TIME FOR STUDENTS TO WORK INDEPENDENTLY IN THE CLASSROOM AT ALL GRADE LEVELS IS NEEDED FOR THE SAKE OF THE STUDENTS AND THE TEACHER! HOWEVER, IT IS NOT EASY!
JOIN MELISSA IN THIS HIGHLY INTERACTIVE AND HANDS-ON WORKSHOP TO EXPLORE HOW YOU HAVE DONE CENTERS(WORK STATIONS, COLLABORATIVE SMALL GROUPS) IN THE PAST AND HOW YOU MIGHT LOOK AT DOING CENTERS (STATIONS AND COLLABORATIVE SMALL GROUPS) IN THE FUTURE.
YOU WILL GET STRONG ORGANIZATION TIPS AND TRICKS, MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES, AND LOTS OF IDEAS FOR WHAT THE STUDENTS DO- TO TAKE BACK TO YOUR CLASSROOM! YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS THIS ONE! YOUR CENTERS (WORK STATIONS AND COLLABORATIVE SMALL GROUPS) WILL NEVER BE THE SAME- AND THAT’S A GOOD THING! LET’S WORK SMARTER NOT HARDERTOGETHER.
HANDS ON- MAKE & TAKE!
WEDNESDAY
MARCH 4
You are invited to attend
PUMP UP PRIMARY:
The 45th Annual Pre-K,
Kindergarten, 1st & 2nd Grade Conference!
Explore new concepts, new faces and new ideas at The Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel on March 4–6, 2026. We are excited by some new faces, new concepts, and new ideas. We will have over 150 featured and concurrent presenters with 240+ sessions total during the show! Come learn, enjoy, and have fun listening, participating and visiting our EXPO Hall.
• As always, you can register for Thursday only, Friday only, or both days!
• School Administrators may attend free if you register a team of four or more. All registration forms must be sent together.
• Convenient start times
• Earlier dismissal on Friday for travelers
• Digital PD Hours Sign-in/out – eliminates the long lines!
• Longer lunch times and more food options!
• A Virtual Attendance option! See page 49 for a schedule.
• ISBE and Gateway approved credit options!
2026 FEATURED PRESENTERS:
• Mary Amoson
• Becky Anderson
• Katie Blue
• Kaci Bolls
• Keri Brown
• Shannon Cunningham
• Jake Daggett
• Monica Genta
• LeAnna Wolkis Goldstein
• Angela Griffith
• Naomi Hall
• Kendrick Johnson
• Jackie Kops
• Melissa Leach
• Adam Peterson
• Jennifer Rosinia
• Greg Smedley-Warren
• Kristina Smekens
• Mickey Smith Jr.
• Hilary Statum
• Carole Stephens
• Deedee Wills
THANKS to the Conference Planning Committee
• Marilyn Blank
• Ruth Cormier
• Marge Cox
• Jan Dews
• Laura Ettema
• Jamie Evans
• Julie Frisch
• Julie Grabenhofer
• Karen Graber
• Debra Honegger
• Cathleen Hughes
• Leanne Jebens
• Terry Jostes
• Paulina Kedzierski
• Judy Kmak
• Pam Kunkel
• Erika Liburd
• Erin Lorentz
• Rochelle Luttrell
• Holly Magruder
• Michelle Matt
• Kenneth Medo
• Lindsey Neff
• Carol Owles
• Christe Pawlak
• Rebecca Pencak
• Cathy Pope
• Tammy Schmidt
• Renata Serpico
• Leea Shelton
• Kerry Shilkaitis
• Katherine Spengler
• Katherine Stengele
• Meda Sullivan
• Bev Taylor
• Clint Thorton
• Jaycey Vedder
• Marc Wigler
• Angela Winger- Bryant
• Tia Zerbe
• Nancy Zulawski
Ryan Nevius Executive Director
Judy Kmak Committee Co-Chair
Bill Dodds Associate Director
Laura Ettema Committee Co-Chair
Katherine Stengele Conference Coordinator
Share your 2026 Pump Up Primary experiences using our official Twitter & Instagram accounts!
Pump Up Primary Conference Schedule
Wednesday March 4
REGISTRATION SESSIONS EXPO HALL BREAK/TRANSITION FOOD SERVED
5:30-6:00 PM Open
6:00-8:00 PM Open Pre-Con - Melissa Leach
8:00-9:30 PM Closes 9:30 PM
Thursday, March 5
REGISTRATION SESSIONS EXPO HALL BREAK/TRANSITION FOOD SERVED
7-8 AM Open Open Cont. Bfast
8-9 AM Open Session A Open 9-9:15 AM Open Open 15 mins Closes 9:30 AM
9:15-10:30 AM Open Keynote - Mickey Smith, Jr Open
10:30-10:45 AM Open
10:45-11:45 AM Open Session C
PM Open
PM
PM
2:00-3:00 PM Closes 3:15 PM Session E Open
3:00-3:15PM Open 15 mins
3:15-4:15 PM Session F Open 4:15-5:30 PM Closes 5:30 PM
Friday, March 6
REGISTRATION SESSIONS EXPO HALL BREAK/TRANSITION FOOD SERVED 7-8 AM Open Open Cont. Bfast
8-9 AM Open Session I Open 9-9:15 AM Closes 9:30 AM
15 mins Closes 9:30 AM 9:15-10:30 AM Keynote - Monica Genta Open 10:30-10:45 AM
10:45-11:45 AM
11:45-12:30 PM
12:30-1:30 PM Session L
1:30-2:00 PM Closes 2:00 PM 30 mins Closes 2:00 PM 2:00-3:00 PM Session M
Sessions
• All sessions will be 60 minutes in length.
• Breaks throughout the day allow for visiting the EXPO display floor.
• If you want to eat lunch, you need to eat during a break or leave a session open.
• Continental Breakfast Thursday & Friday until 9:30 a.m.
Session Target Audience
P= Pre-Kindergarten K= Kindergarten
1= 1st Grade 2=2nd Grade A= Admin
Yummy Coupons
Pump Up Primary provides $21.00 in meal coupons per day. Yummy Coupons may be used all day at any of the food stations set up in the hallways, Exhibit Hall Food Court, the Rendezvous Café (second floor), the Gather Bar/Lounge, or Schaumburg Public House. The coupons cannot be used for gratuities. A breakfast buffet is available each day in back of the Expo Hall.
1. Lunch will be available to all attendees from 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
2. Yummy Coupons can only be used on the day printed on the coupon. Blue coupons will be accepted on Thursday and green coupons on Friday.
3. The food stations in the halls or east of the Schaumburg Ballrooms now accept credit cards.
4. No cash refunds are available for unspent portions of Yummy Coupons.
5. Take a session off and enjoy lunch.
Expo Hall
Plan to visit The Exploration Hall from 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Thursday and from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Friday.
Administrators Attend Free
Teachers - bring along your school administrator FREE as part of the team (four or more teachers). All registration forms must be submitted at the same time!
Graduate Credit
Visit the University of St. Francis table located in the hallway near Schaumburg East/West. Additional information can also be found online at stfrancis.edu/real/ experiential. Questions? real@stfrancis. edu or 815-740-3699
Ticket Swap
Want to attend a different session? Exchange your ticketed sessions for other available sessions at the Ticket Swap at the Registration Table in the EXPO Hall.
Handouts
Handouts will be available through the URL provided after registration closes.
Wireless Access
Bring your mobile devices! Free WiFi will be available in all meeting rooms, ballrooms, and the EXPO floor. Please note that there is a charge for WiFi use in the individual hotel sleeping rooms.
Tote Bags
We greatly appreciate Kaplan Early Learning Company for providing the conference tote bags. Please visit their EXPO booths 201 & 300.
Professional Development Hours
Earn 11 PD hours over the days of the conference. 2 additional hours can be earned at Wednesday’s session with Melissa Leach. By attending all sessions you may acquire 13 PD hours.
In order to receive credit for Professional Development Hours, you will need to:
1. Sign in each morning by clicking the link in your welcome (sent each morning!) or scanning the QR code signs placed around the conference center
2. Complete the Evaluation in your email for each day. You will receive a link to your email at the end of each day.
3. Download your Evidence of Completion at the end of the day.
4. Enter the earned hours into ELIS.
Come to the show office in Schaumburg E with all PD questions. Join us at the conference! CLICK here TO REGISTER NOW online
Featured Presenters
MARY AMOSON
Mary is an enthusiastic and passionate Kindergarten teacher from Georgia with 21 years of experience. She holds a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and an Educational Specialist Degree in Instructional Technology. Recently, Mary earned an endorsement in Dyslexia. In addition to teaching full-time, Mary finds joy presenting to educators across the country for more than 16 years. She loves sharing engaging ideas, hands-on activities, and rigorous content that has worked with her own kindergartners through her website, Sharing Kindergarten. Mary is committed to instilling passion in teachers because she believes that passion is truly the secret to increasing learning and achievement.
BECKY ANDERSON
Becky Anderson is the owner of Anderson’s Bookshops in Naperville, Downers Grove and Anderson’s Bookfair Company in Aurora, and Anderson’s Toyshop in Naperville. She began working at the age of 11 in her family’s drugstore after a fire in the store. Her first job was to dust soot off shelves and fixtures. She is the fifth generation to manage the familyowned and operated businesses, which had its beginnings in Naperville in 1875. Books were sold from the beginning, but
the family’s first official bookshop opened 59 years ago above their pharmacy. She is also past President of the Great Lakes Independent Booksellers Association and the Association of Booksellers for Children. Anderson’s Bookshops won the Publisher’s Weekly Bookseller of the Year Award in 2011. She has been a children’s literature consultant and book buyer for over 35 years. Putting the right book in the right child’s hand is her lifelong goal. Her family business has won numerous awards both locally, statewide, and nationally; including the Illinois Family Business of the Year in 2002 by Loyola University.
