Connections Conference
March 18, 2017 ~ Skagit Valley College
8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Theme: Let's Play
Keynote Speaker: Denita Dinger, Play Counts
Sessions: Two sections with ten sessions offered a variety of professional development in the areas of infant/toddler, preschool, school age, or administrator
March 18, 2017 ~ Skagit Valley College
8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Theme: Let's Play
Keynote Speaker: Denita Dinger, Play Counts
Sessions: Two sections with ten sessions offered a variety of professional development in the areas of infant/toddler, preschool, school age, or administrator
"Embracing Play" with Denita Dinger of Play Counts!More and more, play has been replaced with teacher-directed learning. We no longer trust play as a child’s work. This keynote will not only define what play actually is, it will inspire the participants to embrace the learning power that is organically found in play. Through her 18 years of working with young children, Denita has learned that teaching isn’t so much about showing and doing as it is about stepping back, observing and supporting the current interests of children. This keynote will give participants a new appreciation for play and a fresh perspective on the value of child-led play. Through the sharing of simple ideas for setting the environment for successful play-based, child-centered learning, the roles of the adult in child-centered play will be CLEARLY defined. Participants will leave this session refreshed, energized and feeling empowered with valuable tools that will help them embrace play.
Conference A Sessions
A1. Dissecting Play | Denita Dinger
Sadly, many programs can’t “just” let children play. Early childhood professionals must PROVE learning is occurring in their programs. This workshop is all about proving the value of play (dissecting play) and how to document that value.
Through group discussions and sharing, participants will practice articulating the learning that is occurring during play, and, more importantly WHY that learning is so important for a young child’s future academia. Developmentally appropriate practice will be at the forefront of this workshop, in addition, participants will explore roughly 30 stations where they can play, dissect and take LOADS of ideas back to their programs.
Audience: Preschool, School-age
Theme: Play
STARS Core Competency: Curriculum and Learning Environments
A2. Brain Architecture Game | Darcie Donegan
The Brain Architecture Game, developed by Harvard University's Center for the Developing Child, is a tabletop game experience that builds understanding of the powerful role of experiences on early brain development– what promotes it, what derails it, with what consequences for society. Groups will build a brain that is as tall as possible (representing functionality), and as sturdy as possible (representing withstanding stresses) based on life experience cards.
Audience: All
Theme: Resilience
STARS Core Competency: Child Growth & Development
A3. Classroom Environments that Support Learning through Play | Sarah Dahl
This interactive workshop will explore the essential elements for classroom environments to support early learners' play. We will look into the power of students' engaging in learning through play and how it is the foundation for all future learning in the school setting. Session includes information on the Plan, Do, Reflect model with emphasis on the pre-K – Kindergarten classroom.
Audience: Preschool, School-age, Administrator/Director
Theme: Play
STARS Core Competency: Curriculum and Learning Environment
A4. Much MORE than Counting: Math Play | Betsy Kluch-Keil
Math concepts start at birth, just as language does. Yet, so often we delegate math time to a table in our classroom, a counting game, and skill to check off when a child is “ready for kindergarten”. This workshop will bring to light how much of our everyday, natural world, and playing with open ended toys can be seen through a math lens, helping children gain a deeper understanding of mathematical ideas: more than rote counting.
Audience: Preschool, Parents
Theme: Play
STARS Core Competency: Curriculum and Learning Environment
A5. Play, Leadership and the CLASS | Lynda Clements & Jamie Ashton
The session will energize leaders to use the CLASS (Classroom Assessment Scoring System) tool as a framework for understanding play environments. Teacher training and observations can be effectively enriched by focusing on the dynamic dimensions of the CLASS. Anyone involved in Early Achievers will benefit from this session, but even if you aren't enrolled in Early Achievers, you will gain insight into these guidelines for enriching the play interactions in your program. This session is specifically for Center Directors, Program Specialists and Family Child Care Owners.
