The Play Connection Network
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Connecting Communities Through Play AECPCN is a non-profit organization that is governed by a small board of directors. All work is done by volunteers.
We're in Kananaskis for the ECEC ATA Conference!! Let's play!
04/22/2026
✨ Puppet Wonder in Action! ✨
Last night, we had the absolute honour of learning alongside Aynsley Graham and Ian Pidgeon as they guided our community of Play Advocates through the magic of puppetry in practice.
Their session beautifully reminded us that play is not just something we do—it’s how children connect, communicate, and make sense of the world. 💜
A heartfelt thank you to both of these incredible facilitators for sharing their knowledge, creativity, and playful spirit with us.
Some powerful takeaways from the evening:
✨ Puppets can support children in navigating the excited–calm cycle of self-regulation
✨ Different types of puppets can serve different purposes in our environments
✨ There are many levels and ways to engage with puppets in meaningful, responsive ways
✨ Puppetry can strengthen relationships—between educators and children, and among peers
✨ Puppets offer a safe space for children to express feelings, explore identity, and experience power shifts
✨ They can foster inclusion, belonging, and a strong sense of self
It was an evening filled with laughter, reflection, and a deep reminder that play is the how of learning.
💭 We’d love to hear from you—what was your biggest takeaway?
Stay tuned for our next Play Event!
04/20/2026
Don't Miss Out!! Last Chance to Register for our online workshop on Puppet Wonder! Connecting Play and Behaviours
Our virtual Play events continue in April with the amazing Aynsley Graham and Ian Pidgeon as they share their magical stories and strategies of puppetry in play!
Join us for this imaginative session to discover how play, puppetry, and a touch of magic can transform challenging behaviours.
When: Tuesday, April 21, 2026
Time: 6:30PM - 8:00PM (MDT)
Registration Fee: $15.00 (+GST & Eventbrite fees)
Register Here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1983903044411?aff=oddtdtcreator
Prioritizing play is difficult in most early learning environments, and can be challenging for adults to comfortably and confidently engage in. Focusing on play when a child is dysregulated or uncooperative often feels like rewarding poor behaviour or giving the “wrong message”.
This presentation explores how Early Learning Educators can use play to support positive behaviour changes. Using concepts of magic, this workshop explores how adults use magical thinking in everyday situations to benefit their own behaviour, and how ECE's can use magic to help manage behaviour in their centers, day homes and classrooms! Understanding how a child experiences the world through wonder can bring clarity to challenging behaviours and offer clear solutions.
Incorporating puppets and play-based behaviour intervention allows educators to not only build meaningful relationships with students, but to explore concepts and build skills that are essential for the real-world. This presentation is written and facilitated in partnership with a Behaviour Specialist and a Child and Youth Care Counsellor who is a professional magician!
Join us for this imaginative and practical session to discover how play, puppetry, and a touch of magic can transform challenging behaviours into meaningful opportunities for connection, regulation, and growth.
Register Here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1983903044411?aff=oddtdtcreator
Click here to claim your Sponsored Listing.