KATIE BLUE
Katie Blue is a children’s author, a nationally recognized speaker, and an energetic kindergarten teacher in Southern Illinois with more than 18 years of classroom experience and over 2 decades in education. She has a passion for creating fun, hands-on lessons and activities designed to meet the needs of all students. As a student who struggled through school, she truly understands that every student has different needs and learning styles. Katie is a McKendree University graduate, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Education and later, a Master of Arts degree in education. Katie is a boy mom and loves to spend time in the great outdoors with her three sons, Brody, Grady, and Finn. She loves to share her ideas and teaching experiences on her awardwinning blog, KatieBlueEdu.
Featured Presenters
KACI BOLLS
Kaci has spent the past 12 years teaching kindergarten in Nashville, TN, earning Teacher of the Year (both school and district), Blue Ribbon Teacher, and Nashville’s Channel 2 Educator of the Week. Before that, she lived her Nashville musical dream—working with publishers, studios, and songwriters on Music Row for over a decade—and in 2020, she launched her children’s music career, scoring multiple Top 5 hits on Kids Place Live Sirius XM as a children’s music artist, songwriter, and performer. Her debut children’s book, Dare To Be Me, encourages kids (and grown-ups!) to embrace their uniqueness, because being yourself is the coolest thing you can do.
KERI BROWN
Keri Brown is an experienced K-2 educator, national presenter, and curriculum author from Alabama. She has taught both kindergarten and first grade and has also supported students through K-2 intervention. With over 17 years in education, Keri is passionate about using research-based practices, hands-on learning, and meaningful tech to support young learners. She loves helping fellow teachers through practical strategies they can use right away. You can find her sharing ideas on Instagram @ enchantedkindergarden and on her website at www.enchantedkindergarden.com.
SHANNON CUNNINGHAM
Shannon Cunningham is a literacy educator in North Texas and loves working in the primary grades. Over her education career, Shannon has spent time in classrooms in Arizona, Nebraska, and the great state of Texas. Shannon has her Masters in Education in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Education Technology. Shannon is certified to teach preschool - 6th grade as well as English as a Second Language. With a passion for teaching students and teachers, Shannon’s goal is for classrooms to be a place where students can grow and thrive academically and emotionally. You will find that Shannon’s sessions are packed with research and strategies to help you teach with joy and confidence!
JACOB DAGGETT
Jake is an Ohio native who began his teaching career in Milwaukee, WI in 2015. Having specialized in literacy instruction, Jake built a following on social media for his engaging and rhythmic phonics lessons and evidence-based structured literacy lessons. Throughout his career, Jake has taught PreK, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grades and has recently stepped into the role of Foundational Literacy Director for Greater Holy Temple Christian Academy in Milwaukee, WI! In addition, Jake teaches
Featured Presenters
an online Science of Reading Course for Elevate Your Classroom. In his spare time, Jake presents nationally for conferences such as Elevate Your Classroom, Unlocking SOR, and Plain Talk.
MONICA GENTA
Monica Genta is a classroom teacher in rural Illinois. She is passionate about transforming education from average to awesome. Monica believes that when students are engaged, building relationships, and connecting content to real life, that is when schools start to really thrive! She is the author of 6 books, has given multiple TED Talks, and is a National Board-Certified Teacher.
LEANNA WOLKIS GOLDSTEIN
LeAnna Wolkis Goldstein is an energetic and passionate Kindergarten Teacher from Arizona with over 25 years of teaching experience. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from Arizona State University, a Master’s Degree from NAU, an Early Childhood Endorsement, and achieved the rigorous advanced credentials of National Board Certification. While teaching in her award-winning classroom, The “Wolkis Wonderland,” she designs mini hands-on center-based stations that are brought to life with novel realia. As a nationally recognized Presenter, LeAnna empowers educators to
create cooperative learning environments utilizing music, movement & manipulatives that foster 100% student engagement. Watch how she promotes exploration and encourages her Classroom Family to develop their imagination by following along inside LeAnna’s magical experiences on Instagram: @wolkiswonderland, Twitter: @WolkisWonders and TikTok: @ wolkiswonderland
ANGELA GRIFFITH
Angela Griffith is a literacy specialist and national presenter with 18 years of experience in early childhood and elementary education. She currently serves as an ARI Interventionist in Alabama and is a dyslexia therapist in training (CALT). Angela holds a Master’s and Ed.S in Elementary Education and is trained in structured literacy through LETRS. Over the years, she has refined her literacy instruction through a research-based approach, empowering teachers across the country to create positive and effective literacy experiences for their students. You can connect with her on Instagram and YouTube or visit her website, thedailyalphabet.com.
NAOMI HALL
Naomi Hall is a veteran educator with 20 years of experience ranging from classroom teacher to district administrator to consultant. She even
Featured Presenters
KENDRICK JOHNSON
JACKIE KOPS
Jackie Kops is an enthusiastic preschool teacher with 14 years of experience in both fullday and half-day settings. She is from Missouri where she earned a Bachelor’s and Master’s in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from Maryville University. Her goal is to help teachers unleash their teaching superpowers! Jackie is the teacher-author and CEO behind Pocket of Preschool and loves to share her passion with other educators. taught through the COVID-19 years. She has personally experienced burnout and helps professionals from a place of understanding. She uses practical steps to help educators and professionals build effective stress management habits. Her goal is to help stressed and overwhelmed professionals regain control of their lives.
MELISSA LEACH
Kendrick Johnson is the founder of Frontier Educational Consulting and a nationally recognized educator, speaker, author and consultant. He began his career as an ELA teacher in Chicago, where he developed a passion for instructional excellence and equity. Over the years, Dr. Johnson has served in multiple roles across the K–12 spectrum— including instructional coach, director of curriculum and instruction, and schoollevel administrator—spanning elementary, middle, and high school settings. He later expanded his impact by working with teacher residency programs, helping prepare the next generation of educators through innovative, practice-based models. Dr. Johnson’s areas of expertise include student engagement, restorative classroom management, data-driven instruction, aligned and coherent assessment systems, and culturally relevant and responsive teaching practices. In his current role, Dr. Johnson partners with districts, schools, and educator preparation programs to provide research-based professional development and high-impact consulting services. His mission is to equip leaders, coaches, and teachers with the tools they need to build and sustain thriving cultures of teaching, learning, and growth.
Leach Literacy Training (LLT) provides unique and dynamic professional development for schools and school districts across the country. Melissa Leach, owner and president, is a sought-after literacy change leader for her knowledge of literacy and her ability to make success in each and every component feel achievable to every participant. Melissa has been a dynamic classroom teacher (Michigan and Texas; 2000-2008), a statelevel Literacy Specialist (Texas; 2008-2012) a Professional Learning Designer for the
Featured Presenters
District of Columbia Public Schools (DC; 2012-2014), and a K-12 ELAR and SLAR Specialist (Texas; 2014- 2015). She currently works full-time alongside her team of literacy staff developers to run Leach Literacy Training from her home state of Texas. It is Melissa’s life work to make an impact on student achievement. Leach Literacy combines research, best practices, and hands-on application in real-life classroom settings. Melissa’s desire to reach more students is happening, one teacher and one training at a time.
ADAM PETERSON
Adam Peterson is an educator, speaker, author, and vlogger most known for his YouTube channel, Teachers Learn Too. A kindergarten teacher with over 13 years in the classroom, Adam now dedicates his time to helping teachers create meaningful and engaging experiences for their students! He’s on a mission to make classrooms as fun as possible to ensure every day is the best day ever in school! www.adampetersoneducation.com
Adam Peterson Education on YouTube
JENNIFER ROSINIA
Jennifer Rosinia is an Occupational Therapist and Child Development Specialist. A master clinician and a gifted teacher, Dr. Rosinia has taken a
stand for the body, specifically the ways in which the neurobiological systems impact relationships, development, and learning. Areas of specialization include sensory processing, the stress response system, including adverse childhood experiences. The importance of relationships, the role of movement, and the influence of nature are additional areas about which she is passionate. Dr. Rosinia is on the faculty at the Erikson Institute. Jennifer has a growing national reputation as a powerful speaker and consultant. Dr. Rosinia brings a healthy balance of humor, passion, and expertise to all her presentations. She is the president of Kid Links Unlimited, Incorporated, a company whose mission is to link theory to practice, parents with professionals, and kids with their optimal potential.
GREG SMEDLEYWARREN
Greg has been a full-time classroom teacher for 20 years. He spent a year teaching fifth grade, two years in second grade and is now in his 17th year of kindergarten. He received his bachelor’s degree from Indiana University and ELL certification from David Lipscomb University. In 2015, he was selected as Teacher Of The Year. Greg’s influence extends far beyond his classroom walls. As an international speaker, presenter, curriculum developer, blogger of TheKindergartenSmorgasboard.com, and co-founder of Elevate Your Classroom, a professional development conference for early elementary educators. Greg is also the
Featured Presenters
co-owner of Berteau & Co, a teacher planner and other stationery company. When not in the classroom or on the stage, Mr. Greg is a family man. He resides in Brentwood, TN, with his husband Jason Warren, their daughter Adelynn and their dog Dolly.
