Nurturing Play: Engaging Neurodivergent Little Learners Highlights

1. Foundations of Early Childhood Neurodiversity

  • Introduction to neurodiversity concepts in early childhood

  • Neurodevelopment in Autism and ADHD

  • Attunement, attachment, and play in early learning

2. Understanding Autism and ADHD in Young Children

  • Early signs and supportive strategies for Autism and ADHD

  • Neurodivergent Play and Special interests

  • Accepting the Offer: Using improv techniques to validate children’s ideas

3. Sensory Processing and Emotional Regulation for Preschoolers

  • Sensory challenges in young neurodivergent children

  • Play-based emotional regulation strategies

  • Creating sensory-friendly HeadStart classrooms

4. Interoception and Self-Awareness in Early Years

  • Introducing body awareness to young children visuals and role play

  • Using dramatic play to explore feelings and sensations

  • Supporting self-advocacy skills in preschoolers

5. Emotional Literacy and Social Skills for Young Learners

  • Building emotional vocabulary through stories and songs

  • Puppet play for emotional expression and problem-solving

  • Fostering empathy and social skills through drama

6. Fostering Creativity and Critical Thinking in Early Childhood

  • Importance of creativity in early childhood development

  • Play-based Critical thinking activities

  • Creativity and Resilience

    7. Nurturing Teacher Creativity and Play Skills

    • Cultivating personal creativity through divergent thinking exercises

    • Developing playfulness and spontaneity through improv games

    • Integrating creativity and play into teaching practices

    • Designing creative, play-based lesson plans