2027 The Playful Classroom April Book Club

Join us for April’s 2027 MSTA "Beyond the Book" Club, featuring The Playful Classroom: The Power of Play for All Ages by Jed Dearybury and Julie Jones.

Learning doesn't have to be boring. Discover how play can unlock deeper engagement and meaningful learning at any grade level. This book club explores the research behind the power of play and how a playful mindset can strengthen engagement, collaboration, critical thinking, and classroom culture. You’ll discover strategies for creating meaningful, hands-on learning experiences that inspire students to take risks, explore ideas, and enjoy the process of learning.

Find out more and purchase the book here

Meet the Facilitator: Rebecca Shipley is an Early Childhood Special Education teacher and former Kindergarten teacher with multiple degrees from Northwest Missouri State University. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with her husband and their two active children.

Participants are responsible for obtaining their own copy of this month's text prior to the beginning of the book club.  

​​​MSTA's Online Learning Platform

MSTA uses Teachable to host its online professional learning activities, including discussions, group work, and course materials.

What You’ll Find in the Course:

• Discussion Boards: Share insights and reflect with peers.
• Guiding Questions & Tasks: Apply key ideas from readings.
• Asynchronous Format: Participate anytime, anywhere.

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Getting Started with Teachable

First-Time Participant?

Check your email for a message from Teachable (sent to the address you used when registering). Follow the link to confirm your email and set your password. Your course will appear under "My Products."

Returning Participant?

Log in using your email and password from a previous course to access your dashboard.

 

​Course Expectations

• Attend Zoom networking sessions to connect and collaborate.
• Complete assignments that link course concepts to your classroom practice.
• Access to course resources continues after the course ends.

 

PD Certification

• At the end of the month, PD certificates will be emailed to those who complete all course requirements. Monthly book clubs will earn 6 PD hours and quarterly book clubs will earn 8 PD hours.

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