KRISTINA SMEKENS
Kristina Smekens is a nationally recognized literacy consultant and the author of Launching the Writer’s Workshop: Grades K–2 and The Comprehension Playbook. With more than 20 years of experience working alongside primary teachers, Kristina is known for her high energy, humor, and practical strategies that make both reading comprehension and writing instruction feel doable. As president of Smekens Education, she has developed countless print, digital, and video resources—helping K–2 educators foster strong literacy foundations and confidence in their youngest learners.
MICKEY SMITH, JR.
Mickey Smith Jr. is a GRAMMY Music Educator Award recipient and seventime Teacher of the Year from Southwest Louisiana. Over his two-decade career, he has built and grown band programs across Louisiana, Texas, and Florida—often reaching more than half of a school’s population. Now serving as Band Director for grades 4–8 at
The King’s Academy, his programs continue to thrive with record enrollment and enthusiasm.
Through his signature “Keep On Going” message, Mickey has inspired thousands of students and educators nationwide as a clinician, conductor, and keynote speaker. His mission is to help every learner “discover their sound” by building meaningful relationships and creating classrooms where every child feels loved, valued, and wanted. Mickey lives in West Palm Beach, Florida, with his wife, Eugenia, and their children, William and Mikayla. Learn more at mickeysmithjr.com.
HILARY STATUM
Hilary Statum is a Pre-K Teacher and Literacy Consultant in Middle Tennessee with over 18 years of experience teaching kindergarten, first, transitional-first, second, fourth, fifth and eighth grades. She has also worked as a multilingual teacher. She is the author of two books— entitled Solar System for Kids and Kindergarten Activity Book: Unicorns—and is the face behind Pencils to Pigtails, a popular blog for parents and teachers. She holds a Master’s Degree in Instructional Leadership and enjoys coordinating and teaching her school district’s free Parent English Class. Her favorite days are spent with her three children, husband, parents, siblings, and the rest of her very large extended family. You can connect with Hilary on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest.
Featured Presenters
CAROLE “MISS CAROLE” STEPHENS
Dubbed “the Pied Piper of children’s music,”
“Miss Carole” Stephens is a nationally renowned music specialist. Her cross-curricular music and guidance techniques instantly invite all audiences from the youngest child to the oldest adult to join in singing, dancing and rhythmic movement. Miss Carole has been teaching music for children 1 - 6 years old since 1989. Through her company, Macaroni Soup!, she travels across the US presenting concerts for children and families, and workshops for Early Childhood professionals.
DEEDEE WILLS
Deedee began her teaching career in San Diego where she taught at a school with 96% second language learners. After several years of teaching second grade, she became her district’s literacy coach. She helped to train and implement balanced literacy to the K – 2 staff but found she missed the classroom and returned to teach Kindergarten. She runs the popular blog www.mrswillskindergarten.com.
Click HERE to register only for the VIRTUAL CONFERENCE option.
A01 What Do I Write? Helping K-2 Students Start Strong Every Time
UTOPIA A K • 1 • 2
Keri Brown
Getting started is the hardest part for kids and teachers. Discover predictable routines that help your youngest writers generate ideas, expand oral language, and build complete sentences with confidence. You’ll walk away with sentence stems, picture prompts, ThinkSay-Write routines, and more ways to get students writing without fear of the blank page. Whether you’re teaching labeling, captions, or full stories, these tools are ready to use tomorrow.
A02 Make Circle Time Count
UTOPIA B
P • K • 1
Adam Peterson
The start of your day can set the tone for everything that follows, so why not start it in the most positive way possible? From morning messages to math practice, games to movement activities, circle time can be a powerful and engaging part of your daily schedule. Adam shares his favorite activities, games, songs, and more that you can use right away in your classroom.
A03 If This... Then That
UTOPIA C K • 1
Deedee Wills
Do you ever look at a student’s assessment and wonder, “Now what?” In this session, we’ll take the guesswork out of early literacy intervention by breaking down a simple, data-based approach to identifying needs—and matching them with the right instructional response. You’ll leave with a clear roadmap of “If this, then that” strategies—so whether a student is stuck on decoding, spelling, fluency, or comprehension, you’ll know what to do next (and why it works).
A04 Tips & Tricks for Behavior Management
UTOPIA D K • 1
Katie Blue
Having trouble keeping your classroom under control? Feeling exhausted at the end of the day? Katie’s fun, hands-on behavior management tools will change your life! Discover simple incentives to redirect behavior and keep kids actively engaged all day long.
Conference confirmations will be emailed & session tickets will be picked up onsite.
A05 Math Magic: HandsOn Strategies & Games for Little Mathematicians
EUPHORIA
P • K
Jackie Kops
Transform math time into a playful adventure! Learn how to teach various math concepts, including counting, number recognition, shapes, and patterns, through hands-on activities such as sensory math bins and games. Experience how to seamlessly integrate these strategies into your daily routines, centers, and small groups to create a math-rich environment. Leave with fresh, ready-to-use ideas to make math engaging, effective, and fun for your Pre-K students!
A06 Storytime Science
NIRVANA A K • 1 • 2
Hilary Statum
Pair read-aloud stories with simple science experiments in this hands-on session. Teachers will receive all needed materials—including the story, comprehension questions, and a detailed science experiment lesson plan for each pairing. Discover easy literacy strategies and fun science activities designed to spark curiosity and deepen understanding, making it simple to integrate literacy and science in your classroom!
A07 Fine Motor Fusion & Sensory Synergy
NIRVANA B
P • K • 1 • 2
LeAnna Wolkis Goldstein
Joyful learning flourishes when fine motor skills and sensory exploration are at the heart of daily instruction. Step into a world where little hands achieve BIG milestones through tactile play and rich sensory experiences. Join LeAnna as she shares engaging tools and strategies to strengthen motor coordination, build essential brain pathways, and inspire exploration of varied textures. Together, we’ll discover practical ways to weave fine motor development and sensory learning into everyday lessons—laying a strong foundation for lifelong success.
Expo Hall
Plan to visit The Exploration Hall from 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Thursday and from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Friday.
Share your 2026 Pump Up Primary experiences using our official Twitter & Instagram accounts! Join us at the conference! CLICK here TO REGISTER NOW online
Repeat Session - See L06. Highfrequency words are often labeled as “sight words” that students must memorize, but research shows that most of these words are, in fact, decodable when connected to phonics rules. In this session, teachers will explore how phonics knowledge empowers students to read and spell high-frequency words with confidence. Learn how to identify which parts of a word follow predictable phonics patterns and which parts are irregular, helping students focus on what is decodable instead of memorizing entire words. Experience practical strategies and classroom-ready routines of how explicit phonics instruction and heart word routines can transform the way high-frequency words are taught. Walk away with tools to make instruction more systematic, effective, and accessible for all learners—laying the foundation for stronger reading and spelling outcomes.
A09 Limitless Literacy CONNECTION
K • 1
Sarah Howe
Come learn ways to get the biggest literacy bang for your instructional time! This session will be jammed packed with practical ideas to freshen up your literacy instruction through a variety of morning messages, vocabulary games, writing formats and so
much more! You will leave with instructional, organizational and management strategies to help your little learners grow.
A10 Keep Reading Loose with Mother Goose IMAGINATION
P • K • 1 • 2
Michael Lockett
Educator/International
Storyteller/Children’s Author, Mike Lockett, will play with Mother Goose Poems and show a wealth of learning that can come from one of the oldest forms of literature that has been used in American schools. The session will include history, music, rhymes and rhythms, fingerplays, movement and more that have made Mother Goose loved for years. Several delightful children’s books that are based on Mother Goose will be shared by the presenter.
A11 Word by Word: Building Writers and Language Together INNOVATION
P • K • 1
Amber Beutel
In this hands-on session, learn how writing instruction can support language development word by word. Designed for early educators and ESL teachers, learn to blend grammar-based routines with practical, playful strategies that build strong writers from the start. We’ll explore oral-to-written language supports, sentence-building strategies, and scaffolds for multilingual learners. Leave with adaptable tools, activity ideas, and renewed confidence in supporting all writers, especially those developing English.
So many times teachers wonder if a student in their classroom has dyslexia. In this presentation, we will discuss what dyslexia is, myths/facts about dyslexia, what to do if you suspect a student has dyslexia, and some ways to help students that you can use. We will also talk about the Illinois Dyslexia Handbook and how it applies to the primary classroom.
A13 Whipping Up Strategies for Small Group Phonics Instruction
EPIPHANY
K • 1
Melissa Gill
Are you looking to spice up your small group phonics instruction? Learn a variety of effective, research-based strategies that target foundational reading skills in a fun and engaging way. Explore how to differentiate instruction, use quick assessments to guide groupings, and incorporate multi-sensory tools to boost student success. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to refresh your phonics toolkit, you’ll leave with practical, ready-to-use ideas that support all learners in mastering the building blocks of reading.