Audience: Administrator/Director
Theme: Play
STARS Core Competency: Program Planning and Development
A6. Songs for Growing Children| Nancy Stewart
Singing is one of the most effective ways to build early literacy, empathy, spacial reasoning, and is just plain fun! Come and learn a great collection of songs, homemade instruments, and activities to take you through the school year!
Audience: Infant/Toddler, Preschool
Theme: Play
STARS Core Competency: Curriculum & Learning Environment
A7. MOVE IT!! Using Yoga-based Movement and Mindfulness Activities in the Preschool Classroom | Patricia Cavit
What do preschoolers need more than anything else? To MOVE, of course! Join us to learn fun and effective ways to increase engagement and decrease challenging behaviors using yoga-based movement activities. Learn why it works and how to use it in your classroom. Come dressed in comfortable clothes and be prepared to MOVE!!
Audience: Preschool
Theme: Resilience
STARS Core Competency: Curriculum and Learning Environment
A8. Play Builds Relationships and Skills | Kimberlee Shoecraft
Parents who play with their children build strong relationships and important skills, but what are the specific skills parents need in order to make their interactions the most beneficial for their child? This session will explore the elements of playful parenting and the evidence-based program, Incredible Years. Schools and family child care programs can provide parents with tips on ways to build children’s social, emotional and problem solving skills while encouraging independence and self-confidence through play.
Audience: Parents, Infant/Toddler, Preschool, Administrator/Director
Theme: Family Interactions
STARS Core Competency: Family and Community Partnerships
A9. Making Sense of Boys’ Play | Ray Soriano
Boys tend to play in a variety of unique and wonderful ways, including play that is active, physical, competitive, and driven by an innate curiosity about the world. In this workshop we will explore boy "energy", social-emotional and cultural factors related to play, themes such as superheroes / fighting / guns / war, and activities that honor boys' tendencies and promote their positive growth.
Audience: All
Theme: Play
STARS Core Competency: Curriculum & Learning Environment
A10. Trauma-Informed Play| Geof Morgan & Masa DeLara
In this workshop we will explore how to help preschool caregivers and children use games and play as a way to create safety, inclusion, and belonging so all children feel empowered, learn to respect one another, and create safe spaces to connect, learn, and have fun.
Audience: Infant/Toddler, Preschool, Parents
Theme: Resilience
STARS Core Competency: Curriculum & Learning Environment
SESIONES EN ESPAÑOL - A
A11. Ensenanza Basado en Juego, Play Based Learning | Barbara Guillen & Caritina Gonzalez
El juego promueve todos los aspectos del desarrollo del niño, incluso los habilidades sociales, cognitivas, y motoras finas y gruesas. Los niños también aprenden a jugar en cooperación con otro niño, o en grupos. En esta sesión, Ud. aprenderá técnicas usadas por el personal docente de Leo’s Stepping Stones, que incorporan el juego y la enseñanza. También aprenderá como diseñar su aula, asegurando que todo sea intencional para desarrollo máximo, juego, y aprendizaje.
Audiencia: Administrador/Director
Tema: Juego
STARS competencia: Currículo y ambientes de aprendizaje
A12. Proporcionando estrategias simples y realistas a padres de familia, proveedoras y proveedores de cuidado de niños para que fomenten el aprendizaje de los niños en sus hogares y centros infantiles. | Estela Carrera-Infante
En este taller se presentaran maneras sencillas a padres de familias, directores de centros de cuidado de niños que daran altos niveles de aprendizaje para los padres tanto como para los niños. Se cubrirá información para trabajos con las edades de un año a cinco años de edad. Este taller será muy divertido e informativo para cada participante!
