Read-alouds are a cornerstone of early childhood education, but they can be so much more than a passive experience. From Page to Play is a one-hour, interactive training designed to help early childhood educators transform their read-aloud sessions into lively, hands-on learning experiences. In this fast-paced session, participants will discover creative strategies to turn stories into interactive activities that engage children’s minds, bodies, and imaginations. Through practical examples and easy-to-apply techniques, educators will share and learn how to incorporate movement, role-play, sensory exploration, and more into their read-alouds. By encouraging active participation, these strategies help children develop important skills such as language, problem-solving, social-emotional understanding, and creativity. The session will focus on making read-alouds dynamic and participatory, ensuring that every child is actively involved in the learning process. This training is perfect for educators looking to elevate their read-alouds and create an environment where children not only hear stories but also live them! Training Objectives: By the end of this one-hour training, participants will be able to: - Use props and materials creatively: Integrate simple props, sensory items, or visuals that children can touch, manipulate, or interact with during the read-aloud to enhance engagement and deepen understanding. - Facilitate interactive discussions: Engage children in “stop-and-talk” moments, asking questions or encouraging predictions to deepen comprehension, foster critical thinking, and make personal connections with the story. - Extend the learning beyond the page: Create follow-up activities that extend the themes of the book into other areas of the curriculum, such as dramatic play, art, or problem-solving challenges, to deepen the impact of the read-aloud. By the end of this training, educators will be equipped with a toolbox of strategies to transform their read-alouds into dynamic, interactive learning experiences that captivate and engage young children while supporting their cognitive, emotional, and social development.