A14 Climbing the Ladder to Positive Classroom Behaviors
PROSPERITY
P Chelsea Ladd
Come learn many behavior techniques that can be used in a classroom, especially with strong-willed students. Techniques are based on visuals of ladders - one of the ladders with multiple rungs that are close together, and another whose rungs are far apart. We will bring together many different classroom and behavior management ideas that can be used to help manage behaviors more effectively. The idea behind the ladders is that we need to take multiple small steps up the ladder (using many different behavior management techniques) to gain success in creating relationships with our students, communities in our classrooms, and helping to give them the tools they need to manage their behaviors. The ladder with rungs that are very far apart will represent unrealistic expectations that teachers may have for their students, which can create major discord in the classroom, leaving little room for building a relationship with the students. This will lead to the child’s and teacher’s frustration and continued negative behaviors. The multi-rung process will comprise many different behavior techniques and theories that I have used in my classroom. I will also share personal triumphs and frustrations throughout my career as a preschool teacher.
Share your 2026 Pump Up Primary experiences using our official Twitter & Instagram accounts!
Come explore the vital role of parent engagement in early childhood education, focusing on strategies to foster strong, meaningful partnerships between schools and families. Designed for educators and administrators, the session will highlight practical, age-appropriate approaches to connect with parents of students in preschool through 2nd grade. Learn how to create welcoming environments, support learning at home, and build trust through consistent communication. Whether you’re looking to boost family participation or deepen existing connections, this session will provide tools and insights to help every child thrive through collaborative support.
A16 Literacy + Movement: Transforming Your Read Aloud into Storybook Yoga
SCHAUMBURG A/B
P • K • 1 • 2
Erin Bracco
Asher Waldron
BBKY embraces this philosophy through our literacy-based yoga curriculum. Infusing yoga into storytime and readalouds is our favorite way to encourage little learners to move loudly. Join Erin Bracco as she demonstrates ways to make your read-alouds come to life with the magic of yoga. We develop yoga sequences to mirror
children’s literature. This helps to engage students and allows children the opportunity to truly embody the story, providing more opportunities for recall and retelling. We enlist the help of music to enhance your storybook yoga experience.
A17 Play with a Purpose: Where Fun Meets Learning
SCHAUMBURG C
K • 1 • 2 • A
Erin Alexander
Join us for “Play with a Purpose,” an energizing session designed to help K–2 educators reimagine play as a powerful, practical part of everyday instruction. Discover how meaningful, developmentally appropriate play isn’t extra — it’s a research-backed strategy that boosts learning, builds engagement, and fits seamlessly into what you’re already teaching. You’ll walk away with innovative ideas, real-world examples, and ready-to-use tools that bring joyful, purposeful play into every part of your day.
A18 Fact + Fiction = Great Reading for PreK & Kindergartners
SCHAUMBURG D
P • K
Marge Cox
Participants will focus on connecting factual and fictional literature to help students enjoy learning in new ways. Experience hands-on opportunities with the books. Age-appropriate activities will be included because children remember more when they are actively involved.
Repeat Session - See I19. You don’t have to be a scientist to do or have science in your classroom. Learn how to incorporate science into all areas of the classroom. Explore this “hands-on” workshop that contains easy and inexpensive science experiments, science activities and science table top props that you can do with children from two years old through one hundred plus years old.
A20
Little Learners, Big Ideas: Algebra in the Early Grades
SCHAUMBURG G
K • 1 • 2
Katie Love
Think algebra is just for middle school? Think again! Participants will explore how young children naturally engage in algebraic thinking through generalizations and patterns, equality and unknown quantities, and representations and models. We’ll examine what early algebra looks like in primary classrooms and how it connects to the development of deeper mathematical understanding. Through interactive activities and real classroom examples, attendees will experience strategies that support young learners in building foundational algebraic concepts—long before the letter “x” ever appears.
A21 Plant the Seeds of Curiosity: GardenThemed Activities to Help Kids Grow
SCHAUMBURG H
P • K • 1 • 2
Chris Wyant
Engage students with innovative and easyto-integrate spring- and garden-themed activities that pair well with exciting new books about food, farming, gardening, and growing. Participants in this hands-on presentation will leave with bushels of new lesson ideas, book recommendations, and access to more free resources from IL Ag in the Classroom.
Educators are overextended as they struggle to meet their classroom needs and maintain motivation to keep on going. Though we’ve been trying to make improvements for decades, we’re still overwhelmed. The future of student achievement depends on how we respond, so it’s essential to do something different now. Instead of fixing the problem with new products and extensive overhauls, which only adds more to your teacher to-do list, you’ll learn how to see yourself beyond yourself, operate in optimism and excellence, utilize the best resources you already have in place and nourish the relationships. Ultimately, you’ll gain practical tools to effectively improve the well-being of your classroom, starting with you.
C01 Sound, Map, Write: The Small Group Routine That Reinforces Decoding and Encoding
UTOPIA A
K • 1 • 2
Keri Brown
Looking for a routine that supports both reading and spelling skills without adding to your planning load? Come walk through a simple, research-based structure that helps students connect sounds to print and build automaticity with word recognition and writing. You’ll learn how to guide students through sound-by-sound mapping using Elkonin boxes, write words with purpose, and
strengthen phoneme-grapheme connections across a variety of phonics skills. Perfect for small group instruction or intervention, this routine helps students slow down, think critically, and build real-world confidence.
C02 Math Is More Than A Worksheet
UTOPIA B
K • 1 • 2
Adam Peterson
Make your Math block become the most memorable part of the day with games and activities that not only meet standards, but engage your students like never before. Gain ideas that are easy for
you to implement and easy for your kids to learn. Come explore a variety of hands-on math games designed to make learning fun and accessible for young learners. Discover practical strategies for integrating these activities into your classrooms to enhance mathematical fluency and problem-solving skills. Join Adam for an exciting journey to revitalize math instruction through the power of play consistency.
C03 From Scribbles to Sentences: Kindergarten Writing That Works
UTOPIA C
K • 1 • 2
Deedee Wills
Dive into your writing curriculum and show teachers how to scaffold writing instruction from drawing to labeling to full sentences using mini-lessons, anchor charts, and student samples.
C04 Project Connect Plus: Sparking Joy and Confidence in Kindergarten Assessment and Teaching
UTOPIA D
P • K • 1 • 2
Jie-Qi Chen
Rebeca Itzkowich
Looking for a way to make assessment meaningful and joyful in your kindergarten classroom? Come explore how Project Connect Plus helps teachers use simple, powerful instructional routines
to bring assessment and teaching together in a natural, playful way. Get hands-on with planning tools, printable templates, classroom videos, and student work samples to see how these routines come to life. Walk away with practical tools, fresh ideas, and renewed confidence in your ability to assess and teach in ways that honor how young children learn best.
C05 Light Up Learning at the Light Table
EUPHORIA P • K
Jackie Kops
Do you have a light table in your classroom and don’t know what to do with it? Are you thinking about getting a light table for your classroom? Come be inspired with tons of play-based, light table setups which integrate literacy, math, science, STEM, and fine motor skills that your students will love and learn a ton from too! Jackie will also share with you how to make simple, easy DIY manipulatives for the light table and show you supplies you can use at the light table from the dollar store to make learning fun!
Registration Deadline for the In-Person Conference is FEBRUARY 16, 2026
Registration Deadline for the Virtual Conference is MARCH 25, 2026
Repeat Session - See I07. Curious about AI but not sure where to start? This session is designed to introduce educators to easy-to-use AI tools that can help with lesson planning, communication, classroom organization, and more. You’ll explore practical, teacher-friendly examples that show how AI can save you time and bring more ease to your day. Walk away with tools, ideas, and inspiration to confidently begin using AI in ways that support your work—not add to it.
Note: now refreshed with updated tools, deeper implementation strategies, and new classroom examples. This session is recommended for those newer to AI tools and concepts.
C07 Game On, Brain On!
NIRVANA B
P • K • 1 • 2
LeAnna Wolkis Goldstein
Ready to turn your classroom into the ultimate learning playground? Join LeAnna for a jam-packed session full of interactive, hands-on games that get kids talking, teaming up, and thinking on their feet! From clever literacy challenges to math adventures, you’ll pick up easy-to-use ideas that make learning feel like playtime. Come gather a toolkit of creative, collaborative games that spark movement, imagination, and problem-solving—so every child leaves your room excited, engaged, and eager to learn more!
C08 From Ideas to Impact: Purposeful Literacy Centers
NIRVANA C
K • 1 • 2
Angela Griffith
Discover how to design and manage literacy centers that are purposeful, engaging, and rooted in best practices. Leave with practical strategies you can implement right away to support student success.
C09 Feel It, Read It, Grow: Using the I Feel… Series for Social-Emotional Learning CONNECTION
P • K • 1 • 2 • A
DJ Corchin
Get ready to laugh, share, and maybe even tear up a little! Join award-winning author DJ Corchin for a feel-good session on using the critically-acclaimed I Feel… Children’s Book Series to turn big emotions into big learning moments. Walk away with playful activities, silly stories, and creative ideas you can plug into your Pre-K–2nd grade classroom tomorrow. Let’s make feelings fun!
Click HERE to register only for the VIRTUAL CONFERENCE option.
C10 Crayons, Chaos and Confidence: Winning at Kindergarten IMAGINATION
K
Nikki Schroedle
Grace VanDerKolk
Discover practical strategies to create a thriving kindergarten classroom where structure, creativity, and confidence come together. Focus on building strong routines, managing behavior with empathy, and fostering independence in young learners. Learn how to support social-emotional development, create a positive classroom culture, and turn everyday challenges into meaningful learning opportunities. Whether you’re a new or experienced teacher, this session offers realworld tips, resources, and encouragement to help you lead your classroom with calm, clarity, and joy.
