Contact
Anna Perry, Executive DirectorSeton Montessori Institute
institute@setonmontessori.org
(630) 654-0151
Where
Christian Church of Clarendon Hills5750 Holmes Ave
Clarendon Hills, IL 60514
Driving Directions
Saturday, March 30 from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
at The Christian Church of Clarendon Hills
Seminar Fee: Full Day - $75, Half Day Session - $45 each
AM Session (9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.): Big Ideas and Growing Mathematical Minds with Dr. Chen
In this three-hour workshop, we will work together to explore and examine two questions: What should we focus on in early mathematics teaching and learning? How can we best foster mathematical minds in young children through sense-making mathematical experiences?
With regard to the first question, we will explore the issue of what—the concept and practice of Big Ideas in early mathematics. Big Ideas in foundational mathematics are central to the content area, appropriate to children’s thinking, and generative to future learning. Understanding Big Ideas enables teachers to engage in curriculum analysis and make meaningful decisions about activity choice. The second question concerns the issue of how—the pedagogy of early mathematics teaching. We will learn about an integrated approach to math teaching and learning that involves action, image, and symbol systems. The approach is based on updated research in the field of mathematics education and challenges many of the traditional thinking and practice in early education. It better contributes to the growth of mathematical thinking and understanding. The audience will engage in hands-on activities, video analysis, and discourse to learn about Big Ideas in foundational mathematics and ways to promote quality early math experiences for young children.
PM Session (1:30 - 4:00 p.m.): Beyond "Do No Harm" - Cultivating LGBTQ Inclusive Environments with Dr. Rosinia
In welcoming a family that is part of the LGBTQ community into our Montessori early childhood and elementary communities, teachers may find themselves faced with an array of questions and reactions. How do we best prepare ourselves and our environments in order to provide a sense of belonging and support to the LGBTQ adults and/or children entering our schools and classrooms?
This is a return visit to Seton for Dr. Jennifer Rosinia, offering a fresh look at this timely topic for those who are new to it, and an opportunity to continue the dialogue for those who participated in the previous session held last November. Dr. Rosinia will utilize participants’ questions, concerns and issues to organize the direction of our collective learning experience.
About our speakers:
Dr. Jie-Qi (Jackie) Chen, Ph.D. is Professor of Child Development and Early Education, the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, and Dean of Faculty at Erikson Institute, Graduate School in Child Development. She is also the founder of Erikson’s Early Math Collaborative, which conducts research on the teaching and learning of early math as well as provides professional development in mathematics to teachers of infants through 3rdgrade nationally and internationally. The Collaborative fosters deep understanding of Big Ideas of foundational mathematics and develops the whole teachers—their positive attitude, robust knowledge, and sound practice in early math. It has a track record of producing strong outcomes in both teacher development and student learning.
Dr. Chen enjoys teaching. She taught toddlers through middle school students in China and in the United States. For the last 30 years, her main effort has focused on pre-service and in-service teacher professional development. Dr. Chen has had a long and distinguished career in the early childhood field and has earned an international reputation as an expert in early math education, child development, classroom assessment, educational implications of multiple intelligences theory, and teacher professional development. She has developed an early math curriculum and assessment materials for early childhood educators.
Chen is a frequently sought-out speaker in the country and has had scholarly exchange experiences on five continents around the world. She has earned numerous awards and recognitions, including Outstanding Teacher Educator’s Award from the National Association of Early Childhood Teacher Educators, Fulbright Senior Specialist in Education, senior advisor to the United Nations Children’s Fund, and a fellow of Harvard University’s Project Zero. She now serves on the Governing Board of the National Association for the Education of Young Children.
Dr. Jennifer Rosinia, Ph.D., OTR/L is a Registered Occupational Therapist with over 30 years of experiences in pediatrics. A specialist in serving the needs of children birth to age three and their families, she also has extensive experience working with children three to twenty-one years of age. Jennifer earned a Masters degree in Early Childhood Education and a Doctorate in Child Development from Loyola University and the Erikson Institute in Chicago, Illinois.
A master clinician and a gifted teacher, Dr. Rosinia has a special interest in the neurosciences, specifically sensory processing, the influence that stress and adverse experiences have on the developing child as well as social emotional learning and the importance of relationships. Adjust faculty at the Erikson Institute, Jennifer has also taught courses and guest lectured at several colleges and universities around the Chicago area. With a growing national reputation as a powerful speaker and consultant, Jennifer brings a healthy balance of humor, passion and expertise to all of her presentations.
She is the President of Kid Links Unlimited, Incorporated, a company whose mission is to link theory to practice, parents with professionals, and kids with their optimal potential.