connecting the pieces 2015

Connecting the Pieces Pre-K & Kindergarten Conference

23 October 2015@thinklangley // thinklangley.com // 604 530 4060

Connecting the Pieces

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New to Connecting the Pieces? Looking for a refresher on pre-registration? Our simple, step-by-step guide will provide you with the knowledge you need to make the most of your pro-d day. If you have any questions or concerns, email [email protected] or call 604-530-4060.

1. BROWSE our workshop off erings by using our convenient schedule at-a-glance spread on pages 14-15 and looking at our more detailed descriptions throughout the booklet. Work-shops are listed according to the schedule, not topic, so you may have to do a little digging to fi nd the sessions right for you. Youll fi nd information about the speakers too, including a biography. This will help you fi nd the best presenters for you.

2. NOTE the sessions that interest you most. Use the schedule-at-a-glance to keep track.

3. REGISTER online at thinklangley.com Registration, including catered lunch, costs $50 for SD #35 employees and $150 for other participants. Not only is online registration more convenient, it also ensures that your registration is processed instantly so that you make it into your preferred workshops. If you work in the Langley School District, you can sign in using your employee number as username and your regular email password. If you are an out-of-district educator, you can create an account by following the Sign up here link.

4. CONNECT with your fellow educators. Tweet about the conference using the hash tag #connect15 to share your experience and knowledge with other participants. You can also follow @thinklangley and tweet using the hashtag #think35 year-round for pro-d resources, news and updates on future professional learning opportunities in Langley and beyond.

your learning journeystarts here

Image: Ken Hoff /Langley School District

DEMONSTRATION DAYKindergarten and K/1

8:00 AM to Noon

Thursday, October 22

R.C. Garnett Elementary

7096 - 201 Street, Langley

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A: 8:30 AM to 10:00 AMEducating the Heart Tracy Smyth | Dalai Lama Center for Peace+Education

Heart-Mind well-being refers to creating a balance between educating the mind and educating the heart. While there is a great focus in our society on academic achievement, research has demonstrated the positive impacts of social and emotional learning and, in fact, that heart and mind learning are interconnected. Join Tracy Smyth from the Dalai Lama Center to learn more about the five qualities of Heart-Mind well-being research and to explore Heart-Mind Online, a collection of activities and resources tailored to support you in strengthening Heart-Mind well-being and social and emotional learning with your students.

Tracy, Senior Editor of Heart-Mind Online, is a community developer, process designer, facilitator and author. Her passion is learning and development, whether it is with individuals, groups, organizations or communities. With a graduate degree in Leadership, Tracy brings perspectives from her work in health, education and early years community development to the Heart-Mind Online team.

Offered in Session B: 10:20 AM to 11:50 AM and Session C: 12:50 PM to 2:20 PM

Destination Imagination: Pathways for Early Learners Roger Garriock | Destination Imagination Canada

The Conference Board of Canada recently commented that Canada is in an innovation and productivity crisis, with Canada now ranked 14 out of the 17 major industrialized nations and seemingly in a race for last place.They went on to say that we need to focus more on STEMscience, technology, engineering and mathplus improve the 4Cscreativity, critical thinking, communication and collaboration skills at a national level, the building blocks for world class innovation and productivity capability if we are going to stop this worrisome decline.You might wonder what this has to do with 4-6 year olds.

Well, the answer is everything! What if you had a world-class educational resource, designed exclusively for Early Learning Professionals, that helps students develop these important and strategic skills. A resource that is teacher friendly and intuitive, leverages play-based design and creative learning, includes transitions and feedback loops, demonstrates curriculum linkages and was built to last? Then this is your class!This session will overview the new Destination Imagination Pathways for Early Learners teaching resource that was designed to bring STEM, literacy development, nutrition and physical development, social and emotional development and parent involvement (to name but a few) into one of the most comprehensive teaching packages available today. Best of all, every participant will receive a complete set to take back to your classrooms, a $250 value for free!*

Dr. Roger Garriock is the Managing Director of Destination Imagination Canada, a frequent keynote speaker on national trends in education and an advocate for curriculum reform.

*This package is only available to BCTF members.

Friday, October 23Feature Presentations

Brookswood Secondary School 20902 37A Ave. Langley, BC

Pre-K & Kindergarten Conference 2015

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A: 8:30 AM to 10:00 AM

Inquiry: Learning Begins in Wonder Adema Romano |Taylor Park Elementary School

Imagine: You receive a letter from a polar bear named Nanuk. She writes, I am in great danger! Changes are happening in my home. I am so scared for me and my cubs. Do you have questions? Children have many! Do you want to help Nanuk? Children do! Inquiry-based units can begin with a thought-provoking problem or question. Children are naturally curious; they develop questions, which lead to discussion, experimentation, connections and reflection. Inquiry-based learning is cross-curricular, active and exploratory. The focus of this session is to provide real classroom examples of how to catalyze, guide and be inspired by inquiry in the early primary classroom. Adema will share her inquiry units on polar bears and climate change, frogs and wetland destruction and other wonders her students have immersed themselves in over the past three years.

Adema Romano teaches at the primary level in the Burnaby School District. She became drawn to inquiry-based practices when she noticed curiosity as a prevalent trait in so many of her students, regardless of background or abilities. She presented at the 2013 and 2014 Connecting the Pieces: Pre-K and Kindergarten Conferences and is eager to share her inquiry experiences at the conference again this year. She wishes to continue discussing and sharing ideas and resources with others dedicated to the teaching profession.

Friday, October 23 8:30 to 10:00Session A Workshops


A: 8:30 AM to 10:00 AM

Strengthening the Cultural Foundation of Programming for Indigenous Children and Families Corine Sagmeister Victoria Native Friendship Centre

This interactive workshop is designed to encourage participation in reflection and dialogue around possibilities of strengthening the cultural foundations in programs from a systems and community development perspective to support Indigenous early childhood education. Participants will be introduced to ideas, concepts and experiences that give voice to the value of connecting the pieces for greater outcomes.

Corine Sagmeister is a member of Quatsino First Nation, currently residing in Victoria, B.C. Her passion is creating a circle of unity to nurture the spirit of societys most sacred gifts, our children. She considers it an honor to be working with the Victoria Native Friendship Centre as the Director of the Aboriginal Infant Development Program. Her previous experiences include Regional Coordinator of Aboriginal Success By 6 and Coordinator of Early Childhood Development and Head Start Programs. Her education includes a BA in Child and Youth Care from the University of Victoria and a MEd in Early Childhood Education through the University of Hawaii. Her focus is on exploring Indigenous knowledge and systems to strengthen the cultural foundations of early years programming.

*Also offered in Session B & C


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A: 8:30 AM to 10:00 AMDynamic Daring Dinosaurs Heather Purcell & Darcie Yardley creativecircletime.com Creative Circle Time

Join Creative Circle Time for a fun-filled workshop with stories and circle activities all about dinosaurs! We will be making a felt story so please remember your sharp scissors and a flat surface to carry home your wet felt pieces.

Heather Purcell has been in the ECE field since 1989. After completing her ECE and I/T at Langley College, Heather has worked in all capacities of the Early Childhood field. Currently, Heather facilitates a Strong Start class in Abbotsford. Darcie Yardley has been in the ECE field since 2000. Darcie also completed her training at Langley College. As well as being the supervisor of a Langley area preschool, Darcie is the mom of an active little girl and still manages to present workshops frequently!

A: 8:30 AM to 10:00 AM

La Litteratie et la Maternelle! Janet Beattie | Abbotsford School District

How can you get your French Immersion kindergarten students speaking in French? How can you build their vocabularies while also teaching the curriculum? This workshop offers participants a month-by-month tool box of activities that build literacy skills and vocabularies simultaneously. This session is well-suited to teachers new to teaching French Immersion kindergarten or for those looking to add new activities to their teaching, as we will discuss activities that span common themes in a kindergarten year. Participants will receive copies of chart poems, songs, little books and big book pages to take back to the classroom and use the next day!

