Play, Policy, and Practice Interest Forum Business Meeting Minutes
November 7, 2008
Dallas, Texas
Call to Order: Facilitator Lynn Cohen called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
Introductions (42 present) (see attached list of attendees)
Announcements:
1. Upcoming events: TASP Conference, Brownsville, TX, February, 2009; Play Coaching Conference, St. Louis, June, 2009 (see www.pppifhomestead.com for more info)
Upcoming events: TASP Conference, Brownsville, TX, February, 2009; Play Coaching Conference, St. Louis, June, 2009 (see www.pppifhomestead.com for more info)2.Adele Robinson, NAEYC: Adele reported that at the November, 2009 Annual Conference in Washington, DC., NAEYC will be sponsoring a rally of some kind. Things are fluid, but they’re considering several options. Four years ago, there was an indoor rally with members of congress. Briefings were available every morning for conference attendees who want to visit their members of congress with targeted, focused messages. She hopes to have more cooperation from the new administration. Security and logistics are always a challenge. Our members don’t like to come and go from the conference. Movement of people is important, permits have to be obtained. Theme is important. There needs to be one message, which will be on a federal issue. The economic climate is causing hysteria on Capitol Hill. We have to rethink our message. A firm has been hired to do research on the message. We have work to do in getting people engaged as advocates. There is a petition being circulated at this conference on “Investing in Children,” but fewer signatures have been collected than in other years.
Adele Robinson, NAEYC: Adele reported that at the November, 2009 Annual Conference in Washington, DC., NAEYC will be sponsoring a rally of some kind. Things are fluid, but they’re considering several options. Four years ago, there was an indoor rally with members of congress. Briefings were available every morning for conference attendees who want to visit their members of congress with targeted, focused messages. She hopes to have more cooperation from the new administration. Security and logistics are always a challenge. Our members don’t like to come and go from the conference. Movement of people is important, permits have to be obtained. Theme is important. There needs to be one message, which will be on a federal issue. The economic climate is causing hysteria on Capitol Hill. We have to rethink our message. A firm has been hired to do research on the message. We have work to do in getting people engaged as advocates. There is a petition being circulated at this conference on “Investing in Children,” but fewer signatures have been collected than in other years.Ed Klugman suggested that we use PDI and the State Interest Forums as pilots. Adele responded that the issue is who attends the annual conference. They need help becoming advocates. We have to reach out and engage the classroom teachers.
Adele circulated a petition on investing in children. She can be reached at .AROBINSON@naeyc.org.
AROBINSON@naeyc.org.3.Lynn introduced Peter Pizzolongo, NAEYC Director of Professional Development. He addressed the Professional Development Institute in June, 2009. It focuses on professional development. The theme is Play: Where Learning Begins. Approx. half of the attendees are university faculty and the rest are administrators of early childhood programs, trainers and others. Jeri Daniel and he have been working on focusing the themes on issues that are current and important. They will have “featured sessions” that will be planned in conjunction with other groups, such as Interest Forums. A conference call with the facilitators has already been held. Opening plenary session on Sunday morning, then a featured session from 2-4. There won’t be any competing sessions on the same topic. There are usually 16-18 sessions at one time. There will be opportunities for play from 2-5:30 on Monday afternoon. The Infant/Toddler IF is also working on a featured session. Another session on play and culture will be a featured session (time to be determined). Olga expressed appreciation that play was the theme for the next PDI. Ed commented that we don’t practice play, policy, and dissemination as one—holistically thinking. We can model that approach.
Lynn introduced Peter Pizzolongo, NAEYC Director of Professional Development. He addressed the Professional Development Institute in June, 2009. It focuses on professional development. The theme is Play: Where Learning Begins. Approx. half of the attendees are university faculty and the rest are administrators of early childhood programs, trainers and others. Jeri Daniel and he have been working on focusing the themes on issues that are current and important. They will have “featured sessions” that will be planned in conjunction with other groups, such as Interest Forums. A conference call with the facilitators has already been held. Opening plenary session on Sunday morning, then a featured session from 2-4. There won’t be any competing sessions on the same topic. There are usually 16-18 sessions at one time. There will be opportunities for play from 2-5:30 on Monday afternoon. The Infant/Toddler IF is also working on a featured session. Another session on play and culture will be a featured session (time to be determined). Olga expressed appreciation that play was the theme for the next PDI. Ed commented that we don’t practice play, policy, and dissemination as one—holistically thinking. We can model that approach. Approval of the Minutes: (Boushh/VanThiel). Corrections by Joan Almon: The Where Do Children Play Film was distributed for free; Marcia Nell was submitter of the block session. (Motion made by Boushh/Lopez to approve the minutes with corrections)
Review of Sessions from Annual Conference 2008:
Discovering personal dispositions through play: Patty Durkin reported that this preconference session was successful, although there were some complaints about the time of the session (too early in the conference).
