How can we infuse oral language development through a literacy, math, social-emotional learning, and science lens with intentional picture books? How can we sprinkle vocabulary building with our youngest learners to support language development and comprehension? We will share ideas on how to connect beautiful picture books to children’s experiences beyond the pages of the book. Join us as we share our top 10 read alouds and engage in interactive learning experiences that you can take right into your learning spaces tomorrow!

Join us for this interactive session as we explore the world of mark making in the early years! We will share inspiring ideas of materials that you can add to your environments to spark curiosity and wonder in learners of all ages. Together we will reflect on the stages of emergent writing and begin to notice the trails of learning that are sprinkled around our learning spaces. Through this hands-on exploration using a variety of materials, educators will reflect and gather ideas on how to weave mark making experiences within their indoor and outdoor spaces. Come join us for an evening filled with opportunities to explore, play and leave your mark!

The outdoors is a wonderful way to inspire children to use their imagination and engage in learning using the elements of nature that are right at our fingertips! Grab your rain boots and hats to join us for this outdoor session as we experience group games, storytelling, and invitations using natural materials and loose parts to develop early literacy skills. We will share practical tips and interactive experiences that will give you ideas for starting up an outdoor routine in any season and weather, from green spaces to concrete jungles.

We will begin indoors at the ECCDC, then move as a group to the Glenridge Quarry site.