Services for Educators & Schools

 Teachers are encouraged daily to build relationships with students to increase engagement and motivation. Shouldn’t they be afforded the same opportunity with the in-service training they receive? Tailoring professional development to meet the needs of staff can be accomplished through intentional planning and design. In this session learn more about how to move beyond “drive by” workshops to create meaningful and engaging professional development personalized to meet the needs of your staff. 

  Have you struggled to motivate students? Do your lesson plans account for student interest and choice? This session will highlight over twenty ways to increase student engagement and build relationships in the classroom. 

Transitions can be difficult, but they don't have to be! This session offers ideas for how to assist families transition between preschool and school, as well as, how to communicate with teachers. Topics include social/emotional, physical, and academic development.

 What do good writers do? Write. Want to share your ideas? Interested in publishing for a journal? A newsletter? Your own book? If so, then this session will get back to the basics of writing using ALL components of the Writing Process! Session attendees will discuss their current writing habits, set goals, and devise a plan to write daily! 

For many students, reading is a way to make connections, become involved with the story line, and visit a place filled with imagination. Fostering opportunities for this level of critical thinking and creativity is important for all learners. How often are students hearing stories read aloud? What ways is literature extended and enriched beyond worksheets, comprehension questions, and computer based assessments? What types and variety of texts are offered? This session features numerous texts, both physical and digital, which can be used with K-6 learners, as well as, tips and ideas for how to foster a love of reading. Additionally, interactive read aloud will be modeled and attendees will have the opportunity to perform their own interactive read aloud.

 Televisions became a part of the lives of many living in the United States during the 20th century. With this invention came the debate about the impact of screen time on both adults and children. While it may seem to be a hot topic today, it has been examined, questioned, and researched for decades. The American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended guidelines to limit screen time for children to 1-2 hours per day, but recent surveys indicate that American children live in homes with unprecedented access to media. It is evident that screen time is a common pastime for many children today. This session discusses and explores the relevant factors of technological advancements and the impacts on early care and education, as well as, identify ways to manage screen time at home and school.