Block Play: Marcia Nell reported that it was successful, but the room wasn’t large enough. They collected data that the presenters will be working compiling and distributing back to the attendees. Lynn suggested software called Atlas TI that might be helpful in the data analysis.
Play Dialectics: Michael Patte. There were outstanding proposals. Some of the people involved didn’t get the word that the proposal had been accepted, so next year the communication will be improved. It was the 12th year that it was accepted as a workshop.
Models for a Statewide Interest Forums on Play (Walter Drew): The session sparked interest in affiliates form play committees which would become state interest forums. Data were collected and will be sent to the participants.
Play Work: JC Boushh shared that 60-70 people were there and it went well.
Is Play Really Children’s Work?: Sandi reported that she, Joan, and Dorothy would be doing a different kind of session with some improvisational theater. The session would be held the next day.
NAEYC ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2009 (Washington, DC): Proposals are due on January 16, 2009. Brainstorm Ed suggested that we use the four committee structure (practice, policy/advocacy, research, dissemination). The person whose name is asterisked is asked to submit the proposal (if there is enough interest). Please contact the asterisked person if you wish to be added to the proposal.
Results of the Brainstorm session:
1.Research Round Table Forum: Michael*/Lisa facilitators; include doctoral researchers
Research Round Table Forum: Michael*/Lisa facilitators; include doctoral researchers 2.Play and Social Justice (John Sutterby*; Jamie Brother; Olga; Darleen DeMarie) Who gets to play?
Play and Social Justice (John Sutterby*; Jamie Brother; Olga; Darleen DeMarie) Who gets to play?3.Poster session with doctoral student researchers
Poster session with doctoral student researchers4.Children’s panel on play (Audry Skrupskelis*)
Children’s panel on play (Audry Skrupskelis*)5.Children’s museums /Playing for Keeps) (Joanne*/Ed): Strong Museum; Washington Children’s Museum; Providence Children’s Museum; Philadelphia Children’s Museum
Children’s museums /Playing for Keeps) (Joanne*/Ed): Strong Museum; Washington Children’s Museum; Providence Children’s Museum; Philadelphia Children’s Museum6.The whole child at play: Movement and motor play, including sensory and active play; brain development (Lopez; Boushh*)
The whole child at play: Movement and motor play, including sensory and active play; brain development (Lopez; Boushh*)7.Putting Play Back into Practice: Importance of Parents (Deb Lawrence*) (preconference)
Putting Play Back into Practice: Importance of Parents (Deb Lawrence*) (preconference)8.Block Experience and Loose Parts (Marcia Nell*)
Block Experience and Loose Parts (Marcia Nell*)9.Play Experience (Walter Drew; Sue Blandford*; Patti Durkin; Amy Peterson; Bobby Brown; Baji Rankin)
Play Experience (Walter Drew; Sue Blandford*; Patti Durkin; Amy Peterson; Bobby Brown; Baji Rankin)10.Play, Policy, Practice, Research (hands on experience): Teacher action research and reporting; materials are seen as a strategy for improving policy (Jim Johnson, Michael Patte; Walter Drew*)
Play, Policy, Practice, Research (hands on experience): Teacher action research and reporting; materials are seen as a strategy for improving policy (Jim Johnson, Michael Patte; Walter Drew*)(Note: IPA/PPP/TASP could submit to the Association of School Principals)
11. Principals and Play (ESpire (?) Institute—Ed) (Sandi*)
Principals and Play (ESpire (?) Institute—Ed) (Sandi*)12.Adult Perceptions of Play
Adult Perceptions of Play 13.Motor Play (Lopez*)
Motor Play (Lopez*)14.Intellectual Play Fighting
Intellectual Play Fighting15.Play and Peace (Diane Levin; Walter Drew*; Sue Blandford)
Play and Peace (Diane Levin; Walter Drew*; Sue Blandford)Advocacy Follow-up (Deb Lawrence): Adele’s comments were the result of three months of dialogue between the IF and NAEYC. She would like to engage the other IF leaders and write a joint letter in support of the rally and be included in the planning. The financial support is important, too. We can work with Adele crafting a message within the NAEYC message.
