Play, Literacy, and the Science of Reading in Early Childhood Classrooms Hailey Paschold September 16, 2026

Grounded in current research on the science of reading and best practices in early childhood education, this session will highlight how playful, meaningful interactions build the foundational skills children need for later reading success. Through classroom examples, hands-on activities, and collaborative discussion, participants will learn how to intentionally embed evidence-based literacy practices into authentic play experiences while honoring children’s curiosity, agency, and developmental needs.

Participants will:
-Explore how play-based experiences can strengthen the foundational skills identified by the science of reading, including oral language, vocabulary, phonological awareness, print concepts, and alphabet knowledge.
-Learn how to integrate literacy-rich opportunities throughout the day, supporting emergent reading and writing without disrupting authentic play.
-Discover strategies for designing developmentally appropriate learning experiences that meet the diverse strengths, interests, and needs of young learners.
-Collaborate with fellow educators to reflect on current practice, share successful strategies, and develop actionable plans for implementing play-centered literacy instruction in their own classrooms.