Thinking Outside the Box: The Heart of the Matter Program FINAL … · “think outside the box”—the curriculum box, that is. Together, we will explore research-based, developmentally

The Heart of the Matter:Relationship and Imaginationin Early Childhood Education

SCHOOL LITERACY CULTURE

2018

Thinking Outside the Box: Promoting Higher-Order Thinking and Socio-Emotional Development in Early Childhood

O n behalf of Rice University School Literacy and Culture (SLC), we would like to welcome you to our 19th annual Early Literacy Summit. We are thrilled to have you with us for the day as we share practices that have the power to strengthen every

classroom. This has been a challenging school year for everyone, as we all strive to heal from the devastation caused by Hurricane Harvey while delicately balancing the academic and socio-emotional needs of the children in our classroom. This year, we challenge you to “think outside the box”—the curriculum box, that is. Together, we will explore research-based, developmentally appropriate, play-based practices that promote higher-order thinking and socio-emotional development in young children through the “Six Cs” (collaboration, communication, content, critical thinking, creative innovation and confidence).

You will be able to choose from numerous breakout sessions, as well as attend sessions that run through alternating lunch hours. As you experience today’s sessions, we hope you are planning how to incorporate new ideas and strategies into your own classroom. We anticipate that you will leave with new knowledge of how to enhance learning opportunities and create safe spaces for all young children to learn, express their emotions and share their stories.

Whether this is your first time at Early Literacy Summit or your 19th, we look forward to continuing our work together to ensure that all children in the greater Houston community are given a solid early childhood foundation to lifelong learning.

CONFERENCE COMMITTEE

Vanessa Quezada Vierra, ChairBrooke BrownKaren CapoJordan Khadam-HirEmily MerriweatherDebra Paz

2018 EARLY LITERACY SUMMIT SCHEDULE

8:45–9:15 a.m. Registration

9:15–10:50 a.m. Session 1 (8:30–8:40 Conference overview)

11:05 a.m.–12:05 p.m. Session 2 for Group A (Red) and Lunch for Group B (Blue)

12:10–1:10 p.m. Session 2 for Group B (Blue) and Lunch for Group A (Red)

1:25–2:45 p.m. Session 3

2:45–3:00 p.m. Reflections and Evaluations (Will occur at the end of session 3.)

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Important InformationPARKING

All participants are asked to park in West Lot 4. The gates in the lot will open automatically as you leave the conference.

There is no need to receive a validation or use a credit card when you depart. Participants who park in any other lot will be

responsible for any charges that are incurred.

SESSIONS

Today as you enter sessions, you will be given handouts. Once inside, you are asked to find a seat. We ask that you not

save seats, as each session is first come, first served. While we hope to be able to accommodate everyone’s first choice in

sessions, there may be some sessions that fill to capacity. Due to fire code, we will not be able to accommodate additional

people standing or sitting on the floor.

SCHEDULE

You will find a schedule for today’s Summit on page 1. Please note the split lunch and session 2. You will notice a colored

dot on your nametag. This dot designates when you will attend lunch and when you will attend session 2. It is essential

that you attend your designated session at the designated time. If you have a red dot on your nametag, you are part of

group A; you will attend session 2 from 11:05 a.m.-12:05 p.m. and then lunch from 12:05–1:05 p.m. If you have a blue

dot on your nametag, you are part of group B; you will attend lunch from 11:05 a.m.–12:05 p.m. and then session 2 from

12:10–1:10 p.m.

Reflections and evaluations will occur from 2:45–3 p.m. Once completed, you will take your reflection sheet down to the

registration area. There will be several volunteers standing next to baskets on the registration table. Please place your

evaluations in the designated baskets. Once you turn in your reflection, you will be issued a certificate for attending today’s

conference.

LUNCH

Today, you will be treated to lunch at the South Servery. Shuttles will provide rides to and from the servery. You can board

a shuttle directly outside the front doors under the breezeway. The servery is an easy 10–15 minute walk, and you are

welcome to follow the signs or the map in your program to the servery at your designated time. You must be wearing

your nametag with the correct dot color to enter the servery. The nametag will serve as your ticket into the servery. Lunch

is served buffet style. Once finished dining, you are asked to clear your own table. Volunteers will be available to answer

questions, guide you to the trash receptacles, etc.