Janet Beattie (BA, BEd, MEd) is currently a French Immersion kindergarten teacher in Abbotsford. She has taught learning assistance, half-day kindergarten, grade one and grade two in French Immersion and loves integrating thematic units across the curriculum. She is known for being upbeat and organized and loves sharing ideas with other teachers so much that she was selected to attend the Teachers Institute in Ottawa in 2012.

A: 8:30 AM to 10:00 AM

Connecting Children with Nature Jill Deuling | Metro Vancouver Regional Park

Learn the techniques and theory for connecting children with nature. Test a collection of nature programming activities for you to use at a variety of locations and for a number of lessons and themes. You will explore principles for creating memorable outdoor learning experiences that help children develop a positive relationship with nature. Explore theory that strengthens the validity and relevancy of connecting children with nature in relationship to supporting their health, boosting their mental acuity and creativity, strengthening their physical and mental coordination and stimulating their learning. Ultimately, lead children to a bond with nature that supports their health and education and encourages sustainable living.

Jill is a Professional Park Interpreter for Metro Vancouver Regional Parks with over 20 years professional experience in connecting children with nature and environmental awareness programming including coordinating, managing and delivering successful park and forest interpretation programs.

*Also offered in Session B

A: 8:30 AM to 10:00 AM

Exploring Aboriginal Resources Terri Mack | Strong Nations

Join Terri Mack as she walks you through many new and old Aboriginal resources from across the country that support the new curriculum. Lesson plans and ideas will be shared. Come with any burning questions that you may have around integrating Aboriginal content into the classroom.

Terri Mack, Kay Kwee Kway Kwa, is a member of the Danaxdaxw Awaetlala Nation. Terri has worked within Aboriginal Education for 20 years, 17 within the public system of Nanaimo-Ladysmith School District and lastly on reserve with Stzuminus First Nation as the Community Literacy Coordinator. During her career in education, 16 of those years have been dedicated to literacy initiatives around the province of B.C., having worked in partnership with SFU, VIU and many school districts. Terri has also successfully designed an Intermediate and Primary Rec N Reading which is a summer-based camp for students reading significantly below grade level. Terri is the owner of Strong Nations, which is both an on-line Indigenous book store and most recently a new retail location, as well as Strong Nations Publishing Inc., which has published just over 100 titles.


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A: 8:30 AM to 10:00 AM

Reggio Beyond Pinterest: Image of the Child Karen Begley & Amanda Prade | Surrey Schools

What we believe about children is reflected in everything we do in the classroom. Join Karen and Amanda for a process-based discussion uncovering your Image of the Child and how that image has an impact on your practice. We will take a critical look at common early years classroom activities and collaborate to think of alternatives that will lead to a more emergent, play-based learning environment. A framework will be provided for participants to examine their practice within a constructivist, Reggio-inspired lens. Participants will leave with ideas about small and large steps to shift their practice to a more emergent, play-based one that matches their Image of the Child.

Karen is a Kindergarten teacher at Cougar Creek Elementary in SD36. Focusing on her students strengths, interests and areas for growth, rather than convention, she pursues an innovative, child-centred practice. She strives to make every learning opportunity and interaction she has with her students respectful of their identities as capable, inquisitive, creative learners. Karen enjoys mentoring individuals and groups of teachers through explorations of inquiry-based learning, purposeful pedagogy and classroom environment.Amanda is a Kindergarten teacher in the Surrey School District. She finds peace in carefully listening to and hearing her students, inquiring and interpreting their understandings and co-constructing the direction of their learning together. Amanda has completed a MEd in curriculum design with a focus in educational theory. She enjoys working with teachers and exploring ideas around inquiry-based learning, purposeful pedagogy and classroom environment.


A: 8:30 AM to 10:00 AM

Ks Off into the World of Math Lisa Jamieson | Royal Heights Elementary

Kindergarten children are natural explorers and love to engage in activities that activate their curiosity. Come along and explore the endless possibilities of engaging our youngest learners in a world filled with numbers, shapes and more. Take a look at different strategies to promote numeracy development by using a vast array of hands-on and engaging activities. You will not only view a variety of samples and make some to take home but will also receive a handout with ideas and ready to use activities to enhance your program. All you will have to do is say go! and watch as they head off into the world of math.

Lisa Jamieson is a Kindergarten specialist with extensive graduate work in early childhood education and parent education. She has presented to many audiences including teachers, parents and provincial PAC groups. Lisa has been a teacher for over 25 years and is currently a Principal in the Surrey School District.


A: 8:30 AM to 10:00 AM

FreshGrade in the K Class Tracy Cramer, Loren OShea, Annie Charron and Joanne Tremblay James Kennedy Elementary

FreshGrade is a fantastic platform to use as both an assessment piece and as an e-portfolio. Join this workshop to learn how to use FreshGrade in your Kindergarten classroom. FreshGrade is a Canadian company that follows all FOIPA rules and regulations. You will set up your FreshGrade account, learn about everything that you can do with e-portfolios and be able to use this information right away.

Tracy has been teaching in the Langley School District for five years now. Her entire time has been spent teaching little humans. She is passionate about creating meaningful relationships between school and home and this is where FreshGrade comes into play.

Loren, Annie and Joanne have been teaching Kindergarten in Langley for many years now. They have been piloting FreshGrade and love the capability of e-portfolios.


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A: 8:30 AM to 10:00 AM

iPads for Little Peeps! Katherine Mulski | @teachinginthe21 SFU/ Langley SD35

Come play and engage with apps that move beyond games and can enhance the learning experiences in the classroom. Learn to app smash, create and share! By using student interests and prior experiences, iPads can help students leverage writing, reading, numeracy and many more activities. Handouts will be provided in French and English. Please bring your own iPad (if you have access to one); a limited amount of iPads will be made available for participants in the workshop.

Katherine Mulski is a seconded teacher working as an Inservice Faculty Associate at Simon Fraser University. When not teaching diploma programs at the University, you can find her assisting colleagues as a Digital Literacy Coach and teaching grade seven French Immersion for the Langley School District. Katherine advocates for purposeful integration of technology and loves helping fellow colleagues discover fun ways to engage students in the classroom. Katherine is looking forward to continuing her research as an EdD candidate this fall.

A: 8:30 AM to 10:00 AM

Capturing Their Voices Laura Tomlinson | Blacklock Fine Arts Elementary Leanne Heinrichs | R.C. Garnett Elementary

Do you want to inspire your students to become writers? Do you want to help them develop their imagination and storytelling abilities? Do you want to build foundational literacy skills in your students through an engaging process that honours your students voices? Come and see what Story Workshop is all about. Through story workshop, students are given the opportunity to work with materials to develop their own stories and have them documented. Students learn about key story principles while being encouraged to develop their imaginations and critical thinking skills. Laura and Leanne will share some examples, their struggles and their triumphs. There will also be time for all to try it out and a group discussion to brainstorm ideas on how to get this amazing process working in your classroom. Please bring an iPad or laptop for documentation practice.

Laura has been teaching for 11 years and has been teaching Kindergarten at Blacklock Fine Arts for the past five years. She has recently completed her Masters of Education. Teaching Kindergarten is her passion and finding new ways to honour and record her students voices is a constant journey.

Leanne is a K/1 teacher at R.C. Garnett Demonstration School. She has worked hard to transform her classroom environment to meet the needs of her students and she continues to look for ways to reflect her image of the child in all she does.


