AGENDA 

The ABC’s of Brain Change | Peggy Campbell-Rush
Come to this lively workshop to see how important the brain/body connection is. Learn ways to engage the brain, and what self-esteem has to do with learning and a learner's profile. Engage in hands-on activities that clearly show the social emotional impact of our compassionate teaching. Enjoy movement activities that engage the person left and the right hemisphere of the brain. Come to learn, laugh, bring back research-based tips to implement immediately into your classroom.

Breakout Session I | Select One

Get a Grip: Tips and Tricks for fine motor skills in Early Childhood | Peggy Campbell-Rush 
This lively workshop will show you how the whole arm and all muscles help the fingers and grip. You will learn shoulder exercises, about the Palmar Arch, and what to do about wrist control. We will do exercises and activities to use immediately in the classroom to help with fine motor. You can integrate all tips and tricks into your existing curriculum with great ease. You will get research-based ideas to help all children improve their writing, coloring, painting, cutting, and using their hands and fingers.

The Power of Provocations | Chelsea Eller and Renee Fuller, Forsyth Country Day School Preschool
In early childhood learning we refer to provocations as the "sparks" that activate student wonder. Come learn the "why" and "how" of designing open-ended learning engagements for your students that invite them to explore, wonder, and create!  

Breakout II | Select One

Building a Community | Emilee Transou and Laura Shue, Greensboro Day School 
We know that building relationships with young children and their families is an essential part of beginning a new school year in a preschool setting.  Educators must prioritize learning from parents and caregivers when school starts to set the foundation for success all year long!  Caregivers know their children best, and it’s important for educators to hear and partner with them early on during initial meetings and goal-setting conferences.  Join us to hear more about ways educators can promote a sense of belonging in their own classrooms as well as school-widewhile incorporating leadership skills that help all children feel seen, valued, and heard.  We will share ways to build a classroom community by setting up rules, routines, and expectations through Responsive Classroom practices.   

Help Yourself: Supporting the Growth of the Child’s Independence in Partnership with Families | Crystal Jordan, Omni Montessori School 
Does it seem like the children are taking one step forward and two steps back in their ability to be independent in the classroom? Do you hear from parents that their child just cannot put their own clothes on even though they are proficient in this skill at school? Do you constantly hear “help me”? Transform “help me” into “help yourself”! We will discuss ways to partner with families to support the child’s independence along with their blossoming self-confidence.

Lunch & Affinity Groups

Caldwell will offer tours of the Grammar School at 1:10

Breakout Session III | Select One 

Heidi Tringali: Talking to Parents: When It Is Not Academics

Navigating Your Own Leadership Journey: Starting with the Basics | Stephanie Keaney

Have you considered stepping out of the classroom and into a leadership role within your school or beyond? What actionable steps can you take right now to clearly define your goals, articulate your core values and leadership expectations, and acquire the skills and knowledge you need before exploring opportunities? Join us for a fast-paced hour designed to give you a blueprint to follow as you build your career. 

Adjourn