The BCPTA Primary Leadership Conference

INTRODUCING
The BCPTA
Primary Leadership Conference
“Teaching From The Heart”
October 25, 2013
Renaissance Vancouver Harbourside Hotel
1133 West Hastings Street in Vancouver BC
• Schedule / Presenters / Presentations
• Preregistration For Sessions Online
1 BCPTA 2013 PRIMARY LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE
PROGRAM AT A GLANCE: SCHEDULE / TITLES / PRESENTERS
KEYNOTE : 8:30 am-10:00 am: THE EMOTIONALLY LITERATE CLASSROOM by MARY GORDON
SESSION S1: 10:45 am-12:15 pm
SESSION S2: 1:00 pm-2: 30 pm
SESSION S3: 2:45 pm-4:15 pm
Emotional Regulation
Mary Gordon
Help Students Increase Their
Emotional & Social Regulation
Colleen Politano
Give Kids a Break!
Get Moving to Support Self Regulation
Colleen Politano
When You Look at Me..What Do You See?
Assessment….A New Look!
Pam Quigg
Workshop for New Teachers:
A Dozen or More Ideas That Work in Primary
Pam Quigg
(Rpt S2) Developing Curriculum From
The Competent Child
Corinne Steffen / Gloria Olsen
Learning By Doing:
Discovering Mathematics Interactively
Marie Fanshaw / Silia Dalla Lana
(Rpt S1) Learning By Doing:
Discovering Mathematics Interactively
Marie Fanshaw / Silia Dalla Lana
(Rpt S1) K/1 Can Still Be Fun!
Jennifer Brooks / Liane Loeppky
Inquiry + Math + Technology = Powerful
Learning and Understanding
Jennifer Barker / Janice Novakowski
Technology and Play
Sarah Soltau Heller / Mardelle Saurborn
Getting to the Heart of the Matter:
Going Deeper in Mathematics
Jennifer Barker / Michelle Hikida
Wonder Writing: Using Students’ Questions
to Inspire Non-Fiction Reading and Writing
in Primary
Lisa Schwartz
Love Stories, Love Writing: Using Picture
Books to Inspire Story Writing in Primary
Lisa Schwartz
(Rpt S1) Promoting Young Children’s
Social and Emotional Learning
Angela Jaramillo
Moving Learning Outdoors
(Rpt S1) Moving Learning Outdoors
Sooke SD Innovative Nature Kindergarten
Sooke SD Innovative Nature Kindergarten
Project Team: Erin Van Stone / Lisa Lockerbie / Maureen Lauren / Frances Krusekopf / Enid Elliot
(Rpt S1) Early Learning Physical
Literacy
Kim Eagle
K/1 Can Still Be Fun!
Jennifer Brooks / Liane Loeppky
Integrating First Nations Culture in Primary
Through Literacy
Fiona Morrison
(Rpt S2) Integrating First Nations
Culture in Primary Through Literacy
Fiona Morrison
Promoting Young Children’s Social and
Emotional Learning: From Research to Practice
Angella Jaramillo
Creating Fairies and Forest Creatures:
Connected to Narrative Writing
Heather Dean
(Rpt S2) Creating Fairies & Forest
Creatures Connected to Narrative
Writing
Heather Dean
Early Learning Physical Literacy
Kim Eagle
Song-Games: Fostering Emotional
And Emotional Skills
BonnieDavison
Song-Games: Take It Outside
Bonnie Davison
The Power of Observation / Science Experiments
Sandy Colclough
Science Old! Science New!
Curriculum Connections Too!
Brian Herrin
(Rpt S2) Science Old! Science New!
Curriculum Connections Too!