A: 8:30 AM to 10:00 AM

Wilderness Wednesday Lauren MacLean | Archibald Blair Elementary

Our Kindergarten and grade 1 class has a love for nature! Rain or shine, we go outside everyday - to learn, to play, to explore and to wonder. The majority of our Wednesdays are spent outdoors and our focus is on scientific inquiry. We also include the arts, socials and mathematics! Come and join us to hear about the journey our program has gone through, including the successes and failures and leave with some easy-to-do lessons.

Lauren is a Kindergarten teacher in the Richmond School District. She graduated with a Masters in Educational Practice from SFU, in the area of Oral Language Documentation. Since then, she has used documentation to capture their outdoor learning journey, highlight key curricular concepts and demonstrate how valuable it is for students to experience nature in a safe environment. Lauren is an outdoor enthusiast and passionate explorer! She has always had a love for nature and has spent the last three years creating a program that will inspire and nurture students curiosity for how our world works.



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A: 8:30 AM to 10:00 AM

Through the Looking Glass: Documenting Learning in an Appreciative Way Lisa Pedersen-Skene | SD 71 Comox Valley Debra Fullerton | SD 71 Comox Valley

Lisa and Debra will take you through their journey into communicating student learning in an appreciative way. Through authentic documentation of student learning, focused on student growth, they view assessment as a fluid practice not one that happens four times a year. The students learning is showcased within portfolio samples using the districts Six Guiding Parameters around communicating learning. Through this documentation, Lisa and Debra are empowering their learners, involving parents as partners and focusing on developmentally appropriate practice.

Lisa Pedersen-Skene has been teaching in the Comox Valley for 19 years and has spent most of this time in Kindergarten. In 2012, Lisa earned a Masters in Educational Practice with the focus on Linking Kindergarten Learning and Assessment. Lisa is currently on her third year as Pro-D Chair in her district as well as an original member of her districts reporting committee. She is interested in transforming the education system from the ground up.Debra Fullerton has been teaching in the Comox Valley for 25 years and recently earned a Masters in Educational Practice. She has taught grades K through 3 and has also served as a curriculum support teacher. In addition to several district initiatives, Debra has been involved in a reporting pilot project for the past two years working on new ways to communicate learning through e-portfolios.


A: 8:30 AM to 10:00 AM

Whirling and Twirling Music Lorie McDonald | SD #35 Lillian Kockmaruck | SD # 41

Join in an active morning of fun songs, rhymes and movement. Learn creative ways to introduce music and movement throughout your day and implement songs that foster group connection and language. This workshop will leave you inspired with new songs and rejuvenate oldies but goodies. We will introduce iTunes music and new songs. Handouts will be provided.

Lillian Kocmaruk and Lorie McDonald both currently work as Strong Start facilitators in the Langley and Surrey School Districts. With their passion for early learning they have successfully presented many workshops together for teachers and early childhood educators in many districts throughout the province.


A: 8:30 AM to 10:00 AM

Engaging K/1 Curriculum Integration Ideas Stacey Dary | Peterson Road Elementary

How do you balance the needs of those new Kindergarten students with a year of extreme growth in grade one? Learn some engaging ways to cope with what can be an overwhelming task at times. Bring the joy into your teaching by letting the students guide the way. Look at ways to play outside of centre time so you can let go of the guilt with your K students, while motivating your first graders and covering the curriculum. Get a recharge on literacy centres and activities that can fit all your needs.

Stacey started her teaching career in Literacy and Resource. Those experiences continue to be helpful today as she teaches K/1 for the 6th year. Taking her graduate degree in Learning in the Early Years was invaluable in shifting her practice to more exploratory learning and passion-driven lessons.



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A: 8:30 AM to 10:00 AM

Worries and Wonders The Wishing Star Developmental Clinic Community Professional

The prevalence of anxiety in our children has perhaps never been more prominent than it is today What has happened that our children are so full of worry? And what shift needs to occur for us as adults to be able to turn worry about the uncontrollable into wonder about the possibilities? Our own worry about this as big people too often results in quick fix approaches to solving anxiety, rather than inviting a gentle, contemplative approach that is informed by the science of child development. We will discuss the roots of anxiety and use our understanding to inform knowledgeable responses and supports for children struggling with too much worry.

The Wishing Star offers nurturing support through counselling, psychoeducational assessment, parent consultation, parent groups and professional workshops. The team is comprised of caring and highly-skilled Registered Psychologists and Registered Clinical Counsellors who have expertise in supporting infants, children, young adults and parents.

A: 8:30 AM to 10:00 AM

Coaching for Creative Kindergarten Kids Laura Jaszcz & Peter Church | carouseltheatre.ca Carousel Theatre for Young People

Join Laura and Peter from Carousel Theatre for Young People for a session in creative approaches and games to be utilized in the Pre-K and Kindergarten classroom. This 90-minute workshop will explore check-in strategies to engage students and give them a voice in your classroom. Drama games will be presented that help build important life skills such as making choices, being positive and saying yes to trying new things. As well, storytelling skills will be discussed and taught to help turn this particular activity into a more interactive experience.

Laura Jaszcz has over 15 years experience working as a drama educator. She is a professional theatre and film actress who has worked for centres such as Carousel Theatre for Young People, Arts Umbrella, False Creek Community Centre and Dramaworks. Peter Church is the Education Manager at Carousel Theatre for Young People. He has been a drama educator for over 15 years and has worked with young people of all ages in schools, theatres and churches in BC and Ontario. He is a professional theatre actor and most recently wrote and performed in a radio play adaptation of Its a Wonderful Life.


A: 8:30 AM to 10:00 AM

Stewardship, Sustainability, Spirituality: Nurturing the Spirit Carmen Rodriguez de France | University of Victoria

In this workshop, we will explore the interconnectedness of nature and the spirit of the child, integrating traditional ecological knowledge to develop a sense of place and belonging. Please wear weather-appropriate clothing

Mara del Carmen Rodrguez de France has been a visitor on this land for the past 20 years. Of Kickapoo and Spanish heritage, Carmen was born and raised in beautiful Monterrey, Mxico. Her career spans thirty years with participation in a broad range of educational, community service and research activities. Presently, Carmen is an Assistant Professor facilitating courses in the Indigenous Education Unit in the Faculty of Education at the University of Victoria. Additional to her teaching responsibilities, Carmens most recent research centres focus on Indigenous curriculum development and pedagogy, and Indigenous epistemologies. Additional scholarly interests include early childhood education focusing on the influence of bilingualism and heritage language on identity development.



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B: 10:20 AM to 11:50 AM

Dont Forget the Arts! Anne Thomson Mamquam Elementary, SD #48 Sea to Sky

Our little ones keep us busy all through the day. Weaving the arts into your everyday practice can increase learner engagement, leading to happier, more connected students and energized, revitalized teachers. Join me for an action-packed workshop that will give you hands on experience in ways to integrate the arts (music/dance/drama/art) into your existing routines. Come ready to move, play and explore!

Anne Thomson (BMus, BEd, MEd) has been a teacher in the Sea to Sky School District since 1991. Over the years she has enjoyed many different roles, including primary classroom teacher, school/district/community choir director, Fine Arts Coordinator and her current role as a performing arts specialist, K-6. She loves moving and grooving and exploring all things arts!

*Also offered in Session C

B: 10:20 AM to 11:50 AM

The Process of Play Allie Bishop Pasquier | Bakers and Astronauts

In this workshop, well explore open-ended materials for use throughout the curriculum. We know that children learn through play, but there is often a disconnect between that knowledge and what we truly put forward in learning environments. Together, well explore the process of play, gaining an understanding of how to engage children through high-quality loose parts materials and play. Well also touch upon documentation of process-based play so you are able to share this learning with families, colleagues and back to the children themselves.

Allie Bishop Pasquier has ten years of preschool classroom teaching experience. She now focuses her personal research and presenting around open-ended play and documentation, helping teachers focus on the unique cultural qualities of their own classrooms to inform best practices.


