The Science of Play (Series Begins Sept. 24, 2026)

For this webinar series, participants will automatically be enrolled in all 5 sessions.

Speaker

Donna Gorman, M.Ed., The Inspirational Educator

Description

In this 5 session webinar series, we will explore the importance of free, open and child driven play and the positive impact it has on the child’s brain and potential for learning later in life. We will learn about different types of play including risky play, rough and tumble play and play with loose parts. We will also learn how to integrate these types of play into your classrooms without fear of accident reports or parent concerns!

To receive PDPs and CEUs, participants must attend all 5 sessions, either live or via the recording, and successfully pass a quiz following Session 5. Within 24 hours of the live webinar, registrants will be emailed a link to view the recorded webinar. The recording will be made available for 7 days after each session. If you are not eligible for PDPs and/or CEUs, you may apply for a Certificate of Attendance.

This week we will look at how the process of child driven free play fuels the brain to make connections and builds synapsis in the brain. These synapses build the pathways needed for social-emotional, physical and cognitive growth.

This week we will discuss how “Risky” play benefits child development. We will learn the difference between a “risk” and a “hazard” and how to navigate the space in order to keep children safe while still allowing them to explore.

We will continue our discussion on Risky play and the benefits it offers children. This week we will also include data and research on how this type of play can actually help kids be safer and minimize risk and injury.

This week we explore the topic of loose parts and real tools as an offering for play and learning. Giving children access to loose parts, real tools, and other materials not commonly found in an early education classroom can give children the opportunity to understand the world around them while still tapping into their imagination.

This final week, we will take a look at a local child care center and how they embody the concept of “Play” for their children. We will talk to teachers, parents and get to witness all the joy and learning that happens once adults allow children to truly play.

About the Speaker

Donna Gorman, M.Ed., (she/her) holds a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education with a focus in Special Needs. She has 8 years’ experience as an Early Intervention Specialist. Currently, she works as the Program Quality Specialist for Catholic Charities Child Care and OST programs of Greater Boston. She has also created her own small business, The Inspirational Educator, offering educator trainings, family workshops and advocacy support to families. Find more information and subscribe to her blog, The Inspirational Educator.

Membership Information

Most MPY webinars are available ONLY to current staff from member districts and organizations. Public school memberships include police and fire personnel. Former and retired employees and members of committees, including but not limited to, PTO/PTA, PAC, School Improvement Councils, Health Councils, Drug/Alcohol Councils, and school volunteers, are not considered MPY members.

PDPs and CEUs

MPY is an approved Professional Development Provider through the Massachusetts Department of Elementary & Secondary Education (Provider No. F20180079). Professional Development Points (PDPs) are offered for most MPY professional development webinars. PDPs are issued in 10 hour increments, per DESE requirements.

Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are available for clinical staff through the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and the Massachusetts Mental Health Counselors Association, Inc. (MaMHCA). The NASW and the MaMHCA approve each event individually. CEUs may be given in hourly increments.

To receive PDPs and CEUs, participants must pass the quiz.

Event Cancellation Policy

If you are unable to attend a MPY webinar you must cancel, through Bonnie Mullen at bonnie@mpyinc.org, one business day before the webinar.

For MPY hybrid conferences, the date in-person registration closes will be posted on MPY’s website. Virtual conference registration will close one business day before the hybrid conference. You cannot cancel or switch your registration from in-person to virtual after in-person registration closes. Please email Bonnie Mullen at bonnie@mpyinc.org with any questions regarding registration.

 

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All sessions are 12:00 – 2:00 pm

  • Session 1: September 24, 2026, Play and the Brain
  • Session 2: October 8, 2026, Risky Play
  • Session 3: October 22, 2026, More Risky Play
  • Session 4: November 5, 2026, Loose Parts and Real Tools
  • Session 5: November 19, 2026, Play in Process