FOOD AND BEVERAGES

Coffee and water are available on the second floor. Coffee will be available until Session 1 begins. Water will be available

throughout the day. We ask that all food and beverages other than bottled water be left outside the classrooms.

ASSISTANCE

If you have a question, return to the registration tables and we will be happy to help you.

* An asterisk denotes that content includes specific ideas to support children in times of trauma, such as that experienced

post-Harvey.

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Babies and Bedtime: Finding Comfort in the Doll Corner*

PRESENTERS:

Debra Paz Associate Director, Early Literacy and Bilingual Programs, School Literacy and CultureLori Espinoza Rice University Oral and Written Language Lab Lead Teacher, Gabriela Mistral ECC, Houston ISD Seminar Facilitator, School Literacy and Culture

In the words of Vivian Paley, “… to a young child the whole world is a doll corner.” Children look to the people, places, routines and rituals in their lives to help them make sense of their world. A baby and bedtime dramatic play center can provide children with a sense of comfort and security after experiencing a traumatic event. This session will share ways to create, support and extend a rich dramatic play environment centered on babies and a bedtime routine. Ideas for including parents and families will also be featured.

AUDIENCE: Teachers of Toddlers to KindergartenLOCATION: Room 107

Painting a Rainbow After the Storm*

Promoting Socio-Emotional Development Through Open-Ended ArtPRESENTERS:

Maggie Abrego Language Lab Teacher, Kujawa EC/PK IB World School, Aldine ISD Early Literacy Leadership Academy, School Literacy and CultureLaura Hinojosa Language Lab Teacher, Vines EC/PK and Head Start Center, Aldine ISD Early Literacy Leadership Academy, School Literacy and Culture

Art and play serve as powerful and therapeutic avenues for helping children process their emotions, ideas and stories. This highly interactive session will help teachers transform their art centers into developmentally-appropriate safe places where children can express themselves freely through a wide variety of engaging open-ended art activities and the use of loose parts.

AUDIENCE: All Participants LOCATION: Room 108

Powerful Towers: Using Block Play to Help Children Process Trauma*

PRESENTERS:

Sharon Dworaczyk Special Projects Coordinator and Mentor, School Literacy and CultureDan Engle Specialist, St. Luke’s Day School Early Literacy Leadership Academy, School Literacy and Culture

Join us to explore ways block play supports the emotional comfort children need during times of stress. This presentation will also encourage teachers to become familiar with the stages of block play, learn ways to manage and organize a block center, and explore ways block play impacts the emotional support children need in a safe and controlled environment.

AUDIENCE: Teachers of Toddlers to Pre-KLOCATION: Room 109

Meaningful Morning Meetings: Creating a Safe Space for Children*

PRESENTERS:

Flora Henry-Smith Language Lab Teacher, Fonwood ECC, Houston ISD Early Literacy Leadership Academy and Mentor, School Literacy and CultureAshley Souza Kindergarten Teacher, Lakewood Elementary School, Tomball ISD Early Literacy Leadership Academy, School Literacy and Culture

The connection you make with your students and the connections they make to each other are a huge part of a child’s success. In the wake of disaster, how do you rebuild classroom community? This session will give you play-based morning meeting strategies that promote self-regulation, self-awareness, empathy, gratitude and respect in a safe classroom environment, impacting each student’s social and emotional well-being.

AUDIENCE: Teachers of Pre-K to First Grade LOCATION: Room 110

SESSION ONE 9:15–10:50 a.m.

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Full STEAM Ahead!PRESENTERS:

Maria Gonzales Pre-K Inclusion Teacher, Hinojosa EC/PK Center, Aldine ISD Early Literacy Leadership Academy, School Literacy and CultureStephanie Briles Kindergarten Teacher, Memorial Drive Elementary, Spring Branch ISD Early Literacy Leadership Academy, School Literacy and Culture

Create, imagine, discover and invent in this interactive session. Learn how to incorporate STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) into your classroom. You will discover the magic of science buddies, maker space, science stations and more!