Friday, October 23 10:20 to 11:50Session B Workshops


B: 10:20 AM to 11:50 AM

Stewardship, Sustainability, Spirituality: Nurturing the Spirit Carmen Rodriguez de France | University of Victoria

In this workshop, we will explore the interconnectedness of nature and the spirit of the child, integrating traditional ecological knowledge to develop a sense of place and belonging. Please wear weather-appropriate clothing

Mara del Carmen Rodrguez de France has been a visitor on this land for the past 20 years. Of Kickapoo and Spanish heritage, Carmen was born and raised in beautiful Monterrey, Mxico. Her career spans thirty years with participation in a broad range of educational, community service and research activities. Presently, Carmen is an Assistant Professor facilitating courses in the Indigenous Education Unit in the Faculty of Education at the University of Victoria. Additional to her teaching responsibilities, Carmens most recent research centres focus on Indigenous curriculum development and pedagogy, and Indigenous epistemologies. Additional scholarly interests include early childhood education focusing on the influence of bilingualism and heritage language on identity development.

*Also offered in Session A & C


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B: 10:20 AM to 11:50 AM

Coaching for Creative Kindergarten Kids Laura Jaszcz & Peter Church | carouseltheatre.ca Carousel Theatre for Young People

Join Laura and Peter from Carousel Theatre for Young People for a session in creative approaches and games to be utilized in the Pre-K and Kindergarten classroom. This 90-minute workshop will explore check-in strategies to engage students and give them a voice in your classroom. Drama games will be presented that help build important life skills such as making choices, being positive and saying yes to trying new things. As well, storytelling skills will be discussed and taught to help turn this particular activity into a more interactive experience.

Laura Jaszcz has over 15 years experience working as a drama educator. She is a professional theatre and film actress who has worked for centres such as Carousel Theatre for Young People, Arts Umbrella, False Creek Community Centre and Dramaworks. Peter Church is the Education Manager at Carousel Theatre for Young People. He has been a drama educator for over 15 years and has worked with young people of all ages in schools, theatres and churches in BC and Ontario. He is a professional theatre actor and most recently wrote and performed in a radio play adaptation of Its a Wonderful Life.

*Also offered in Session A

B: 10:20 AM to 11:50 AM

Strengthening the Cultural Foundation of Programming for Indigenous Children and Families Corine Sagmeister | Victoria Native Friendship Centre




B: 10:20 AM to 11:50 AM

Using Forest School Practices to Enhance an Emergent Curriculum Colleen Burke & Laureen Klaassen Langley Forest School

In this experiential workshop, you will engage in a sampling of hands-on forest school activities and learn about the immense benefits of providing regular opportunities for children to connect with nature. Even if you do not have access to a forest or park area, we will demonstrate how you can incorporate forest school practices into your curriculum on a regular basis. Come have fun with us and please be prepared to go outside, rain or shine.

As teachers at Langley Forest School, Laureen Klaassen and Colleen Burke are passionate about fostering outdoor, play-based, emergent learning opportunities that reconnect children and families to nature. They have been Early Childhood Educators for over twenty years and have now become Forest School Practitioners. Although they both teach preschool in the beautiful forest of Williams Park, they believe that every type of landscape has natural elements that can support place-based learning where nature can become the other teacher. Laureen and Colleen enthusiastically play, sing, tell stories and have fun getting muddy while they inspire childrens curiosity of the natural world.



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B: 10:20 AM to 11:50 AM

What!? Gross Motor Affects Fine Motor? Janice McLeod, Kari Olesen and Ross Taylor Langley School District

The therapy division of the Learning Support Services team will present some fun fine motor activities for K and Pre-K students as well as some sensory motor activities that the whole class can benefit from. Current research shows that whole body movements are integral to the underlying skills necessary to promote small body movements. The presentation will include actual group activities to take into your classrooms.

The Learning Support Services therapy division is made up of Occupational Therapists and Physiotherapists. The team has a collective experience of approximately 50 years of working with children. Their role is consultative; providing expertise on seating and mobility, posture and fine motor skills, self-care and classroom management for sensory processing challenges as well as provision of other rehabilitation equipment.


B: 10:20 AM to 11:50 AM

The Water in Which We Swim Janet Dhanani | University of British Columbia

You probably dont think of your classroom as an organization, but in many ways it is. We become so familiar with everything going on around us that we stop noticing the water in which we swim. By adopting organizational development tools and strategies we can better understand the various factors at play as we go about teaching and learning. In this workshop, youll discover new insights about yourself, your students and your system that will empower you to create a smoother running, happier classroom. Feel free to join us for a quick dip in part 1 or stay submerged by also attending part 2: What Lies Beneath in session C.

Janet Dhanani has taught all grades from preschool to grade 7 and served as an elementary principal for eight years. She currently works at UBC in the Centre for Teaching, Learning and Technology providing professional development training to instructors campus-wide. Janet is a newly trained counsellor, a mom of four and a former gardener who now concentrates on growing people instead of plants.

*Join Janet for part two: What Lies Beneath (C)

B: 10:20 AM to 11:50 AM

Opening the Doors to Literacy Ruth Hodgins | Educational Consultant Sandy Murray | Educational Consultant

Literacy and music can share the same strategic approaches that help students become problem-solvers. We will explore ways to connect singing, playing and literacy. This is a workshop for all, especially for people who do not feel comfortable singing or think they cant sing. In this workshop you will have fun singing, playing and moving; apply shared reading strategies to a music setting; learn alternate ways to symbolize music and learn how to make reading accessible for students who havent yet acquired literacy

Ruth Hodgins, recently retired District Teacher for Early Learning and Reading Recovery for the Langley School District, is currently an Educational Consultant, specializing in literacy education and classroom management. As well as instructing children from Kindergarten to grade four as a classroom and Learning Assistance/Resource/Reading Recovery teacher, Ruth has also worked with practicing and pre-service teachers. She is a Sessional Instructor for EDUC 473 Designs for Learning: Reading at SFU and continues to provide professional development for teachers and work with families and preschoolers. Ruth wonders how she fit everything into her day when she was working full-time!

Sandy Murray is a retired classroom teacher, music specialist and music helping teacher from the Abbotsford School District. The singing and playing of folk song games, as well as working from sound to symbol, have always been at the heart of her teaching. She looks to the Music EdVentures organization, an international and diverse gathering of educators, for insight and inspiration. Sandy currently mentors University of the Fraser Valley student-teachers and continues to be an active workshop presenter.


Capturing Their VoicesLaura Tomlinson & Leanne Heinrichs

Coaching for Creative Kindergarten KidsLaura Jaszcz & Peter Church

Connecting Children with NatureJill Deuling

Dynamic Daring DinosaursHeather Purcell & Darcie Yardley

Educating the HeartTracy Smyth

Engaging K/1 Curriculum Integration IdeasStacey Dary

Exploring Aboriginal ResourcesTerri Mack

FreshGrade in the K ClassJames Kennedy Elementary K-TeamInquiry: Learning Begins in Wonder

Adema RomanoiPads for Little Peeps!