Brian Herrin
Helping Children Manage Stress:
Tools for Resiliency
Cindy Andrew
Developing Curriculum from the
Competent Child
Corrine Steffen / Gloria Olsen
(Rpt S1) Helping Children Manage
Stress: Tools For Resiliency
Cindy Andrew
PLEASE NOTE
* Complete presentation titles received from presenters are included on this session schedule
* On name cards some preregistered session titles are abbreviated to fit the card dimensions
* Biographies and complete presentation descriptions received from presenters follow
2 SPEAKERS / BIOGRAPHIES / SESSION TITLES / DESCRIPTIONS
KEYNOTE SPEAKER MARY GORDON
Mary Gordon is recognized internationally as an award-winning social entrepreneur, educator,
author, child advocate and parenting expert who has created programs informed by the power
of empathy. Ms Gordon is also the founder of Canada's first and largest school-based
Parenting and Family Literacy Centres, which she initiated in 1981. They have become public
policy in Ontario and have been used as a best practice model internationally.
In 1996 she first introduced the Roots of Empathy program and in 2000, established the
national and international organization Roots of Empathy, which now offers programs in every
Province of Canada and in ten countries in multiple languages. Seeds of Empathy, for 3-5 year
olds in child care, was created by Mary Gordon in 2008 and is now in Canada and the United
Kingdom.
Ms Gordon speaks and consults to governments, educational organizations, and public institutions. She is the recipient of
several awards recognizing her contribution to innovation in education and international social entrepreneurship, including
the Manning Innovation Award for the top social entrepreneur in Canada. Ms Gordon has had several dialogues with His
Holiness the Dalai Lama in Canada, the United States and India.
Keynote Address
THE EMOTIONALLY LITERATE CLASSROOM
In September 2010 on International Literacy Day the UN invited Mary Gordon to speak about Emotional Literacy at a
symposium at the UN offices in NY. She spoke of emotional literacy being the new illiteracy of the 21st century. She shared
that as important as it is to learn to read it is equally important for children to learn to relate and if they don’t we will be a
failed society. Roots of Empathy is seen as a global leader in the field of emotional literacy. It is Gordon’s belief that
elementary schools and elementary classroom teachers are uniquely poised to address the multiple literacies of childhood.
The classroom is a powerful dynamic for developing emotional literacy.
Session S1
EMOTIONAL REGULATION
Mary Gordon will share information on brain based research being conducted by the University of Washington. This
research will look at both the structure and functioning of the brain and will be a good measure of emotional
regulation. Video footage will be shared of the experience based learning around the Roots of Empathy green blanket.
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PAMELA QUIGG
Pam spent 36 years teaching primary students.
Kindergarten was always her favorite age to teach.
She worked for 5 years as a District #63 Elementary Curriculum Consultant.
She taught overseas in Baden-Baden Germany for 3 years.
Throughout the years she authored and co-authored many articles, books and program for Fitzhenry & Whiteside, Oxford
University Press, Harcourt and Thomson - Nelson to name a few.
She officially retired from teaching kindergarten 5 years ago but she remains busy writing and presenting workshops.
She currently teaches at the University of Victoria and was awarded the UVIC Faculty of Education 2013 Teaching
Excellence Award.
Session S1
WHEN YOU LOOK AT ME, WHAT DO YOU SEE? ASSESSMENT... A NEW LOOK!
Target Audience: K to Grade 3 teachers, LAT resource teachers, Administrators.
Join Pam to learn strategies to fairly and respectfully assess many aspects of children’s learning. In this session you will
make and use Math Fans, Word Wise cards, People Surveys, Question Fingers, Hands-Up Boards, Goal
Chains, Hopscotch, Question Boards to name a few.
3 Session S2
WORKSHOP FOR NEW TEACHERS:
A DOZEN OR MORE IDEAS THAT WORK IN THE PRIMARY CLASSROOM
If you are new or returning to the profession, a beginning teacher and/or a teacher teaching on call, new to your teaching
assignment or new to teaching in BC this session will give you a wealth of ideas to get started.
In this session Pam will present a collection of ideas her UVic students have found most helpful.
A cross curricular mix of language arts, math etc. will be presented.
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MARIE FANSHAW & SILIA DALLA LANA
Marie Fanshaw and Silia Dalla Lana are primary teachers from School District 57 (Prince George).
