Pathway to Progress: Empowering Educators for Today’s Classrooms

This workshop will explore how to develop a community of comics readers to support children’s engagement with reading for pleasure. Based on research into the setting up and running of a comics library, this workshop examines how comics can develop a positive reading culture in schools. We will consider some of the myths around comics and look at their potential. We will explore what comics ‘are’ and the many different types of comics that are available to readers. The language of comics will be explored, and we will look at how to ‘read’ comics. Finally the workshop will offer practical suggestions for developing your own knowledge of children’s comics and creating your own comics libraries. 

This interactive workshop will share the exciting music cognition research of the past 30 years with teachers. Science confirms what many teachers have understood intuitively—music is a powerful mnemonic tool; not only is learning accelerated, but the duration of retention is often life-long. However, memory is only one of the areas influenced by musical practice. Musical practice is a powerful ally for developing language skills and literacy. Language IS musical, and musical practice fine-tunes syllabic and phonetic recognition. Rhythm and mathematics are also linked; early rhythmic entrainment prepares children for success in numeration, fractions, and proportions. Musical practice also develops self-control, interpersonal connection, and focus. These skills have proven to be more important than IQ in longitudinal studies.

My workshop will explain how teachers can use music for:
- classroom calm and transitions
- attention and self-control
- literacy (association of reading and rhythm)
- mathematics
- interpersonal connections

The interactive workshop will demonstrate that even without formal musical training, teachers can bring music to their classrooms with remarkable results.

Developing an explorer mindset in students is crucial for equipping them to navigate and address the complex challenges of the modern world. Teaching students to become explorers develops curiosity, critical thinking, and creativity, enabling them to seek knowledge and engage deeply with the world around them. When empowered, students can investigate global issues, explore diverse cultures, and analyze environmental challenges, all while developing the problem-solving skills necessary to make a positive impact. By nurturing this mindset, we can empower students to become thoughtful, informed, and innovative leaders of tomorrow.

This session will explore the mathematical ideas and processes that are important for young learners and the resources, structures and routines that might be used to help children make sense of such abstract concepts. A wonderful opportunity for us to share our practices to consider how mathematics can enhance children's play, and embed a playful approach when investigating the mathematics that surrounds us in authentic ways.

S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) education offers a unique experience for all learners. S.T.E.M. allows students to explore new ideas, create products to improve everyday life, and reflect on the impact these products have on everyday life. These avenues encourage a thematic approach that serves the whole child. But what if your school does not offer a S.T.E.M. style education? Each day, we ask our students to explore, create, and reflect. As teachers, we must do the same. In this workshop, you will participate in small activities to help you begin or improve S.T.E.M. in your classroom through reflective practice, project- based learning, and content integration.