June 4th Early Childhood Conference

DEMOCRACY, LITERACY AND PLAY:
Hearing Children’s Voices

10:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.   SESSION ONE WORKSHOPS - Choose one:

WRITERS' CHOICE:  Play, Writing and Autonomy in the Early Childhood Classroom
Rebecca Burdett, Iva Profaci and Elayne Zinn, Duzine Elementary School
Is there a more challenging and complex skill for the young child to master than writing? As literacy expectations rise, teachers want to nurture joy and independence in their students, instilling a lifelong love of writing. Come see how three teachers from one school shared holistic literacy practices, insights and research that had their kids running for their pencils. 

FROM STORY TELLING TO STORY WRITING
Eric Gidseg, Traver Road Primary School
Oral stories lay the foundation for more formal writing by young children.  We will explore ways to "catch" young children's oral stories as they develop during dramatic play.  We will experience how these stories can be reenacted by friends and eventually moved into pictures and text.  

QUESTIONS FOR THE MOON, SONGS FOR THE SQUIRRELS:
Young Children as Poet/Naturalists
Rich Parisio, Environmental Educator, NYS Coordinator of “River of Words” Nature Poetry Project
The young child comes to us with an ear for poetry and a delight in the natural world.  With the help of carefully chosen “mentor poems,” and a few simple nature activities, you can bring these sensitivities together in your own schoolyard to help your students' voices ring clear.  Be ready to go outside!

12:00 –12:30 p.m.     LUNCH

12:30 –1:30 p.m.       Reflective Writing and Discussion

1:30 –2:45 p.m.        SESSION TWO WORKSHOPS (Choose one):

STORYTELLING IN THE BLOCK AREA:
Harriet Tubman's Underground Railroad
Rebecca Burdett, Duzine Elementary School
Block play is a natural means to integrate oral language, social play, and content area concepts within early childhood settings.  How can we make the block area an equitable and engaging place for all learners?  See how a few guiding practices opened the doors of the block area for a classroom community as they worked to make sense of Harriet Tubman's heroism and search for freedom.

PROJECT APPROACH:  Building a Democratic Community for All Learners
Deborah Meier and Geralyn Bywater McLaughlin, Founding Teacher, Mission Hill School
As principal of the Mission Hill School in Boston, Deborah Meier once wrote in a newsletter to parents, “Civilization was built by do-ers and thinkers.  They go together.” Join Deb and Geralyn as we use slides of student work, discussion and Q & A to think about project-based teaching and learning.

2:45 - 3:30 p.m.     NEXT STEPS: Round Table Discussion
Our closing discussion will guide participants in trying new ideas, planning new curriculum and advocating for child-centered learning.

CONFERENCE INFORMATION: