Join us to learn how play can be an effective tool to help kids build all kinds of skills, including those specific to STEAM!
Presented by The Toy Association in collaboration with NGCP, this webinar recording we will introduce you to the wealth of free resources available through The Genius of Play initiative, which provides parents, caregivers and educators with research, expert advice, and ready-to-use ideas and activities to engage kids of all ages in fun and skill-building play. We will then dive deep into the specific criteria that underlie a high-quality STEAM toy. You will leave empowered with hands-on information and tools ready for immediate application in your program.
The Genius of Play and STEAM webinar was hosted by The Toy Association and NGCP on November 8, 2022.
Anna Yudina, Senior Director of Marketing Initiatives at The Toy Association
Anna Yudina joined The Toy Association in February 2015 as the Director of Marketing Communications. Ms. Yudina is spearheading the Association’s Genius of Play™ initiative to raise awareness of play as a crucial part of child development and encourage families to make time for play in their daily lives. Since its launch in June 2015, The Genius of Play has reached millions of parents, caregivers and educators, providing research-based facts, expert advice, and a host of play activities through its website, social media channels, live events and various media. Ms. Yudina has also been leading The Toy Association’s strategic STEAM initiative, which culminated in the development of the comprehensive “STEAM Toy Assessment Framework” and the launch of industry’s first official STEAM Toy Accreditation program.
Dr. Amanda Gummer, Founder and CEO, Fundamentally Children and The Good Play Guide
Dr Amanda Gummer is a Psychologist who specializes in child development, play & parenting. She is the media's go-to expert to discuss family issues and is the founder & CEO of Dr Gummer's Good Play Guide, one of the UK’s leading sites for independent toy & app reviews and advice.
Tyler Kearns, Program Coordinator, The Clayton School District’s Kid Zone
Tyler is the current Program Coordinator for Clayton Kid Zone with the Clayton School District. Tyler is a National AfterSchool Association Next Generation honoree and a National Play Ambassador with the Genius of Play. Kearns' knowledge base comes not only from research but from experience from the frontlines, as we he continues to hone his craft onsite daily with staff and students. Tyler is also the Professional Development Committee Chair with the Missouri Afterschool Network working to further advance the professional development for afterschool professionals in his state. Outside of programming, Tyler is a father of two and also the owner and Master instructor of Axiom Martial Arts with 18 years of experience coaching, leading, and instructing all ages in martial arts training.
