Selected Professional Development Modules
Custom modules designed upon request.
“I can not say enough about the training and consultation that Karen has provided as an independent contractor. Working with the strength based approach, Karen is able to capitalize on and nurture what providers are doing well in order to increase motivation, self-confidence and self-worth.”
Engaging families in experiential learning events: Connecting play to learning
Learn to design engagement events which promote family/staff bonding and support a 360° learning environment. We will focus on play-based learning activities that families can use at home, and promote caregiver buy-in for the value of play in child development. Follow up by integrating home-based experiences back into the classroom.
Create an environment of “yes”- Sensory Exploration for Toddlers
Toddlers hear a lot of “no” as they grab, take apart and explore their environment. We will examine how cognitive development in toddlers is built on sensory experiences. Through hands-on activities, participants will understand the developmental needs of this age group and plan for a sensory-rich, “yes” based classroom.
“She was well prepared and gave us a lot of time to interact and ask questions. Also she encouraged sharing ideas with one and other. She related well to the reality of what we have to do everyday with toddlers. Excellent.”
Play in Nature: children need it, and you can do it!
Learn about the many benefits of play in nature including its role in brain development and how to observe for formative assessments across all learning domains. Strategize to create play in nature opportunities in all ECE settings. Enjoy hands-on activities and experience what play in nature can do for you!
Superhero Play not so Super? Let’s make it productive!
Superhero play is very popular and often dominates outdoor free play. It can present challenges to teachers because of the rough and tumble aspect, the weaponry and violent themes and also because it can reinforce gender divisions and interfere with the development of more imaginative play. In this workshop, relevant literature will be presented to connect superhero play with children’s developmental needs. Participants will consider their personal and programmatic values around managing violence and rough play, and will develop strategies to make this play a fun and productive learning experience.
STEAM Ahead – relating nature experiences to science, literacy and art
This workshop will provide hands-on experiences with sensory-based nature activities that can be done in a preschool yard or playground. Two model lessons will be presented, which include a literacy component, an outdoor activity and a concluding visual arts project to bring the experience back into the classroom.
Able to leap tall buildings in a single bound - when they are made of blocks: Expand your use of block play
Through hands-on activities with blocks, presentation and discussion, participants will learn about the ways block play supports creativity, math and engineering skills. Different strategies will be introduced to engage children’s imagination and drive to create and destroy, ensuring that all students gain the STEM skills that bock play supports.
Your Walls Speak: Creating warm & effective visual displays
Can you imagine entering your classroom and being enveloped by the warmth of your students’ faces, their artwork and the wonderful things they have said? This course will enable early care providers, guided by cultural competence principles, to transform room displays. Participants will learn about ways to plan wall displays that support students’ positive self-esteem, foster family engagement, and enhance curricular and behavioral goals.
Understanding and accommodating developmental stages can improve student/teacher relationships and enhance classroom management.
This presentation engages participants in learning about developmental stages from infancy to age 18. Issues we will consider: how chronological age expectations can interfere with responding effectively to the developmental needs of the child; how failing to meet the developmental needs of the child can lead to behavioral challenges in the classroom.
“She was very informative and honest about the topics she was describing. Her advice really helped me understand the children more.”