They bring a wealth of hands-on mathematical experience to their primary classrooms. Silia has taught Grades K-3 and has
previously worked in an inner city school as a Support Teacher. She currently teaches Grade One. Marie has taught K-5
and is currently teaching Grade One and also works as a Math Liaison for the School District. Both have recently completed
their Master’s degree in Elementary Mathematics.
Session S1 / Repeated in Session S2
LEARNING BY DOING: DISCOVERING MATHEMATICS INTERACTIVELY
Through interactive exploration students will lead the way in making math meaningful. As teachers it is important to open
doors for students through interactive opportunities to build a solid foundation of number sense. The presenters will share
their classroom experiences on how to implement math stations and the use of manipulatives to make math fun and
engaging. They will also provide practical ideas, on how to use math walls and whiteboards as part of your daily math
routine.
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CINDY ANDREW
Cindy Andrew is a former teacher and long time school health promotion specialist with over 25 years of experience. She is
currently the BC based program consultant with the Psychology Foundation of Canada and also serves in a similar capacity
with the Centre for Addictions Research of BC.
Session S1 / Repeated in Session S3
HELP CHILDREN MANAGE STRESS: TOOLS FOR RESILIENCY
Stress can infect and affect the physical, emotional, intellectual and academic well being of children. It can interfere with
their motivation, attention, perception, memory and the entire learning process. This interactive workshop will focus on a
series of practical strategies teachers and other school-based professionals can use in helping children learn to manage stress
and to foster positive mental health within their school communities.
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LISA SCHWARTZ
Lisa Schwartz is a teacher consultant with the Richmond School District. She has taught Grade K-5 for the past sixteen
years. Lisa is passionate about early literacy, intentional planning and the explicit teaching of reading and writing. In the
past five years Lisa has focused her efforts on developing excellent thinking and problem solving skills in all her students
throughout the curriculum.
Lisa operates under the belief that every child can be a successful reader and writer. She loves children's literature and is
always looking for new and interesting ways to use kids' books to engage and inspire students.
Session S1
WONDER WRITING: USING STUDENTS' QUESTIONS TO INSPIRE NON-FICTION WRITING
(Non-Fiction Reading and Writing with Primary Students)
Using students’ wonders and inquiry questions to create projects such as posters, books etc. Lisa will talk about having
students generate questions about an object or animal they are interested in, find the answers to their wonders and then
display their learning in some way. She will talk about the gradual release of responsibility and how she teaches this to
students over time so they have the background knowledge and tools to complete such a project.
4 Session S2:
LOVE STORIES, LOVE WRITING:
CONNECTING READING AND STORY WRITING THROUGH PICTURE BOOKS
(Using Picture Books to Inspire Story Writing in Primary Students)
In this workshop Lisa will share different book titles that she uses as a jumping off point for writing with primary students.
She will talk about her mini lessons and also weave in assessment for and assessment as learning. Lisa will talk about tips
and tricks to guide her instruction.
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SOOKE SCHOOL DISTRICT INOVATIVE NATURE KINDERGARTEN PROJECT
PROJECT TEAM WILL SHARE THEIR EXPERIENCE
ERIN VAN STONE: An Early Childhood Educator who works with the Nature Kindergarten team. Her passion for nature
based learning was fostered through participating in nature based programs as a child, as well as Girl Guides as a youth.
LISA LOCKERBIE: Has worked as a teacher for eight years. She has taught in Tache B.C., London England and is now a
part of the Sooke School District community. She has a passion for the outdoors and has spent a summer working in a forest
school in the UK. She is currently enjoying learning and teaching outside in the Nature Kindergarten pilot project at
Sangster Elementary in Colwood, BC.
MAUREEN LAUREN: Has been an educator for 27 years in Sooke School District. Highlights of a varied career include
being president of the local primary teachers’ association for many years and teaching music, as well as piloting several
projects: The Primary Program, inquiry projects and Nature Kindergarten. Currently principal at Sangster Elementary
School, she regularly visits the Nature Kindergarten class in the forest and hears the positive feedback about the program
from parents, students, educators and visitors.
