How do you capture the attention of a Pre-K learner virtually--and then keep their
attention? In this webinar we will share our journey through distance learning. Our students are engaged in a weekly schedule of carefully planned activities, stories and experiences to effectively continue their learning at home.
Presenters: Chrissie O'Grady and Lisa Morrison are teachers at the Hampton Street School, Mineola Public Schools. O'Grady has been teaching for 24 years, mostly in early childhood. You can follow her on Twitter @ccoogg3 (see right). Morrison has been teaching for 23 years, and has experience in every grade, but primarily in early childhood. You can follow her on Twitter @limo28lisa
Date: Thursday, July 9, 2020
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
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Teaching Purposeful Play Through Distance Learning
Distance learning at a young age doesn't have to be difficult. Participants will learn how to virtually implement purposeful and intentional play strategies, and will work together to create hands-on engaging learning experiences for young children through distance learning. Examples of calendars, activities and instructional videos will be shared.
Presenter: Tricia Almonaitis, Site Supervsior, St. Joseph's Universal PreKindergarten program at Lawrence School District. Almonaitis has taught early childhood for over 10 years and has been a site supervisor for two.
Date: Thursday, July 16, 2020
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
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What We've Learned About Distance Learning: Turning Challenges into Opportunities - Pre-K
This presentation will cover the evolution of distance learning, including struggles as well as successes. Topics covered will include where to begin, social/emotional support of young learners, developing a structure and embracing parents as partners. The importance of working with colleagues and incorporating multi-media resources will be emphasized. Participants will have an opportunity to ask questions and explore resources.
Presenters: Patricia Pearsall and Eileen Sokol are Pre-K teachers at Meadow Drive School, Mineola Public Schools. You can follow them on Twitter: @Mrs_Pearsall and @Mrs_Sokol1
Date: Thursday, July 23, 2020
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 10 a.m.
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Effectively Navigating Pre-K Practices Online
This presentation will give an overview of practices that have worked best in our Pre-K program. One topic will be setting realistic online expectations for our youngest learners and their families. The presentation will also cover online platforms that work
best for young learners as well as screen-free activities that can be implemented by all families regardless of their accessibility to materials. Examples and outcomes of lessons and schedules for busy families will be shared. Participants will learn how to effectively develop a home-school online learning community that mimics our schools' play-based learning environments.
Presenter: Natalie Skelly is Site Supervisor/Co-Teacher, St. Joseph's Universal PreKindergarten Program at Wyandanch School District.
Date: Thursday, July 30, 2020
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
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Kindergarten Distance Learning Best Practices: What Worked For Us
During the past few months, we've all experienced the moment when we've said, "This isn't what I imagined Kindergarten would be like." Did you ever think you'd have to ask a 5-year-old to please stop log-rolling with their iPad during your live sessions? Or say, "Please mute yourself when you're chewing.?" During these unprecedented times, teachers will discuss what it has been like to adapt curriculum and teaching strategies while maintaining interpersonal connections and developmentally appropriate practice.
Presenters: Alexandra Bauer is an early elementary educator at Meadow Drive School, Mineola Public Schools. She has been teaching for eight years and specializes in bilingual education for our youngest learners. Jennifer Levi is a 27-year veteran teacher at Hampton Street School, also in Mineola. She has also worked as an adjunct professor at Adelphi University and taught in-service classes for Nassau BOCES. They're both on Twitter: @MissBauer9 and @LeviKindergarten
Date: Thursday, August 6, 2020
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 10 a.m.
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Growth Mindset: Building the Foundation in Our Earliest Learners
Constructing a growth mindset culture in early childhood classrooms can be powerful. The presenters are teachers who will share professional and personal experiences that reveal why structuring their classrooms with a growth mindset framework has transformed their pedagogy and elevated learner experiences. They'll provide a "how to" for developing growth mindset procedures that target and build three key values in learners: self-efficacy, agency and resilience. And they'll offer specific language, strategies, routines and materials-all of which they have executed successfully.
Presenters: Christina Skidmore is a Pre-K teacher at Meadow Drive School, Mineola Public Schools. She has experience with ages ranging from birth through grade 1, and has been teaching early elementary in Mineola for 7 years. Nikole Hazel became an early childhood educator six years ago, following a 10-year career in business and entertainment. She's also a Pre-K teacher at Meadow Drive School. Jennifer Maichin has 24 years experience in the classroom and is currently District Coordinator of Mineola's Growth Mindset Initiative. You call follow them all on Twitter: @Ms_Skidmore, @MrsHazel106 and @jennmaich
Date: Thursday, August 20, 2020
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