Audiencia: Infante/Niñito, Preescolar, Padres, Administrador/Director
Tema: Interacciones familiares
STARS competencia: Currículo y ambientes de aprendizaje
A13. Guardianes de Niños | Veronica Lopez
En este entrenamiento aprenderá a impedir situaciones que ponen en riesgo a los niños, reconocer señas de un niño que está siendo o ha sido abusado y reaccionar cuando descubre abuso sexual infantil. El abuso sexual infantil puede marcar para siempre el ser de un niño, aprenda como escuchar cuando un niño le pide ayuda. El entrenamiento incluye: *Libro de actividades que contiene estadísticas sorprendentes con testimonios y consejos * Un video impactante que muestra sobrevivientes compartiendo sus historias. * La oportunidad de platicar del tema y preguntar
*Su plan de prevención personal para protección de sus hijos fuera y dentro de SU HOGAR * Información del Centro de Defensa de Niños que puede ofrecerle apoyo, legal, medical, psicológico.
Audience: Todas
Theme: Resistencia
STARS Core Competency: Salud, Seguridad y Nutrición
Conference B Sessions
B1. Dissecting Play | Denita Dinger
Sadly, many programs can’t “just” let children play. Early childhood professionals must PROVE learning is occurring in their programs. This workshop is all about proving the value of play (dissecting play) and how to document that value.
Through group discussions and sharing, participants will practice articulating the learning that is occurring during play, and, more importantly WHY that learning is so important for a young child’s future academia. Developmentally appropriate practice will be at the forefront of this workshop, in addition, participants will explore roughly 30 stations where they can play, dissect and take LOADS of ideas back to their programs.
Audience: Preschool, School-age
Theme: Play
STARS Core Competency: Curriculum and Learning Environments
B2. The Brain Architecture Game | Darcie Donegan
The Brain Architecture Game, developed by Harvard University's Center for the Developing Child, is a tabletop game experience that builds understanding of the powerful role of experiences on early brain development– what promotes it, what derails it, with what consequences for society. Small groups will build a brain that is as tall as possible (representing functionality), and as sturdy as possible (representing the ability to withstand stresses) based on life experience cards.
Audience: All
Theme: Resilience
STARS Core Competency: Child Growth & Development
B3. Classroom Environments that Support Learning through Play | Brenda Booth
This interactive workshop will explore the essential elements for classroom environments to support early learners' play. We will look into the power of students' engaging in learning through play and how it is the foundation for all future learning in the school setting. Session includes information on the Plan, Do, Reflect model with emphasis on the pre-K – Kindergarten classroom.
Audience: Preschool, School-age, Administrator/Director
Theme: Play
STARS Core Competency: Curriculum and Learning Environment
B4. Breath of Joy; Yoga as a Tool for Learning | Melissa Hawkins
Are you feeling the pressure of increased academic demands in classrooms? Do you desire a more positive, peaceful, productive classroom climate? Come and learn simple strategies to integrate yoga and mindfulness in a classroom setting. Yoga provides a way to connect the body and mind helping students to become more focused, more self-aware, while promoting self-regulation and positive peer relationships. The demonstrated activities are designed to engage the whole child and are appropriate for the typical classroom space and schedule. No prior yoga experience or equipment is necessary.
Audience: School-age, Parents
Theme: Play
STARS Core Competency: Curriculum and Learning Environments
B5. Play, Leadership and the CLASS | Lynda Clements & Jamie Ashton
The session will energize leaders to use the CLASS (Classroom Assessment Scoring System) tool as a framework for understanding play environments. Teacher training and observations can be effectively enriched by focusing on the dynamic dimensions of the CLASS. Anyone involved in Early Achievers will benefit from this session, but even if you aren't enrolled in Early Achievers, you will gain insight into these guidelines for enriching the play interactions in your program. This session is specifically for Center Directors, Program Specialists and Family Child Care Owners.
Audience: Administrator/Director
Theme: Play
STARS Core Competency: Program Planning and Development
B6. Sing with Our Kids; Promoting Early Literacy through Singing | Nancy Stewart
Before we can read we can sing! Singing is playful, interactive, portable, and one of the most effective ways to learn. Nancy will share the wealth of materials and resources collected from her five-year pilot community project connecting schools to families and their communities through singing.
