Focus on the Learning

ECE Learning Circles are workshops for early childhood educators about teaching and learning math, reading and science with children ages 3-5. The workshops focus on practical strategies and skills for using games, stories, projects and other activities to help support children’s learning.  Information is presented in an organized, clear and usable format and includes understandable explanations of basic math, language and science concepts. Workshops also cover related vocabulary (intended to support early childhood educators who speak English as a second language).

ECE Learning Circles provide early childhood educators with the tools, ideas and skills for supporting children’s learning. Many early childhood educators who value play want to know how to support learning through play-based approaches.  Practical ideas and tips, including hands-on examples and simple ways to assess, document and explain children’s learning are at the centre of the workshops. Participants leave ready to apply new ideas and activities with young children.

ECE Learning Circles are fun, practical and hands-on. Dozens of activities and projects (that your children will love to do) are covered in each workshop!

More information:

• Workshops are on Saturdays from 10 AM to 3:30 PM.
• Certificate issued for 5 hours of professional development in early childhood education.
• Cost is $20 suggested donation (bring your own supplies – a supply list is provided).
• Space is limited, so register early.
• Send an email to tom@focusonthelearning.com or call (604) 600-4926 to register.

Calendar:

Exploring Mathematics:

• Numbers Skills, concepts and theories related to numbers are foundational to many other areas of math. This workshop focuses on dozens of ways to understand and apply number theory, including counting, learning number-names and extending numbers to other learning areas.
• Patterns Patterning is at the centre of mathematics and many other learning areas. Patterns involve prediction, order and observation. Patterning connects mathematics to other sciences and also to music, the arts, and reading. This workshop explores many pattern forms and provides dozens of activities for teaching children about patterns.

Exploring Reading:

• Phonemes Phonemes are the building blocks of the spoken word and are the sounds of language. Children who have strong phonemic awareness are better prepared for reading and have fewer difficulties learning to read. This workshop focuses on dozens of stories, songs, rhymes, games and other activities for supporting phonemic awareness.
• Letters Learning how to name, recall, write and understand letters is a key part of learning how to read. This workshop provides early childhood educators with new and innovative ways to introduce the alphabet to children as a bridge to learning to read. Activities include stories, songs, games, arts, crafts and other ways to learn about letters.

Exploring Science:

• Biology Science provides a backdrop for thinking, communicating, exploring and understanding. Biology, or the study of life, is exciting for young children. We’ll learn basic concepts and ways to teach science skills through hands-on activities with children.
• Chemistry Chemistry is an exciting science because it provides many opportunities for seeing reactions (cause and effect) and transformation. This workshop includes ways to teach chemistry and explore science through hands-on experimentation and observation. We’ll also examine ways to connect science to other learning areas, including reading and writing.

• Email: Tom@FocusOnTheLearning.com
• Phone: (604) 600-4926