edWebinars
«Back to all edWebinarsBuilding Engagement in Early Childhood Classrooms: From Curiosity to Confidence
Wednesday, April 30, 2025 @ 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm EDT
Presented by Mariah Douglass Bruehl, Educator, Author, and Founder of Playful Learning; and Jacki Schulze, Playful Learning Studio Director, Playful Learning
Sponsored by Playful Learning
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Engagement is the cornerstone of effective early childhood education, fostering curiosity, confidence, and a strong foundation for future success. This edWebinar highlights the four pillars of engagement, which combine research and hands-on practices to create classrooms that captivate and inspire young learners while preparing them for success as they transition into kindergarten and the K-12 environment.
The presenters will explore:
- Instructional strategies that promote active engagement and participation
- Classroom design that supports creativity, focus, and meaningful exploration
- Building strong family partnerships to support child development
Designed for PreK educators, decision makers, and researchers, this edWebinar offers practical tools and actionable strategies to transform early childhood classrooms into spaces where engagement leads to meaningful outcomes.
About the Presenters
Mariah Douglass Bruehl is the founder of Playful Learning, which operates a play-based preschool in New York. Mariah and her team have developed a play-based method and curriculum specifically designed for the early childhood years. Bridging the world of research and practice, Playful Learning shares curricula, professional development, and support with teachers, schools, and families seeking to implement guided-play programs. An educator, curriculum developer, and advocate for meaningful early childhood education, Mariah has over 30 years of experience as a teacher and leader. She is the author of two books: Playful Learning: Develop Your Child’s Sense of Joy and Wonder and Real-Life Rules: A Young Person’s Guide to Self-Discovery, Big Ideas, and Healthy Habits. Her work reflects a deep commitment to empowering educators, children, and families to create enriching learning environments that inspire curiosity, confidence, and a love of discovery.
Jacki Schulze, the Playful Learning Studio Director, has been working in the field of education for over 20 years. She is an experienced elementary and early childhood teacher, private tutor, and curriculum writer. Through her love of exploring, experimenting, and creating, she strives to help facilitate the natural ways children learn every day. Jacki has a B.A. in art history, an M.A. in childhood education, and a New York State Certification in Elementary Education.
Learn more about viewing the live presentation and the recording, earning your CE certificate, and using our new accessibility features.
Join the Engaging Early Learners community to network with educators, participate in online discussions, receive invitations to upcoming edWebinars, and view recordings of previous programs to earn CE certificates.
Playful Learning is a method of early childhood education that artfully weaves together play with learning. We bring education to life through our in-person preschool studio, online curriculum, and hands-on learning materials—carefully curated for the youngest learners—and the families, teachers, and schools who care for them.
