Mariana Carazo is a passionate and experienced educator committed to transforming the educational landscape by advocating for play-based learning. With over two decades of experience, Mariana's mission is to inspire and equip educators, parents, and children to embrace a new way of learning that prepares them for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st Century.
Keywords:
These keywords represent the essence of Mariana Carazo’s work and her approach to education:
Play-Based Learning Advocate:
Championing the use of play as a fundamental tool in children's development and education.
21st Century Education Innovator:
Leading the charge in modernizing educational practices to meet the needs of today’s learners.
Place-Based Education in Action:
Executing Play-Based Education in the classroom from preschool through elementary school, skill-based and powered through play.
Challenges My Talks Address
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The Decline of Play in Childhood: How overstructured routines, screens, and academic pressure are pushing play aside, and why this is harming children’s development.
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Creating Meaningful Learning Environments: The struggle parents and educators face in designing spaces that foster independence, creativity, and deep learning.
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Outdated Educational Practices: Why traditional methods fail to prepare children for the demands of the 21st century and how we can rethink education to restore childhood and build essential life skills.
About Mariana Carazo
Mariana Carazo is a passionate educator with more than 22 years of experience, specializing in Early Childhood Education and innovative 21st-century learning practices. Originally from Costa Rica and now based in Orlando, Florida, she has dedicated her career to rethinking education so that it truly meets the needs of today’s learners.
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She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and a Master’s Degree in Curriculum & Teaching (Gifted and Talented Education) from Columbia University. Over the years, Mariana has directed her own educational business in Costa Rica, consulted for international education companies, and designed curricula and resources that bring play-based, project-based, and ability-based learning to life.
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Her current project, Developing Minds Learning Center, embodies her vision for a reimagined education. This boutique learning center provides children with a nurturing, play-centered, and ability-based environment that integrates academics, executive function skills, and social-emotional learning. Through her programs, her membership platform The Play Lab, and her international speaking engagements, Mariana continues to champion a global movement to restore childhood, empower educators, and inspire families to embrace play as the foundation for learning.
Key Takeaways from My Talks
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Recognizing play as the foundation of healthy childhood development, shifting mindsets to value play as essential, not optional.
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Designing intentional and enriching play environments, practical strategies for homes, schools, and communities.
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Reimagining education for the 21st century, integrating play to nurture skills, creativity, and well-being in today’s learners.