Effective and joyful learning in early childhood requires developmentally appropriate and well-planned curricula. Picture books are an effective tool to help educators create comprehensive lesson plans that reflect dynamic teaching and learning in the early years. Volumes of research in education point to the use of quality picture books as a proven and reliable strategy in designing a comprehensive, interdependent curriculum for children ages 3-8. Teachers’ interest in quality picture books is growing rapidly. A quick glance in early childhood classrooms will show how valued children’s books are by the library collections that are lovingly shared with children throughout the year.

Beginning and veteran teachers will benefit from this interactive and highly engaging workshop designed to help educators select and use children’s picture books to create captivating lessons in early childhood curricular areas such as language arts, math, science, social studies, health, art, movement and music. Participants will explore a wide variety of children’s literature. During the workshop, time will be dedicated to investigating picture books with colleagues and designing developmentally appropriate lessons that span the early childhood curriculum.

Objectives
By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to:

• Extend their understanding of the value of using children’s picture books across the early childhood curriculum
• Deepen their knowledge of the variety picture books
• Develop an appreciation for the place children’s picture books have in promoting learning in all curricular areas
• Gain knowledge in current practices in choosing quality children’s literature
• Recognize books that are cross-cultural
• Create developmentally appropriate lesson plans based on children’s books across the curriculum
• Share their learning with other workshop participants
• Develop a comprehensive list of excellent children’s books for future reference

Outline
Day 1:

• Introductions through favorite children’s picture books
• Identify common curricular areas in early childhood programs and how books apply to each area
• Identify learning targets in all content areas
• Learn standards for choosing quality literature
• Explore books appropriate for early learners
• Explore children’s authors past and present
• Review of the day and setting the stage for tomorrow

Day 2

• Overview of the day
• Interacting with books; teachers as dynamic readers
• Choosing books and designing lesson plans for:
  • Language Arts (reading, writing, listening, speaking)
  • Mathematics
  • Science
  • Social Studies (including social and emotional learning)
  • Health
  • The Arts…visual and performing
  • Movement and Music
• Showcasing our learning
• Workshop Reflection

Trainer’s Profile

Dr. C. Hammett is a recently retired elementary school principal in Oregon. She is currently an adjunct faculty member at Central Oregon Community College, where she teaches a course in children’s literature. Dr. Hammett holds a Bachelor of Education degree in physical education from the University of Arizona, a Master of Physical Education degree from Portland State University, a Master of Early Childhood Education degree from Western Oregon University, and a doctoral degree in Educational Leadership from Lewis & Clark College. Dr. Hammett’s doctoral dissertation researched the use of children’s picture books, during physical education instruction, to promote vocabulary learning of kindergarten and 1^st grade students. As principal, Dr. Hammett led her elementary school in the implementation of a literature-based reading program, with a high degree of student achievement. Test scores in reading consistently averaged 20-25% higher than the State of Oregon’s average.

Dr. Hammett authored a popular teacher resource book, Movement Activities in Early Childhood (Human Kinetics Publishers) and co-authored a book for early childhood classroom teachers, Read! Move! Learn! (Gryphon House Publishers) that features a wide variety of children’s picture books and lessons for all areas of the curriculum. As a consultant throughout the United States and Canada, she presents seminars on many topics in early childhood education. Her goal, as a presenter, is to engage with workshop participants in an interactive manner to ensure enjoyable, authentic learning.

Methodology
This highly engaging and interactive workshop is presented through the “teacher as learner” model. Collegial interaction, exploration, collaboration, hands-on experiences, and reflective learning will be central to our work. Slides, handouts, and small group presentations will support this workshop model.

Target Audience
This workshop is of value to preschool, kindergarten, early primary teachers, teachers of children living in poverty, early childhood special educators, and college instructors/professors. Additionally, administrators will gain additional knowledge in leadership skills that promote the use of children’s picture books in early childhood classrooms. Ages 3-8.

Investment
AUD800.00/pax
AUD750.00/pax if register by 15 Nov 2016

Other Details
Duration: 2 days, 12 hours
Closing Date: 1 Jan 2017