C11 Block Play - It’s not just for Pre-K! INNOVATION
P • K • 1 • 2
Sharon Sprague
Explore block play as an authentic, inclusive, and efficient way to meet learning standards in diverse primary classrooms. Discover how block play supports diverse learning styles and abilities through hands-on, open-ended exploration, fostering cognitive, social, emotional, and motor development. Aligned with Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles, block play offers multiple ways for children to engage, express understanding, and access content—
making it a powerful tool for equitable and developmentally appropriate instruction.
C12 Sight Word Hopscotch KNOWLEDGE
P • K • 1 • 2
Tammy Haggerty Jones
How do you teach sight words (Dolch/Fry/your grade level words) to students in grades K-2? Learn how general education and co-taught Sped classes can learn sight words by building a solid letter/ sound foundation and slowly introducing sight words for early reading success. Exposure to sight words encourages young readers to focus their cognitive energy on recognizing patterns, decoding unfamiliar words, tracking print, and understanding the meaning of sentences. Each child works at their own pace, without embarrassment or shame.
C13 Discovering Nature’s Secret EPIPHANY
P • K
Molly Babu
Calling all adventurers!
Discovering Nature’s Secret is a fun handson nature workshop designed to spark curiosity and love for the outdoors. This workshop encourages children to connect with nature, develop observation skills, and embrace the joy of outdoor discovery one tiny treasure at a time.
For parents, the journey from suspecting their child’s developmental delay to receiving special education services can be overwhelming and confusing. Illinois Early Learning (IEL) has tip sheets to guide families through this process. This session will explore ways that teachers can support families in understanding assessment and eligibility.
C15 Best Practices in an Early Childhood Classroom
SERENITY
P • K • 1 • A
Lori Pluchrat-Cole
Best practices are essential for having a successful school year. Implementing best practices might not always be easy. This session will emphasize the steps to take to ensure that the Brain-Targeted Teaching Model is implemented through a positive environment, self-reflection, social emotional learning, and student’s knowledge of skills. Strategies to use for students with challenging behaviors will also be addressed. These components will help educators grow personally, professionally, and allow
for collaboration with colleagues. Join this session to learn more about how to be comfortable, confident, and ready for the school year!
C16 Musical Yoga for Early Childhood
SCHAUMBURG A/B
P • K • 1 • 2 • A
Erin Bracco
Asher Waldron
Developmentally, young children learn through repetitive songs! Music is an engaging way to guide early learners in movement. Join Erin Bracco as she discusses the benefits of music on the brain, musical milestones, and practical tools to implement musical yoga into your classroom. Learn current yoga songs and ways to make up your own.
C17 Count, Sort, Play: Kindergarten Math the Fun Way
SCHAUMBURG C
K • 1
Connie Boznos
Karen Graber
Experience small group math activities for a variety of kindergarten math skills. Topics will include counting, number sense and identification, addition, subtraction, and decomposing numbers. Leave the session with ideas that you can take back and use right away!
C18 Juggle Language Foundations & Writing Standards in PreK-2
SCHAUMBURG D
P • K • 1 • 2
Kristina Smekens
Learn how to effectively integrate writing standards into your literacy instruction alongside foundational skills. Discover a variety of curriculum resources and scheduling options to ensure both areas are covered daily.
C19 Transitions that Teach
SCHAUMBURG F
P • K
Yolani Belfort
Christina Storm
Explore how to optimize your center time with all students within a given time frame of 30 minutes to 45 minutes. This can include the subject area for the day or theme study, with each skill being practiced at each table/floor center. Learn table activities interactively along with vocal transitions. Learn to share ways to document while in small groups that captures the learning taking place at that time. Learn to share ways to document, while in small groups, that capture the learning taking place at the time. We will PAUSE AND TALK and explore a Make and Take file folder for centers.
C20 Make + Play = Learn
SCHAUMBURG G
P • K • 1 • 2
Joyce Hemphill
Students benefit cognitively, physically, socially, and emotionally when we play and interact with others. Students also benefit cognitively, physically, and emotionally when we manipulate objects for a craft project. When the two are combined, the benefits are even greater. Come learn some simple educational make-n-play games and activities constructed from common everyday items. Plan to make and take home a couple of games and activities which help develop essential skills not only in the classroom, but in everyday life. Materials will be provided.
C21 Leading with H.E.A.R.T.: Real Tools to Cultivate Regulated and Resilient PreK
+ K Teams
SCHAUMBURG H
P • K • A
Monica Rollins
Early childhood leadership shouldn’t require self-sacrifice. We’ll ditch surface-level selfcare strategies and explore what it really takes to lead thriving teaching teams. Through the H.E.A.R.T.™ lens (Healing Environments for Aligned and Regulated Teams), we will explore the science of stress, embodied leadership practices, and community care strategies that support long-term well-being—for both staff and students. Expect hands-on activities, small group connection, and practical shifts you can implement immediately.
D01 From Scribbles to Stories: Turning Drawing Into a Writing Launchpad
UTOPIA A
K • 1 • 2
Keri Brown
Before they write it, they have to see it. In this session, discover how to use drawing as a powerful bridge to writing. You’ll learn how to teach students to tell their stories through pictures, add labels and captions, and grow those ideas into complete sentences. These developmentally appropriate strategies support all levels of writers and can be used during whole group, small group, or centers. You’ll leave with a toolkit of ideas to move students from “I can’t write” to “I have something to say!”
D02 Small Group Reading Instruction: Decoding Text and Meaning Making
UTOPIA B
K • 1 • 2
Melissa Leach
How does small group instruction change in line with the science? What do we keep? What do we change? What do we eliminate? How do we differentiate reading instruction for students and meet the needs of ALL learners? Come find out!
D03 Looking at Behavior with New Eyes: Using a Sensory Processing Approach
UTOPIA C
K • 1 • 2
Jennifer Rosinia
All behavior has meaning! The theory of sensory integration provides an alternative lens through which to observe behavior, develop new ways of interpreting behavior as well as to develop strategies that will address the unique sensory needs of each child. You’ll learn about the “lesser known” senses of vestibular and proprioception, the interrelated components of sensory processing, and the concepts of sensory modulation and sensory threshold. Time will be spent discussing the possible meanings of specific behaviors that are confusing and challenging. More importantly, ways to help the children who demonstrate these behaviors will be discussed. The importance of cue reading will be examined as a window into understanding each child’s unique neurological makeup. We will conclude with an interactive discussion of the practical ways in which this information can be used to modify, adapt and enhance environments (which include interpersonal relationships) as well as curriculum and intervention strategies in the service of fostering optimal behavior, development and learning.
Share your 2026 Pump Up Primary experiences using our official Twitter & Instagram accounts!
Repeat Session - See I04. Step into the world of Transitional Kindergarten with veteran educator, Katie Blue. This session offers a comprehensive look at what a typical day in a TK classroom looks like—from morning routines to centers, whole-group instruction to playbased learning. Attendees will leave with a clear understanding of how to structure the day, meet state standards while honoring early learners’ needs, and create a joyful and engaging classroom culture. Whether you’re new to TK or looking to refine your approach, this session will equip you with tools, resources, and inspiration to make each day in TK meaningful and memorable.
D05 Catch, Support, Grow: Strategies for Students Who Need ‘Just a Little More’
EUPHORIA
P • K
Diane Schoenheider
Mallory Lawler
Many Pre-K students show early signs of needing support before they qualify for formal intervention. This engaging, strategy-packed session focuses on how to respond effectively to those “inbetween” kids. The students who need just a little more to thrive with language, regulation,
or peer interaction. Using the L-R-S Framework (Language, Regulation, Social), participants will learn how to interpret common classroom behaviors and connect them to practical, developmentally appropriate supports. The session features interactive demonstrations, real classroom scenarios, and ready-to-use tools designed for Pre-K settings. Participants will leave with a simple planning tool, printable visual supports, and at least one strategy they’re ready to try immediately. Built specifically for early childhood educators, this session offers a responsive approach to behavior that centers student need. It bridges the space between instruction and formal MTSS with clarity, compassion, and evidenceinformed practice.
D06 Engage and Accelerate: Math and Reading Fluency Strategies
NIRVANA A
K • 1 • 2
Hilary Statum
Get ready to make fluency practice your students’ favorite part of the day! You’ll explore fun engaging, low-prep activities that build both math and reading fluency. Discover playful routines, partner games, and movement-based strategies that help young learners build speed, accuracy, and confidence—all while having a blast. You’ll leave with ready-to-use ideas that align with early learning standards and bring joy to foundational skill-building!
D07 Leap of Learning: Encouraging Young Learners to Take Risks and Grow
NIRVANA B
P • K • 1 • 2
Kendrick Johnson
Let’s dive into strategies for encouraging students to step outside their comfort zones and embrace the power of taking risks in learning. Discover how to create a safe, supportive environment where mistakes are celebrated as opportunities for growth. With a focus on building confidence and creativity, you’ll leave with tools to help your young learners take on challenges, ask questions, and approach learning with curiosity. Get ready to redefine your classroom as a place where risks lead to great discoveries!
D08 Calendar Time
NIRVANA C
K
Mary Amoson
Fill your teacher toolbox with inexpensive, new ideas for teaching and re-teaching the requirements across all content areas during your calendar time. Discover Mary’s fresh activities and games in action videos from her classroom and find out how easily you can incorporate higher-order thinking skills, listening and speaking skills, and daily informal assessments as your kindergartners beg for more!
