and independence\, communicate\, meet sensory and motor needs\, improve emotional regulation\, and make progress toward IEP goals. Discussion and brainstorming sessions will equip participants with ideas for breaking educational boundaries in a more playful classroom environment.
CATEGORIES:PLAYGROUND
LOCATION:Connect A
SEQUENCE:0
UID:0ebee6d96c30ab1ef8b0bc25e681911e
URL:http://july2026earlychildhooddayso.sched.com/event/0ebee6d96c30ab1ef8b0bc25e681911e
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260616T094528Z
DTSTART:20260720T171500Z
DTEND:20260720T183000Z
SUMMARY:Play Without Barriers: Scaffolding Literacy and Joy for Every Learner
DESCRIPTION:How do we ensure play for 'all' actually includes everyone? This session is a direct response to SPED educators seeking practical ways to adapt play-based literacy for students with diverse physical\, cognitive\, and sensory needs. We will move past the one-size-fits-all approach to explore the ‘Ms. Mary Method’ of scaffolding: adapting environments\, modifying materials\, and using visual supports to make play accessible. From sensory-heavy story bins to adaptive role-play\, you’ll gain a toolkit of inclusive strategies that honor every child’s developmental stage while fostering a genuine love for stories.
CATEGORIES:PLAYGROUND
LOCATION:Create B
SEQUENCE:0
UID:6d199eac0976fd1c03074c3c907fbe5f
URL:http://july2026earlychildhooddayso.sched.com/event/6d199eac0976fd1c03074c3c907fbe5f
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260616T094528Z
DTSTART:20260720T171500Z
DTEND:20260720T183000Z
SUMMARY:Science of Reading Begins Before Kindergarten
DESCRIPTION:Grounded in the Texas Prekindergarten Guidelines and early literacy expectations\,&nbsp\;this session explores how&nbsp\;Texas educators can intentionally connect developmentally&nbsp\;appropriate&nbsp\;PreK&nbsp\;instruction to&nbsp\;the Science of Reading. Participants will examine how rich language experiences\, structured play\, and purposeful pre-writing experiences support later decoding\, comprehension\, and written expression. &nbsp\;&nbsp\;&nbsp\;Participants will leave with actionable ideas to enhance their existing PreK instructional practices and build strong\, joyful pathways to kindergarten readiness and long-term literacy across Texas classrooms.
CATEGORIES:PLAYGROUND
LOCATION:Connect B
SEQUENCE:0
UID:6326cbd5b81ea506833a49de2c866a5f
URL:http://july2026earlychildhooddayso.sched.com/event/6326cbd5b81ea506833a49de2c866a5f
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260616T094528Z
DTSTART:20260720T171500Z
DTEND:20260720T183000Z
SUMMARY:Supporting Play Skills in Early Childhood
DESCRIPTION:In this session\, participants will explore best practices in early childhood education\, learn how play-based learning aligns with content standards\, and discover five essential skills that foster meaningful friendships and successful play experiences for young children.
CATEGORIES:PLAYGROUND
LOCATION:Create A
SEQUENCE:0
UID:a7e061ff25d1cdd65db898a55f3eabab
URL:http://july2026earlychildhooddayso.sched.com/event/a7e061ff25d1cdd65db898a55f3eabab
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260616T094528Z
DTSTART:20260720T194500Z
DTEND:20260720T210000Z
SUMMARY:Layne
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:
LOCATION:Engage A/B
SEQUENCE:0
UID:7438830619dad102bfbe828067e225e9
URL:http://july2026earlychildhooddayso.sched.com/event/7438830619dad102bfbe828067e225e9
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260616T094528Z
DTSTART:20260720T194500Z
DTEND:20260720T210000Z
SUMMARY:Beyond the Last Page: Launching Literacy Through Intentional Play
DESCRIPTION:Don't just close the book when the story ends! Transform your read-alouds into dynamic springboards for foundational literacy. This session moves beyond passive listening\, demonstrating how to pair high-quality picture books with playful extensions targeting phonological awareness\, oral language\, and early writing. We'll explore a curated list of titles and the specific movement\, sensory\, and dramatic play invitations that bring their themes to life. Participants will leave with a practical framework for turning any story into a multi-sensory learning adventure that keeps the joy of discovery at the heart of the classroom.
CATEGORIES:BOOK TALK
LOCATION:Create B
SEQUENCE:0
UID:7ce619d0e90fcf445eb84ecba3468d45
URL:http://july2026earlychildhooddayso.sched.com/event/7ce619d0e90fcf445eb84ecba3468d45
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260616T094528Z
DTSTART:20260720T194500Z
DTEND:20260720T210000Z
SUMMARY:Where do Shapes Fit in the World of Geometry and Alphabet Knowledge?