Katherine Mulski

Anger and EruptionsThe Wishing Star Developmental Clinic

Capturing Their VoicesLaura Tomlinson & Leanne Heinrichs

Coaching for Creative Kindergarten KidsLaura Jaszcz & Peter Church

Connecting Children with NatureJill Deuling

Dance in Your Pants!Tonya Wejr

Destination ImaginationRoger Garriock

Dont Forget the Arts!Anne Thomson

Engaging K/1 Curriculum Integration IdeasStacey Dary

Kids Yoga and Mindfulness for Self-RegulationJennie Abbot

Kindergarten Assessment That Works!Kathy Nelson & Amanda Slade

Ks Off into the World of MathLisa Jamieson

Schedule at-a-Session A: 8:30 AM to 10:00 AM Session B: 10:20AM to 11:50 AM

Ks Off into the World of MathLisa Jamieson

Les Centres de LitteratieJanet Beattie

La Litteratie et la Maternelle!Janet Beattie

Strengthening the Cultural Foundation of Programming for Indigenous Children and Families

Corine Sagmeister

Stewardship, Sustainability, SpiritualityCarmen Rodriguez de France

Reggio Beyond Pinterest: Image of the ChildKaren Begley & Amanda Prade

Reggio Beyond Pinterest: Image of the ChildKaren Begley & Amanda Prade


Opening the Doors to LiteracyRuth Hodgins & Sandy Murray

Strengthening the Cultural Foundation of Programming for Indigenous Children

Corine SagmeisterThrough the Looking Glass: Documenting Learning in

an Appreciative WayLisa Pedersen-Skene & Debra Fullerton

Whirling and Twirling MusicLorie McDonald & Lillian Kocmaruk

Wilderness WednesdayLauren MacLean

Worries and WondersThe Wishing Star Developmental Clinic

The Power of RelationshipsKaren Copeland

The Process of PlayAllie Pasquier

The Water in Which We SwimJanet Dhanani

Through the Looking Glass: Documenting Learning in an Appreciative Way

Lisa Pedersen-Skene & Debra Fullerton


All About the Shapes!Heather Purcell & Darcie Yardley

Dance in Your Pants!Tonya Wejr

Destination ImaginationRoger Garriock

Dont Forget the Arts!Anne Thomson

Honouring the Family ExperienceKaren Copeland

Kids Yoga and Mindfulness for Self-RegulationJennie Abbot

Kindergarten Assessment That Works!Kathy Nelson & Amanda Slade

Opening the Doors to LiteracyRuth Hodgins & Sandy Murray

Reggio Beyond Pinterest: Classroom EnvironmentKaren Begley & Amanda Prade

Session C: 12:50 PM to 2:20 PM

Strengthening the Cultural Foundation of Programming for Indigenous Children and Families

Corine Sagmeister

Glance

Whirling and Twirling MusicLorie McDonald & Lillian Kockmaruck


Writing in Kindergarten!Rapinder Rai

Using Forest School PracticesColleen Burke & Laureen Klaassen

What!? Gross Motor Aff ects Fine Motor?Janice McLeod, Kari Olesen, & Ross Taylor

Using Guided Math in a K/1 ClassShelly Gardiner

Session C (Continued)

Using Forest School PracticesColleen Burke & Laureen Klaassen

Virtues in Kindergarten!Rapinder Rai

Waste Away that WasteSarah Atherton

What!? Gross Motor Aff ects Fine Motor?Janice McLeod, Kari Olesen, & Ross Taylor

Where Does Our Food Come From?Lindsay Babineau


Woodworking for KidsDon Thomson

Through the Looking Glass: Documenting Learning in an Appreciative Way

Lisa Pedersen-Skene & Debra Fullerton

Using Guided Math in a K/1 ClassShelly Gardiner

What Lies BeneathJanet Dhanani

The Process of PlayAllie Pasquier


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B: 10:20 AM to 11:50 AM

Reggio Beyond Pinterest: Image of the Child Karen Begley & Amanda Prade | Surrey Schools

What we believe about children is reflected in everything we do in the classroom. Join Karen and Amanda for a process-based discussion uncovering your Image of the Child and how that image has an impact on your practice. We will take a critical look at common early years classroom activities and collaborate to think of alternatives that will lead to a more emergent, play-based learning environment. A framework will be provided for participants to examine their practice within a constructivist, Reggio-inspired lens. Participants will leave with ideas about small and large steps to shift their practice to a more emergent, play-based one that matches their Image of the Child.



B: 10:20 AM to 11:50 AM

The Power of Relationships Karen Copeland | @KarenCopeland3 championsforcommunitywellness.com Champions for Community Mental Wellness

We all know the importance of creating positive relationships with students and their families. This is even more critical when a child is experiencing mental health challenges. In The Power of Relationships, Karen will share her experiences on how positive relationships have made a difference for her child who experiences anxiety, learning disabilities and other challenges. This is an opportunity to hear a unique family perspective on how we can support students and families in our schools. Participants will leave with a better understanding of the different steps they can take to build stronger relationships with children, youth and families.

Karen Copeland lives in Abbotsford, BC. She has two children and has extensive experience navigating school, health and Ministry mental health (children and youth) systems to obtain the services her family needs and deserves. Karen shares her experiences with others to create a broader understanding and awareness of the challenges families face when their child has a mental health challenge.

B: 10:20 AM to 11:50 AM

Connecting Children with Nature Jill Deuling | Metro Vancouver Regional Park

Learn the techniques and theory for connecting children with nature. Test a collection of nature programming activities for you to use at a variety of locations and for a number of lessons and themes. You will explore principles for creating memorable outdoor learning experiences that help children develop a positive relationship with nature. Explore theory that strengthens the validity and relevancy of connecting children with nature in relationship to supporting their health, boosting their mental acuity and creativity, strengthening their physical and mental coordination and stimulating their learning. Ultimately, lead children to a bond with nature that supports their health and education and encourages sustainable living.

Jill is a Professional Park Interpreter for Metro Vancouver Regional Parks with over 20 years professional experience in connecting children with nature and environmental awareness programming including coordinating, managing and delivering successful park and forest interpretation programs.



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B: 10:20 AM to 11:50 AM





B: 10:20 AM to 11:50 AM

Ks Off into the World of Math Lisa Jamieson | Royal Heights Elementary

Kindergarten children are natural explorers and love to engage in activities that activate their curiosity. Come along and explore the endless possibilities of engaging our youngest learners in a world filled with numbers, shapes and more. Take a look at different strategies to promote numeracy development by using a vast array of hands-on and engaging activities. You will not only view a variety of samples and make some to take home but will also receive a handout with ideas and ready to use activities to enhance your program. All you will have to do is say go! and watch as they head off into the world of math.

Lisa Jamieson is a Kindergarten specialist with extensive graduate work in early childhood education and parent education. She has presented to many audiences including teachers, parents and provincial PAC groups. Lisa has been a teacher for over 25 years and is currently a Principal in the Surrey School District.


B: 10:20 AM to 11:50 AM

Les Centres de Litteratie Janet Beattie | Abbotsford School District

Learn to organize literacy centres in your full-day kindergarten classroom that use your time efficiently while optimizing student learning. A variety of literacy centre ideas will be presented and blackline masters for some centres will be shared. Bring your ideas! This will be a great opportunity to share what works in your classroom with others and create a large master list of centres to rotate through during the school year.

Janet Beattie (BA, BEd, MEd) is currently a French Immersion kindergarten teacher in Abbotsford. She has taught learning assistance, half-day kindergarten, grade one and grade two in French Immersion and loves integrating thematic units across the curriculum. She is known for being upbeat and organized and loves sharing ideas with other teachers so much that she was selected to attend the Teachers Institute in Ottawa in 2012.

B: 10:20 AM to 11:50 AM

Whirling and Twirling Music Lorie McDonald | SD #35 Lillian Kockmaruck | SD # 41

Join in an active morning of fun songs, rhymes and movement. Learn creative ways to introduce music and movement throughout your day and implement songs that foster group connection and language. This workshop will leave you inspired with new songs and rejuvenate oldies but goodies. We will introduce iTunes music and new songs. Handouts will be provided.

Lillian Kocmaruk and Lorie McDonald both currently work as Strong Start facilitators in the Langley and Surrey School Districts. With their passion for early learning they have successfully presented many workshops together for teachers and early childhood educators in many districts throughout the province.



