Current Course Schedule

Free Play as a Liberatory Process: The importance of physical and emotional risk-taking

This course explores the history of the adventure playground movement and the value of unstructured and child-directed environments. We will examine contemporary trends toward more adult-centered play experiences and consider the impact that a lack of agency can have on children's social and mental health outcomes. We will visit The Yard playground on Governors Island and consider the role of the playworker approach in that environment. Drawing on this philosophy of playwork and other progressive traditions, we will reflect on how educators can support more affirming, confidence-building opportunities for play in various settings.

Location: Governor’s Island Adventure Playground (Travel to the Island is not incorporated into the class time. Arrangements will be made at the online meeting on May 9. Plan accordingly.)
  • Course Number
    TEED700N
  • Registration Options and Cost
    $425 1.2 CTLE or 12.0 CEU
    $1,868 1.0 Credits
    $25 Materials fee

Sections

Spring 2025

  • Section 1:
    Date(s)
    May 9 and 17 | Online and On-Site*Location: Governor’s Island Adventure Playground (Travel to the Island is not incorporated into the class time. Arrangements will be made at the online meeting on May 9. Plan accordingly.)
    Day and Time
    Friday, 4:45-9:00 PM online
    Saturday, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM ET On-site
    Registration Deadline
    May 2, 2025
    Register
    • Abigail Kerlin
      Abigail Kerlin
      Abby Kerlin, MSEd, MA, is the director for the Early Childhood, Childhood, Cross Age and Advanced Standing General Education programs at Bank Street Graduate school. She spent the first decade of her career teaching kindergarten through third grade at PS 234 in Lower Manhattan. For over 10 years, Kerlin has been an instructor at Bank Street, teaching courses in child development, geography and research methods and curriculum development. Additionally, she has served as a fieldwork advisor and the academic director of the Long Trip program. Beyond her teaching and program leadership responsibilities, Abby conducts research into children’s interactions with their physical environment. Kerlin earned her MSEd in Early Childhood and Childhood General Education from Bank Street College of Education. She also holds an MA in Human Development from Teachers College, Columbia University and a BA in Education Policy from Hampshire College.