DESCRIPTION:Building awareness and knowledge of the attributes of shapes are strong predictors of future mathematical achievement. Engaging with 2 dimensional shapes also provides building blocks for initial alphabet recognition focusing on line and shape of letters. This session will feature music\, recognizing shapes in the environment\, and integration of alphabet recognition.
CATEGORIES:BOOK TALK
LOCATION:Connect A
SEQUENCE:0
UID:02e2137754d3cf74618f1f480314f3a6
URL:http://july2026earlychildhooddayso.sched.com/event/02e2137754d3cf74618f1f480314f3a6
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260616T094528Z
DTSTART:20260720T194500Z
DTEND:20260720T210000Z
SUMMARY:Exercising Experience Based Learning: Centers Circuit
DESCRIPTION:Get ready to stretch your teaching muscles as you explore how to design intentional\, hands-on\, experience-based learning rotations that keep minds energized and bodies moving. You will discover how to connect academic skill-building and engagement through centers that start with the Pre-K standards first. Learn how to embed purposeful play by layering in sensory\, fine motor\, dramatic play\, stem and gross motor activities that build vocabulary\, and background knowledge. Walk away with practical strategies to create healthy planning habits to build balanced and strong learning experiences.
CATEGORIES:CURRICULUM CHAT
LOCATION:Innovate A
SEQUENCE:0
UID:5e1c1b0ee40f305d0d8d125c9ac9af1a
URL:http://july2026earlychildhooddayso.sched.com/event/5e1c1b0ee40f305d0d8d125c9ac9af1a
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260616T094528Z
DTSTART:20260720T194500Z
DTEND:20260720T210000Z
SUMMARY:Tiempo Tranquilo Podcast: Mindful Moments for Bilingual Classrooms and School Communities
DESCRIPTION:In today’s busy classrooms\, creating calm moments matters more than ever. Discover KERA’s bilingual mindfulness podcast for kids and leave with ready-to-use activities and resources to support students’ emotional wellbeing in classrooms and at home.
CATEGORIES:CURRICULUM CHAT
LOCATION:Create A
SEQUENCE:0
UID:f579e6317396ecd6799ba3c5340579ee
URL:http://july2026earlychildhooddayso.sched.com/event/f579e6317396ecd6799ba3c5340579ee
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260616T094528Z
DTSTART:20260720T194500Z
DTEND:20260720T210000Z
SUMMARY:Science of Reading Begins Before Kindergarten
DESCRIPTION:Grounded in the Texas Prekindergarten Guidelines and early literacy expectations\,&nbsp\;this session explores how&nbsp\;Texas educators can intentionally connect developmentally&nbsp\;appropriate&nbsp\;PreK&nbsp\;instruction to&nbsp\;the Science of Reading. Participants will examine how rich language experiences\, structured play\, and purposeful pre-writing experiences support later decoding\, comprehension\, and written expression. &nbsp\;&nbsp\;&nbsp\;Participants will leave with actionable ideas to enhance their existing PreK instructional practices and build strong\, joyful pathways to kindergarten readiness and long-term literacy across Texas classrooms.
CATEGORIES:PLAYGROUND
LOCATION:Connect B
SEQUENCE:0
UID:16081ec48bddfdd192c40a8578b192d9
URL:http://july2026earlychildhooddayso.sched.com/event/16081ec48bddfdd192c40a8578b192d9
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260616T094528Z
DTSTART:20260720T211500Z
DTEND:20260720T223000Z
SUMMARY:Layne
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:
LOCATION:Engage A/B
SEQUENCE:0
UID:30fa3f02007f1644c72edc2b41b76211
URL:http://july2026earlychildhooddayso.sched.com/event/30fa3f02007f1644c72edc2b41b76211
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260616T094528Z
DTSTART:20260720T211500Z
DTEND:20260720T221500Z
SUMMARY:Beyond the Last Page: Launching Literacy Through Intentional Play
DESCRIPTION:Don't just close the book when the story ends! Transform your read-alouds into dynamic springboards for foundational literacy. This session moves beyond passive listening\, demonstrating how to pair high-quality picture books with playful extensions targeting phonological awareness\, oral language\, and early writing. We'll explore a curated list of titles and the specific movement\, sensory\, and dramatic play invitations that bring their themes to life. Participants will leave with a practical framework for turning any story into a multi-sensory learning adventure that keeps the joy of discovery at the heart of the classroom.