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B: 10:20 AM to 11:50 AM

Kids Yoga and Mindfulness for Self-Regulation Jennie Abbot | Harmony Kids Yoga

Come and join us in this exciting workshop offering hands-on activities to easily integrate Yoga into your classroom setting. Childrens Yoga helps to develop essential tools such as self-regulation, a stronger mind-body connection and introduces skills that help children to find a sense of inner-calm. These Yoga tools are gifts that can transform the lives of the children that receive them.

Each participant receives The Harmony Kids Yoga Guide for Pre-K to Kindergarten Teachers, with exercises and applications for classroom use.

Jennie is the Founder and Director of Harmony Kids Yoga, bringing yoga to over 200 children a week between the ages of 12 months old to 16 years old in Langley public and private schools, preschools and daycares, as well as weekly group classes, private classes for children with special needs and teachers workshops. She is a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) and Registered Childrens Yoga Teacher (CYA-CYT) with the Canadian Yoga Alliance. Jennies lifes passion is sharing yoga with children to offer the tools of mindfulness, self-regulation, stress reduction and the ability to bring harmony to the body, mind and heart, so children can lead vibrant and fulfilling lives.


B: 10:20 AM to 11:50 AM

Kindergarten Assessment That Works! Kathy Nelson & Amanda Slade Langley School District

When kindergarten instruction matches assessment, rich literacy practices such as read-alouds, letter sorts and interactive writing push each childs development forward, like gusts of wind hitting a sailboat at just the right angle. -Anne McGill-Frazen

Two years ago, Kindergarten and K/1 teachers came together to discuss assessment. We would like to continue exploring assessment of our Kindergarten students, as we know the impact of Kindergarten is very powerful. Knowledge of what students already know and are able to do enables teachers to make the best choices of how and what to teach. Become familiar with the Kindergarten Screening Protocol as the Langley School District moves forward with a common Kindergarten assessment.

Kathy Nelson has been a teacher in Langley since 1980. Most of her work has been with primary students. For the past two years, she has been working as the district literacy teacher for K-7. In this capacity, Kathy has been involved in training many teachers with the use of Fountas & Pinnell assessments and has visited and taught in many classroom at a variety of grade levels.Amanda Slade is a District teacher in Early Learning in Langley. Also a Kindergarten classroom teacher, Amanda is interested playful learning and integrated curriculum. She believes in the power of collaboration and works with children and adults to create powerful learning environments.


B: 10:20 AM to 11:50 AM

Writing in Kindergarten! Rapinder Rai | Harry Sayers Elementary

Teaching writing in kindergarten is a fun and rewarding experience! Rapinder will show you writing in a fun, relaxed, play-based Kindergarten classroom. Come and see practical tips on scaffolding these early writers from September to June through photographs and video clips with lessons and examples of students work. She will also share ideas to support early writing for English Language Learners (ELL). Gradually building up to a daily habit of writing can help children learn to look out for and look forward to opportunities to draw and write from their daily experiences. See how wall-stories and parental support through PALS (Parents as Literacy Supporters) enhance Kindergarten writing!

Rapinder Rai is a Kindergarten and Punjabi Language Teacher at Harry Sayers Elementary School in Abbotsford, BC. She has run PALS sessions with her Kindergarten families since 2002. She has been a facilitator for Immigrant PALS (Parents As Literacy Supporters) Punjabi since 2008 and developed the Punjabi Family Literacy Resource for PALS in Immigrant Communities with 2010 Legacies Now. Rapinder is the author of bilingual English and Punjabi childrens books with HomeRoots Books. She has presented to a wide audience of teachers in Toronto, California, Edmonton, and Victoria and is a regular presenter at the Surrey Teachers Convention and Connecting the Pieces: Pre-K and Kindergarten conference.


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B: 10:20 AM to 11:50 AM





B: 10:20 AM to 11:50 AM

Anger and Eruptions The Wishing Star Developmental Clinic Community Professional

Anger in our children is one of those emotions that often takes us by surprise, and indeed provokes interesting responses out of us as parents and teachers. Where does anger come from? When is anger a problem? What does anger have to do with brain development? This workshop will take on the task of helping big people understand the needs of children when anger erupts. We will explore the emotional pathways that lead to angry explosions and we will seek to understand how to respond in ways that calm rather than agitate, and in ways that actually facilitate improved growth for the developing brain.

The Wishing Star offers nurturing support through counselling, psychoeducational assessment, parent consultation, parent groups and professional workshops. They have a caring team of highly skilled Registered Psychologists and Registered Clinical Counselors who have expertise in supporting infants, children, young adults and parents.

B: 10:20 AM to 11:50 AM

Engaging K/1 Curriculum Integration Ideas Stacey Dary | Peterson Road Elementary

How do you balance the needs of those new Kindergarten students with a year of extreme growth in grade one? Learn some engaging ways to cope with what can be an overwhelming task at times. Bring the joy into your teaching by letting the students guide the way. Look at ways to play outside of centre time so you can let go of the guilt with your K students, while motivating your first graders and covering the curriculum. Get a recharge on literacy centres and activities that can fit all your needs.

Stacey started her teaching career in Literacy and Resource. Those experiences continue to be helpful today as she teaches K/1 for the 6th year. Taking her graduate degree in Learning in the Early Years was invaluable in shifting her practice to more exploratory learning and passion-driven lessons.



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B: 10:20 AM to 11:50 AM

Capturing Their Voices Laura Tomlinson | Blacklock Fine Arts Elementary Leanne Heinrichs | R.C. Garnett Elementary

Do you want to inspire your students to become writers? Do you want to help them develop their imagination and storytelling abilities? Do you want to build foundational literacy skills in your students through an engaging process that honours your students voices? Come and see what Story Workshop is all about. Through story workshop, students are given the opportunity to work with materials to develop their own stories and have them documented. Students learn about key story principles while being encouraged to develop their imaginations and critical thinking skills. Laura and Leanne will share some examples, their struggles and their triumphs. There will also be time for all to try it out and a group discussion to brainstorm ideas on how to get this amazing process working in your classroom. Please bring an iPad or laptop for documentation practice.

Laura has been teaching for 11 years and has been teaching Kindergarten at Blacklock Fine Arts for the past five years. She has recently completed her Masters of Education. Teaching Kindergarten is her passion and finding new ways to honour and record her students voices is a constant journey.Leanne is a K/1 teacher at RC Garnett Demonstration School. She has worked hard to transform her classroom environment to meet the needs of her students and she continues to look for ways to reflect her image of the child in all she does.


B: 10:20 AM to 11:50 AM

Dance in Your Pants! Tonya Wejr | Kick It Up A Notch Academy of Dance

We all know our younger students love to move. Lets tap into this and get them dancing! Tonya will share some basic steps, rhythm and movement to engage your students with creativity and fun-filled music. Teachers will walk away dancing with ideas on how to bring dance and movement into their classrooms. This will be an active session requiring full participation; active clothing is recommended.

Tonya is a mother of twin four-year-olds and has been a dance instructor and choreographer for the past 17 years. She is currently the owner and director of Kick It Up A Notch Academy of Dance in Aldergrove. In addition to teaching students from preschool to adult at her studio, she has also taught dance to students in many high schools and elementary schools throughout Langley and Abbotsford. Tonya has facilitated dance workshops with teachers and believes in creating a love of movement through the joy of dance.


B: 10:20 AM to 11:50 AM

Using Guided Math in a K/1 class Shelly Gardiner | Alex Hope Elementary

Math in a K/1 class is challenging indeed! Using Guided Math offers teachers the opportunity to introduce and reinforce skills in small groups. No matter what the focus - sorting, patterning, addition, subtraction - Guided Math can be used to introduce the big idea, work with manipulatives, solve problems and play math games.

Shelly has worked in Langley for 22 years. Although she has taught classes from K-7, most of her years have been in Kindergarten or grade one classes. The last two years, she has been focusing on learning about and experimenting with Guided Math in her K/1 classrooms. Its been a lot of work but she has found the program very beneficial for her students.



