THE MAESA EARLY CHILDHOOD CONFERENCE Teacher-to-Teacher: Best Practices

THE MAESA EARLY CHILDHOOD CONFERENCE
Friday, November 7, 2014
Teacher-to-Teacher: Best Practices
Hosted by
5600 Little Falls Parkway, Bethesda Maryland 20816
Program At A Glance
8:00 – 8:50 AM
9:00 – 9:20 AM
9:30 – 10:45 AM
10:55 – 12:10 AM
Registration and Refreshments/Lobby
Welcome in the Gym
Session One
Session Two
12:10 – 1:00 PM
1:00 – 2:15 PM
2:15 – 2:30 PM
Lunch
Session Three
Complete Surveys & Pick up Certificates
All Day
Vendor Sales
Workshop participants will have the opportunity to attend one choice in each of the three sessions.
Registration fee per person for MAESA member schools …………………… $ 60.00
Registration fee per person for non-members …………………………………… $ 75.00
Registration fee includes delicious breakfast treats and lunch provided by a wonderful local caterer.
About MAESA
The purpose of the Mid-Atlantic Episcopal School Association (MAESA) is to strengthen the community,
enhance the mission and promote the witness of Episcopal schools in the Mid-Atlantic region. We seek to do
this by providing opportunities for heads of schools, administrators, teachers and chaplains to meet regularly
with colleagues from other Episcopal schools to explore areas of common concern and interest. We also
promote programs for teachers and students, which enhance learning in our schools and encourage service to
our surrounding communities. Finally, in association with the National Association of Episcopal Schools, we
advocate our needs as schools within our several dioceses and within the national Church.
SESSION OVERVIEW & PRESENTER INFORMATION
(A)What’s New in the Library: (Sessions 1 & 3)
Join us to check out the newest books and online tools being used in the library. We will take a look at the
latest books and how to use them in the classroom as well as what is available online.
CORE KNOWLEDGE AREAS: DC –Curriculum; MD & VA – Child Development
Patrick Pané is the Librarian at Washington Episcopal School in Bethesda, Maryland. He has been a Librarian
for five years and has worked in schools for six years. He has a Masters in Library and Information Science from
Florida State University. He also has a MA in History from Old Dominion University and a BA in History from
SUNY Binghamton.
(B)Bringing Parents into the Spiritual Life of the School: (Sessions 2 & 3)
The presenter will share her experience of implementation of a Parenting and Faith initiative in a preschool
setting. The school has identified specific ways to involve parents in four areas of the school’s spiritual life:
worshipping, learning, reflecting, and serving. This program is an effort to provide parents with examples of
methods and experiences they can use in order to claim their role as a spiritual person and as spiritual leader
in the family. Participants will be engaged in sharing and discussing stories, ideas and experiences from their
own settings.
CORE KNOWLEDGE AREAS: DC-- Building Family & Community Relations, Curriculum; MD & VA – Child Development
Jo Harney has served as Head of School at Christ Church Episcopal Preschool for four years. Prior to coming to
Christ Church, Jo had a 22-year career teaching general and choral music in PK-12 settings, most recently at St.
Anne’s Episcopal School in Middletown, Delaware. Jo holds a B.S. in music education from Skidmore College,
an MALS in religious aesthetics, also from Skidmore College, and is enrolled in the D.Min. in Educational
Leadership program at Virginia Theological Seminary.
(C)If You Want to Teach a Lesson Tell a Story (from the Talmud): (Sessions 1 & 3)
Think about ways to share picture books with students that connect the story to science. When children listen
to a story, we offer them a window into a “new world” of possibility, imagination, and wonder. A selection of
children’s literature will be shared with ways to use the stories to invite inquiry and do science and
engineering with young children.
CORE KNOWLEDGE AREAS: DC-- Building Family & Community Relations, Curriculum; MD & VA – Child Development
Martha Estroff has been working in Early Childhood Education for the past 30 years. Prior to her current
position as the Early Childhood Science Teacher at St Patrick's, she spent 12 years at St Columba's, teaching in
the classroom as well as science and as a special educational consultant. She was a recipient of The
Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching (PAEMST) for 2012. Martha has an
undergraduate degree in zoology from Mount Holyoke College, a Masters of Arts in Teaching Biology and
History from Northwestern University, and a Masters of Arts in Early Childhood Special Education from The
George Washington University.
