2025 ROE8 Summer Institute

Presenters: Sam Buss (Special Education Coordinator for Ogle County Educational Cooperative) and Lynn Kalnins (Principal of Chana Education Center - Therapeutic Alternative School)

Young children learn best through play, making games a powerful tool for teaching emotional regulation. In this engaging session, participants will explore how to use interactive and developmentally appropriate games to help children recognize, express, and manage their emotions. From fostering self-awareness to building coping skills, attendees will learn practical strategies for incorporating play into everyday routines to support social-emotional growth. The session will feature hands-on activities, examples of games, and tips for adapting them to diverse needs, empowering educators and caregivers to nurture emotional resilience in a fun and meaningful way.