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Friday, October 23 12:50 to 2:20Session C Workshops

Brookswood Secondary School 20902 37A Ave. Langley, BC C: 12:50 PM to 2:20 PM

Strengthening the Cultural Foundation of Programming for Indigenous Children and Families Corine Sagmeister Victoria Native Friendship Centre



*Also offered in Session A & B

C: 12:50 PM to 2:20 PM

Kindergarten Assessment That Works! Kathy Nelson & Amanda Slade Langley School District

When kindergarten instruction matches assessment, rich literacy practices such as read-alouds, letter sorts and interactive writing push each childs development forward, like gusts of wind hitting a sailboat at just the right angle. -Anne McGill-Frazen

Two years ago, Kindergarten and K/1 teachers came together to discuss assessment. We would like to continue exploring assessment of our Kindergarten students, as we know the impact of Kindergarten is very powerful. Knowledge of what students already know and are able to do enables teachers to make the best choices of how and what to teach. Become familiar with the Kindergarten Screening Protocol as the Langley School District moves forward with a common Kindergarten assessment.

Kathy Nelson has been a teacher in Langley since 1980. Most of her work has been with primary students. For the past two years, she has been working as the district literacy teacher for K-7. In this capacity, Kathy has been involved in training many teachers with the use of Fountas & Pinnell assessments and has visited and taught in many classroom at a variety of grade levels.Amanda Slade is a District teacher in Early Learning in Langley. Also a Kindergarten classroom teacher, Amanda is interested playful learning and integrated curriculum. She believes in the power of collaboration and works to create powerful learning environments.


C: 12:50 PM to 2:20 PM

Using Guided Math in a K/1 class Shelly Gardiner | Alex Hope Elementary

Math in a K/1 class is challenging indeed! Using Guided Math offers teachers the opportunity to introduce and reinforce skills in small groups. No matter what the focus - sorting, patterning, addition, subtraction - Guided Math can be used to introduce the big idea, work with manipulatives, solve problems and play math games.

Shelly has worked in Langley for 22 years. Although she has taught classes from K-7, most of her years have been in Kindergarten or grade one classes. The last two years, she has been focusing on learning about and experimenting with Guided Math in her K/1 classrooms. Its been a lot of work but she has found the program very beneficial for her students.



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C: 12:50 PM to 2:20 PM

Dont Forget the Arts! Anne Thomson Mamquam Elementary, SD #48 Sea to Sky

Our little ones keep us busy all through the day. Weaving the arts into your everyday practice can increase learner engagement, leading to happier, more connected students and energized, revitalized teachers. Join me for an action-packed workshop that will give you hands on experience in ways to integrate the arts (music/dance/drama/art) into your existing routines. Come ready to move, play and explore!

Anne Thomson (BMus, BEd, MEd) has been a teacher in the Sea to Sky School District since 1991. Over the years she has enjoyed many different roles, including primary classroom teacher, school/district/community choir director, Fine Arts Coordinator and her current role as a performing arts specialist, K-6. She loves moving and grooving and exploring all things arts!


C: 12:50 PM to 2:20 PM

All About the Shapes! Heather Purcell & Darcie Yardley creativecircletime.com Creative Circle Time

Come and learn lots of ways to incorporate shapes into your circle and beyond! We will present easy ideas to include in your circle time, art activities and math centres. We will make a shape theme felt story in class. Please bring sharp scissors and a flat surface to carry home your wet felt pieces!

Heather Purcell has been in the ECE field since 1989. After completing her ECE and I/T at Langley College, Heather has worked in all capacities of the Early Childhood field. Currently, Heather facilitates a Strong Start class in Abbotsford. Darcie Yardley has been in the ECE field since 2000. Darcie also completed her training at Langley College. As well as being the supervisor of a Langley area preschool, Darcie is the mom of an active little girl and still manages to present workshops frequently!

C: 12:50 PM to 2:20 PM

Reggio Beyond Pinterest: Classroom Environment Karen Begley & Amanda Prade | Surrey Schools

In Kindergarten, the classroom environment functions as an additional teacher. Carefully designed classroom environments enable and inspire children to become an advocate for their own learning. Join us for a workshop to uncover the pedagogical purpose of beautiful spaces and intentional materials of the Reggio Emilia early childhood centres.We will look at many examples, from both Pinterest and early childhood classrooms around the world, to examine why certain elements are included and how they impact learning. We will then discuss how you may consider incorporating some elements into your practice. Participants will leave with some practical ideas about how to set up a classroom environment that inspires both themselves and their students to ask big questions, pursue their interests and share their ideas with others.



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C: 12:50 PM to 2:20 PM

Kids Yoga and Mindfulness for Self-Regulation Jennie Abbot | Harmony Kids Yoga

Come and join us in this exciting workshop offering hands-on activities to easily integrate Yoga into your classroom setting. Childrens Yoga helps to develop essential tools such as self-regulation, a stronger mind-body connection and introduces skills that help children to find a sense of inner-calm. These Yoga tools are gifts that can transform the lives of the children that receive them.

Each participant receives The Harmony Kids Yoga Guide for Pre-K to Kindergarten Teachers, with exercises and applications for classroom use.

Jennie is the Founder and Director of Harmony Kids Yoga, bringing yoga to over 200 children a week between the ages of 12 months old to 16 years old in Langley public and private schools, preschools and daycares, as well as weekly group classes, private classes for children with special needs and teachers workshops. She is a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) and Registered Childrens Yoga Teacher (CYA-CYT) with the Canadian Yoga Alliance. Jennies lifes passion is sharing yoga with children to offer the tools of mindfulness, self-regulation, stress reduction and the ability to bring harmony to the body, mind and heart, so children can lead vibrant and fulfilling lives.


C: 12:50 PM to 2:20 PM

Using Forest School Practices to Enhance an Emergent Curriculum Colleen Burke & Laureen Klaassen Langley Forest School

In this experiential workshop, you will engage in a sampling of hands-on forest school activities and learn about the immense benefits of providing regular opportunities for children to connect with nature. Even if you do not have access to a forest or park area, we will demonstrate how you can incorporate forest school practices into your curriculum on a regular basis. Come have fun with us and please be prepared to go outside, rain or shine.

As teachers at Langley Forest School, Laureen Klaassen and Colleen Burke are passionate about fostering outdoor, play-based, emergent learning opportunities that reconnect children and families to nature. They have been Early Childhood Educators for over twenty years and have now become Forest School Practitioners. Although they both teach preschool in the beautiful forest of Williams Park, they believe that every type of landscape has natural elements that can support place-based learning where nature can become the other teacher. Laureen and Colleen enthusiastically play, sing, tell stories and have fun getting muddy while they inspire childrens curiosity of the natural world.


C: 12:50 PM to 2:20 PM






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C: 12:50 PM to 2:20 PM

What!? Gross Motor Affects Fine Motor? Janice McLeod, Kari Olesen and Ross Taylor Langley School District

The therapy division of the Learning Support Services team will present some fun fine motor activities for K and Pre-K students as well as some sensory motor activities that the whole class can benefit from. Current research shows that whole body movements are integral to the underlying skills necessary to promote small body movements. The presentation will include actual group activities to take into your classrooms.

The Learning Support Services therapy division is made up of Occupational Therapists and Physiotherapists. The team has a collective experience of approximately 50 years of working with children. Their role is consultative; providing expertise on seating and mobility, posture and fine motor skills, self-care and classroom management for sensory processing challenges as well as provision of other rehabilitation equipment.


