[photo credit: SignUpGenius]
Funded through the generosity of the Ballmer Group and hosted by Options for Learning, the professional development series will run from 6 to 7:15 p.m. on Nov. 5, Nov. 12, Nov. 19, Nov. 24, and Dec. 1 at Alverno Heights Academy, 200 N. Michillinda Ave. in Sierra Madre. Registration is required, and all participants will receive a copy of Bryson’s forthcoming book, “The Way of Play,” co-authored with Georgie Wisen-Vincent, LMFT, RPT-S, and scheduled for release in 2025.
The training is designed to equip educators with trauma-informed, play-based strategies to support children’s emotional growth, self-regulation, and recovery after adversity. Topics include brain-based storytelling, emotional regulation, sensory processing, and strategies for addressing challenging behaviors. Refreshments will be provided.
Attendees are asked to enter and exit through the gate on Highland Avenue, just east of Michillinda Avenue, and to avoid parking on surrounding residential streets.
Dr. Bryson is the co-author (with Dr. Dan Siegel) of multiple New York Times bestsellers, including “The Whole-Brain Child” and “No-Drama Discipline,” which have been translated into more than 50 languages and sold over a million copies each. Her books have sold more than three million copies combined. She is also the founder and executive director of The Center for Connection, The Play Strong Institute, and The Center for Connection and Neurodiversity.
Ana Barajas, behavioral health coordinator at Options for Learning, praised Bryson’s impact: “Dr. Bryson is a legend in the parent education world. She has co-authored, with Dr. Dan Siegel, some of the most well-respected parenting books out there. Having an opportunity to learn from one of the greatest in the field is more than a treat — as a therapist, I am thrilled to learn more about the effective ways to connect with children to help them process their emotions and develop their self-regulation skills through their child-led play. You won’t want to miss this opportunity.”
The five sessions will cover:
- Class 1: Whole-brain development, storytelling, and emotional communication, including techniques such as “Name it to tame it,” “Connect and redirect,” and “Thinking out loud.”
- Class 2: Trauma-informed play, emotional safety, and regulation, including Perry’s Three E’s of Trauma, mirroring emotions, and bringing emotions to life through play.
- Class 3: Building resilience through sensory awareness and neuroaffirmative approaches, including “body up” processing, zones of regulation, and scaffolding through struggle.
- Class 4: Understanding and redirecting challenging behaviors using curiosity, the “three discipline questions,” and brain-based behavior strategies.
- Class 5: The power of presence, including the “four S’s” that shape the brain, the formula for resilience, and showing up for both students and ourselves.
Reserve your spot and be part of this inspiring journey toward healing through play. For more information or to register, click here.
