NIU STEAM Café: The Science of Play

NIU STEAM Café: The Science of Play December 2, 2026 6:30 p.m. South Moon BBQ (100 E Lincoln Ave, Hinkley, IL 60520) Fred Rogers famously said, “Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood.” In this STEAM Café, we delve into the science of play with Kristin Schulz, executive director of the NIU Child Development and Family Center, and Melissa Clucas Walter, NIU assistant professor of human development and family sciences. They’ll explain why playing is so important for children’s brain development, and why adults benefit from preserving a sense of play. Learn about early childhood theories of play, find out why play encourages learning for both children and adults, and get tips for how to incorporate play into your life. Whether you have children in your daily life or live in an adult-only home, practicing play can help you incorporate joy, learning and growth into everyday life. About the speakers Kristin Schulz is the Executive Director of the Northern Illinois University Child Development and Family Center, where she oversees program operations, educator development and quality improvement efforts in a midsized, campus‑based childcare program and laboratory school. She holds a B.S. in Early Childhood Education and an M.S. in Applied Human Development and Family Sciences from Northern Illinois University. Kristin has been working in early childhood education for 24 years, and she uses play with her staff, her family and herself to build and maintain connections and manage stress. Melissa Clucas Walter, Ph.D. is an assistant professor of human development and family sciences in the NIU College of Health and Human Sciences. She’s an expert in embedded learning opportunities for young children within their natural environments and early childhood science education. Melissa teaches approaches to the study and assessment of early childhood education, as well as infant and child development practicums.