Lisa Smith M.A., D.E.V.M., Teachers College, Columbia University
Educational Consultant
Expert Advice Contributor "Genius at Play" Website
Guest Columnist for "Independent Press" Online Newspaper
Adjunct Psychology Professor
American Council on Education, ACUE Certified in Effective College Instruction for the following; *Motivating Your Students *Using Active Learning Techniques in Small Groups *Using Active Learning Techniques in Large Classes *Developing Self-Directed Learners *Planning Effective Class Discussions *Facilitating Engaging Class Discussions
Philosophy Growing up in today's rapidly changing society is having profound effects on the healthy development of our next generation, including increased stress and depression. Technology in the form of cell phones, instagram, and facebook are contributing to a culture where self-esteem and social interactions are no longer guided by personal interactions, rather these important interactions needed for healthy development are being replaced by the "court of public opinion", void of emotional cues and feedback. These limited interactions are having an effect on both young and old as even our collective memory has changed. We once had a "go-to" person, possibly a senior member of the family or organization for information, whereas today, our "go-to" is often Google. How can children grow and learn when the social structure is in constant change... it starts with play.
While no one can argue that living in an era of technology affords us unlimited possibilities, some development still needs to occur the "old fashioned" way. Children are not "little adults". Kids need to be kids before they become adults, to walk before they can run, to learn life-skills from play and social interactions before they can successfully manage the demands of work and adult life. My passion for continued learning provides my workshops with the most current research and trends on healthy development. See how our developmental workshops can help support healthy child development through the benefits of play, on mindset, beliefs, and learning, and how these beliefs affect our behavior in many aspects of our lives.