Early Childhood Days of Play June 2025: Full Schedule

8:30am CDT

Growing Through Movement: Honoring the Journey of Childhood LIMITED

Friday June 20, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am CDT

In a world of academic benchmarks and fast-paced instruction, it’s easy to forget that childhood is not a race to the next milestone—it's a meaningful journey of growth, exploration, and discovery. This session invites educators to re-center their practice around the developmental needs of children, with a special focus on the vital role of movement in learning. Grounded in the principles of embodied cognition—the understanding that children think, learn, and make meaning through their bodies—this session highlights how movement isn't just physical activity; it's cognitive, emotional, and social development in action.

Speakers

Athena Oden

Author and Founder, Ready Bodies, Learning Minds

Athena Oden, P.T. and author of the Ready Bodies Learning Minds workshop and curriculum is widely recognized across the U.S. for her down-to-earth approach to teaching and the practical, powerful nature of the program. Athena is driven by a genuine desire to give children the foundation... Read More →

Friday June 20, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am CDT
Engage AB

Keynote

2:15pm CDT

Ready Bodies Learning Minds- Only the Grid! LIMITED

Friday June 20, 2025 2:15pm - 3:30pm CDT

Engage AB

Each person will create a grid that they can take to their classroom for immediate use. We will also demonstrate how to use the grids appropriately in the classroom to promote student success. Grids can be utilized for any subject matter. This is an Eye-Hand-Foot activity from the RBLM curriculum guide.

Speakers

Athena Oden

Author and Founder, Ready Bodies, Learning Minds

Friday June 20, 2025 2:15pm - 3:30pm CDT
Engage AB

Make & Take