(D)Music and Movement in the Early Childhood Classroom: (Sessions 2 & 3)
Children love to sing and move. Find ways to incorporate music and movement into your classroom even if
you are not a musician. Participants in this workshop will learn simple songs, rhymes, and movement activities
that develop cognitive skills that will become the foundation for all future learning. Take home fun ideas to
use immediately in your own classroom.
CORE KNOWLEDGE AREAS: DC – Child Growth & Development, Curriculum, Learning Environments, Inclusive Practices;
MD & VA – Child Development, Health, Safety & Nutrition
Dr. Nadine C. DiLorenzo is the music specialist at Christ Church Episcopal Preschool in Greenville, DE where she
teaches music and movement to children ages 16 months through five years. She has over twenty years of
experience teaching music to children in Kindergarten through sixth grade and over seventeen years of
experience teaching early childhood music. Nadine has degrees from Susquehanna University, Eastman School
of Music, and Temple University and has studied with leading authorities in music such as Dr. Edwin Gordon
and Dr. James Jordan.
(E)Documentation : (Sessions 1 & 3)
As educators how do we make learning visible? Recording and preserving evidence of children’s activities and
passions through photo’s, texts and words can help create a greater understanding of what children are
learning. Explore documentation panels that were created to show how children’s ideas grew as they
followed a unit of study on ‘Shadows and Light’ and see how stories of significant work children have done is
captured and made visible.
CORE KNOWLEDGE AREAS: DC—Curriculum, Observing, Documenting & Assessing to Support Young Children and
Families; MD & VA – Child Development
Lisa Merotto earned her BA in Visual Arts and Masters in Education from Middlesex University, London. She
has been a classroom teacher for 15 years and after attending Project Zero at Harvard University in 2011 she
joined PZ DC and became particularly interested in how we document children’s growth and make learning
visible.
(F)Nature and Nurture, Approaches for Teaching Science to Preschoolers: (Session 2)
You don’t have to be a brainiac to enjoy science, and neither do your students. Come with us as we discover
several fun ways to foster a life-long appreciation of “science.” Classroom cooking activities not only nurture
a child’s self-confidence, but also utilize the five senses and, in the process, demonstrate how one substance
can be transformed into another. Similarly, being outdoors appeals to almost all children, and we’ll explore
how a seasonal tree study can spark a broader interest in the natural world and simultaneously enhance a
child’s drawing capability.
CORE KNOWLEDGE AREAS: DC—Curriculum, Learning Environments, Observing, Documenting & Assessing to Support
Young Children and Families; MD & VA – Child Development
Joyce O'Donnell has taught Nursery and Transition (Pre-Kindergarten) at Washington Episcopal School for 7
years.
(G) Art Integration with Curriculum: (Limit 12 participants; Sessions 1 & 3)
Homeroom and specialty teachers come join us explore the many ways art integrates with science, literature,
history, developmental skills and so much more! Each participant will learn about the historical significance of
the artist, storyteller and quilter Faith Ringgold. After which, participants will have the opportunity to create
their own art based on Faith Ringgold’s book, Tar Beach.
CORE KNOWLEDGE AREAS: DC—Curriculum, Learning Environments, Observing, Documenting & Assessing to Support
Young Children and Families; MD & VA – Child Development
Janice Davis graduated with a BA in studio art from University of Maryland and Katherine Owens graduated
with a BA in studio art from Mary Washington College. Together these two teachers teach a studio art
program to preschool through elementary aged students at Washington Episcopal School MD. Their age
appropriate projects focus on art history, creativity, and curriculum integration. While exploring various
mediums (paint, collage, oil pastel, crayon, mixed media, clay, paper mache', paper cut outs, graphite, ink,
marker, water color, plaster and more) the program focuses on developmental skill building from hand eye
coordination and fine motor skills to self-expression and observation. Art is not just fun; it benefits the whole
child!
(H)Spanish Language and the Young Child : (Sessions 1 & 2)
¡Hola! Bonjour. Ni Hao. So you want to start a world language program? This workshop will focus on the
various language programs recognized by ACTFL (American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages) and
how to effectively implement a world language program at your school. It will also provide supporting brain
development research demonstrating the benefits of learning a second language during the primary years as
well as helpful resources and teaching strategies specific to children ages 3 months – 10 years old.