Maureen was thrilled to be part of the collaborative community team that guided the development of this program. She
spends most summers in the forest near Campbell River with her dog and her guitar.
FRANCES KRUSEKOPF: Teacher and school administrator has worked as an educator for fifteen years in Mongolia,
Texas, and most recently the Sooke School District. Inspired by the experience of having her son participate in a Walden
kindergarten in Germany, Frances began to collaborate with Dr. Enid Elliot and a dynamic team of educators and passionate
community members to develop a Nature Kindergarten pilot at Sangster Elementary in the Sooke School District.
ENID ELLIOT: As an early childhood educator for many years I have worked in a variety of contexts and settings and
continue to find myself surprised, intrigued and delighted by the children, families and early childhood educators with
whom I am engaged. Doing doctoral work helped me to articulate the multiple layers of that inspiration and my dissertion
resulted in a book, We’re not robots: Listening to the voices of daycare providers. For many years I have been investigating
the influence of outdoor settings on children and early childhood educators. Being outside with children connecting with the
other-than-human worlds can be a wild and wondrous experience. Both educators and children benefit. Working to create
the Nature Kindergarten within Sooke District has been an exciting experience of community collaboration. Currently I am
an adjunct professor at the University of Victoria and on faculty at Camosun College in Victoria.
Session S1 / Repeated in Session S2
MOVING LEARNING OUTDOORS IN THE SOOKE SCHOOL DISTRICT
Beginning September 2012 Sooke School District piloted a Nature Kindergarten class where students spend 2.5 hours
outdoors in the forested Royal Rods University (RRU) property every morning. This innovative project is a collaborative
partnership between the school district, RRU, the University of Victoria, Camosun College and other community partners.
Students learn experientially in response to their emerging interests according to a forest school model that has existed in
northern Europe for several decades. Learning in this way a Kindergarten teacher works in partnership with an Early
Childhood Educator (ECE) to teach the Kindergarten curriculum. Additionally the program fosters a life-long appreciation
for the environment, fitness and well-being and the Traditional Ways of Knowing of the Coast Salish Peoples.
During this interactive session participants will learn about…..
•History of Forest Preschools and Schools
•The Research of the Benefits of Learning Outdoors
•The Process of Developing a Nature Kindergarten Model in the BC context
•The Nature Kindergarten ‘in action’ through stories, photos and videos
•Activities the teacher and ECE have done with their students
5 JENNIFER BROOKS & LIANE LOEPPKY
Jennifer Brooks graduated from the University of Victoria and has been teaching in the Abbotsford School District since
2001. She is also the president of the Abbotsford Kindergarten Teacher's Association. Jennifer has taught Kindergarten
when it was half-day, K/1 split and now full-day K and full-day K/1 split. Although the current K/1 split can be an
enormous task and it is difficult to maintain the integrity of both programs it is possible to make the K/1 a great experience
for both students and teachers while teaching in a play-based model.
Liane Loeppky graduated from the University of Victoria and has been teaching in the Abbotsford School District since
1997. She has taught Grades K-3 and was a Teacher-Librarian for 3 years. Liane has taught half day and full day K/1 splits
over the course of her career. She believes in play based learning in the Primary years, and feels that it is the key to
surviving and thriving in a K/1 split.
Session S1 / Repeated in Session S3
K/1 CAN STILL BE FUN!
Are you teaching a K/1 split? Are you looking for some strategies and tips from people who have survived this split and
even enjoyed it? Jennifer and Liane have both taught K/1 split classes before and since the introduction of full-day
kindergarten. They are familiar with the pressures imposed on teachers to get grade one students to read while there is the
expectation of a kindergarten play-based program. This workshop is designed to address some of these issues that K/1
teachers face and to share our personal experiences, tips and ideas on how we have survived.
Yes you can teach K/1 and still have fun!