Ed presented a draft of a letter that he distributed to attendees. All of the IFs want to sign off on a letter like this, so it needs revisions. Deb Lawrence will work on it with the facilitators. Jim suggested that play can be a banner for a paradigm shift from academic achievement to child development. Parents also need to receive this message. When the topic of resources came up at the IF breakfast, there needs to be a strong message in the letter. The focus on play and economic development is too narrow; the focus should be on human development (Jim Johnson) All suggestions should be sent to Deb Lawrence so that she can put together the final draft.
Sandi and Walter reported that Gwen Simmons announced earlier in the conference that there would be technical assistance on the menu of options for a play symposium in three affiliates. The key piece is play coaching leadership involving the participants in hands on experiences with open-ended materials.
Other Business:
1.J.C. Boush reported that IPA is putting together a social on Thursday night at NAEYC in DC with Alliance for Childhood. (See attachment) TASP, and others involving the legislators in DC. Perhaps Bev Bos and Joe Frost could be part of the celebration. Marcia suggested that there could be hands on activities for participants to play. It will cost approximately $8-10,000. They would like to have a representative from PPP on the planning committee. (Sandi volunteered to serve in this role)
J.C. Boush reported that IPA is putting together a social on Thursday night at NAEYC in DC with Alliance for Childhood. (See attachment) TASP, and others involving the legislators in DC. Perhaps Bev Bos and Joe Frost could be part of the celebration. Marcia suggested that there could be hands on activities for participants to play. It will cost approximately $8-10,000. They would like to have a representative from PPP on the planning committee. (Sandi volunteered to serve in this role)2.Newsletters: Sandi reported that the newsletters are available on the Community of Practice website and on the Homestead website. The upcoming issue is guest edited by Zelda McMurtry and Rene’ Crow and focuses on play with children who have special needs. The issue after that will be guest edited by Lisa Van Thiel. The focus will be determined at a later date. Anyone interested in writing articles or guest editing the newsletter, please contact Sandi. We are sad to report that one of the guest editors of the last PPP Connections, Wali Abdi, passed away two weeks ago.
Newsletters: Sandi reported that the newsletters are available on the Community of Practice website and on the Homestead website. The upcoming issue is guest edited by Zelda McMurtry and Rene’ Crow and focuses on play with children who have special needs. The issue after that will be guest edited by Lisa Van Thiel. The focus will be determined at a later date. Anyone interested in writing articles or guest editing the newsletter, please contact Sandi. We are sad to report that one of the guest editors of the last PPP Connections, Wali Abdi, passed away two weeks ago.3.Community of Practice Website: Lynn reported that NAEYC is unveiling a whole new website. It’s going to be much easier to get on line and look at different interest forums. As a nine month trial (Jan-Sept), nonmembers can access the interest forums. Each interest forum will have an icon to identify it. There will be links. We need to ask someone to serve as the webmaster. (Post meeting note: Sue Blandford has agreed to serve in this role.) NAEYC is trying to get members to join Interest Forums.
Community of Practice Website: Lynn reported that NAEYC is unveiling a whole new website. It’s going to be much easier to get on line and look at different interest forums. As a nine month trial (Jan-Sept), nonmembers can access the interest forums. Each interest forum will have an icon to identify it. There will be links. We need to ask someone to serve as the webmaster. (Post meeting note: Sue Blandford has agreed to serve in this role.) NAEYC is trying to get members to join Interest Forums. 4.The Interest Forum Café Lounge: Lynn thanked all of the volunteers who spent time there. Being the first year, it might catch on. We might suggest a different location. Perhaps inside the Exhibition Hall? Some folks wanted to go back to the One-on-One Dialogue format.