Audience: All
Theme: Family Interactions
STARS Core Competency: Family and Community Partnerships
B7. Teacher’s Drumming and Rhythm Workshop| Ray Soriano
Our work with children and families is rewarding, but often challenging. When we spend time rejuvenating ourselves through intentional play, we are better able to bring our best selves to the children we serve. Drumming is a fun, powerful way to connect with others, relieve stress, rejuvenate energy, and express creativity. Join this lively workshop to feed the soul and reconnect with the art of playing. No experience necessary, just ready hands and an open heart!
Audience: All
Theme: Play
STARS Core Competency: Professional Development & Leadership
B8. Get Up and Go with 5-2-1-0! | Carolyn Conner
Participate in a guided tour of the 5210 toolkit for Early Childhood, focusing on increasing active play in your setting. Learn about free resources available to you. Work with others to develop an action plan for your setting. 5-2-1-0 is an evidence-based obesity prevention campaign centered on recommendations from the Childhood Obesity: Assessment, Prevention & Treatment Expert Committee.
Audience: Infant/Toddler, Preschool, Administrator/Director
Theme: Play
STARS Core Competency: Health, Safety & Nutrition
B9. Trauma-Informed Play | Geof Morgan & Masa DeLara
In this workshop we will explore how to help preschool caregivers and children use games and play as a way to create safety, inclusion, and belonging so all children feel empowered, learn to respect one another, and create safe spaces to connect, learn, and have fun.
Audience: Infant/Toddler, Preschool, Parents
Theme: Resilience
STARS Core Competency: Curriculum and Learning Environments
B10. The Art of Discovery | Jasmine Valandani & Howard Shapiro
We can foster creativity by inviting children to delight in their own discoveries through process-oriented art experiences. When process is valued over product, there is no right or wrong way to create. In this way, adult and child alike can explore, experiment, and play in the limitless realm of art. Participants will have the opportunity to experiment with diverse materials appropriate for early learners.
Audience: Infant/Toddler, Preschool, Administrator/Director
Theme: Play
STARS Core Competency: Curriculum and Learning Environments
SESIONES EN ESPAÑOL - B
B11. Enseñanza basada en juego | Barbara Guillen & Caritina Gonzalez
El juego promueve todos los aspectos del desarrollo del niño, incluso los habilidades sociales, cognitivas, y motoras finas y gruesas. Los niños también aprenden a jugar en cooperación con otro niño, o en grupos. En esta sesión, Ud. aprenderá técnicas usadas por el personal docente de Leo’s Stepping Stones, que incorporan el juego y la enseñanza. También aprenderá como diseñar su aula, asegurando que todo sea intencional para desarrollo máximo, juego, y aprendizaje. Audiencia: Administrador/Director
Tema: Juego
STARS competencia: Currículo y ambientes de aprendizaje
B12. Proporcionando estrategias simples y realistas a padres de familia, proveedoras y proveedores de cuidado de niños para que fomenten el aprendizaje de los niños en sus hogares y centros infantiles. | Estela Carrera-Infante
En este taller se presentaran maneras sencillas a padres de familias, directores de centros de cuidado de niños que daran altos niveles de aprendizaje para los padres tanto como para los niños. Se cubrirá información para trabajos con las edades de un año a cinco años de edad. Este taller será muy divertido e informativo para cada participante!
Audiencia: Infante/Niñito, Preescolar, Padres, Administrador/Director
Tema: Interacciones familiares
STARS competencia: Currículo y ambientes de aprendizaje
B13. Artes culturales para el apoyo de interacciones familiares auténticas | Sharon Cronin
¡Ven y experimentar el poder de los artes culturales para apoyar interacciones auténticas en el ámbito familiar! Un equipo de docentes y artistas colaborarán para compartir los artes culturales de danza, canción, percusión y la creación de máscaras. Discutiremos la teoría y práctica del uso de arte juguetón con niños y familias.
Audiencia: Infante/Niñito, Preescolar, Edad escolar, Padres, Administrador/Director
Tema: Interacciones familiares
STARS competencia: Currículo y ambientes de aprendizaje Optional: C Session - This session will extended beyond the regular conference hours and has limited seating.C1. Dissecting Play | Denita Dinger
Sadly, many programs can’t “just” let children play. Early childhood professionals must PROVE learning is occurring in their programs. This workshop is all about proving the value of play (dissecting play) and how to document that value.
