Workshop Title

Literacy & Early Learning

When

16 Feb 2016 - 17 Feb 2016
9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Asia/Singapore

Where

Singapore
Singapore, (exact venue to be advised)

Event Tag

Literacy in the early years should be all about play and inquiry as children engage in meaningful experiences that support their emerging language and literacy skills. Without the stress of academic instruction children can learn and develop literacy skills while playing. With intentional teaching and the provision of invitations to learn children can engage in hands on experiences that can be extended with purposeful questions that lead to further inquiry. Play-based learning experiences give children the opportunity to use literacy skills in situations that complement their real world and help them understand it. This interactive workshop will provide teachers with knowledge and strategies to use play in order to encourage children to engage in reading, writing, speaking and listening in ways that are meaningful for the children within a play-centred environment that encourages literacy growth while supporting children’s feelings of belonging, their well-being, engagement and expression. There are many ways to encourage early literacy in meaningful ways from creating print rich environments, incorporating technology as a tool, exposing children to books in different ways and incorporing storytelling and dramatic play to add to and enrich literary experiences. Research and practice will be featured and the well respected Vivan Paley will be profiled. Participants will have opportunities to make connection between languages and literacies across developmental domains and the curriculum. Participants will have the opportunity to document their experiences and considering how documentation can become pedagogical.

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

  • Assess and reflect on 21st century learners and multiple literacies that will support their growth and development by reflecting on graphics, new technologies and research
  • Integrate play-based learning experiences to develop a literacy-rich environment in an emergent way through the use of hands on materials including children’s literature
  • Develop strategies that support children’s reading, writing, speaking and listening skills through application and practice.
  • Learn how to use pedagogical documentation to assess learning and support family outreach through a hands on experience that will result in concrete examples
  • Explore the connection between early literacy, inquiry and play through play with materials
  • Incorporate new technologies to support early literacy through an exploration of available applications and resources

Outline
Day 1:

  • Ice Breaker
  • Introduction to the 21st century learning
  • Current research on emerging literacy
  • Exploring connections between play, emerging literacy and inquiry using materials to play and explore
  • Strategies to support reading, writing, speaking and listening – applying strategies through role play
  • Examples of experiences, strategies and environments that support literacy
  • One-Minute Review of the Day

Day 2:

  • Review of Day One
  • Ice Breaker
  • Hands on experience with developing emergent literacy in the classroom – storytelling, dramatic play, pre-reading and writing, listening and speaking
  • Practicing inquiry and questioning to sustain children’s interest
  • Hands on experience with pedagogical documentation
  • Accessing Resources – showcasing social media – Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest
  • One-Minute Review of the Day

Trainer’s Profile
Dr  Diane Kashin is a professor at Ryerson University in Ontario, Canada. Diane’s background is in early childhood education. Diane has offered multiple professional learning experiences, has provided on-site consultation to schools and programs and is an experienced adult educator. In 2009, Diane’s doctoral dissertation on Reggio-inspired curriculum was published. Diane has also published two academic, peer-reviewed articles and two early childhood education textbooks with co-author Beverlie Dietze. Diane is committed to the use of social media as a tool of professional learning.

Methodology
This two-day workshop   comprising of many opportunities for experiential and collaborative hands-on learning opportunities is built upon the principles of constructivist theory. Participants will have the opportunity to be fully engaged, interact with colleagues, reflect on, and document their learning in an environment that is supportive of multiple ways of knowing helping educators build their professional knowledge base about practice and theory.

Target Audience
The target audience is teachers, early childhood educators, and administrators, working with learners of any age.

Investment
SGD750.00/pax
SGD650.00/pax if register by 1 Oct 15

Duration: 2 days, 12 hours
Closing Date: 1 Dec 15


Other Available Sessions
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