Series – Unlocking the Power of Play: Why Play Matters and What You Can Do Right Now
Play isn’t just important—it’s essential. It helps children grow emotionally, socially, physically, and cognitively in ways few other activities can. Yet, in recent years, play has been sidelined, with real developmental costs to children’s developing regulation, social competence, and academic engagement. In this session, we’ll explore why that matters and share practical, high-impact changes families can make to bring play back to the forefront. Register Here
In a world where screens dominate and safety often takes precedence over exploration, children are growing up with fewer opportunities to discover, imagine, and take meaningful risks. Yet the research is clear: kids learn best through hands-on experiences—and play is the ultimate teacher. Join The Alliance for Early Childhood, in partnership with TrueNorth Parent University, for a powerful four-part series designed to help you bring more play into your child’s life. Grounded in developmental science and filled with real-world strategies, this series explores how play nurtures children’s social, emotional, physical, and cognitive growth. Together, we’ll examine the societal shifts that have chipped away at play, why play matters now more than ever, and how to make it an intentional, enriching part of everyday life. Each session includes practical ideas you can try at home and opportunities to connect with other parents who value the power of play.
Upcoming Events
Inside the Box: How Constraints Make Us Better
David Epstein
Science writer and best-selling author
Megan Twohey
Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporter for The New York Times
Evanston Township High School Auditorium
Note: Event start time is Central Time (CT).
NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED.
Post-event reception in ETHS’s Alumni Hall, open to all.

Churn: The Tension That Divides Us and How to Overcome It
Claude M. Steele, Ph.D.
Lucie Stern Professor in the Social Sciences, Emeritus, at Stanford University
Marcus Campbell, Ed.D.
Superintendent, Evanston Township High School D202, Evanston, IL
Evanston Township High School Auditorium
Note: Event start time is Central Time (CT).
NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED.

A Little More Social: How Small Choices Create Unexpected Happiness, Health, and Connection
Nicholas Epley, Ph.D.
John Templeton Keller Distinguished Service Professor of Behavior Science at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business
David Brooks
Staff writer for The Atlantic and the inaugural Senior Presidential Fellow at Yale University’s Jackson School of Global Affairs
ON ZOOM