CORE KNOWLEDGE AREAS: DC—Curriculum, Learning Environments, Building Family and Community Relationships
Inclusive Practices; MD & VA – Child Development
Janice Pouch has been a Spanish teacher to primary-aged children for the last 10 years. She currently teaches
Spanish to children ages 3 months to 5 years old and serves as the Coordinator for the Beauvoir Language
Institute, an after-school language program which offers Spanish, French and Mandarin language instruction
to students in PreKindergarten to Third Grade. Janice’s love of foreign languages began as a child in Panama,
the native land of her parents. She continued to broaden her understanding of the various Hispanic cultures
and dialects of the Spanish language during her college years by living abroad in Mexico and traveling through
Spain. She holds a B. S. in International Finance from George Mason University and holds a master’s degree in
Latin American Studies from American University. Janice also studied several years at Alliance Française both
in New York and Washington, DC and is proficient in French. She feels fortunate to have found her life’s
passion in foreign language education, beginning at St. Stephen’s and St. Agnes School and now at Beauvoir
School. She is the mother of two children ages 3 and 7 and enjoys yoga, reading, writing bi-lingual children’s
stories and traveling.
(I) Using Technology in Your Classroom Centers: (Limit 15 participants; Sessions 1 & 3)
Learn how to integrate technology into your classroom centers using whatever technology is available at your
school. A variety of hands-on activities with iPads, laptops, desktops and SmartBoards will be showcased in
this session. See how technology can easily reinforce and enrich your curriculum.
CORE KNOWLEDGE AREAS: DC—Curriculum, Learning Environments; MD & VA – Child Development
Judy Hagemann has over 20 years in education, 18 years in Technology Education. Currently the founder of
T2L2: Teach, Tech, Live, Learn, an organization devoted to making technology integration easier for personal
and professional growth.
(J) STEM: (Session 2)
The importance of STEM education has been gaining recognition at the National Level and is an integral
component of the new Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Come learn about what the terminology
means, where it fits in the Early Childhood classroom, and ways to tweak your lessons to include rich STEM
curriculum. Nursery through kindergarten teachers will walk away with easy-to-implement STEM lessons.
CORE KNOWLEDGE AREAS: DC—Curriculum, Learning Environments; MD & VA – Child Development
Mendy Thaler, St. Patrick’s Episcopal Day School, grew up moving on average every two years. Her parents
instilled the love of nature and the environment in her as she chased horney toads through the red dirt of
Oklahoma, listened to the big horn rams butting heads in the Rocky Mountains, visited the salt mines and
glaciers in Germany, and watched the alligators in South Carolina with amazement. She strives to share this
gift in the classroom she shares with 3 and 4 year olds. She has been teaching for 15 years, in conjunction with
some very talented colleagues, and has presented at several workshops, including the 2011 &2013 Math in the
Nursery school classroom, the MAESA ECC (2010-Telling the Story of the Child to the Parent- Documentation),
at Gallaudet University (2006- Preparing the Environment for Artistic Exploration), the MAESA ECC (2003- Preparing
the Environment for Artistic Exploration, the Director’s Meeting for MAESA (May 2000- Creating Beautiful Spaces to
Learn) and the MAESA ECC (March 2000- Creating Beautiful Spaces to Learn ).
Michelle Basile has been teaching elementary school science at St. Patrick's Episcopal Day School for 14 years.
She earned her BS in biology from Trinity College, Hartford, and an MS in Environmental Science and Policy for
Johns Hopkins University. Michelle was selected as an Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellow for 20132014 and was placed in the Department of Energy office of Science.
(K) Energize with Wiggle-Breakers: (Sessions 1 & 2)
This workshop will get you moving! In this session we will learn several easy and adaptable music and
movement games suitable for the early childhood classroom. Put on your sneakers and be prepared to
participate as we learn fun and creative energizers, group activities and “fillers” for unexpected free time. A
handout with lyrics will be provided.
CORE KNOWLEDGE AREAS: DC – Child Growth & Development, Curriculum, Learning Environments, Inclusive Practices;
MD & VA – Child Development, Health, Safety & Nutrition
Erin Riley has been involved in early childhood music since the age of 17, when she directed the preschool choir
in her church music program. Currently in her ninth year of teaching, Erin has been the Early Childhood Music
and Movement Teacher at Washington Episcopal School since 2011. She holds degrees from both Shenandoah
University and The Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University. In her spare time, Erin is a professional singer
and church musician and has had the opportunity to perform throughout the region; including with the
Baltimore Opera, the Lyric Opera of Baltimore, the Washington Opera Camerata and the Washington Concert
Opera. Her favorite childhood song is “The Ballad of Señor Don Gato.”
