Training and Consulting

Who has already benefited?

• International Play Association, Glasgow UK
• St. Vincent's Day Home, Oakland, CA
• Presbyterian Day School, Memphis, TN
• Christ Methodist Day School, Memphis, TN
• The Steward School, Richmond, VA
• St. Catherine's School, Richmond, VA
• Active Schools National Summit, Greely, CO
• U.S. Play Coalition Conference, Clemson, SC and Bloomington, IN, multiple years
• National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), Annual Conference multiple years
• NAEYC Learning Lab
• NAEYC Professional Learning Institute
• National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS)
• Southern Early Childhood Association (SECA), multiple years
• Move2Learn Conference, Keynote, Alexandria, VA
• Virginia Association for the Education of Young Children (VAAEYC), multiple years
• and more....

Check out the complete list here.

Testimonials

"Pivot to Play was absolutely AWESOME! Preston Blackburn's presentation was both inspiring and interactive, providing countless practical strategies for incorporating intentional movement into the school day. Her insights reinforced what we know to be true—movement is essential to the learning process for children of all ages." Emily Lequerica, Director of Research and Innovation for Boys Education, Presbyterian Day School, Memphis TN

"Oh my goodness, Preston is so amazing!  I wanted to jump up and yell out PREACH!  ...The whole United States should do her program..."  Teacher at a professional development training 2025.

“Wow wow wow!!!! The best presenter and session offered!!!!”  Conference attendee after hearing Outsmart the Wiggles

FAQs

Who is the presentation/training suited for?  Educators of children in preschool, elementary school, or middle school, or parents.  But not all at the same time! 

What if funding is tight?  Consider partnering with another school to share travel and hotel costs for back-to-back trainings or go all in together!  Another option is to open the doors to the public and charge an admission fee.  The booking party would keep all door proceeds. 

What AV/tech needs are there?  Just a screen and a projector.  If space is big our acoustics aren't all that good, a mic, preferably a lavalier would be needed as well.

What about space?  If you are going to talk the talk you have to walk the walk, but we know educators are often working in tight spaces, so we do get everyone moving with little space needed.  We do like to demonstrate bigger games that require more movement, so some space for some participants to help demonstrate the fun is extremely useful.

"If a child is going to thrive, his brain needs his body to move." - Preston Blackburn

In this post-Covid world, we are seeing a dramatic spike in self-regulation challenges, behavior challenges, learning challenges and classroom management challenges.

Getting kids moving can change all of that.   

Kids today are more sedentary than they have ever been.  It is changing the way their brains are wired.  It is altering their development and it is hindering their future success.

Getting kids moving can change all of that.   

And we can show you how.  

As an international trainer, Preston has presented to rave reviews for more than a dozen years.  Her engaging style combined with mind-blowing data and facts, practical application and humor leave attendees empowered and inspired.

What could the Purposeful Play lineup look like?

4 hours

• Outsmart the Wiggles. 2 hours.  The brain science and logic of incorporating more purposeful play into the school day to improve self-regulation, self-control and behavior while powering a positive learning experience. 
• 10 minute BREAK and set-up for play
• Brainstorm session:  How can teachers apply what they have learned in the classroom and schedule?
• Breakouts: Put what has been learned to use!  Teachers spend a few minutes learning age-appropriate games then lead those games with all participants.
• Wrap-Up
• Questions

Keep in mind, these general topics apply to educators of children who are in preschool, elementary school, or even middle school.  Though there are differences to reflect the age, the developmental needs, and suitable games for each age group, the underlying message is the same.  

Don't like these ideas or have some of your own?  Want just one piece of this?  We are happy to work with you to design exactly what you want and need!  

Ready to be part of the fuel that fires the power of play?  Get on our calendar: kelsey.schmidt@pivotoplay.com