Early Learning Network

Thursday, January 30, 2014

Neighbourhood Literacy Centre at Brighouse Elementary School

68oo Azure road, Richmond 604-668-6522

Agenda

8:30-9:00       Informal networking with coffee/tea/muffins

9:00-10:30    Sue Jackson Presentation:

Exploring Big Ideas and Inquiry with Young 21^st- Century Learners

One thing we can all agree on is the need for a new way of teaching 21^st century learners.  But just what that teaching looks like is the question that everyone is trying to answer.  Let’s explore how to support teachers with the implementation of a concept –based curriculum focusing on ‘big ideas’ and inquiry-based approaches.  Examine developmentally appropriate exploration, questioning, and problem solving to focus young students on thinking critically and delving below the surface of important topics.  Investigate resources and strategies that facilitate inquiry learning where students practice and apply core competencies.

Sue Jackson is an enthusiastic and innovative speaker, author, consultant, and educator.  Prior to her role as Scholastic’s National Literacy Consultant, Sue was a Learning Coordinator for the Thames Valley DSB where she assisted teachers with the implementation of provincial and board literacy initiatives.  Sue has taught courses for the University of Western Ontario and she has written many educational publications.  As a classroom teacher for more than 20 years, Sue brings a wealth of experience and a passion for hands-on, inquiry-based learning to her sessions.

10:30-10:45  Break with Coffee/Tea and Muffins

10:45-12:00  Publishers share-out/District share-out:

                           Be prepared to share add one or more updates from your district.  Please bring your laptop or tech device.  Jason Hodgins will walk us through how to put the information onto our blog site.  We will do this first and then share out after.  This will give us practice in using the site and adding our updates so in the future we can do this and devote more time at our meetings to professional development.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

12:00-12:45   Lunch: We will have bagels and cream cheese and fruit available.  Please feel free to pack a lunch if you do not wish to partake.  Restaurants are not in walking distance. 

12:45-1:45    Story Workshop:  A brief overview of Story Workshop and perspectives from working with teachers with Lisa Schwartz Richmond School District.

             This will be a hands-on and informative session as Lisa and Marie will set up some invitations to inspire you to bring out your inner “story teller”.  Lisa will share her journey with working in a K/1 classroom using Story Workshop, inspired by Opal School in Portland.

1:45-2:00       Next meeting and hosting Maple Ridge

Please RSVP to Marie Thom:  mthom@sd38.bc.ca if you are attending so I can ensure there is enough food! 

If I have missed anyone who should receive this invitation, let me know and please forward the agenda.