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ANGELA JARAMILLO
Angela M. Jaramillo is currently a Ph.D. candidate in the Human Development, Learning, and Culture program in the
Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology, and Special Education, Faculty of Education at the University of
British Columbia. Her research interests center on the emotional lives of children, particularly the social and emotional
development of young children in relation to the development of emotion knowledge, emotion regulation, and social and
emotional competence and how these skills are fundamental to children’s academic learning, health, and success in life.
Moreover, she is interested in school-based preventive interventions for the promotion of social and emotional learning in
young children and social and emotional learning as a global movement.
Session S1 / Repeated in Session S3
PROMOTING YOUNG CHILDREN’S SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL LEARNING:
FROM RESEARCH TO PRACTICE
Understanding the factors that young children need to be successful in school and in life has long been an important
objective for researchers, parents, teachers, and early childhood educators interested in the promotion of competencies and
the prevention of educational and psychological maladjustment.
This presentation will provide participants with both the science and practice on the social and emotional lives of young
children, particularly in relation to the development of emotion knowledge, emotion regulation, and social and emotional
competence (e.g., the capacity to experience, recognize, express, control, regulate and understand emotions) -- skills that are
seen as fundamental to children’s school readiness, students’ academic performance, health and well-being. Throughout the
presentation, emphasis will be given to identifying the factors that promote young children’s social and emotional
development. Consideration will also be given to the study of universal preventive interventions designed specifically to
promote social and emotional learning (SEL) in young children, including recent research findings on evaluations of social
and emotional competence programs for young children. Discussions of both theoretical and practical implications for the
promotion of young children’s social and emotional competence will be put forth.
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KIM EAGLE
Born and raised in Vancouver. Graduate of Charles Tupper Secondary.
Education - Bachelors of Physical Education and Teacher training at UBC and Masters of Education at the University of
Portland. I have taught secondary physical education and coached for 26 years in the Surrey School District, serving as a
Department Head for most of these years. I worked for a year and a half as the PE Helping Teacher for the Surrey School
District working with both secondary and elementary schools. Over the years I have participated in various District
initiatives and presented on assessment, technology in PE and physical literacy for primary physical education. I have been
on writing and review teams for the grade 8-10 IRP.
6 Session S1 / Repeated in Session S3
EARLY LEARNING PHYSICAL LITERACY
In a child, physical literacy is the combination of mastering FUNdamental movement skills and fundamental sport
skills. FMS provide a foundation for many physical activities and everyday movements. This activity-oriented session will
cover the FMS that are in the K-3 IRP, link an appropriate English Language Arts learning outcome, and how to observe
and provide assessment FOR learning through specific rubrics. Detailed lesson plans with rubrics provided.
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SANDY COLCLOUGH
Sandy has been teaching Science in School District #51 for over thirty years, and has presented at local professional
days. She understands the frustration of reading through several books, choosing a few experiments for science class, and
finding they don't work out as presented. Over the years, she has found a core of reliable, educational experiments for her
classes, and this BCPTA workshop will showcase a few of them.
Session S1
THE POWER OF OBSERVATION – USING SCIENCE EXPERIMENTS
Sandy’s presentation will be a collection of 10 experiments that concentrate on developing the skill of observation. The
experiments will be hands-on for the participants. A complete set of the experiments, instructions and black line masters for
students will be included.
This set of experiments are fun, well tested and really work to increase students' observation abilities.
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COLLEEN POLITANO
Colleen Politano is known for sharing a wealth of ideas that are PRACTICAL and POSSIBLE. Participants appreciate her
sense of humour and sensible, realistic approach. She is an experienced teacher and presenter. The co-author of 15
professional books for teachers, her enthusiastic approach to teaching is contagious and you will leave with a multitude of
easy to use ideas to make your life easier and help your students do and be their best.
Session S2
HELP STUDENTS INCREASE THEIR EMOTIONAL AND SOCIAL SELF REGULATION
Colleen will show you practical ideas you can use to help your students build their repertoire of strategies to identify and
manage their emotions and strengthen their competencies. You will discover ways to build classroom harmony and
cooperation. Learn simple, powerful possibilities to help your students develop self regulation and make your classroom
more ‘self regulation’ friendly.