Through group discussions and sharing, participants will practice articulating the learning that is occurring during play, and, more importantly WHY that learning is so important for a young child’s future academia. Developmentally appropriate practice will be at the forefront of this workshop, in addition, participants will explore roughly 30 stations where they can play, dissect and take LOADS of ideas back to their programs.
Audience: Preschool, School-age
Theme: Play
STARS Core Competency: Curriculum and Learning Environments
A1. Dissecting Play | Denita Dinger
Sadly, many programs can’t “just” let children play. Early childhood professionals must PROVE learning is occurring in their programs. This workshop is all about proving the value of play (dissecting play) and how to document that value.
Through group discussions and sharing, participants will practice articulating the learning that is occurring during play, and, more importantly WHY that learning is so important for a young child’s future academia. Developmentally appropriate practice will be at the forefront of this workshop, in addition, participants will explore roughly 30 stations where they can play, dissect and take LOADS of ideas back to their programs.
Audience: Preschool, School-age
Theme: Play
STARS Core Competency: Curriculum and Learning Environments
A2. Brain Architecture Game | Darcie Donegan
The Brain Architecture Game, developed by Harvard University's Center for the Developing Child, is a tabletop game experience that builds understanding of the powerful role of experiences on early brain development– what promotes it, what derails it, with what consequences for society. Groups will build a brain that is as tall as possible (representing functionality), and as sturdy as possible (representing withstanding stresses) based on life experience cards.
Audience: All
Theme: Resilience
STARS Core Competency: Child Growth & Development
A3. Classroom Environments that Support Learning through Play | Sarah Dahl
This interactive workshop will explore the essential elements for classroom environments to support early learners' play. We will look into the power of students' engaging in learning through play and how it is the foundation for all future learning in the school setting. Session includes information on the Plan, Do, Reflect model with emphasis on the pre-K – Kindergarten classroom.
Audience: Preschool, School-age, Administrator/Director
Theme: Play
STARS Core Competency: Curriculum and Learning Environment
A4. Much MORE than Counting: Math Play | Betsy Kluch-Keil
Math concepts start at birth, just as language does. Yet, so often we delegate math time to a table in our classroom, a counting game, and skill to check off when a child is “ready for kindergarten”. This workshop will bring to light how much of our everyday, natural world, and playing with open ended toys can be seen through a math lens, helping children gain a deeper understanding of mathematical ideas: more than rote counting.
Audience: Preschool, Parents
Theme: Play
STARS Core Competency: Curriculum and Learning Environment
A5. Play, Leadership and the CLASS | Lynda Clements & Jamie Ashton
The session will energize leaders to use the CLASS (Classroom Assessment Scoring System) tool as a framework for understanding play environments. Teacher training and observations can be effectively enriched by focusing on the dynamic dimensions of the CLASS. Anyone involved in Early Achievers will benefit from this session, but even if you aren't enrolled in Early Achievers, you will gain insight into these guidelines for enriching the play interactions in your program. This session is specifically for Center Directors, Program Specialists and Family Child Care Owners.
Audience: Administrator/Director
Theme: Play
STARS Core Competency: Program Planning and Development
A6. Songs for Growing Children| Nancy Stewart
Singing is one of the most effective ways to build early literacy, empathy, spacial reasoning, and is just plain fun! Come and learn a great collection of songs, homemade instruments, and activities to take you through the school year!
Audience: Infant/Toddler, Preschool
Theme: Play
STARS Core Competency: Curriculum & Learning Environment
A7. MOVE IT!! Using Yoga-based Movement and Mindfulness Activities in the Preschool Classroom | Patricia Cavit
What do preschoolers need more than anything else? To MOVE, of course! Join us to learn fun and effective ways to increase engagement and decrease challenging behaviors using yoga-based movement activities. Learn why it works and how to use it in your classroom. Come dressed in comfortable clothes and be prepared to MOVE!!
