All too often in the classroom, we face behavioral challenges that can feel overwhelming. Understanding Executive Function and its role in the early childhood/ elementary classroom allows teachers to develop strategies that will meet learners where they are and help them grow to maximize their potential. When we understand Executive Function, we can adapt our environment and toolkits to support cognitive flexibility, inhibitory control (think impulse control, emotional control, self-monitoring, task initiation, and self-help skills), and working memory for our youngest learners.

In this workshop, participants will discover a practical and intentional process for planning and implementing Executive Function based-teaching. Participants will explore practical examples of how to adapt centers and instruction to support cognitive flexibility, inhibitory control, and working memory. Participants will gain tools and strategies for classroom management, decision-making and managing the multiple needs within a classroom. This workshop will provide strategies to meet the needs of both highest performing students and struggling students. Participants will gain new teaching practices that make a significant difference to student learning.

Objectives
Participants will be able to:

• Review the role of executive function skills in young children’s development and future academic success.
• Explore executive function-focused early childhood classroom-based interventions aimed at promoting the development of executive function skills in young children.
• Equip with strategies for supporting executive function development to implement in their classrooms.

Outline
Session 1:

• Introductions and objectives
• What is brain development and why does it matter?
• Brain based curriculum
• Neuroplasticity
• Systemic brain development
• Executive Function— what is it and why is it important for child development AND classroom management
• Cognitive function, inhibitory control, working memory — what they are with classroom examples
• How do children learn Executive Function Skills?
• Deficit based vs. asset based approaches
• How do left brain and right brain play into Executive Function as part of early childhood/elementary classroom structure?
• Teacher’s role in Executive Function skill development
• How to support Executive Function in the classroom

Session 2:

• Application in small group and whole group
• Strategies for incorporating executive function in instruction
• Examples of executive function strategies and curriculum connections using fairy tales and folk tales
• Collaboration and planning in small groups — incorporating executive function opportunities into everyday curriculum
• Additional resources to support executive function in the classroom

Trainer’s Profile
In addition to 25+ years experience in the formal and informal education worlds, Dr. Diane S. earned her M.T. and PhD in Elementary Education from the University of Virginia. She founded a preschool built on the idea that all children were natural scientists and explorers (and that picture books could connect all of the thematic units). While working in the museum education field, she developed and provided in-person and virtual hands-on STEAM programs that inspired curiosity and wonder in children of all ages. Dr. Diane currently works with teachers across the country, focusing on connecting multicultural literature with engaging and meaningful STEAM challenges. She is an adjunct professor for the University of Virginia and Shenandoah University, and hosts an Adventures in Learning podcast that explores connections between picture books and STEAM.

Methodology
This workshop offers multiple engagement opportunities, including experiential and collaborative learning practices. Participants will have the opportunity and are expected to be active participants in the discussion, both within the small and large group formats, reflecting on their own educational journey and classroom observations.

Platform
Zoom
A Zoom account is not required if you are strictly joining Zoom Meetings as a participant. An email invite will be emailed to you prior to the live workshop. Before joining a Zoom meeting on a computer or mobile device, you can download the Zoom app from the Download Center. Otherwise, you will be prompted to download and install Zoom when you click a join link.

Download Zoom Mobile Apps for iPhone or Android
Download Zoom Client for Meetings

Target Audience
Teachers, counselors, administrators, and other school staff that support students ages 3-8.

Fees
1 person: SGD400.00 (USD320.00)/person
2 to 4 person: SGD380.00 (USD310.00)/person
5 person & more: SGD360.00 (USD300.00/person)
E-certificate will be issued

Other Details
Duration: 2 days, 6 hours
Closing Date:  7 Jul 2024

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