The Interest Forum Café Lounge: Lynn thanked all of the volunteers who spent time there. Being the first year, it might catch on. We might suggest a different location. Perhaps inside the Exhibition Hall? Some folks wanted to go back to the One-on-One Dialogue format.5.State PPP Interest Forums: Walter reported on the Florida state interest forum that started at a Florida state conference. They constructed a mission and goal statement for a state interest forum on play. They outlined a framework for the interest forum, which included purchasing flyers like the one by Pat Nourot and sponsoring conference sessions each year at their conference. Patty Durkin reported on Missouri having a presentation at the state board meeting. They voted to sponsor them and a retreat at Fontbonne University. The state board supported people going to the play coaching conference. Luly reported on Puerto Rico AEYC including play in the rights for the children.
State PPP Interest Forums: Walter reported on the Florida state interest forum that started at a Florida state conference. They constructed a mission and goal statement for a state interest forum on play. They outlined a framework for the interest forum, which included purchasing flyers like the one by Pat Nourot and sponsoring conference sessions each year at their conference. Patty Durkin reported on Missouri having a presentation at the state board meeting. They voted to sponsor them and a retreat at Fontbonne University. The state board supported people going to the play coaching conference. Luly reported on Puerto Rico AEYC including play in the rights for the children.Several other state interest forums are under construction (Ohio, RI, NM) Jamie Brother, from Nevada, was interested in learning more. Veronica Plumb, from Alaska, attended a session on play at last year’s PDI. She was so fired up when she went back to her state, she ordered 25 play kits. She recorded their journal comments and put them on a list serve. She also submitted a proposal to PDI for this year. The hands-on play experience has been a key strategy.
6.Young Children Article: Susan Friedman, Young Children senior editor, is looking for an author to work with her on a short article on an issue related to play. If you’re interested, please email your ideas to SWAITE by November 15th.
Young Children Article: Susan Friedman, Young Children senior editor, is looking for an author to work with her on a short article on an issue related to play. If you’re interested, please email your ideas to SWAITE by November 15th.Patricia Nourot Award: Lynn announced that Ed Klugman is the winner of the 2008 Patricia Nourot award. There was a standing ovation. The award plaque will be given at PDI in June, 2009.
Lynn thanked everyone for staying for the long meeting. Boushh/Lopez motioned to adjourn at 9:11 p.m.
Respectfully submitted, Sandra Waite-Stupiansky
Attachment A: List of Attendees at the 2008 PPP Interest Forum Business Meeting:
1.Lisa Van ThielLisa.vanthiel@umb.edu
Lisa Van ThielLisa.vanthiel@umb.edu2.LaDonna Atkinslatkins@ueo.edu
LaDonna Atkinslatkins@ueo.edu3.JC Boushhplayitsafesigns@aol.com
JC Boushhplayitsafesigns@aol.com4.Dorothy J. Slussslussdj@jmu.edu
Dorothy J. Slussslussdj@jmu.edu5.Joanna Ceorejoannacemore@missouristate.edu
Joanna Ceorejoannacemore@missouristate.edu6.Halcyon Reese-Learnedhrlahal@pc.org
Halcyon Reese-Learnedhrlahal@pc.org7.Audrey Skrupskelisaudreys@usca.edu
Audrey Skrupskelisaudreys@usca.edu8.Marcy Guddemimguddemi@gesellinstitute.org
Marcy Guddemimguddemi@gesellinstitute.org9.Lynn Cohenlynn.cohen@liu.edu
Lynn Cohenlynn.cohen@liu.edu10.Eleanor Pobreepobr4@gmail.com
Eleanor Pobreepobr4@gmail.com11.Sandy Heidemannslh@saintpaulfoundation.org
Sandy Heidemannslh@saintpaulfoundation.org12.Susan Linnslinn@jbcc.harvard.edu
Susan Linnslinn@jbcc.harvard.edu13.Laurel Bongiorrobongiorno@champlain.edu
Laurel Bongiorrobongiorno@champlain.edu14.Nancy Gabrielgabrieln@sunyocc.edu
Nancy Gabrielgabrieln@sunyocc.edu15.Gera Jacobsgera.jacobs@usd.edu