D09 Enhancing Learning and Reducing Teacher Workload: Using Technology and AI in the Primary Classroom CONNECTION
K • 1
Laura Eichberger
Explore innovative and practical ways to integrate technology in the primary classroom to enhance learning, engagement, and teacher efficiency. Embrace the benefits of technology in the classroom, learn triedand-tested educational websites, and experience a beginner-friendly introduction to using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to reduce teacher workload. The session will also include a curated list of useful websites and apps that support learning in literacy, numeracy, creativity, and collaboration, with a focus on those that are free or low-cost and suitable for young learners.
D10 Smooth Transitions from PreK to K - More Than Just Orientation IMAGINATION
P • K
Lynn Burgett
Diane Richey
Come learn concrete ways to provide a smooth transition from Preschool to Kindergarten. Review a process that includes creating a team, working together to set goals and create an action plan, implement your plan and celebrate successes. Hear from coaches currently facilitating this process with three
districts, and you will leave with some practical ways and tools for starting the process in your district/community.
D11 Recess Revival: Boosting Classroom Success Through Outdoor Play INNOVATION
P • K • 1 • 2 • A
Valerie Mulvenna
Join us to explore how expanded outdoor recess time is transforming our youngest learners’ school experiences! Dr. Mulvenna will share her dissertation findings, and through real classroom observations and teacher conversations, we’ll uncover how those precious outdoor minutes might be secretly enhancing focus and engagement. We’ll tackle the real challenges you face— fitting recess into packed schedules and balancing play with academic demands— while celebrating the power of unstructured outdoor time. Leave with practical strategies to debunk common myths about “just playing outside” and discover how intentional unstructured play supports your students’ social-emotional growth and learning readiness, even when time feels tight. Let’s rediscover how play and learning work handin-hand in early childhood!
D12 Alphabet Stories: An Interactive Narrative Approach Letter Development KNOWLEDGE
P
Paula Fink
Alyanna Gonzales
Teaching the alphabet has never been more creative and engaging! Join to see letters like you’ve never seen them before. With support from studies in foundational literacy, creative growth and more, you’ll understand why students who learn from this interactive method actually LOVE learning their letters! Take home readyto-use ideas about how to shake up the traditional, foundational ways of teaching the alphabet and be ready to have a blast creating stories about each letter to promote positive and experiential learning.
D13 Math + Picture
Books
= Genius! Teaching Math
Content through Stories
EPIPHANY
P • K • 1 • 2
Becky Hill
Primary students need math concepts introduced to them using everyday language. Using picture books is the best way for students to relate to content they are learning. We will share a developmental stages model for building mathematical language and you will experience and take away activities that showcase literacy and language in mathematics lessons in their
grade level. You will be participating in rotational, center type activities. Each table will have activities and supplies for specific grades Pre-K through Grade 2. Come engage with others from your grade level and explore lessons using literature and manipulatives.
D14 The Dream Team: Co-Teaching Strategies
PROSPERITY
P • K • 1 • 2
Tanya Boyle
Kacie Bernis
Co-teaching offers incredible benefits but presents unique challenges. Exchanging experiences and strategies is essential, as each individual has their own style. These differences, however, can occasionally lead to difficulties. Recognizing that students are sensitive to classroom dynamics, prioritizing a positive atmosphere is crucial. Explore with us our multiple years of collaborative teaching with different teachers, delivering a strong base of experience on which to draw. Building a solid foundation now, can ensure you develop a dream team, instead of facing a disastrous team situation.
D15 Standard-Based Learning SERENITY
K • 1 • 2 • A
Yanina Jimenez
Gain a clear and simple understanding of what Standards-Based Learning (SBL) is and why it matters. You’ll learn
how SBL helps students focus on mastering skills instead of just earning grades. We’ll walk through easy, practical ways to connect lessons and assessments to standards. Discover how to give better feedback and track progress clearly. Whether you’re new to SBL or want to improve how you use it, you’ll leave with ready-to-use strategies that work in real classrooms. Come ready to learn, apply, and help students succeed through meaningful and lasting learning.
D16 Spillers, Fillers and Thrillers!!
SCHAUMBURG A/B
P • K
Carole “Miss Carole” Stephens
Repeat Session - See K16. NO – we’re not flower arranging – just making sure your students aren’t becoming potted plants! Miss Carole will share music and movement for quieting down, brain breaks and reviving engagement. There’ll be some new takes on old favorites and musical games you haven’t tried yet. Give yourself a shot of serotonin (and a break from sitting!)
D17 Picture This! Visual Supports for All Learners
SCHAUMBURG C
P • K
Shawn Crandell
Carly Scott
Young learners thrive on structure, consistency, and clear communication—especially in early childhood settings. We will explore the power of visual
supports as a foundational tool for promoting independence, reducing challenging behaviors, and enhancing communication and understanding in preschool and kindergarten classrooms. Participants will learn how to design and implement a wide range of visual supports, including visual schedules, cue cards, classroom labels, choice boards, social narratives, and more. Whether you’re supporting students with special needs or simply seeking to strengthen classroom routines, this session will provide practical strategies, examples, and ready-to-use resources that can be applied immediately. Drawing on our own classroom experiences, we will share how visual supports have helped us create more inclusive and student-centered environments. Participants will also have the opportunity to collaborate with peers, reflect on their own practice, and leave with a toolkit of ideas to energize their classrooms.
D18 Cracking the Code:
The Secret Sauce of Effective Comprehension Instruction
SCHAUMBURG D 1 • 2
Melissa Gill
Reading comprehension isn’t just about answering questions after reading—it’s about building thinking readers who understand, connect, and engage with texts on a deep level. In this dynamic 60-minute session, we’ll explore what truly drives comprehension growth across grade levels and content areas. We’ll unpack research-based instructional moves and model how to scaffold and sustain
student understanding before, during, and after reading! Whether you’re working with emerging readers or tackling complex texts, you’ll gain practical tools to transform passive reading into active meaning-making.
D19 Rigor a través del juego: Centros en un salón bilingüe que lo logran todo
SCHAUMBURG F P • K • 1
Zahidee Marcano
Martha Mancera
Zahidelys Urbano
En esta sesión, los participantes recibirán estrategias para integrar el rigor académico dentro del juego en centros de aprendizaje. También aprenderán a adaptar juegos tradicionales para trabajar la lectura, la escritura y las matemáticas de manera divertida y significativa. Al final, prepararán una actividad práctica que podrán llevarse para usar en su salón de clases.
D20 Phonics, Phonemes & Patterns: Braiding the Strands of UFLI, OrtonGillingham & Heggerty for Early Reading Success
SCHAUMBURG G P • K • 1 • 2
Steve Oertle
Meghan Bearley
In the primary years, effective reading
instruction isn’t about picking one program— it’s about purposefully combining the best tools. This session explores how UFLI
Foundations, Orton-Gillingham, and Heggerty Phonemic Awareness can work together to build a comprehensive K-2 literacy approach rooted in the science of reading. Participants will understand how each program supports early reading and learn how to braid these approaches into a cohesive weekly routine. We will examine lesson examples, progress monitoring tools, and alignment strategies. “In the primary years, effective reading instruction isn’t about picking one program—it’s about purposefully combining the best tools.
D21 Moving Young Minds: Using TPR in Early Childhood Education
SCHAUMBURG H
P • K • A
Ashley Passfield
Evelyn Mescha
Come to discover Total Physical Response (TPR), an evidence-based teaching strategy that blends movement with language to support early learning. Rooted in brain-based research and language acquisition theory, TPR enhances vocabulary development, supports social-emotional growth, and increases engagement where you will experience firsthand how TPR supports vocabulary development, following directions, social-emotional learning, and engagement across the curriculum giving educators practical ideas, ready-to-use examples, and the inspiration to bring TPR into their classrooms immediately.
D22 Behavior Management Tool Box
SCHAUMBURG EAST
K • 1 • 2
Rachelle Sikes
Whether you are a brand new teacher with your first class or a veteran teacher, we can always use more behavior tools in our teacher toolbox. This session will share ideas for the whole class and individual behavior management.
D23 “Fair Play”: Easily Implemented Inclusive Accommodations and Modifications for Every Day Instruction
SCHAUMBURG WEST
P • K
Carrie Servough
Mindy Wisecup
Inclusion is happening, but how do I meet the needs of ALL my pre-k and kindergarten students? Especially during required instruction time? During this session, you will hear some of our own struggles with inclusion, accommodations to help students focus and regulate, and a variety of strategies that we have found effective and simple to implement. You can start implementing new accommodations in your classroom right away!
Share your 2025 Pump Up Primary experiences using our official Twitter & Instagram accounts!
Are we still doing spelling tests? How does dictation work, and how often should I be doing it? What is the research behind it? Join Jake as he answers all these questions and more about the shift from memory-based spelling tests to daily dictation practice. Explore the importance of a speech to print approach, and get hands-on practice with key sound to spelling strategies for K-2 students.
E02 Dollar Store Teacher Wars!
UTOPIA B
P • K
Adam Peterson
Katie Blue
Get ready for a fast-paced, hands-on, and wildly fun session where creativity, collaboration, and classroom innovation collide! Join Adam and Katie as they challenge you to think outside the box and inside the budget! In this session we will collaborate to transform simple, low-cost dollar store finds into powerful instructional tools, and engaging classroom experiences. In this session, everyone walks away a winner with fresh ideas, practical strategies and loads of fun!
E03 Stonework Play: An Authentic Experience for All Ages
UTOPIA C
P • K • 1 • 2
Amy Sussna Klein
For most of the session, participants will have stones and participate in Stonework Play. Stonework Play, founded by Diana Suskind is a self-directed way to engage in meaningful play with an element of nature. This play fosters creativity.