Audience: Preschool
Theme: Resilience
STARS Core Competency: Curriculum and Learning Environment
A8. Play Builds Relationships and Skills | Kimberlee Shoecraft
Parents who play with their children build strong relationships and important skills, but what are the specific skills parents need in order to make their interactions the most beneficial for their child? This session will explore the elements of playful parenting and the evidence-based program, Incredible Years. Schools and family child care programs can provide parents with tips on ways to build children’s social, emotional and problem solving skills while encouraging independence and self-confidence through play.
Audience: Parents, Infant/Toddler, Preschool, Administrator/Director
Theme: Family Interactions
STARS Core Competency: Family and Community Partnerships
A9. Making Sense of Boys’ Play | Ray Soriano
Boys tend to play in a variety of unique and wonderful ways, including play that is active, physical, competitive, and driven by an innate curiosity about the world. In this workshop we will explore boy "energy", social-emotional and cultural factors related to play, themes such as superheroes / fighting / guns / war, and activities that honor boys' tendencies and promote their positive growth.
Audience: All
Theme: Play
STARS Core Competency: Curriculum & Learning Environment
A10. Trauma-Informed Play| Geof Morgan & Masa DeLara
In this workshop we will explore how to help preschool caregivers and children use games and play as a way to create safety, inclusion, and belonging so all children feel empowered, learn to respect one another, and create safe spaces to connect, learn, and have fun.
Audience: Infant/Toddler, Preschool, Parents
Theme: Resilience
STARS Core Competency: Curriculum & Learning Environment
SESIONES EN ESPAÑOL - A
A11. Ensenanza Basado en Juego, Play Based Learning | Barbara Guillen & Caritina Gonzalez
El juego promueve todos los aspectos del desarrollo del niño, incluso los habilidades sociales, cognitivas, y motoras finas y gruesas. Los niños también aprenden a jugar en cooperación con otro niño, o en grupos. En esta sesión, Ud. aprenderá técnicas usadas por el personal docente de Leo’s Stepping Stones, que incorporan el juego y la enseñanza. También aprenderá como diseñar su aula, asegurando que todo sea intencional para desarrollo máximo, juego, y aprendizaje.
Audiencia: Administrador/Director
Tema: Juego
STARS competencia: Currículo y ambientes de aprendizaje
A12. Proporcionando estrategias simples y realistas a padres de familia, proveedoras y proveedores de cuidado de niños para que fomenten el aprendizaje de los niños en sus hogares y centros infantiles. | Estela Carrera-Infante
En este taller se presentaran maneras sencillas a padres de familias, directores de centros de cuidado de niños que daran altos niveles de aprendizaje para los padres tanto como para los niños. Se cubrirá información para trabajos con las edades de un año a cinco años de edad. Este taller será muy divertido e informativo para cada participante!
Audiencia: Infante/Niñito, Preescolar, Padres, Administrador/Director
Tema: Interacciones familiares
STARS competencia: Currículo y ambientes de aprendizaje
A13. Guardianes de Niños | Veronica Lopez
En este entrenamiento aprenderá a impedir situaciones que ponen en riesgo a los niños, reconocer señas de un niño que está siendo o ha sido abusado y reaccionar cuando descubre abuso sexual infantil. El abuso sexual infantil puede marcar para siempre el ser de un niño, aprenda como escuchar cuando un niño le pide ayuda. El entrenamiento incluye: *Libro de actividades que contiene estadísticas sorprendentes con testimonios y consejos * Un video impactante que muestra sobrevivientes compartiendo sus historias. * La oportunidad de platicar del tema y preguntar
*Su plan de prevención personal para protección de sus hijos fuera y dentro de SU HOGAR * Información del Centro de Defensa de Niños que puede ofrecerle apoyo, legal, medical, psicológico.