Session S3
GIVE KIDS A BREAK! GET MOVING TO SUPPORT SELF REGULATION
Developing self regulation is a multi-faceted process encompassing experiences, environment, brain and body. One way we
can help students learn to self REGULATE is to incorporate movement activities and breaks. The time we invest involving
students in movement pays off in students being more calm, focused, alert and attentive. Breaks give students time to
process learning.
Colleen will demonstrate ideas for breaks and movement activities. Come prepared to move, learn and have fun!
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JENNIFER BARKER & JANICE NOVAKOWSKI
Jennifer Barker is an Adjunct Teaching Professor at UBC and teaches one day a week in the Richmond School District in a
Grades 3/4 classroom. She is a passionate Mathematics educator and has recently completed her Masters in Technology
with a focus on Inquiry and Mathematics. An educator for over fifteen years, who has taught Grades K - 5, Jennifer
believes mathematics should be fun, engaging, meaningful and promote deep thinking.
Janice Novakowski has taught preschool through university students with a particular love for math and science.
She has been inspired by the students she works with as they embrace technology across the curriculum.
Janice's current professional goals include investigating authentic inquiry with students and considering how pedagogical
documentation informs practice.
7 Session S1
INQUIRY + MATHEMATICS + TECHNOLOGY = POWERFUL LEARNING AND UNDERSTANDING
How can primary teachers use technology to promote and enhance inquiry-based learning in mathematics?
In this hands-on session you will play with online programs and iPad apps to gain an understanding of how inquiry-based
approaches in mathematics when combined with technology, can foster engagement, critical thinking, creativity, powerful
learning and understanding, collaboration, and differentiated instruction. Furthermore, you will see how these lessons can
be used as both assessment for and of student learning. Numerous outstanding digital programs/apps as well as student
examples will be shared. These technologies have the power to transform and enhance both the teaching and learning of
mathematics. Please bring along an iPad should you have one.
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FIONA MORRISON
Fiona Morrison has had more than 35 years of experience working with young children and families in a variety of contexts.
She has been a classroom teacher, teacher-librarian, faculty associate, district literacy coordinator and college and university
instructor in the areas of literacy and early childhood education.
In 1999, Fiona co-developed PALS (Parents As Literacy Supporters) with Dr. Jim Anderson from the University of British
Columbia. PALS is a culturally responsive, research based family literacy program which has been implemented
provincially, nationally and internationally.
Fiona is enthusiastic and passionate about joyful, play based literacy practices.
She most recently retired from Decoda Literacy Solutions as Director of Family Literacy and Early Learning. Fiona has 6
grand children and enjoys rural living on Mayne island with her husband and 3 dogs.
Session S2 / Repeated in Session S3
INTEGRATING FIRST NATIONS CULTURE INTO PRIMARY CLASSROOMS THROUGH LITERACY
Celebrate the tradition of storytelling and Canada’s diverse First Nations, Métis, and Inuit (FNMI) cultures with authentic
stories, illustrations, art, and photos from FNMI authors and artists.
Join our workshop to better understand how to integrate authentic First Nations stories and culture in your classroom with
our new Grade 1 Storytelling cross curricular kit and a new series of engaging authentic leveled Little Books for K–3
students. The relevance of these and other materials to culture, community and personal connection to storytelling will be
discussed.
Acknowledgement
The BCPTA Executive thanks Nelson Education Ltd. for sponsoring Fiona Morrison to present this workshop.
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HEATHER DEAN
My recent retirement from a long career of teaching primary children is allowing me time to share my passion of arts
immersion with both students and teachers. After working for five years at Calgary Arts Academy where we taught
collaboratively with artists I learned the value of the arts in all areas of the curriculum. My teaching is also inspired by the
principles that guide the teachers in the Infant and Toddler schools of Reggio Emilia in Italy. I am an active BCTF member
and I have been fortunate to have been a part of the recent Curriculum Development Teams representing my colleagues on
the Science team.
