Developing Young Learners Mini Conference

• Infant/Toddler Track: Intentional Teaching -the Importance of Fine Motor Play: Research tells us fine motor skills begin to develop as early as 1 or 2 months old and continue to learn additional skills through preschool, elementary school and throughout our lifetime. Teachers who offer a plethora of fine motor activities and opportunities provide fun ways for children to strengthen their hands, fingers and wrists - which are all precursors to writing and drawing. Fine motor activities are often best learned as children engage with manipulatives - which also provides time to practice their problem-solving skills and improve their hand-eye coordination by sorting counters and participating in other similar activities. In this session we will look at the brain development information, learn and share fine motor activities for all children in our care.
• Preschool Track: Developing Learners - Play as the Tool for Learning: Getting children to learn more, quicker, and at a younger age, has been a top priority among parents and policy makers. The trouble is the erroneous belief that most learning is done in a school setting. Come join us to see how to recognize, define and use play as a learning tool! Play is how children make discoveries, how they practice the science skills of experimentation and observation. If you really think about it… play is how we all actively engage in important learning!

• Infant/Toddler Track: Intentional Teaching - Using Books!: We know - through experience and research that children who have lots of experiences with books absorb the rhythms and patterns of language and, beginning as young as infants we begin to imitate the language and gestures those who read to us use while sharing stories, sometimes turning pages and murmuring as they “read” the pictures. This session will explore how to use books to teach - social skills, vocabulary, communication skills, opportunity to take another's perspective and inspire dreams!
• Preschool Track: Developing Learners - Encouraging and Supporting Curiosity: Curiosity helps children be more observant and to think about things more deeply. When we are curious, we are eager to explore, discover and figure things out – we not only ask questions, but seek the answers! Curiosity prepares the brain for learning. Teachers who understand the role of curiosity in learning are more equipped to help children capitalize on their natural way of learning. When we are excited about learning we become more willing to grow, learn and question – supporting all the skills needed to be successful in school and life. This session will share research about the role curiosity and wonder in learning; tips to nurture and develop this skill will be shared.

• Check-in and breakfast from 8:15-8:45 AM
• Session One will begin promptly at 8:45 to 10:45 AM. There will be a 15 minute break and Session Two will begin at 11 AM and end at 1:00 PM.
• Participants will receive two clock hours (KS & MO) per session totaling four clock hours for the conference. Participants may choose to attend one session or both.
• Free coffee and a continental breakfast will be provided.
• Door Prizes will be given!

What are my transportation/parking options for getting to and from the event?

The MARC offices are located at 600 Broadway Blvd on the southwest corner of 6th Street and Broadway in downtown Kansas City, Missouri. Free parking is available when visiting MARC. Visitors and guests should park on the upper level of the garage. To enter this level from Broadway, turn west into the Rivergate Center parking lot. From this level, you can walk directly into the MARC offices lobby.

This training is provided by MARC's Department of Early Learning in partnership with The Family Conservancy.

*Please Note: All future training registrations (February on) will move to the Early Care and Education Hub: https://www.thefamilyconservancy.org/early-educators/

Host or Publisher MARC's Early Learning