AUDIENCE: Teachers of Threes to KindergartenLOCATION: Room 112

To Infinity and Beyond with BooksPRESENTERS:Griselda Balbuena Bilingual Pre-K Teacher, Lion Lane School, Spring Branch ISD Early Literacy Leadership Academy, School Literacy and CultureCarin Malmer Pre-K Teacher, Barbara Bush Elementary, Houston ISD Early Literacy Leadership Academy, School Literacy and CultureHeather Johnson Pre-K Teacher, Barbara Bush Elementary, Houston ISD Early Literacy Leadership Academy, School Literacy and Culture

This interactive session will take a dive into quality children’s literature and explore the endless opportunities for creativity and higher-order thinking. We will share a variety of strategies on how to extend children’s thinking beyond the pages of a book through developmentally appropriate writing and art activities.

AUDIENCE: Teachers of Pre-K to First GradeLOCATION: Room 113

“‘What If …’ We Let Them Play?” Exploring the Importance of Play in Developing 21st Century Skills in Our Youngest LearnersPRESENTERS:

Jordan Khadam-Hir Associate Director, Outreach and Education, School Literacy and CultureWhitney Zisman Mentor, Early Literacy Leadership Academy, School Literacy and CultureHeather Loan Kindergarten-First Grade Teacher, Briarmeadow Charter School, Houston ISD Early Literacy Leadership Academy, School Literacy and Culture

This year’s Summit challenges each of us to “think outside the box” in order to promote children’s higher-order thinking and socio-emotional development. These topics converge beautifully in play, as we see children challenged to practice the 21st century skills (collaboration, communication, content, critical thinking, creative innovation and confidence) while engaged in it. Join us as we explore the types and stages of play, delve into the importance of play in processing emotional events, and dig into how play is important in developing executive functioning skills. We will consider why play is critically important to young children’s socio-emotional and cognitive development and we will ask, “What if …?” as we reflect on our classrooms and teaching practices in order to create the play environments young children thrive in. Participants will take a practical, hands-on look at everyday play activities that impact children’s development in these domains.

AUDIENCE: All ParticipantsLOCATION: Room 115


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Sensory and Light Tables: A Unique Opportunity to Foster Higher-Order Thinking and Promote Socio-Emotional Development Through Play*

PRESENTERS:

Devin Barhanovich Early Literacy Leadership Academy, School Literacy and CultureMichelle Staller Pre-K Teacher, St. Francis Episcopal School Mentor, School Literacy and Culture

This highly interactive session will dive into the importance of both sensory and light/shadow exploration in an early childhood classroom. Numerous strategies will be shared as ways to foster collaboration, communication, critical thinking, creativity and confidence at sensory and light tables. You will even learn how to make your own light table and leave with fun and exciting ideas to try out as soon as you are back in your classroom!

AUDIENCE: Teachers of Toddlers to Kindergarten LOCATION: Room 219

Let’s Get Physical! Exploring Ramps and Pathways PRESENTERS:

Amber Denton First Grade Teacher, Bang Elementary, St. Francis Episcopal School Early Literacy Leadership Academy, School Literacy and CultureLeslie Jamail Second Grade Teacher, University of Houston Charter School

In this collaborative session, participants will explore Ramps and Pathways and discover how this engaging, physical knowledge activity encourages young children to think and work like engineers. The open-ended nature of ramps, marbles, and blocks allows for endless exploration, experimentation, and reasoning. By engaging in Ramps and Pathways, students and adults are challenged to think critically, collaborate, communicate, and solve problems. Come and get creative with us while learning how to use Ramps and Pathways to foster a socio-moral environment and allow children to build and create in the classroom!


Lyrical Literacy: Singing StoriesPRESENTER:

Barbara Brandt Teacher, St. Luke’s Day School

Children instinctively respond to music, naturally drawn to its rhythms, rhymes, and tempos. Language has rhythms, rhymes, and tempos, too, and many children’s books literally sing. The use of music in early literacy lessons improves children’s memory and listening skills—and it’s fun! Learn why and how to use music with books to provide engaging, exciting, and effective early literacy experiences in your classroom.