CATEGORIES:BOOK TALK
LOCATION:Create B
SEQUENCE:0
UID:6168d17677b38d8761e02e05742765b2
URL:http://july2026earlychildhooddayso.sched.com/event/6168d17677b38d8761e02e05742765b2
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260616T094528Z
DTSTART:20260720T211500Z
DTEND:20260720T223000Z
SUMMARY:Dulce aprendizaje: Language\, Literacy\, and Play with a paleta
DESCRIPTION:In this interactive session\, early childhood educators will explore how to use What Can You Do with a Paleta? / ¿Qué Puedes Hacer con una Paleta? to build crosslinguistic connections and strengthen language and vocabulary. Participants will learn to leverage English and Spanish during read-alouds and play\, highlighting cognates and meaning across languages. The session models how to teach vocabulary in context using key words\, phrases\, and sentences from the text. Through hands-on activities and centers\, educators will plan opportunities for students to use language authentically\, supporting oral language development\, comprehension\, and language transfer across both languages.
CATEGORIES:BOOK TALK
LOCATION:Connect B
SEQUENCE:0
UID:a06775ffc981b591ac38d0cf3981e02b
URL:http://july2026earlychildhooddayso.sched.com/event/a06775ffc981b591ac38d0cf3981e02b
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260616T094528Z
DTSTART:20260720T211500Z
DTEND:20260720T223000Z
SUMMARY:Exercising Experience Based Learning: Centers Circuit
DESCRIPTION:Get ready to stretch your teaching muscles as you explore how to design intentional\, hands-on\, experience-based learning rotations that keep minds energized and bodies moving. You will discover how to connect academic skill-building and engagement through centers that start with the Pre-K standards first. Learn how to embed purposeful play by layering in sensory\, fine motor\, dramatic play\, stem and gross motor activities that build vocabulary\, and background knowledge. Walk away with practical strategies to create healthy planning habits to build balanced and strong learning experiences.
CATEGORIES:CURRICULUM CHAT
LOCATION:Innovate A
SEQUENCE:0
UID:e5949af21dfb9b7f743ab9d034aabb47
URL:http://july2026earlychildhooddayso.sched.com/event/e5949af21dfb9b7f743ab9d034aabb47
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260616T094528Z
DTSTART:20260720T211500Z
DTEND:20260720T223000Z
SUMMARY:Tiempo Tranquilo Podcast: Mindful Moments for Bilingual Classrooms and School Communities
DESCRIPTION:In today’s busy classrooms\, creating calm moments matters more than ever. Discover KERA’s bilingual mindfulness podcast for kids and leave with ready-to-use activities and resources to support students’ emotional wellbeing in classrooms and at home.
CATEGORIES:CURRICULUM CHAT
LOCATION:Create A
SEQUENCE:0
UID:0be2c8c14916d5222ad035ad193b7318
URL:http://july2026earlychildhooddayso.sched.com/event/0be2c8c14916d5222ad035ad193b7318
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260616T094528Z
DTSTART:20260720T211500Z
DTEND:20260720T223000Z
SUMMARY:Let Them Play
DESCRIPTION:Play is work! Refresh and reframe the way you view play. Learn how child-led play can help students better access grade-level content\, gain autonomy and independence\, communicate\, meet sensory and motor needs\, improve emotional regulation\, and make progress toward IEP goals. Discussion and brainstorming sessions will equip participants with ideas for breaking educational boundaries in a more playful classroom environment.
CATEGORIES:PLAYGROUND
LOCATION:Connect A
SEQUENCE:0
UID:974979c121b5cf3f996def348ba5d156
URL:http://july2026earlychildhooddayso.sched.com/event/974979c121b5cf3f996def348ba5d156
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260616T094528Z
DTSTART:20260720T211500Z
DTEND:20260720T223000Z
SUMMARY:Play with Purpose: Teaching Functional Play Skills to Students with Autism
DESCRIPTION:Play is a critical foundation for communication\, social interaction\, learning\, and independence. In this session\, participants will explore the importance of functional play for students with autism and learn practical strategies for assessing\, teaching\, and expanding play skills. Through examples and interactive activities\, participants will gain tools for using modeling\, prompting\, reinforcement\, and play expansion techniques to increase engagement and create meaningful opportunities for communication and social development.
CATEGORIES:PLAYGROUND
LOCATION:Innovate B
SEQUENCE:0
UID:44d9ed5ac52e76f7a141dccdaeada1b3
URL:http://july2026earlychildhooddayso.sched.com/event/44d9ed5ac52e76f7a141dccdaeada1b3
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR