A moment ago I was thinking of the play talk I will be giving at the Florida One Goal Summer Conference in Tampa on July 17, 2019.
I said to myself,….”talk about how children feel when they encounter circumstances beyond their control and the role of play in relieving distress. Disinterest and doubt arise. In that space there is imposing darkness and fright. There is closing down, a withdrawal from engagement. Hands-on play and art making with intriguing materials are reliable antidotes.
Children and adults immersed in this form of play feel their power to exert influence in positive ways. We remind ourselves of that inner power, inner spirit, competence seen and felt in self active play.
Drew Thoughts 
Hello Dr. Drew! I thoroughly enjoyed our conversation regarding the power of play. As we discussed, the play experience provides teachers with a deep connection to their inner selves, which is evident in the adults’ expressions, creativity, and reflections during the workshop. By experiencing the power of solo play firsthand, those adults can understand the importance of inviting children to engage in a wider variety of play experiences. They are also able to reexamine their role in children’s play, and be cognizant of providing children the time and space to engage in autonomous play. The more opportunities I have to facilitate the play experience, the more passionate I become about allowing adults and children time, space, and materials to engage in open-ended play. I am inspired by this work, and its power to transform the lives of so many children and adults…to bring a sense of healing and self-efficacy…to change the world.
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