Stonework Play has five carefully outlined steps that build upon one another. The steps are: (1) gathering, (2) constructing, (3) rendering, (4) narrating, and (5) sharing. Many national learning standards are met with an authentic and engaging approach during these steps.
E04 Word Nerd Bootcamp: Phonics Games That Work
UTOPIA D K
Greg Smedley Warren
Phonics doesn’t have to be boring. Period. This session with Mr. Greg is all about turning the “ugh” into “YES!” with games that get kids moving, talking, laughing, and learning. Discover phonics activities that bring the science of reading to life and keep your students begging for more. Spoiler alert: You’ll leave with ideas that are fun, effective, and ready for tomorrow morning.
It’s easy to get overwhelmed, frustrated and even angry when a child is having a meltdown. This experience is hard for both the person having the meltdown, as well as for anyone present at the time. We will begin with a brief review of the stress response system and an introduction to sensory processing. Participants will learn what happens to the body when feeling overwhelmed, under attack, hijacked and helpless. Three distinct stages of a meltdown will be described and discussed beginning with the identification of some triggers, signs and symptoms that may indicate a meltdown is starting. Appropriate prevention and intervention strategies, at each stage, will be provided and discussed. By understanding the anatomy of a meltdown everyone who cares for and/or works with young children with these types of challenges will be better equipped to understand what a child’s behavior might mean and offer help and support during these difficult times.
E06 Next-Level AI for Teachers
NIRVANA A
K • 1 • 2
Shannon Cunningham
Let’s level up your AI game. In this follow-up session, we’ll push beyond the basics and explore clever ways to use AI in your world as a teacher. Get ready for new
tools, fresh ideas, and surprising ways to save time, spark creativity, and lighten your load— without the overwhelm.
Note: This session is designed for educators who are already using AI and ready to explore new possibilities. It pairs well with “AI Tools for Teachers,” and attending that session first is recommended for those newer to AI.
E07 From Consequence to Connection:
Rebuilding Trust and Re-engaging Young Learners After Discipline
NIRVANA B
P • K • 1 • 2
Kendrick Johnson
Discipline doesn’t have to be the end of the story—it can be the beginning of something better! We’ll dive into how to restore relationships and rebuild trust after discipline in a way that’s gentle and supportive for students. Learn practical, age-appropriate strategies for making sure students return to the classroom feeling respected and reconnected. We’ll focus on building rapport, encouraging positive behavior, and maintaining high expectations—creating an environment where every child feels accountable, safe, and ready to learn.
Session numbers are in numeric order; however, missing numbers do not mean missing sessions.
E08 Cracking the Code: How Alphabet Knowledge Fuels Decoding
NIRVANA C
K • 1 • 2
Angela Griffith
Discover why alphabet knowledge is a musthave skill for beginning readers. You’ll learn how letter recognition and naming help students connect sounds to letters, build decoding skills, and support orthographic mapping. Walk away with practical ideas to use in whole-group lessons or small-group interventions.
E09 Planning Science of Reading for Small Groups
CONNECTION
K • 1 • 2
Danielle Bringman Karnesha March
Teachers have so much on their plates and planning reading small groups based on the Science of Reading is one thing that can frustrate teachers. Research shows small group instruction has been proven as a way to differentiate learning for students but it can be challenging to plan effective small groups. Get ready to use the data you get from reading assessments to plan effective small group interventions based on your student reading needs.
E10 IEP Essentials: Are You Providing FAPE?
IMAGINATION
P • K • 1 • 2 • A
Shelley Kenow
All due process hearings stem from poorly written IEPs. Whether you are a general or special education teacher, this will help you have a better understanding of how to write and implement IEPs that truly provide FAPE (Free Appropriate Public Education) while meeting the unique needs of the child and preparing them for further education, employment, and independent living. I thought I knew EVERYTHING about writing and implementing IEPs, after all, I have over 30 years of experience as a special educator. However, I found out there is so much more! You will learn the basics of each page of the IEP, what your responsibility is in implementing the IEP, why it is important to be as clear as possible, and what advocates are telling their parent clients to look for!
Registration Deadline for the In-Person Conference is FEBRUARY 16, 2026
Registration Deadline for the Virtual Conference is MARCH 25, 2026
Are you looking for some poppin’ fun ways to increase literacy skills in your classroom?
Then this is the workshop for you. Come see some creative, interactive, multisensory literacy activities to get your literacy classroom poppin’. These activities will engage your students and push them to be interactive. You will explore fun multisensory literacy activities that will just make you pop. Leave with ready-to-use ideas that will pop up multisensory instruction and learning in your primary classroom.
E12 Whole-Child Support:
Integrating Sensory Strategies and Family Engagement.
KNOWLEDGE
P • K • A
Jennifer Dienelt
Alejandra Ganddini
Daisy Talerva
We will share practical strategies for integrating sensory supports throughout the school day. To deepen the impact of these approaches, we will also highlight how we have successfully partnered with families to extend learning
beyond the classroom. Attendees will explore examples of effective materials, toys, and books that have worked well in our settings. Finally, participants will receive ready-to-use handouts designed to help educators and administrators implement these strategies in their own schools.
E13 How Direct Instruction Works in Primary EPIPHANY
K • 1 • 2 • A
Rochelle Luttrell
Direct Instruction is an evidence-based practice that works for all students. But many believe that it is not developmental. Participants will learn what Direct Instruction looks like in Primary Grades. K-2 classroom teachers will walk away from the session with an understanding of ways to incorporate Direct Instruction into their classrooms starting the day they return from the conference. Administrators will go back with ideas to assist teachers incorporate Direct Instruction in their buildings.
E14 Tender Minds Understanding Trauma and Its Impact on Learners PROSPERITY
2
Lesley Bracero
Natoia Franklin
Explore how trauma affects learning, behavior, and emotional regulation in 2nd grade students. Gain a foundational understanding of
trauma’s impact on brain development and classroom performance. Practical strategies will be shared to help build trust, create safe classroom environments, and foster resilience. Hands-on activities will include designing calm-down corners, role-playing restorative conversations, and creating trauma-sensitive routines. Get involved through discussion prompts, scenario analysis, and group reflection. Time will be set aside for Q&A to address real classroom challenges and exchange ideas. Attendees will leave with practical tools, a sample resource packet, and increased confidence in supporting young learners affected by trauma—ensuring every child feels seen, safe, and supported. This session is designed specifically for 2nd grade teachers seeking to make an immediate and compassionate impact in their classrooms.
E15 Student-Centered Learning Environments
SERENITY
P
Jennifer Fernandez
The Pre-K classroom is often called “the third teacher”. Therefore, it is crucial to be purposeful and intentional in setting up that environment. Experience a general overview of the key elements for creating a classroom that allows children to feel safe, gain independence, and engage with people and materials to foster learning. Seize the opportunity to apply what is learned as you analyze your own environment regarding health and safety, physical arrangement, consideration of children’s perspectives, and appropriate learning materials.
E16 I’ve Got Rhythm: Musical Manipulatives To Enhance Learning
SCHAUMBURG A/B
P • K
Carole “Miss Carole” Stephens
Repeat Session - See L16. Get a bang out of your students’ innate abilities! Simple chants, songs, and movements that reinforce steady beat (a necessary skill for emerging readers) can keep a child’s access to the sense of rhythm with which they’re born not only intact, but growing! Hands-on clapping, tapping, drumming, and shaking will help you retain the techniques used. Failure resistant content with classroom-tested techniques for teachers with all degrees of musical ability and experience. Learning should be fun - for you AND your students!
E17 The Power of Bridging: Explicitly Connecting Languages for Early Bilingual Learners
SCHAUMBURG C
P • K • 1 • 2 • A
Laura Carbajal-Ramirez
Jennifer Janoso
This interactive 60-minute session will equip PreK-2ndgrade bilingual teachers with practical strategies to leverage students’ home language (L1) as a powerful bridge for English (L2) acquisition, and vice versa. We’ll explore cross-linguistic connections in phonics (e.g., consonant sounds like /m/ and /s/), vocabulary (e.g., familia/family, hospital/
hospital), and comprehension strategies (e.g., making inferences). The presentation will offer actionable techniques for building robust oracy (e.g., using L1 to clarify complex concepts before L2 discussion, practicing L2 with sentence starters like “My favorite part is...”), reading (e.g., recognizing cognates in texts, applying story structure knowledge from L1), and writing skills (e.g., L1 drawing/ labeling for planning, transferring basic sentence construction). Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how to honor and utilize students’ bilingualism as a significant asset for academic success and identity development in the classroom.
E18 Beyond Deescalation: The Balanced Educator Framework
SCHAUMBURG D
P • K • 1 • 2
Ryan Reinecke
Beyond De-escalation is a transformative professional development training designed to help educators understand the root causes of student behavior and implement researchbased strategies that foster a positive, supportive learning environment. Instead of relying on traditional disciplinary approaches that often fail to address underlying issues, this training equips educators with the tools to meet students’ fundamental needs, reducing conflict and improving classroom culture.
By integrating the 8 C’s of Behavior—a framework that identifies core human needs and their connection to behavior—educators will learn how to shift from reactive discipline
to proactive support. This approach benefits both students and teachers, leading to greater job satisfaction, reduced stress, and improved student outcomes.
E19 Making Math HandsOn, Easy & Fun!