AUDIENCE: All ParticipantsLOCATION: Hudspeth Auditorium


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FEATURED SPEAKER

A Review “Course” on Basic Child Development: What We Think We Know, What We Shouldn’t ForgetPRESENTER:

Patricia Cooper, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Early Childhood Education, Queens College, City University of New York Founder, School Literacy and Culture (formerly The Teachers Network for Early Literacy)

Why are four year olds such tattlers? Why do boys love superheroes? Why do they skip fifteen when they’re rote counting to 20? This interactive workshop will review basic theories of child development that should influence our understanding of why young children between three and six “do what they do” and “need what they need” across the developmental domains. It will also consider what makes for an appropriate response from their teachers. Among other theorists to be considered from a cross-cultural perspective are Vygotsky, Piaget and Erikson. Teachers of older toddlers will also be interested.


Bringing Books to Life Through Story Baskets PRESENTERS:

Heather Burleson Mentor, School Literacy and CultureSandra Solis Bilingual Kindergarten Teacher, Edgewood Elementary, Spring Branch ISD Early Literacy Leadership Academy, School Literacy and Culture Martha Suarez Bilingual Pre-K Teacher, Kujawa EC/PK IB World School, Aldine ISD Early Literacy Leadership Academy, School Literacy and Culture

Do you want to bring your favorite children’s books to life? Come and learn how story baskets enhance narrative development and comprehension, while intensifying children’s love for books. In this interactive session, you will learn all about the “nuts and bolts” involved in how to use story baskets in your classroom and you will even create a story basket to take home with you!

AUDIENCE: Teachers of Toddlers to KindergartenLOCATION: Room 107

Inspiring a Creative Classroom CommunityPRESENTERS:

Emily Hughes Primary 1 Teacher, St. Francis Episcopal School Early Literacy Leadership Academy, School Literacy and CultureCatherine Perez First Grade Teacher, Askew Elementary, Houston ISD Early Literacy Leadership Academy, School Literacy and CulturePaola Cairo Bilingual Kindergarten Teacher, Neff ECC, Houston ISD Early Literacy Leadership Academy, School Literacy and Culture

As we continue to navigate the standards-driven classroom, creativity seems to be falling to the wayside. Join us to ignite your creativity and inspire your students and parents’ imaginations. We will explore research and literacy practices that validate the need for creativity through listening, speaking, reading, writing and reasoning. How can we build an environment that will enable children to grow up with these creative skills?

AUDIENCE: Teachers of Threes to First Grade LOCATION: Room 108

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Group A (Red)Session Two: 11:05 a.m.–12:05 p.m. Lunch: 12:10–1:10 p.m.

Group B (Blue)Lunch: 11:05 a.m.–12:05 p.m. Session Two: 12:10–1:10 p.m.LUNCH LOCATION: South Servery (see map)Note: You have a colored dot located on your name tag. It is essential that you attend the appropriate session at the designated time. Dots will be checked upon entering the doors of the servery and auditorium. Name tags are required to enter both locations.Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.

SESSION TWO & LUNCH 11:05 a.m.–1:10 p.m.

SESSION TWO 11:05 a.m.–12:05 p.m.

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Introduction to Story PRESENTERS:

Brooke Brown Assistant Director, Early Literacy Specialist, School Literacy and CultureJennifer Maldonado Pre-K Teacher, Gabriela Mistral ECC, Houston ISD

Early Literacy Leadership Academy, School Literacy and Culture Blanca Rivera-Perez Bilingual Pre-K Teacher, Bang Elementary, Cypress- Fairbanks ISD

Early Literacy Leadership Academy, School Literacy and Culture

Did you know that you could build community, support your children’s oral language development, honor their voices and give them the foundation they need to become lifelong readers and writers through the stories they tell? Are you looking for a way to strengthen your child’s comprehension when using high-quality children’s literature? Join us for this interactive session where we will not only bring stories to life through dramatization and share what makes School Literacy and Culture.