(L) Strategies to Improve Pre-Writing and Writing Skills in All Children : (Sessions 1, 2 & 3)
Come learn about research based and effective strategies to encourage crayon grip, strength and endurance
with your class this year. Increase your strategies to engage even the most reluctant child to develop a love
for drawing, coloring and writing.
CORE KNOWLEDGE AREAS: DC—Curriculum, Learning Environments; MD & VA – Child Development
Todd Misura has over 20 years of experience working with children. Todd was formerly a tenured 4th grade
teacher and is currently a Licensed Occupational Therapist in Virginia, Maryland and DC. He works with HWT
as one of their National Workshop Presenters. In this role, Todd has taught thousands of parents, teachers,
administrators and therapists how to use the Handwriting Without Tears® program. He is the owner of Write
Here Right Now, Inc. Write Here Right Now, Inc. is an Occupational Therapist and tutoring practice that focuses
in the remediation of children’s handwriting and written expression problems. He practices at local private
schools and from his home office in Potomac, MD.
(M) Teaching Science to 3 and 4 Year Olds: (Sessions 1 & 3)
It’s as easy as Wonder, Touch and See! It’s never too early to cultivate a love of science in our youngest
students. Make the most of children’s natural curiosity by guiding them to use their senses to observe their
world through the lens of a scientist. Nicole will share creative lesson ideas that can be taught in any space
with limited materials. Hear how easy it is to lay the foundation for the scientists children will become.
CORE KNOWLEDGE AREAS: DC—Curriculum, Learning Environments; MD & VA – Child Development
Nicole Maaia, was educated and trained in Massachusetts schools which included participating in a
Massachusetts DOE program called PALMS (Partnerships Advancing Learning in Math and Science) at Salem
State College and earning an M.Ed. from Endicott College. Following that, she spent three years teaching in a
diverse urban elementary school in Salem, Massachusetts. After taking time off to be a full-time mom to her
two girls, she returned to the classroom as the PreK Science teacher at Beauvoir. She is now a directing teacher
in first grade and remains passionate about laying a strong foundation for science learning in our youngest
students.
(N) Developing Literacy Skills Necessary for Today’s Kindergarten:(Sessions 1 & 3)
Learn ways to easily weave early literacy skills into your daily routines. Get a peek inside a kindergarten
classroom to learn how students are developing their reading and writing skills. Leave with strategies to jump
start your students’ love of reading.
CORE KNOWLEDGE AREAS: DC—Curriculum, Learning Environments; MD & VA – Child Development
Hannah Eldredge earned her Master’s in Education with an emphasis in early childhood education from George
Mason University. She has been a classroom teacher in Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten at Beauvoir, The
National Cathedral Elementary School for 10 years.
(O) Director’s Roundtable: (Session 2)
An opportunity for Preschool Directors to gather for conversation on a variety of topics facing leadership in
Episcopal Preschools.
CORE KNOWLEDGE AREAS: DC –Program management, Operation and Evaluation; MD & VA–Child
Development
The Director’s Workshop will be facilitated by Mary Lee Nickel, Early Childhood Director at Washington Episcopal School.
(P) Children’s Spirituality: A Developmental Journey: (Session 3)
How and when do children acquire a moral compass, spiritual connection, and faith? What are the effects of
parenting, religious instruction, and freedom to explore the world on these developing notions? Insights from
scientists, developmental theorists, and theologians help unravel what we know about young children’s
earliest understandings of good vs. bad, empathy, compassion, justice, and an awareness of something
greater.
CORE KNOWLEDGE AREAS: DC— Child Growth and Development, Building Family and Community Relationships; MD &
VA – Child Growth and Development
This workshop will be offered by Julia Berry, Director of St. Columba’s Nursery School, Washington, DC and the
Rev. Claudia G. Tielking, MAESA Executive Director with 22 years of experience as a Chaplain at the National
Cathedral schools.
Mid-Atlantic Episcopal School Association
The Rev. Claudia Tielking-Executive Director
6533 Mulroy Street
McLean VA 22101
Phone: (703) 819-1527
[email protected]