Program

In an age of standardized testing, the most important elements for learning have been overlooked or discarded: the desire and passion to learn in the first place through children’s imagination, curiosity and creativity. Researchers in cognitive neuroscience and psychology have shown that imagination, play, creativity and curiosity are essential for learning. Some researchers have also found that reading imaginative fiction, such as the Harry Potter series, can improve reading, empathy and creativity. Discover the importance of curiosity, creativity, fantasy fiction, pretend play and the passion for learning, ways to develop these skills in students, and how to transform and re-imagine our schools and colleges for the 21st Century.

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LEARNING OBJECTIVES

The science of childhood imagination

Ways to integrate creativity and the arts in classrooms

Teaching strategies to foster imagination and exploration

Incorporating making, designing and personalized learning

Applying brain research to enhance creativity and curiosity

Benefits of reading imaginative fiction on reading and empathy

Connecting curiosity, creativity, emotions and executive skills

Promoting passion and imaginative, pretend play in learning

Development of magical beliefs and thinking in childhood

Re-imagining and re-designing schools for the 21st Century

Ways to engage math, science and STEM learning

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

Educators and Parents

Curriculum and Staff Developers

Speech-Language Pathologists

K-12 Teachers and Administrators

Preschool Teachers and Administrators

Learning Specialists and Special Educators

Psychologists, Clinicians and Social Workers

Reading, Language, Math and Science Educators

Art, Drama, Literature and Writing Teachers

Superintendents, Principals and School Heads

Technology and 21st Century Skills Leaders

School, College and Career Counselors

Occupational and Physical Therapists

College and University Professors

Co-Sponsors Include:

Imagination Institute

School of Education, Johns Hopkins University

Mind, Brain & Education Program, Harvard Graduate School of Education

Comer School Development Program, Yale University School of Medicine

The Dana Alliance for Brain Initiatives, The Dana Foundation

The Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara

National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP)

National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP)

Edutopia, The George Lucas Educational Foundation

Center for Childhood Creativity

LEARNING& the BRAIN® Foundation

Newsletter & Event Emails

Program

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

Co-Sponsors Include: