This session will start with a welcome and ice breaker activity, using types of art works to create table groups (Brown Bear, Brown Bear-connection) The group will reflect on their personal experiences with art and exposure to art works. Time for sharing in small groups and a few whole group comments will help to establish commonality and possible new insights. The objectives will be reviewed to help participants gauge if the content is what they expected. there will be post-it notes on tables for participants to write down questions for discussion at the end of the presentation. I will review the agenda for the session. Teaching Points- What the typical toddler art experiences looks like (input form participants) Common definition of "art" for our purpose today- It is not crafts or "make -it like this one." PowerPoint examples of types of art works, how and where they can be integrated into the environment and some routines. Exploration- time for participants to review samples of art and think about how they might appeal to children, where and how they can be made accessible. Application- some examples and then time for participants to revisit the exploration samples and identify potential learning goals. Implementation- make a plan for how you can start! Include type of art, materials you will need, how you will introduce it, where it will "live" in your room, and a timeline. Share ideas and hopefully have time for those questions.
This interactive session equips early childhood educators with the foundational knowledge of sensory processing in young children. Led by an occupational therapist with 27 years experience in pediatric field, the session explores how children experience the world through their senses. Participants will gain a practical understanding of sensory processing challenges and discover how to recognize signs in their classrooms.
Through engaging activities and real-life examples, educators will learn simple strategies to create supportive environments that cater to diverse sensory needs. The session will cover topics such as:
*The sensory system and its impact on learning *Identifying signs of sensory over- and under-stimulation *Adapting the classroom environment to promote sensory regulation *Easy-to-implement activities that cater to different sensory preferences
By the end of this session, educators will feel empowered to create classrooms where all children can thrive and learn comfortably.
Vickie Maertz holds a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy and has worked with children for the past 32 years. She is a Level 3 trainer with TCPEDS. Vickie likes to find creative and interactive ways to teach not only the updates to minimum standards but also about special needs children... Read More →
Thursday March 20, 2025 9:15am - 11:15am CDT
Legends VII
This session creates space for early childhood education practitioners and future practitioners to engage in activities and conversations centered around intentional and purposeful planning of opportunities and activities aimed at helping young children grow and develop a variety of math skills, processes and thinking.
Assistant Teaching Professor, The University of Southern Mississippi
Dr. Susan Clark is an assistant teaching professor in Child and Family Sciences at The University of Southern Mississippi. In addition, she serves as the curriculum specialist at the campus-based Center for Child Development, which serves 100 children birth to 5 years of age and serves... Read More →
Thursday March 20, 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm CDT
Legends VI
Meaningful planning is an essential practice to support optimal development for young children. This session will help participants plan and create activities that are meaningful. Participants will learn ways to extend learning through their interactions by implementing the CLASS tool. Participants will engage in hands-on activities to discuss ways to extend learning opportunities in meaningful ways.
