![]()
Click here for a printable version of Thursday's Schedule.
Pre-Conference I - Pre-Conference II - Special Welcome General Session
Opening General Session (Salon B)
9:15am - 10:30am
Keynote Address by Eric Litwin
Interactive Songs and Stories in the Classroom
![]()
Pre-Conference Session I (Choices 1000-1005)
10:45am - 12:15pm
1000. Nurturing Literacy in All Areas of the Classroom (Repeat of 2000.)
Cat Van Horn & Amanda Tock
We all know that using classroom centers is a great way to enhance a child’s ability to develop literacy. Join us to get exciting new ideas and discuss how to develop quality centers that will encourage all children to learn as they play. (CR, PC, SHCP, CDG, F&C, IWC, LEC, PPD, L4, LIT, MAT, H&P, SCI, S&E, PRE)
1001. Fostering Active Learning through Room Environments (Repeat of 2001.)
Carla Lewis
Should your science area be labeled "The Dusty Bird Nest Table"? Is the block area also known as "The Dump and Run Area"? Are you looking for ways to turn your environment into the third teacher in the room? Participants will leave with valuable tips to transform their "room" into a "Learning Environment" where students and teachers will love to spend their days. (CC, CR, LEC, L1, L2, L3, MAT, SCI, PRE)
1002. Collections for Intentional Teaching (Repeat of 2002.)
Stacy Runion & Kathy Drews
During this presentation learn how to establish "Intentional Teaching" strategies and techniques. Explore a child's endless possibilities for learning and creativity when provided with beautifully arranged collections and natural materials. We will explore how children develop problem solving, logical reasoning, scientific thinking, language, math and social skills when invited to engage with these materials. (PC, IWC, L3, LIT, MAT, H&P, SCI, S&E, PRE)
1003. Messy Fun (Repeat of 2003.)
Melinda Foster Michel
"Oh, My Mama Says It's Messy," a song gleefully sung in an early childhood classroom. Children get excited and engaged in hands-on, minds-on activities as they use their senses to explore the world around them. This presentation will provide you with math and science experiences for your young learners as well as literacy extensions and connections. Participants will be encouraged to explore some messy fun science activities, and handouts will be provided. Come prepared to have fun…Messy Fun! (A, CC, CD, CR, G, PAT, R, SHCP, TP, I, T, PRE, K, PRI)
1004. The Art of Conversing with Children (Repeat of 2004.)
Janelle Meyers
The art of conversing with children involves making the most out of teachable moments. Using questioning and suggestions in response to a child's interest can help children deepen their understanding and reflect on their own learning. Classroom examples and video will be used to illustrate how strategic teacher support can maximize goal-driven learning in a child-directed environment. (CC, CR, PC, IWC, L4, S&E, PRE)
1005. Inclusion - It's for Everyone (Repeat of 2005.)
Phyllis McCollum & Janet Rinehart
There is more to inclusion than just identifying a disability. This presentation will focus on building the confidence of teachers and staff to include children with disabilities in their classrooms. Participants will investigate the Special Quest approach to design an inclusive program. (CD, CDG, F&C, PDL, L5, LIT, MAT, H&P, SCI, S&E, I, T, PRE, K, PRI)
![]()
Pre-Conference Session II (Choices 2000-2005)
1:30pm - 3:00pm
2000. Nurturing Literacy in All Areas of the Classroom (Repeat of 1000.)
Cat Van Horn & Amanda Tock
We all know that using classroom centers is a great way to enhance a child’s ability to develop literacy. Join us to get exciting new ideas and discuss how to develop quality centers that will encourage all children to learn as they play. (CR, PC, SHCP, CDG, F&C, IWC, LEC, PPD, L4, LIT, MAT, H&P, SCI, S&E, PRE)
2001. Fostering Active Learning through Room Environments (Repeat of 1001.)
Carla Lewis
Should your science area be labeled "The Dusty Bird Nest Table"? Is the block area also known as "The Dump and Run Area"? Are you looking for ways to turn your environment into the third teacher in the room? Participants will leave with valuable tips to transform their "room" into a "Learning Environment" where students and teachers will love to spend their days. (CC, CR, LEC, L1, L2, L3, MAT, SCI, PRE)
2002. Collections for Intentional Teaching (Repeat of 1002.)
Stacy Runion & Kathy Drews
During this presentation learn how to establish "Intentional Teaching" strategies and techniques. Explore a child's endless possibilities for learning and creativity when provided with beautifully arranged collections and natural materials. We will explore how children develop problem solving, logical reasoning, scientific thinking, language, math and social skills when invited to engage with these materials. (PC, IWC, L3, LIT, MAT, H&P, SCI, S&E, PRE)
2003. Messy Fun (Repeat of 1003.)
Melinda Foster Michel
"Oh, My Mama Says It's Messy," a song gleefully sung in an early childhood classroom. Children get excited and engaged in hands-on, minds-on activities as they use their senses to explore the world around them. This presentation will provide you with math and science experiences for your young learners as well as literacy extensions and connections. Participants will be encouraged to explore some messy fun science activities, and handouts will be provided. Come prepared to have fun…Messy Fun! (A, CC, CD, CR, G, PAT, R, SHCP, TP, I, T, PRE, K, PRI)
2004. The Art of Conversing with Children (Repeat of 1004.)
Janelle Meyers
The art of conversing with children involves making the most out of teachable moments. Using questioning and suggestions in response to a child's interest can help children deepen their understanding and reflect on their own learning. Classroom examples and video will be used to illustrate how strategic teacher support can maximize goal-driven learning in a child-directed environment. (CC, CR, PC, IWC, L4, S&E, PRE)
2005. Inclusion - It's for Everyone (Repeat of 1005.)
Phyllis McCollum & Janet Rinehart
There is more to inclusion than just identifying a disability. This presentation will focus on building the confidence of teachers and staff to include children with disabilities in their classrooms. Participants will investigate the Special Quest approach to design an inclusive program. (CD, CDG, F&C, PDL, L5, LIT, MAT, H&P, SCI, S&E, I, T, PRE, K, PRI)
![]()
Special Welcome General Session
7:30pm - 8:30pm
Keynote Address by Steve Spangler
Exploding Soda & Flying Potatoes: How to Create Unforgettable Learning Experiences