Workshops
Childgarden Preschool is pleased to offer inspiring educator workshops. Our practical workshops provide teachers with the opportunity to share challenges and successes in our work with children. Please contact us to inquire about our educator workshops (environment, documentation, inquiry, provocations, etc.) or schedule a professional visit to Childgarden Preschool. We are happy to design workshops that fit your specific needs. Don’t see exactly the timing or topic that you’re looking for? Let us know and we can coordinate a workshop perfect for your needs.
We learn so much from the collaboration and experiences of others too.
Communicating Through Art (2 hour workshop)
Description: Whether we are focusing on a science project, a collective community project, or simply through play, art plays an integral role. We will share how to use art organically through a program and how to embed it in the curriculum. We will offer materials to consider using, to open dialogue with children and suggest the possibilities available for considering art as a tool for communicating with children. Participants will learn how to set up an inviting and provoking environment. Also how to incorporate natural, inexpensive and readily available materials to inspire beautiful art processes. In this workshop, educators will come to understand the value of using process arts as a means for children to express themselves.
What our reviews say:
“Very good workshop! Love it! Thanks!” “Very inspirational” “Very lovely and inspiring”
“It’s really very informative, full of artistic views” “Visually appealing, nicely organized”
“It was a great workshop with lots of amazing arts”
Projects Are Spun From Authentic Inquiry - Investigating Inquiry Based Learning (1.5 or 2 hour workshop)
Goal: Demonstrate the multiple ways children learn when their inquiries are sparked from their authentic interests.
Description: Would you like to learn more about Inquiry Based Learning? In this workshop we will take a deep dive into a project that was ignited by the curiosities of bugs and spiders which ignited a long term investigation. Whether you refer to it as Responsive or Emergent Curriculum or Inquiry Based Learning, join us to discover how an ordinary moment has potential to evolve into a long term project.
Review from Presentation January 31, 2023 for Vancouver Island University:
“This workshop offered insights into the documentation process through storytelling & reflective narrative. Children’s words and images were conveyed with an image of the child that is capable, strong, and full of potential. Their presentation illuminated the role of educators as responsive co-creators open to embracing multiple modes of engagement.”
“The workshop highlights the arts as a part of everyday learning and how the ‘languages’ of children must be supported through connective relationships. Stories and reflections from the workshop speak to the role of materials in support of continued investigation in partnership with ongoing dialogue with children and families (BC Ministry of Education, 2019). Ideas, concepts, and stories were shared with a sense of deep listening and conveyance of what is meaningful for children and adults as part of a community of learners, where educators are learning alongside children as partners or as teacher/researchers (Rinaldi, 2004)”.
“Many students have written in reflection about documentation and have brought inspirations from this workshop into their practicum inquiries and course assignments.”
“We are grateful to Sue & Caren for this offering and would recommend this workshop to educators and students wishing to deepen their relationship with inquiry and documentation as a continuing journey towards pedagogical narration.”
Thinking Deeply About A Reggio Inspired Program (4, 5 or 6 hour workshop)
Description: Would you like to learn more about what the Reggio Emilia philosophy is? In this workshop we will discuss the elements that are characteristic of the Reggio Emilia Philosophy and how you can incorporate aspects into your early learning centres. We will briefly examine: Emergent Curriculum, Project Work, Representational Development and 100 Languages, Pedagogical Narration, Collaboration, the Environment as “third teacher, and the Roll of the Teacher.
What our reviews say:
"What aspects of the workshop were the most valuable?"...
"Inspiring children to create things from their point of view."
"The art projects which flows with children's thought and ideas with no limits."
"The environment setting and the materials in the class were very inspiring."
Pedagogical Narration: Where to start? (1.5 or 2 hour workshop)
Description: Learn how we use observation in all its forms to reflect and interpret the learning taking place in your work with children. Explore the purpose of pedagogical narration as described in the BC Early Learning Framework, learn about a variety of styles and how we bring this back to children, families and teachers. In this workshop we will share some of our pedagogical narrations and hope to inspire you to continue the practice in your own setting.
What our reviews say:
“Really enjoyed this workshop, I loved the ladies true joy for the guiding of young children :). It was great seeing all of their examples, really puts into perspective how I can try it myself. It was more practical and easy to follow! Simply excellent!”
“I loved listening to the documentation!”
“I think your actual examples made all the difference and also the love you have for your jobs obviously shines through as well.”
The Effectiveness of Emotional Literacy in Early Childhood Education (2 hour workshop)
Description: We will illustrate different ways to incorporate a program of emotional literacy in your work with children. Creating an environment where emotional literacy and social/emotional development is as important as any other component of your program will create a foundation for young children to build on, which will give them the skills they need to learn to self regulate and become compassionate members of society.
What our reviews say:
"Both facilitators are very knowledgeable in their topics. I like how they presented real documentations!"
"Very informative - appreciated the pedagogical narrations/documentation."
"I love both teachers approach. They were open and welcoming, putting everyone at ease."