The domains of child development -- physical,
social/emotional, and cognitive -- are so intertwined in the early years that
a child can't learn something in one domain without learning something in the
others. To truly educate the whole child, we must recognize
children as thinking, feeling, moving human beings who learn through all their
senses. In this workshop, participants explore activities that, while
providing physical education, also offer valuable educational experiences in
art, language arts, mathematics, music, science and social
studies.
Moving & Learning Across the
Curriculum:
Linking PE & the Early Childhood Classroom
The domains of child development -- physical,
social/emotional, and cognitive -- are so intertwined in the early years that
a child can't learn something in one domain without learning something in the
others. This workshop offers activities that provide young children with
both physical education and conceptual understanding in the content areas of
art, language arts, math, music, science, and social studies.
keynotes:
One Starfish at a Time
Has a parent or administrator ever asked, "Why are you
doing this stuff?" in relation to something you felt was important to the
children? Do you occasionally feel as though you're chasing your tail as
you watch fads in education come and go? Are you discouraged by how much
there is to teach the children in so little time? If there are occasions
when you're sure there must be an easier way to make a living, then you'll laugh
and learn with Rae in this entertaining and informative presentation.
Explore the frustrations -- and joys -- of being an early childhood
professional. You'll leave feeling glad that you are!
One Starfish at a Time
(for HPERD professionals)
We live in an age of dichotomies. On the one hand
we have Congress allotting millions of dollars to physical education; on the
other, PE programs and recess continue to fight for their right to exist.
We have a childhood obesity crisis raging in our country and yet academics and
testing are all the rage. We have children spending as much time watching
television over the course of the year as they do in school (the couch potato
problem) and others devoting 11 hours a week to participation in a single sport
(the superkid syndrome).
Are you frustrated by how much there
is to do in so little time? Do you sometimes feel as though you're chasing
your tail with your work? If you occasionally think there must be an
easier way to make a living, then you'll laugh and learn with Rae in this
entertaining and informative presentation. Explore the frustrations -- and
joys -- of being an HPERD professional. You'll leave feeling glad that you
are!
The Whole Child: Thinking, Feeling, Moving
Developmentally appropriate practice dictates that we educate the whole
child in an integrated fashion. But, more than ever, the trend is toward
the mind and body as separate entities and the curriculum as segregated little
pieces. We know how children learn -- and now we have science, in
the form of brain research, on our side. Rae's presentation will inform,
entertain, and empower you!
Break Them Out of the
Mold!: Creativity in the Age of Standardized Testing
Why is creativity important, and why, in this country, does it peak at
about age 4? Structured classroom environments, insistence upon
conformity, academic accountability, and emphasis on competition are often
blamed for squelching creative potential. This presentation offers ideas
and encouragement to those hoping to nurture creativity in the children
in their care.
especially for parents:
Reading, Writing, 'Rithmetic, &
Recess!
Did you know the research shows
children learn better when they have breaks? That recess, physical
education, and physical activity in general contribute to -- rather
than detract from -- academic performance, test scores, and attitude toward
school? Children need to move! If some of your best childhood
memories took place during recess and at play -- and some of your worst during
"gym" -- or if you simply want to know how good and bad movement experiences
impact your child, this presentation is for you.
Family Fitness/Family Fun: Finding
the Balance
In the past, physical activity was a
daily part of people's lives and work, whether it was in the form of walking
to school or working the fields. Today, we need to "program" physical
activity into our lives or face the many health risks of a sedentary
lifestyle. But this doesn't have to be as challenging as it may seem --
especially if we make physical activity a family affair! How much
activity should you strive for? How little is too little -- and how much
is too much? What's the role of organized sports in children's fitness?
Most importantly, how do we make physical activity feel less like "exercise"
and more like fun?
Starting off on the Right Foot:
Why Movement Matters to Infants
Research indicates that today's
babies are spending upward of 60 hours a week confined in such things as high
chairs, car seats, and carriers. But babies need to move! Besides
the fact that they were "hardwired" to do so, a baby is never "just moving" or
"just playing." Every action impacts the child's development in some
way. This workshop looks at the role movement plays, not just in motor
development but also in cognitive development. We'll explore the
controversy behind bouncers and walkers, the relevance of infant swim and
exercise programs, and why parents don't need to worry if walking takes a
while. Parents will discover just how easy it is -- without specialized
knowledge or a lot of money or fancy equipment -- to get started on the right
foot!
