Let’s SHOP: Using Surprise, Humor, and Opportunities for Play in NILD Therapy

Let's SHOP: Using Surprise, Humor, and Opportunities for Play in NILD Therapy

"Play is the highest form of research." -Albert Einstein

Come PLAY with us, as we investigate the science surrounding the “power of play” and its role in building student cognition and memory. We will share practical strategies for infusing the elements of surprise, humor, and novelty into the five core NILD techniques. We will also say AHOY, to the newest NILD gaming adventure to set sail with Gray Matter. Drop that holiday shopping list, and instead let’s SHOP your next educational therapy session.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

• Gain insights about the science of play, and the role it plays in cognition
• Discover the power of surprise, humor, and novelty in the mediation of our five NILD core techniques
• Learn more about the opportunities for play that reinforce and support our cognitive, structured literacy approach, Gray Matter

About Your Speakers:

Katie Smith, M.Ed., PCET

Katie is an enthusiastic educator with over 18 years of experience serving and developing learners in various roles, including classroom teacher, mentor teacher, district-level math curriculum specialist, and currently, as an educational therapist and NILD instructor. Her passion for building competence and confidence in all learners, especially those with learning differences, is driven by her dual perspective as both a parent and educator. Katie is a Professionally Certified Educational Therapist with a decade of experience in NILD educational therapy. She currently works with students from grades K-12 at a private, Christ-centered, college-preparatory school in The Woodlands, Texas.

Ann Dromsky, PhD, PCET

Dr. Ann Dromsky has over thirty years of teaching experience, ranging from elementary classrooms to graduate courses. She completed her graduate studies at the University of Maryland, focusing on enhancing students' comprehension of informational texts. After relocating frequently as a Navy wife, she settled in Texas and was introduced to NILD at a college-preparatory Christian school. Dr. Dromsky is now a Professionally Certified Educational Therapist (PCET) in The Woodlands, Texas.