C: 12:50 PM to 2:20 PM

Virtues in Kindergarten! Rapinder Rai | Harry Sayers Elementary

Teaching Kindergarten children to pay attention to the virtues in them is a fun and rewarding experience! Rapinder will show you virtues in practice in a fun, relaxed, play-based Kindergarten classroom. Come and see practical tips on scaffolding these early learners through photographs and video clips. She will share lessons to teach virtues like respect, effort, attitude, cooperation and honesty. She will show you simple chants to encourage children to learn to lookout for and to draw attention to examples of teamwork, caring, sharing, inclusion, listening and helping.

Rapinder Rai is a Kindergarten and Punjabi Language Teacher at Harry Sayers Elementary School in Abbotsford, BC. She has run PALS sessions with her Kindergarten families since 2002. She has been a facilitator for Immigrant PALS (Parents As Literacy Supporters) Punjabi since 2008 and developed the Punjabi Family Literacy Resource for PALS in Immigrant Communities with 2010 Legacies Now. Rapinder is the author of bilingual English and Punjabi childrens books with HomeRoots Books. She has presented to a wide audience of teachers in Toronto, California, Edmonton and Victoria and is a regular presenter at the Surrey Teachers Convention and Connecting the Pieces: Pre-K and Kindergarten conference.

C: 12:50 PM to 2:20 PM






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C: 12:50 PM to 2:20 PM

Honouring the Family Experience within Systems Karen Copeland | @KarenCopeland3 championsforcommunitywellness.com Champions for Community Mental Wellness

Learn what its like to be the parent of a child with mental health challenges. Karen provides participants with an opportunity to practice curiosity, as she shares her journey map and encourages questions from the group. Karen also provides information on what families find to be helpful and hindering when it comes to building relationships with professionals.

Karen Copeland lives in Abbotsford, BC. She has two children and has extensive experience navigating school, health and Ministry mental health (children and youth) systems to obtain the services her family needs and deserves. Karen shares her experiences with others to create a broader understanding and awareness of the challenges families face when their child has a mental health challenge.

C: 12:50 PM to 2:20 PM

Waste Away that Waste Sarah Atherton Langley Environmental Partners Society

In this workshop, educators will learn the ins and outs of the municipal and school district recycling programs through a variety of hands-on, engaging activities and songs. Educators will discover the importance of reducing waste through a litter-less lunch program guide and find out why its important to reduce green waste.

Sarah Atherton has been working as an environmental educator for over 15 years and has experience working in both Australia and Canada. She holds a Bachelors of Science and has always been interested in connecting children with nature and creating awareness of the impact of people on their local watersheds. For the past eight years she has worked for Langley Environmental Partners Society and has a strong working relationship with many teachers across School District 35.

C: 12:50 PM to 2:20 PM

What Lies Beneath Janet Dhanani | University of British Columbia

In this session, well go deeper beneath the waves to explore some of the influences that lie beneath. Together, well practice using some of the organizational tools and strategies explained in part 1 through sample scenarios. Then well really delve deep by helping each other design new processes addressing issues we may be having in our own classrooms. You are welcome to attend just part 2, although you may find the waters a bit murky without the benefit of attending part 1: The Water in Which We Swim in session B.

Janet Dhanani has taught all grades from preschool to grade 7 and served as an elementary principal for eight years. She currently works at UBC in the Centre for Teaching, Learning and Technology providing professional development training to instructors campus-wide. Janet is a newly trained counsellor, a mom of four and a former gardener who now concentrates on growing people instead of plants.

*Join Janet for part one: The Water in Which We Swim (B)

C: 12:50 PM to 2:20 PM

The Process of Play Allie Bishop Pasquier | Bakers and Astronauts

In this workshop, well explore open-ended materials for use throughout the curriculum. We know that children learn through play, but there is often a disconnect between that knowledge and what we truly put forward in learning environments. Together, well explore the process of play, gaining an understanding of how to engage children through high-quality loose parts materials and play. Well also touch upon documentation of process-based play so you are able to share this learning with families, colleagues and back to the children themselves.

Allie Bishop Pasquier has ten years of preschool classroom teaching experience. She now focuses her personal research and presenting around open-ended play and documentation, helping teachers focus on the unique cultural qualities of their own classrooms to inform best practices.



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C: 12:50 PM to 2:20 PM

Opening the Doors to Literacy Ruth Hodgins | Educational Consultant Sandy Murray | Educational Consultant

Literacy and music can share the same strategic approaches that help students become problem-solvers. We will explore ways to connect singing, playing and literacy. This is a workshop for all, especially for people who do not feel comfortable singing or think they cant sing. In this workshop you will have fun singing, playing and moving; apply shared reading strategies to a music setting; learn alternate ways to symbolize music and learn how to make reading accessible for students who havent yet acquired literacy

Ruth Hodgins, recently retired District Teacher for Early Learning and Reading Recovery for the Langley School District, is currently an Educational Consultant, specializing in literacy education and classroom management. As well as instructing children from Kindergarten to grade four as a classroom and Learning Assistance/Resource/Reading Recovery teacher, Ruth has also worked with practicing and pre-service teachers. She is a Sessional Instructor for EDUC 473 Designs for Learning: Reading at SFU and continues to provide professional development for teachers and work with families and preschoolers. Ruth wonders how she fit everything into her day when she was working full-time!

Sandy Murray is a retired classroom teacher, music specialist and music helping teacher from the Abbotsford School District. The singing and playing of folk song games, as well as working from sound to symbol, have always been at the heart of her teaching. She looks to the Music EdVentures organization, an international and diverse gathering of educators, for insight and inspiration. Sandy currently mentors University of the Fraser Valley student-teachers and continues to be an active workshop presenter.


C: 12:50 PM to 2:20 PM

Where Does Our Food Come From? Lindsay Babineau BC Agriculture in the Classroom Foundation

The topics of food, nutrition and sustainable agriculture are interwoven through numerous subject and curricular areas. These topics play a large part in our daily lives and have always been a part of the lives of our ancestors, including Indigenous peoples. However, there seems to be a disconnect between this food story and our students. How can we re-connect our students to the outdoors, the food they eat, their nutrition and the agriculture story in BC? This workshop will focus on project ideas and resources teachers can use to re-connect their students with the food story. You will also be able to apply for a chance to attend a field trip to the BCAITC Pencil Patch in the spring.

BC Agriculture in the Classroom Foundation is a non-profit organization that works with educators to bring BCs agriculture to their students. The BC Agriculture in the Classroom Foundation is supported by the BC Ministry of Agriculture, the BC Ministry of Health, the BC Ministry of Education, private donors, as well as the agriculture community in our province.

C: 12:50 PM to 2:20 PM

Dance in Your Pants! Tonya Wejr | Kick It Up A Notch Academy of Dance

We all know our younger students love to move. Lets tap into this and get them dancing! Tonya will share some basic steps, rhythm and movement to engage your students with creativity and fun-filled music. Teachers will walk away dancing with ideas on how to bring dance and movement into their classrooms. This will be an active session requiring full participation; active clothing is recommended.

Tonya is a mother of twin four-year-olds and has been a dance instructor and choreographer for the past 17 years. She is currently the owner and director of Kick It Up A Notch Academy of Dance in Aldergrove. In addition to teaching students from preschool to adult at her studio, she has also taught dance to students in many high schools and elementary schools throughout Langley and Abbotsford. Tonya has facilitated dance workshops with teachers and believes in creating a love of movement through the joy of dance.



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Accomodation InformationHampton Inn & Suites

19500 Langley Bypass, Surrey, BC, V3S 7R2Phone: (604) 530-6545

Please quote Langley School District Conference Rate and book by September 22, 2015. Prices are subject to change after September 22. Cancellations must be 72 hours prior to arrival.

Room Type Room RateStandard Queen (2 Queen Beds) $119 plus applicable taxes

King Study Suite (1 King Bed) $129 plus applicable taxes

King Study Studio (1 King Bed, 1 Sofa Bed) $1

connecting the pieces 2015

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