Session S2 / Repeated in Session S3
WHO LIVES HERE? CREATING FAIRIES AND FOREST CREATURES
CONNECTED TO NARRATIVE WRITING
Have you ever wondered who lives in the little openings at the bases of trees in the woods?
Be a child again. Let your imagination run free as you make a woodland creature using a simple armature design and
"beautiful stuff". Develop its character and story in this hands-on workshop that begins with the art form (doll making) and
weaves it through other curriculum areas.
See how students in several classes have responded to the same question, "Who lives here?"
Return to your class ready to begin this wonderful investigation.
8 BONNIE DAVISON
Bonnie Davison is a national education consultant and a passionate advocate for creating ideal learning environments for
children. As the founder of Singing English Education, Bonnie combines her experience, as a music therapist and teacher to
provide innovative and inspiring hands-on workshops for educators and administrators. The Victoria Nature School,
Bonnie's most recent endeavor, is a unique not-for-profit school designed for 3-5 year olds. This passion project combines
Bonnie's love of nature, early literacy and music with her dream of changing the education system to fit the growing needs
of children in the 21st century
Session S2
SONG-GAMES: FOSTERING EMOTIONAL AND SOCIAL SKILLS
Using Erik Erikson’s Stages of Social-Emotional Development as a framework, this session will consist of fun, hands-on
activities, illustrating how song-games can be used in the classroom throughout the day to promote respect and multicultural experiences while cultivating children’s emotional and social skills. No music experience necessary. To learn more
visit: www.singingenglish.com
Session S3
SONG-GAMES: TAKE IT OUTSIDE!
How and why creating a strong literacy foundation through song-games produces even better results when practiced
outside! We know nature is important for child development but how can we go outside when we should be spending time
on literacy? Participants will learn valuable tips ands hands-on activities that transform typical indoor lessons into outdoor
literacy success! No music or outdoor experience necessary! For more information visit: www.singingenglish.com
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BRIAN HERRIN
Brian is one of the oldest children you will ever meet. He trained as a high School Biology / Science teacher and has taught
from pre-school through to Post Graduate work and continues to supervise student teachers in their final practica. He holds
a MSc. (Education) and has worked as a Park Naturalist for the BC Government. He volunteers in a primary classroom
regularly and welcomes the chance to ‘do’ science with children whether it is in schools, shopping malls or after-school or
summer programmes. He has co-authored two primary/intermediate textbooks that are used in BC schools today –
Innovations 5 and Science Probe 4. For several years he was ‘Dr. Spider’ on the internet and answered questions about
anthropods of all descriptions for both adults and children. He has been an entomological consultant for both the BC and
Federal Governments. He has presented throughout BC and North America on elementary and secondary
science/math/education topics.
Brian is presently co-teaching Environmental and Outdoor Education at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops. He has
served as president of both the Environmental Educators PSA and BC Science Teachers’ Association and has been the
Newsletter editor of both associations as well as the Provincial Intermediate Teachers’ Association.
Brian is still wonderstruck with the natural world we live in and holds that the cure for boredom is curiosity. Unfortunately
there is no cure for curiosity and Brian is a chronic sufferer.
Session S2 / Repeated in Session S3
SCIENCE OLD! SCIENCE NEW! CURRICULUM CONNECTIONS TOO!
In this workshop you will use simple materials that are easily obtained to engage your class in science experiences that keep
little minds buzzing and stimulate curiosity.
Brian will make sure you gain clear understandings of what is happening so you can teach with confidence.
Strategies and surprise activities will be featured throughout.
So come and do “really enjoyable science” with a “really enjoyable teacher”.
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CORINNE STEFFEN and GLORIA OLSEN
Gloria Olsen and Corinne Steffen each have over 30 years of working experience with young children. Both have a
specialized degree in ‘Early Childhood Education’ and diplomas in ‘Fine Arts’ and ‘Exploration in the 'Formative Years’.
They strive to have a classroom that is so exciting that it’s like having a birthday party every day!