Gera Jacobsgera.jacobs@usd.edu16.Susan Friedmansfriedman@naeyc.org
Susan Friedmansfriedman@naeyc.org17.Gwen Simmonsgsimmons@naeyc.org
Gwen Simmonsgsimmons@naeyc.org18.Maria de Lourdes Lily Lopez Cintronproducir9luly@hotmail.com
Maria de Lourdes Lily Lopez Cintronproducir9luly@hotmail.com19.Margarita Marchalmarichmar@yahoo.es
Margarita Marchalmarichmar@yahoo.es20.Jessica Geffkenjlgeffke@bloomu.edu
Jessica Geffkenjlgeffke@bloomu.edu21.Joy Marie Bechtoldjbechtol@bloomu.edu
Joy Marie Bechtoldjbechtol@bloomu.edu22.Marcia NellMarcia.nell@millersville.edu
Marcia NellMarcia.nell@millersville.edu23.Karl Oppenelves@treeblocks.com
Karl Oppenelves@treeblocks.com24.Patty Durkinpdurkin@fontbonne.edu
Patty Durkinpdurkin@fontbonne.edu25.Amy Petersonapeterson@sheboygan.K12.wi.us
Amy Petersonapeterson@sheboygan.K12.wi.us26.John Sutterbyjohn.sutterby@utb.edu
John Sutterbyjohn.sutterby@utb.edu27.Deb Lawrencedlawrence@seregionalkey.org
Deb Lawrencedlawrence@seregionalkey.org28.David Kurschnerdavid.kuschner@uc.edu
David Kurschnerdavid.kuschner@uc.edu29.Erica Keylearnigseeds@gmail.com
Erica Keylearnigseeds@gmail.com30.Jim Johnsonjej4@psu.edu
Jim Johnsonjej4@psu.edu31.Michael M. Pattempatte@bloomu.edu
Michael M. Pattempatte@bloomu.edu32.Karen Hewittinfo@learningmaterialswork.com
Karen Hewittinfo@learningmaterialswork.com33.Benjamin TakemoriBenjamin@kaplatoys.com
Benjamin TakemoriBenjamin@kaplatoys.com34.Ed Millered@allianceforchildhood.org
Ed Millered@allianceforchildhood.org35.Jamie Brotherjbrother@meaningfulplayconsultants.com
Jamie Brotherjbrother@meaningfulplayconsultants.com36.Darlene DeMariedemarie@coedu.usf.edu
Darlene DeMariedemarie@coedu.usf.edu37.Geralyn McLaughlingeralynnbywater@gmail.com
Geralyn McLaughlingeralynnbywater@gmail.com38.Ed Klugmanatakara@aol.com
Ed Klugmanatakara@aol.com39.Sandi Waite-Stupianskyswaite@edinboro.edu
Sandi Waite-Stupianskyswaite@edinboro.edu40.Joan Almonjoan.almon@verizon.net
Joan Almonjoan.almon@verizon.net41.Adele Robinsonarobinson@naeyc.org
Adele Robinsonarobinson@naeyc.org42.Peter Pizzolongoppizzolongo@naeyc.org
Peter Pizzolongoppizzolongo@naeyc.org43.Mary Jamsek (absent)
Mary Jamsek (absent)44.Susan Blandford (absent)sltrc@sbcglobal.net
Susan Blandford (absent)sltrc@sbcglobal.netAttachment B: Announcement on the Play Social (Washington, DC, November, 2009 annual conference):
The International Play Association US (Promoting the Children’s Right to Play) in conjunction with the National Association for the Education of Young Children’s 2009 Annual Conference and Expo in Washington D.C. will be holding a Play Social on November 19, 2009. IPA-USA is looking to partnering with organizations that share IPA-USA vision of promoting child’s play. We are currently looking to partnering with the Association for the Study of Play, NAEYC Play, Policy, and Practice Forum, IPEMA, Kaboom, the National Program for Playground Safety, the Alliance for Childhood, the National Institute for Play, the Strong National Museum of Play, Common Good, and Sarah Lawrence College, who have also shown an interest in participating in the Play Social. We will be sending invitations to the Congress, Senate, the White House, CPSC, and other Policy makers that can advocate for play. We would deeply like the participation of all those with a common vision in this first ever Play Social, and we are currently looking to keep the social attendance to approximately 200 participants. We have also received verbal confirmations from Dr. Joe Frost, Dr. Stuart Brown, and Bev Bos who will provide keynotes and thoughts on the state of children’s play in the United Sates. We are in the early planning stages and will keep all interested parties informed as we finalize the details. If you would like to participate, sponsor, or like further information please feel free to contact IPA-USA Social Chair JC Boushh at (951) 922-3900 or playitsafesigns@aol.com. We look forward to your involvement in an event that may begin to shape the state of children’s play in the United States and return the value of play to America.
--Submitted by JC Boushh