AUDIENCE: Teachers of Pre-K to First Grade LOCATION: Room 115

Books as Teaching Tools: Using Quality Children’s Literature to Support Young Children’s Socio-Emotional Development*

PRESENTERS:

Karen Capo Director, School Literacy and Culture Ana Hernandez-Carter Language Lab Teacher, Ninfa Laurenzo ECC, Houston ISD

Early Literacy Leadership Academy, School Literacy and CultureLauren Ledford Dual Language Pre-K Teacher, Farias ECC, Houston ISD

Early Literacy Leadership Academy, School Literacy and Culture Isabel McHan Bilingual Pre-K Teacher, Farias ECC, Houston ISD

Early Literacy Leadership Academy, School Literacy and Culture D’Anna Young Research and Program Associate, School Literacy and Culture

Has this school year been an especially challenging one? Do your children seem “different” somehow? Join us to learn how specific picture books can be used to promote young children’s social and emotional well-being whether they are working towards typical milestones or working through times of transition and trauma. Together, we will explore how to support children as they experience separation anxiety and other childhood fears, as they develop autonomy and self-regulation, and as they begin to cooperate for extending English and Spanish picture books through such techniques as extended conversations, drama, open-ended art and sensory experiences, and the project approach.


EN ESPAÑOL

Pintando un arcoíris después de la tormenta*

Promoviendo desarrollo socio-emocional a través de arte “sin límite” PRESENTERS:

Maggie Abrego Language Lab Teacher, Kujawa EC/PK IB World School, Aldine ISDEarly Literacy Leadership Academy, School Literacy and Culture

Laura Hinojosa Language Lab Teacher, Vines EC/PK and Head Start Center, Aldine ISDEarly Literacy Leadership Academy, School Literacy and Culture

La combinación del arte y jugar sirven como una vía poderosa y terapéutica para ayudar a niños a procesar emociones, ideas, e historias. Esta sesión altamente interactiva ayudará a maestros(as) a transformar centros de arte en el aula en lugares apropiados y seguros de acuerdo al desarrollo de los niños; lugares en donde los niños podrán expresar sus sentimientos libremente a través de una variedad amplia de actividades de arte “sin límite” y con el uso de “objetos diversos”.


SESSION THREE 1:25–2:45 p.m.

That’s My Name!PRESENTERS:

Kandy Bozeman Literacy Specialist, Cornerstone Christian AcademyChristina Garcia Pre-K Teacher, Ninfa Laurenzo ECC, Houston ISD Early Literacy Leadership Academy, School Literacy and Culture

When children start learning letters, one of the very best places to start is with their own names. A child’s name is the first word they learn to read! Come explore how hands-on and fun name activities help to build the foundation of literacy in young children. These fun name activities will reinforce letter and sound recognition, and build writing skills that will help your little learners begin the next step in becoming a successful reader!

AUDIENCE: Teachers of Pre-K to KindergartenLOCATION: Room 109

Dramatic Play Center—The Power of PretendingPRESENTERS:

Karen Gillaspia Pre-K Teacher, Hayes Elementary, Katy ISD Mentor, School Literacy and CultureClaudia Zubia Kindergarten Teacher, Hayes Elementary, Katy ISD Early Literacy Leadership Academy, School Literacy and Culture Tami Rawlins Kindergarten Teacher, Chambers Elementary, Alief ISD Early Literacy Leadership Academy, School Literacy and CultureTamala Willis Pre-K Teacher, Fonwood ECC, Houston ISD Early Literacy Leadership Academy, School Literacy and Culture “For children, play is serious learning.” – Mr. Rogers

Dramatic play can be aligned with pre-kindergarten and kindergarten curriculum guidelines across all content areas. Hear how four public school teachers create thematic dramatic play centers that harness the power of creativity, critical thinking and pretending.

AUDIENCE: Teachers of Threes to KindergartenLOCATION: Room 110

Phonological FunPRESENTERS:

Maria Gonzales Pre-K Inclusion Teacher, Hinojosa EC/PK Center, Aldine ISD Early Literacy Leadership Academy, School Literacy and Culture Jill Charrier Pre-K Teacher, Hinojosa EC/PK Center, Aldine ISDAshley Davis Pre-K ESLTeacher, St, Luke’s Day School Early Literacy Leadership Academy, School Literacy and Culture

If you want to fly, you need wings! If you want to read, you need these things! This session will show you how to build the critical foundation children need to become future readers. Join us as we play and sing away with games, transitions and songs you can use every day. Attendees will walk out the door with research-based strategy cards to promote phonological awareness in the classroom.

