Let’s Play: Supporting Social Communication in Early Childhood, Workshop #3 – Play with Friends and Leisure Routines: An Introduction to Peer-Mediated Instruction and Intervention (PMII) Deb Norris February 7, 2022

Social communication, or the exchange of information between individuals, is an imperative part of social emotional well-being. Through play we can create opportunities for children's developing minds, language, and the capacity for negotiating social exchanges. This workshop series, with graduate course option, focuses on the development for all learners of pivotal life, educational, and social skills, which are nurtured most effectively within the context of play. Workshop 3: March 25, 2022 - Play with Friends and Leisure Routines: An Introduction to Peer Mediated Instruction and Intervention (PMII) This workshop focuses on supporting children’s access to and interactions with others during play. Participants will learn strategies for increasing active participation, co-regulation, and social emotional well-being. Participants will: Explore evidence supporting the use of PMII across communication settings Engage in simulations for multiple approaches of PMII Develop an individualized plan that supports social communication, perspective-taking, language, associative and cooperative play through PMII Assess neurodivergence in terms of play, communication, sensory preferences, and self-regulatory approaches Define the importance of leisure and leisure routines for social emotional well-being This offering is part of the Neurodiversity and Inclusion program and as such, will include a focus on supporting neuro-divergent learners as well as neurotypical learners.