Audience: Todas
Theme: Resistencia
STARS Core Competency: Salud, Seguridad y Nutrición
Conference B Sessions
B1. Dissecting Play | Denita Dinger
Sadly, many programs can’t “just” let children play. Early childhood professionals must PROVE learning is occurring in their programs. This workshop is all about proving the value of play (dissecting play) and how to document that value.
Through group discussions and sharing, participants will practice articulating the learning that is occurring during play, and, more importantly WHY that learning is so important for a young child’s future academia. Developmentally appropriate practice will be at the forefront of this workshop, in addition, participants will explore roughly 30 stations where they can play, dissect and take LOADS of ideas back to their programs.
Audience: Preschool, School-age
Theme: Play
STARS Core Competency: Curriculum and Learning Environments
B2. The Brain Architecture Game | Darcie Donegan
The Brain Architecture Game, developed by Harvard University's Center for the Developing Child, is a tabletop game experience that builds understanding of the powerful role of experiences on early brain development– what promotes it, what derails it, with what consequences for society. Small groups will build a brain that is as tall as possible (representing functionality), and as sturdy as possible (representing the ability to withstand stresses) based on life experience cards.
Audience: All
Theme: Resilience
STARS Core Competency: Child Growth & Development
B3. Classroom Environments that Support Learning through Play | Brenda Booth
This interactive workshop will explore the essential elements for classroom environments to support early learners' play. We will look into the power of students' engaging in learning through play and how it is the foundation for all future learning in the school setting. Session includes information on the Plan, Do, Reflect model with emphasis on the pre-K – Kindergarten classroom.
Audience: Preschool, School-age, Administrator/Director
Theme: Play
STARS Core Competency: Curriculum and Learning Environment
B4. Breath of Joy; Yoga as a Tool for Learning | Melissa Hawkins
Are you feeling the pressure of increased academic demands in classrooms? Do you desire a more positive, peaceful, productive classroom climate? Come and learn simple strategies to integrate yoga and mindfulness in a classroom setting. Yoga provides a way to connect the body and mind helping students to become more focused, more self-aware, while promoting self-regulation and positive peer relationships. The demonstrated activities are designed to engage the whole child and are appropriate for the typical classroom space and schedule. No prior yoga experience or equipment is necessary.
Audience: School-age, Parents
Theme: Play
STARS Core Competency: Curriculum and Learning Environments
B5. Play, Leadership and the CLASS | Lynda Clements & Jamie Ashton
The session will energize leaders to use the CLASS (Classroom Assessment Scoring System) tool as a framework for understanding play environments. Teacher training and observations can be effectively enriched by focusing on the dynamic dimensions of the CLASS. Anyone involved in Early Achievers will benefit from this session, but even if you aren't enrolled in Early Achievers, you will gain insight into these guidelines for enriching the play interactions in your program. This session is specifically for Center Directors, Program Specialists and Family Child Care Owners.
Audience: Administrator/Director
Theme: Play
STARS Core Competency: Program Planning and Development
B6. Sing with Our Kids; Promoting Early Literacy through Singing | Nancy Stewart
Before we can read we can sing! Singing is playful, interactive, portable, and one of the most effective ways to learn. Nancy will share the wealth of materials and resources collected from her five-year pilot community project connecting schools to families and their communities through singing.
Audience: All
Theme: Family Interactions
STARS Core Competency: Family and Community Partnerships
B7. Teacher’s Drumming and Rhythm Workshop| Ray Soriano
Our work with children and families is rewarding, but often challenging. When we spend time rejuvenating ourselves through intentional play, we are better able to bring our best selves to the children we serve. Drumming is a fun, powerful way to connect with others, relieve stress, rejuvenate energy, and express creativity. Join this lively workshop to feed the soul and reconnect with the art of playing. No experience necessary, just ready hands and an open heart!
Audience: All
Theme: Play
STARS Core Competency: Professional Development & Leadership
B8. Get Up and Go with 5-2-1-0! | Carolyn Conner
Participate in a guided tour of the 5210 toolkit for Early Childhood, focusing on increasing active play in your setting. Learn about free resources available to you. Work with others to develop an action plan for your setting. 5-2-1-0 is an evidence-based obesity prevention campaign centered on recommendations from the Childhood Obesity: Assessment, Prevention & Treatment Expert Committee.