9 Session S2 / Repeated in Session S3
DEVELOPNG CURRICULUM FROM THE COMPETENT CHILD
- Do you like the idea of emergent curriculum but can’t get started?
- How do we capitalize on our students’ interests and motivation in the midst of a standardized curriculum?
This workshop on “Developing Curriculum from the Competent Child” will help you get a “picture” of the best way to
address 21st century learning; providing you with the tools to look at your students with a new lens to observe their
wonderings and to develop curriculum that has depth and interest for all involved and which encompasses our provincial
outcomes.
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JENNIFER BARKER & MICHELLE HIKIDA
Jennifer Barker is an Adjunct Teaching Professor at UBC and teaches one day a week in the Richmond School District in
a Grades 3/4 classroom. She is a passionate Mathematics educator and has recently completed her Masters in Technology
with a focus on Inquiry and Mathematics. An educator for over fifteen years, who has taught Grades K - 5, Jennifer
believes mathematics should be fun, engaging, meaningful and promote deep thinking!
Michelle Hikida has been teaching for over fifteen years with students from K- grade 7.
She completed her Masters of Education in Language and Literacy at UBC and her Post Graduate Diploma in Mathematics
at SFU. Michelle is passionate about inspiring her students to become big math thinkers.
Session S3
GETTING TO THE HEART OF THE MATTER: GOING DEEPER IN MATHEMATICS
Do you want students who love mathematics?
Would you like to spark fun, engagement, and deep thinking in your math lessons?
If so, this workshop is for you! In this session we will share ways to actively involve students in investigating, making
connections, and digging deeper into the big ideas in Math. Come and see how to captivate your students’ curiosity and
wonder through open-ended lessons, picture books, the use of manipulatives and problem solving tasks that build "big math
thinkers".
Many student samples and information on assessment will be woven throughout and you will leave with ideas that can be
implemented with ease.
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SARAH SOLTAU HELLER & MARDELLE SAURBORN
Sarah Soltau Heller has been a teacher for the past 18 years in a rural community on the northern tip of Vancouver
Island. Most of her career has been teaching in a primary classroom with some time spent in Special Education.
The last several years she has been experimenting using mobile technology to enhance students’ learning experiences.
Her philososphy is that it isn’t about the tool - it’s about the skills. Sarah believes that technology offers students reflective
opportunities in the learning process. Currently she is teaching Grade 2 and has been exploring ways to and for her students
to digitally document and share their learning in a Play Environment. As BCPTA Web Manager Sarah also demonstrates
her technological skills. (Take a look at the BCPTA Spring Chapter Event Report Sarah posted on the BCPTA website)
At executive meetings Sarah shares her excellent classroom projects. You will be impressed with Sarah’s resourcefulness
and her creative ways in which she incorporates technology in a meaningful and productive way in her primary classroom.
Mardelle Saurborn is a Kindergarten Teacher from the Southeast Kootenays SD #5. She came to BC to teach over 20
years ago because of the philosophy of play that is at the heart of the Primary Program. She continues to advocate for play
for young learners both locally and globally. Mardelle Saurborn is committed to navigating the often contradictory
landscape that is Play and Technology, and ensuring best practice. Using Technology with young learners should be
guided by the same principals as any other component of a rich play environment. Is it creative? Does it connect learners?
Does it foster community? Mardelle is a Moderator and member of the Global Kindergarten Community #Kinderchat. She
is fierce about balancing technology, play and outdoor experiences. She is curator and creator of SkypePlay, a #Kinderchat
Play Project. She is a Leadership Member of the Special Interest Group Early Learning and Technology (SigELT) for the
International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), whose mandate is promoting developmentally appropriate
technology use in early learning settings. This year she has launched Campfire Chats, a webinar series using BlackBoard
Collaborate, designed to connect educators globally with others passionate about Play.
Session S2
Technology and Play
Sarah and Mardelle will demonstrate their resourcefulness and their expertise on ‘Technology and Play’ in the primary
classroom. This presentation will be based on cross curricular connections using mobile technologies.
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