AUDIENCE: Teachers of Pre-K to KindergartenLOCATION: Room 112

I Want the Book with the Boy Who Looks Like MePRESENTERS:

Laurie Dreyfuss Fourth and Fifth Grade ELA Instructional Coach, Beth Yeshurun Day School Co-Leader of Writing and the Arts, School Literacy and Culture Connie Floyd Teacher/Owner/Director, The Littlest OnesPansy Gee Mentor and Co-Leader of Writing and the Arts, School Literacy and Culture

Children need to see themselves in the classroom. Books can provide this opportunity. No matter the family dynamics, race or economics, the books used in a classroom can be the physical pieces that show the classroom value that every child (and adult) belongs. Come learn, listen and talk about the books that will make your class a community.


8


Toddlers, Twos and Threes—Will You Tell a Story to Me?*

PRESENTERS:

Susan Meriwether Toddler Teacher of Twos and Threes, St. Francis Episcopal School Early Literacy Leadership Academy, School Literacy and Culture

All young children need a safe place to share their ideas, and work through their fears and emotions. One of the best ways we can honor children is to write down their words through storytelling. Come learn what storytelling with toddlers, twos and threes looks like! Through interactive play and demonstration, you will practice strategies as you compare and contrast how different materials such as blocks and loose parts serve as avenues for children to begin talking and sharing their stories.

AUDIENCE: Teachers of Toddlers to Threes LOCATION: Room 115

Sensory and Light Tables: A Unique Opportunity to Foster Higher-Order Thinking and Promote Socio-Emotional Development Through Play*

PRESENTERS:

Devin Barhanovich Early Literacy Leadership Academy, School Literacy and CultureMichelle Staller Pre-K Teacher, St. Francis Episcopal School Mentor, School Literacy and Culture

This highly interactive session will dive into the importance of both sensory and light/shadow exploration in an early childhood classroom. Numerous strategies will be shared as ways to foster collaboration, communication, critical thinking, creativity and confidence at sensory and light tables. You will even learn how to make your own light table and leave with fun and exciting ideas to try out as soon as you are back in your classroom!

AUDIENCE: All Participants LOCATION: Room 219

Game On! Bringing Math Games Into Your ClassroomPRESENTERS:

Amber Denton First Grade Teacher, Bang Elementary, St. Francis Episcopal School Early Literacy Leadership Academy, School Literacy and CultureLeslie Jamail Second Grade Teacher, University of Houston Charter School

In this session, you will explore the role of cooperative play in the classroom. You will interact with conventional and nonconventional math games that will challenge all children to think strategically and critically. Discover the educational components and socio-moral benefits of each game while building mathematical reasoning skills. Your experience is sure to enhance your math curriculum and classroom atmosphere. Let’s get our kids excited about math!


Lift Up Your Spirits, Lift Up Your Songs*

PRESENTER:

Rachel Buchman Lecturer in Music, Shepherd School of Music, Rice University

The research is in--singing raises spirits, creates a feeling of community, gives comfort, deepens breathing, and causes endorphins to be released. Some unexpected additional benefits of singing: songs introduce unusual vocabulary, poetic structure, sensitivity to rhyming, stimulate the imagination, enhance understanding of history, develop memory, stimulate aural skills and introduce children to the power of artistic expression. Singing is something everyone can participate in, costs no money, requires no high-tech equipment, and can be done anywhere, anytime. What a wonderfully simple way to bring join into the lives of children! Join me in singing songs that will engage the hearts, minds and bodies of young children. No previous singing experience required!


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Rice University Campus

South Servery

Anderson-Clarke Center

The Glasscock School of Continuing Studies is

located in the Anderson-Clarke Center (building 74)

with the Hudspeth Auditorium. Participants should

park in West Lot 4 or 5 directly behind the building.

If West Lot 4 and 5 are full, please park in the

South Stadium Lot

Anderson-Clarke Center

SESSION UNDERWRITERS + COMMUNITY SPONSORS

SLC PROGRAM SPONSORS

Special Thanks to our 2018 Early Literacy Summit Sponsors

Powell Foundation HEREHouston Engagement & Recovery Effort

Documents

Thinking Outside the Box: The Heart of the Matter Program FINAL … · “think outside the box”—the curriculum box, that is. Together, we will explore research-based, developmentally