Audience: Infant/Toddler, Preschool, Administrator/Director
Theme: Play
STARS Core Competency: Health, Safety & Nutrition
B9. Trauma-Informed Play | Geof Morgan & Masa DeLara
In this workshop we will explore how to help preschool caregivers and children use games and play as a way to create safety, inclusion, and belonging so all children feel empowered, learn to respect one another, and create safe spaces to connect, learn, and have fun.
Audience: Infant/Toddler, Preschool, Parents
Theme: Resilience
STARS Core Competency: Curriculum and Learning Environments
B10. The Art of Discovery | Jasmine Valandani & Howard Shapiro
We can foster creativity by inviting children to delight in their own discoveries through process-oriented art experiences. When process is valued over product, there is no right or wrong way to create. In this way, adult and child alike can explore, experiment, and play in the limitless realm of art. Participants will have the opportunity to experiment with diverse materials appropriate for early learners.
Audience: Infant/Toddler, Preschool, Administrator/Director
Theme: Play
STARS Core Competency: Curriculum and Learning Environments
SESIONES EN ESPAÑOL - B
B11. Enseñanza basada en juego | Barbara Guillen & Caritina Gonzalez
El juego promueve todos los aspectos del desarrollo del niño, incluso los habilidades sociales, cognitivas, y motoras finas y gruesas. Los niños también aprenden a jugar en cooperación con otro niño, o en grupos. En esta sesión, Ud. aprenderá técnicas usadas por el personal docente de Leo’s Stepping Stones, que incorporan el juego y la enseñanza. También aprenderá como diseñar su aula, asegurando que todo sea intencional para desarrollo máximo, juego, y aprendizaje. Audiencia: Administrador/Director
Tema: Juego
STARS competencia: Currículo y ambientes de aprendizaje
B12. Proporcionando estrategias simples y realistas a padres de familia, proveedoras y proveedores de cuidado de niños para que fomenten el aprendizaje de los niños en sus hogares y centros infantiles. | Estela Carrera-Infante
En este taller se presentaran maneras sencillas a padres de familias, directores de centros de cuidado de niños que daran altos niveles de aprendizaje para los padres tanto como para los niños. Se cubrirá información para trabajos con las edades de un año a cinco años de edad. Este taller será muy divertido e informativo para cada participante!
Audiencia: Infante/Niñito, Preescolar, Padres, Administrador/Director
Tema: Interacciones familiares
STARS competencia: Currículo y ambientes de aprendizaje
B13. Artes culturales para el apoyo de interacciones familiares auténticas | Sharon Cronin
¡Ven y experimentar el poder de los artes culturales para apoyar interacciones auténticas en el ámbito familiar! Un equipo de docentes y artistas colaborarán para compartir los artes culturales de danza, canción, percusión y la creación de máscaras. Discutiremos la teoría y práctica del uso de arte juguetón con niños y familias.
Audiencia: Infante/Niñito, Preescolar, Edad escolar, Padres, Administrador/Director
Tema: Interacciones familiares
STARS competencia: Currículo y ambientes de aprendizaje Optional: C Session - This session will extended beyond the regular conference hours and has limited seating.C1. Dissecting Play | Denita Dinger
Sadly, many programs can’t “just” let children play. Early childhood professionals must PROVE learning is occurring in their programs. This workshop is all about proving the value of play (dissecting play) and how to document that value.
Through group discussions and sharing, participants will practice articulating the learning that is occurring during play, and, more importantly WHY that learning is so important for a young child’s future academia. Developmentally appropriate practice will be at the forefront of this workshop, in addition, participants will explore roughly 30 stations where they can play, dissect and take LOADS of ideas back to their programs.
Audience: Preschool, School-age
Theme: Play
STARS Core Competency: Curriculum and Learning Environments