Course Description
Teaching Strategies: Let's Play! is designed to help learners understand the importance of play and multi-sensory engagement in learning. Learners will explore the idea of play as the foundation for all learning as well as ideas for incorporating play into a classroom, therapeutic, or home setting. Sensory play is discussed along with the importance of sensory regulation and adapting play to meet the needs of all learners. Lilli Neilsen's teaching method, Active Learning, is also highlighted in this course. Learners will gain an understanding of the key principles of Active Learning, how to implement basic practices, and how to use Active Learning to teach children to play.
The lessons included in this course are Introduction to Little Light House, The Learning Process, Sensory Play, and Active Learning. There are quizzes at the end of each lesson and a final quiz at the end of the course. To receive a Certificate of Completion from LLH, a score of 85% or higher must be achieved on the final quiz. The LLH certificate will be issued after the learner completes the quizzes and submits the course feedback form. Quiz completion is only required if a certificate is pursued. Additional feedback, comments, and suggestions for the course can be sent to [email protected].
You'll learn how to:
- Explain the neuroscience behind how children learn.
- Describe the importance of play in learning.
- Create messy play opportunities for children.
- Adapt play to meet the sensory needs of children.
- Explain the importance of sensory regulation.
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Explain Active Learning and be able to implement various Active Learning Techniques.
Example Curriculum
Primary Authors
Hannah Jimenez, MS
Hannah Jimenez graduated from Oklahoma State University in 2015 with a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Music and a Master's degree in Teaching, Learning, and Leadership with an emphasis in Special Education. She also holds credentials as a Master IEP Coach® and was voted Teacher of the Year at Cedar Ridge Elementary in 2020. Prior to joining Little Light House, Hannah taught Special Education in the public school and community college settings and assists with the "His Heart" special needs ministry at CrossPoint Church in Sand Springs, OK. Hannah serves as the Special Education Teacher on the National and Global Impact team at Little Light House, training churches on how to offer special needs services, writing courses for the Online Academy, and teaching Early Intervention classes. Hannah's greatest passion is helping individuals with disabilities access their community, school, and church.
Lynda Crouch, CLVT/ATP/MOT, OTR/L , Perkins-Roman CVI Specialist
Lynda Crouch is a certified, low vision therapist and assistive technology professional. Along with working at Little Light House, Lynda contracts with school districts, therapy clinics, and the state department of rehabilitation services to serve individuals of all ages with vision impairments. She has also worked for 3 years at a low vision clinic with a low vision optometrist. Lynda has a Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from Texas Woman’s University and has received Perkins-Roman cortical vision impairment endorsement. Additionally, she holds a certified low vision therapist certification from the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation & Education Professionals (ACVREP) and certification as an assistive technology professional from the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA). Additionally she served as a contributor for standardizing the Test of Visual Perceptual Skills 4th Edition. For over 30 years, Lynda has served individuals with vision impairments of all ages throughout the community, within therapy and low vision clinics, and in the school settings. It is her passion to help teachers, therapists, and parents understand vision impairments and interventions that can help individuals reach their full potential.
Editor- Ann Chinworth, BA
Ann Chinworth graduated with Bachelor degrees in English Education and Spanish from Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, OK in 2017. Since then she has worked in a variety of settings, teaching Language Arts in the public school, working locally and overseas with youth, and expanding her online content creation skills. Ann joined Little Light House’s Department of Development in 2018 as the Grant Writer and later assisted with fundraising on the events team. Since then, she has transitioned to the National and Global Impact department, serving as the Outreach Coordinator and working with the team to compile information from Little Light House’s 50 years of experience into helpful resources and trainings for professional contacts, parents and educators worldwide. Ann has a passion for people and helping connect them with the resources they need to feel confident, happy, and ready for the future.
Editor- Julia B. Wilson, PT
Julia B. Wilson graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Oklahoma in 1973 and is licensed to practice physical therapy in the state of Oklahoma, USA. Her pediatric focus is in Certification in Neurodevelopmental Treatment of Children with Neurological Disorders and NDT Advanced Baby Treatment. She also pursued advanced training in lower extremity orthotics and gait disorders. She is a lifetime member of American Physical Therapy Association and Oklahoma Physical Therapy Association and has held multiple leadership positions and appointments. Julia spent over 35 years in pediatric private practice as an owner/therapist prior to joining Little Light House’s therapy team in 2007. Over the years, she has served in the Children’s Services area as a Physical Therapist, Director of Therapy Services, and Senior Director of Children and Family Services prior to stepping into her current role as the Academy Coordinator. Along with these roles, Julia has participated in multiple overseas training trips to the Sunbeam Center in Johvi, Estonia through the LLH National & Global Impact program, training and consulting with other professionals around the world.