1) A World of Words: Cultivating the Dialogues of the Classroom Part 1

Wednesday, May 22nd 6:30pm-9 pm.

2) Challenging Conversations Part 2

Wednesday, May 29th 6:30pm-9 pm.

presented by Patricia Hunter McGrath and Christina Bianchi

A World of Words: Cultivating the Dialogues of the Classroom Part 1

Wednesday, May 22nd 6:30pm-9 pm.

In the immersive realm of childhood education, fostering meaningful conversations with children is not just about communication; it's about building a world of words where language thrives as the third teacher. Come join Branches Atelier as we delve into this vital aspect of early learning, exploring the significance of dialogic speaking and reflective conversations, building community through dialogue, and supporting our teachers and children in embracing language as a fundamental tool for growth and understanding.

Key Ideas Discussed:

Dialogic Speaking.
Language as an aspect of the Third Teacher.
Reflective conversations with children.
The role that materials play in sparking dialogues.
Supporting colleagues and creating a learning community.

It's not just about questions; it's about curiosity! Conversations with children are more than just words—they are windows into a world of wonder, curiosity, and connection. By embracing language as the third teacher, engaging in dialogic speaking, facilitating reflective time and conversations, and supporting new teachers in this journey, we cultivate an environment where language flourishes, minds expand, and hearts unite in the joy of learning.

A World of Words : Challenging Conversations Part 2

Wednesday, May 29th 6:30pm-9 pm.

As adults in the lives of young children, many topics arise that we consider challenging. From death to gun violence, from exclusion and power play and challenging behaviors, we can often find ourselves at a loss for words. At the same time, these topics are wonderful opportunities to help children process and understand the complexities of our world and can offer amazing and rich threads to be explored.

Join us as we consider how to address and understand complex social and emotional issues in the lives of children. Build your toolkit as we reflect on the importance of creating a safe and inclusive environment, setting strong boundaries, and fostering emotional literacy and social awareness when dealing with both expected and unexpected challenges. Learn how to approach these issues with sensitivity, nurturing, and an open mindset, and to celebrate diversity and build connections among all people.

Key ideas discussed:

How to support students when they share personal experiences and emotions related to these topics, including sadness, anger, and frustration?
How to emphasize emotional literacy, social justice, and empathy in children's education while still retaining joy, community building, and the delight of being in dialogue?
How to create a culture of curiosity?
How to difficult conversation can become lines of classroom inquiry?

As before, it's not just about knowing what to say; It's not just about questions, it's about curiosity! Conversations with children are more than words— together, we cultivate an environment where language flourishes, minds expand, and hearts unite in the joy of learning.