Culver City Observer -

This Fall, West Los Angeles College is hosting a speaker series themed "The Power of Play: The Impact of Play and Creativity on Education." Guest speakers include K-12 and college educators, an actor, and leaders of community organizations. The public is invited to these free afternoon discussions in the General Classrooms Building (GC 110). Nearby parking is available in Parking Lot #7 for $2.00 (exact change needed).

TOPICS INCLUDE:

October 16 @ 1:00 pm | "Zip Zap Zop: Improvisation Games to Engage and Empower"

This will be an interactive experience where participants explore improv games that work on self-awareness, social awareness, responsible decision making, relationship skills, and self-management. Zip Zap Zop takes improvisation to the next level creating opportunities to collaborate and practice social skills in an engaging and innovative way. This workshop will get you thinking on your feet, experiencing a unique approach to working with individuals, give you hands-on tools, and of course let you laugh and play.

October 18 @ 1:00 pm | "Teach, Play, and Inspire with Discovery Toys'"

Sadly, children are playing less than previous generations. Open play time is being cut from schools, replaced with screen time and usurped by organized sports. This crisis in play has resulted in an increased rate of mental illness, a reduction in creative thinking and poor social skills in our children. Become familiar with Discovery Toys' award winning educational resources which enables you to use toys to teach.

October 23 @ 1:00 pm | "Young Storytellers: To Play or Not to Play? That is the Question"

Participants will learn how to strengthen educational engagement with students by modeling practical strategies accompanied by the timeless technique of play. The presentation will include tips for working with different kinds of learners, the role we play as adults, and interactive games guaranteed to win over any child in the classroom!

October 26 @ 2:00 pm | "Effective Communication Techniques: Fostering Cohesiveness and Creating

'The Fun' in the Classroom"

This workshop will provide attendees with communication strategies used in creating a sense of community in the classroom. Through an interactive format, learn methods for establishing and enhancing student-student and student-teacher relationships in a manner that makes class time both educational and entertaining for students AND teachers!

November 1 @ 1:00 pm | "Play and Creativity in Reggio Emilia-Inspired Schools"

The presenter is co-founder and co-director of The New School West Preschool in Mar Vista. This session will explore how the preschools in Reggio Emilia, Italy, have inspired us to think differently about our role as teachers.

November 6 @ 1:00 pm | "Playworks: Transforming Through Play":

Playworks is the leading nonprofit leveraging the power of play to transform children's social and emotional health. This session will help participants understand the barriers to play, how to overcome these barriers, and how to use play to transform the learning environment. Students are more receptive to learning when they feel physically and emotionally safe, providing inclusive environments where positive behaviors are modeled by teachers, staff and fellow students empower early learners to be actively engaged in the education process.

West Los Angeles College is located at 9000 Overland Avenue, Culver City, CA 90230. The college is a ACCJC‐accredited community college providing full‐time, part‐time and online paths to university transfer and career preparation.