In this workshop, we will explore literacy in its natural habitat: a child’s playful exploration of their
world. Teachers will think about the role of play, materials and the physical learning environment in children’s literacy development, reading and writing in a world that is increasingly digital, but our learning is still deeply rooted in hands-on explorations. This workshop combines hands-on play, presentation, small and whole group discussion, and reflection.

Objectives
Upon successful completion of the workshop, participants will be able to:

• Understand the importance of child-driven exploration in literacy development
• See the world as a place that is alive with literacy, and use that knowledge in planning the learning environment and experiences
• Enhance their classroom/learning environment and daily schedule to embed more natural experiences for children’s literacy development
• Restructure small group and whole class reading and writing prompts into playful, engaging, exploratory experiences for students
• Reframe storytelling as a vehicle for literacy explorations and personal connections
• Understand the cycle of observation, reflection, and planning to support individual children.

Outline
Day 1:  Literacy Development and Mark Making

• Literacy development as an organic process
• The role of the adult in supporting children’s literacy development
• Planning the environment
• Mark making and symbolic communication: bridging the cognitive and fine motor
• Exploration of play materials for mark making

Day 2:  Storytelling, Reading, and Reflection Day 1 review

• Gathering and celebrating children’s personal stories
• Children’s literature throughout the curriculum
• Adding intention to read-alouds
• Play Stories for children’s reflections
• Workshop Reflection

Trainer’s Profile
Allie P., M.S., is an early childhood educator from Washington state, USA.  She holds her B.S. in Early Childhood Education and Early Childhood Special Education from New York University, as well as her M.S. in Early Childhood Education/Child Development from the Erikson Institute in Chicago. She is an experienced early childhood educator, having spent ten years teaching children 0-8 in a variety of educational settings.  Her personal curiosities have brought her to visit learning environments around the world, including forest Kindergartens, children’s museums, and the schools of Reggio Emilia.  She believes that child-directed play is a powerful learning tool, and spends her time writing about early childhood education and working with teachers around the globe on bringing play into the curriculum.

Methodology

This is an interactive workshop, with hands-on activities for participants to tap into their own playfulness as they deepen their understanding of how they might add new invitations to explore
literacy to their learning environment. Participants will work individually, in pairs, and small groups on a variety of activities

Target Audience
Teachers, early childhood educators, and administrators of children 2-6 years old. In all settings.

Investment
Early Bird: AUD750.00/person if register by 1 Feb 20
Individual: AUD790.00/person
Group of 5 or more: AUD690.00/person

Duration: 2 days, 12 hours
Closing Date: 1 Mar 20

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