Pushing Boundaries Webinar Series

Storytime is more than just reading books—it’s an opportunity to shape young minds, foster inclusivity, and challenge outdated norms. This engaging webinar will explore how educators, librarians, and parents can create storytime experiences that reflect the diversity of the world around us.

Key Topics Covered:

The Evolution of Representation in Children’s Literature
Discover how thoughtful book selection can provide authentic representation and create impactful learning experiences.

Talking About Race in Storytime
Learn effective strategies for addressing racial diversity, selecting books that celebrate differences, and ensuring that storytime fosters understanding.

Drag Queen Story Hour (DQSH) & Gender Inclusivity
. We’ll discuss how libraries and educators have navigated challenges, built community support, and successfully hosted inclusive storytime events.

Join Asian Girls Ignite, a transformative organization empowering (Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders) AANHPI youth through the power of storytelling and connection, for an inspiring session on the vital role of affinity groups in driving personal and collective change. Together, we’ll explore how affinity spaces create powerful opportunities for identity exploration, self-awareness, self-efficacy, and resilience. 

Participants will learn how these groups go beyond personal growth to strengthen entire communities—building networks of support, advancing equity, and aligning around shared visions for change. Guided by the insights and lived experiences of Asian Girls Ignite, this workshop will offer fresh perspectives on both the unique strengths and real challenges of affinity groups. 

Attendees will walk away with practical tools for launching, sustaining, and deepening these spaces in their own schools, organizations, or communities. Come be part of a powerful conversation about belonging and transformative potential of affinity groups to ignite change and empower youth to feel seen and valued. 

Physical Education (PE) is much more than just a school subject; it’s the foundation for a healthy, active life!  Led by a doctoral candidate in Educational Leadership and a Masters in Sports Science from the United States Sports Academy, you'll learn from Christina Collins, Founder and CEO of NeverStopMoving365, a professional who is not only deeply passionate about physical literacy and behavioral psychology but also equipped with extensive academic and practical expertise. 

This webinar will guide you through understanding the importance of instilling a lifelong appreciation for physical activity in children, bringing PE activities into your students' daily routines outside the gymnasium, and exploring methods to engage students beyond traditional PE settings. 

Whether you're a PE teacher, a parent, or an educational leader, this webinar will equip you with the knowledge and tools to promote physical literacy and overall well-being in students, positively impacting your life and theirs. Join us for this transformative session and take the first step towards fostering a healthier, more active future for all children!  

Join us in February 2025, for an enchanting panel discussion with some of P.L.A.Y. Education's Board of Directors as we explore the magical themes of the beloved musical, "Wicked®," and its recent movie adaptation, and their profound relevance to modern education and society. Our esteemed panel will delve into the ways P.L.A.Y. Education's vision and mission align with the themes of embracing individuality, challenging oppression, and fighting for justice and equality.

In this engaging webinar, you'll gain insights into how these themes manifest in today's educational landscape and broader society and discover how P.L.A.Y. Education is pushing boundaries to create systems that celebrate every child's potential, regardless of their circumstances.

Whether you're an educator, community leader, or simply passionate about educational equity, this discussion will inspire you to think beyond the conventional and embrace innovative approaches to learning. Don't miss this opportunity to connect with thought leaders, ask questions, and be part of a transformative conversation.

 As children are hearing more about the upcoming election(s) online and in the media, they likely will have many questions. To avoid confusion, fear, and misinformation, it is important for trusted adults in their lives to guide these conversations. In this session, Dr. Shelby Kretz, Founder of Little Justice Leaders, will share a framework for talking to kids about current events in developmentally appropriate ways, cover how to respond to difficult comments or questions from kids, how to initiate the conversation, and how to determine if your learners already have developed any biases or misunderstandings. 

This session will delve into the crucial role of representation in leadership, focusing on age, race, and the power of personal stories to inspire change. Markus will share how diverse representation can ensure all students benefit, not just the privileged few. The discussion will include practical steps to ensure authentic representation in decision-making, especially in districts with a majority of marginalized students. Policy examples will cover hiring leaders who reflect the student body, proclaiming June as Pride Month for a safer environment, and supporting clean energy projects for healthier communities.