SCHAUMBURG F
P • K • 1 • 2
Karen Graber
Repeat Session - See M23. This session is packed with easy and fun math activities that can be used for whole group instruction or centers. I will share ideas that will cover the math standards while making math easy and fun.
E20 Our 7 Senses & the World Around Us
SCHAUMBURG G
P • K • 1 • 2
Jordi Cavanagh
Carol Hepner
Come explore your senses and environment. Take an adventure into your classroom, school or community, if you can. We will provide hands-on experiences that can be done in or outside the classroom. Depending on your grade level or the space that you have.
As we are all in the education field we expect to collaborate with you as a class. See how some of our ideas would work for you or how we could adapt them so they will work, allowing for time to discuss and work with the materials that we have brought in. Some of the materials may make a mess, but we will have that covered as well.
During our discussion, see how each of you can implement the activities for crosscurricular use. We can meet goals, objectives and standards in one activity. Lastly, we all know that our students learn by hands-on experiences.
E21 Autism - A Few Things To Know
SCHAUMBURG H
K • 1 • 2
Renata Serpico
Come learn the basics of Autism - break down stereotypes and gain a few strategies for K-2 teachers to use in your classroom for children with Autism. Explore scientific definitions, classroom strategies, and visual supports that may benefit children with Autism. Your takeaway will be to encourage inclusion and special education support within the general education classroom.
E22 Picture It to Solve It: Visual Models for Word Problem Success
SCHAUMBURG EAST
K • 1 • 2 • A
Jennie Winters
Bryant Hale
Unlock the power of visual thinking in early math instruction! K–2 educators will explore practical classroom strategies for using visual models to help students make sense of and solve addition and subtraction word problems. Through hands-on activities and real-world examples, participants will
engage with visual model mats, manipulatives, and student-friendly tools that bring abstract math concepts to life.
Expect a dynamic, collaborative environment that models interactive learning techniques, giving you the chance to experience the instructional strategies in action. We will wrap up with dedicated time for reflection, discussion, and Q&A, so you leave not only inspired but equipped with tools you can use immediately in your classroom.
E23 “Wait... This Counts as PD?!” TikTok-Inspired Teaching Tricks for Terrific Teachers
SCHAUMBURG WEST
P • K • 1
Lori York
Have you ever been scrolling through TikTok and thought, “I should be getting professional development credit for this”? Well—now you can! In this fun, fast-paced, and high-energy session, you’ll discover a treasure trove of teacher-tested tips and tricks that you can take straight back to your primary classroom. From boosting student engagement and fine motor skills to enhancing learning through music, movement, and the arts, you’ll explore creative, over-the-top ideas that actually work. Get ready to laugh, learn, and leave inspired with a fresh toolkit full of classroomready strategies!
ALLING ALL OLUNTEERS
unteers are needed to collect session tickets, give directions, and help with conference procedures for participants.
Phonics for Below, Above, and Multilingual Learners
UTOPIA A
K • 1 • 2
Jake Daggett
We’ve done a great job getting the word out about having a strong, interactive Tier 1 phonics block. But what about below and above level learners? What about multilingual learners? How do we analyze spelling data to make instructional choices? Join Jake as he unpacks research from Wiley Blevins and Linnea Ehri and models differentiation in action during your daily phonics instruction.
F02 Looking at New Picture Books for Social Emotional Learning
UTOPIA A
P • K • 1 • 2
Becky Anderson
Repeat Session - See K08. Come focus on SEL (Social Emotional Learning) picture books that are great selections for classrooms from PreK-1st grade. The four major topics of books include: Empathy and Kindness, Emotion Management, Growth Mindset, Goal Setting, and Problem Solving. SEL education is essential right now, as it helps children to understand themselves and others. It builds empathy, communication skills, and relationships. These soft skills are essential in young lives and will continue to develop as they grow older. In addition to new SEL books, we will also present new Read Alouds, non-fiction titles, and other new books.
F03 Poetry, Song, and the Brain!
UTOPIA C K • 1 • 2
Deedee Wills
Boost reading engagement with daily poetry and fun reading activities! Deedee will show you how to keep your students engaged and motivated while meeting the phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, and reading fluency standards. Reach students from all types of learning styles while they sing, move, and fall in love with poetry in your classroom.
F04 Small Groups Simplified
UTOPIA D K
Greg Smedley-Warren
Simplify your workload and streamline small group instruction with this session. Discover how to seamlessly integrate your whole group instruction into small groups, effectively reducing your planning time and workload. Gain insights into organizational tips, research-based lessons, and activities. Witness small group instruction in action through real examples from a kindergarten classroom. Conference confirmations will be emailed & session tickets will be picked up onsite.
F05 Purposeful Retelling: Strengthening Comprehension through Interactive Read-Alouds and Play-Based Activities
EUPHORIA
P • K
Jackie Kops
Retelling is a powerful instructional strategy that supports early reading comprehension, vocabulary development, and oral language skills. You will learn research-based strategies to incorporate character and setting cards, various kinds of puppets, props, and interactive anchor charts during whole group circle time and center time to support vocabulary, sequencing, story structure, and deeper comprehension. Discover how rereading and retelling through playful, hands-on activities helps young learners make meaningful connections to stories and become confident storytellers.
F06 From Wiggles to Writing: Boosting Fine and Gross Motor Skills
NIRVANA A
K • 1 • 2
Hilary Statum
Explore the difference between gross motor skills (large muscle movements) and fine motor skills (small, precise actions), and why both are vital for young learners’ development. Experience ready-to-use materials, activities, and strategies to help primary teachers support motor growth through engaging, purposeful play. Leave equipped to build stronger, confident, and more coordinated students!
F07 Hitting Pause, Sparking Insight: Teaching Young Learners to Think About Their Thinking
NIRVANA B
P • K • 1 • 2
Kendrick Johnson
In this interactive session, we’ll explore simple, ageappropriate strategies that help young students think about their thinking. By introducing metacognitive practices early on, you’ll empower your students to recognize how they learn and apply that knowledge to deepen their understanding. Learn creative techniques for guiding your students through self-reflection, helping them “pause” and assess their thought processes. This session will show you how to make thinking about thinking both fun and effective for young learners!
F08 Making Science Meaningful
NIRVANA C K
Mary Amoson
Replenish your supply of fresh ideas and hands-on activities for making science content topics meaningful to little learners. Learn how to integrate multiple content areas into science while making learning fun for your class. STEM activities, art projects, and games will help your students learn like never before! We are adding components to make this session more hands-on and interactive.
All year long, we welcome students new to our communities and classrooms. How do we structure support during their first week, while we already have routines and instruction happening? Explore practical and sustainable ways to provide support to newcomer students during their first week. You’ll have time to discuss what’s working in your systems, share ideas, and ask questions. Leave with a digital toolbank of resources to take back to your space. Thursday, Mar. 5th
F09 Your First Week with Newcomers CONNECTION
K • 1 • 2
Carly Spina
F10 Unlocking Success for Struggling Writers: An Expert OT’s Guide for Primary Classrooms
IMAGINATION
1 • 2 Polly Benson
Some 1st and 2nd graders struggle with handwriting and fine motor skills but don’t qualify for OT. This interactive session, led by Polly Benson, an expert OT, will give you practical, budget-friendly ideas to help your struggling writers succeed. Discover handson activities that build pencil grasp, hand strength, and writing stamina using simple tools like LegiLiner®, household items, and playful movement breaks. Try quick exercises during the session and take home easy-toimplement strategies for creating a fine motor–friendly classroom environment. You’ll learn
how to adapt tasks for students who need extra support and how to motivate reluctant writers without adding stress to your day. The session will include demonstrations, real examples for 1st and 2nd grade, and time for your questions and discussion. Walk away with an OT-inspired toolkit you can use immediately to unlock success for every young writer in your classroom.
F11 Level Up Your Team to be More
Effective INNOVATION
A Beth Napleton
If someone asked you about your team, what’s your first response? Unless it’s “amazing and harmonious”--attend this workshop! Whether the leader is too in-theweeds, people are stuck in old ways, or drama keeps you from the mission, complex humans and the profound effects of team dysfunction are challenging. Join us to maximize your impact as a leader in a hands-on, actionable way: you’ll assess what’s working (and not working yet) on your team, analyze case studies of similar situations, familiarize yourself with turnkey resources, strategies, and leave equipped with tools and next steps to level up quickly.
Take a look at how D65 implemented Tier 1 SEL instruction through the use of purposefully scheduled Morning Meetings in our primary classrooms.
F13 Building Stronger Family Connections- Strategies to Support Preschool Families.
EPIPHANY
P • A
Ashley Passfield
Kadi Juris
Discover practical ways to nurture communication and foster connection with families. We will examine the research highlighting the vital role of family involvement and its positive outcomes for families. Participants will gain practical strategies for engaging families at the classroom and program level. Valuable lessons from past challenges and failed attempts will be shared from both the teacher and administrative perspectives.
F14 Making Our Students’ Learning Visible
PROSPERITY
P • K • 1 • 2 • A
Debra Honegger
Let’s explore how we can draw others (families, students, administrators, and colleagues.) into our students’ experiences,
tell the story of our students’ learning, and help other’s understand the purpose of the student’s actions, activities, and experiencesespecially when our students are engaged in play-based, hands-on activities that do not include a student written artifact. We will also dig into how we can meet the Danielson component of student self- reflection.
F15 Factual + Fictional Books = Great Reading for 1st and 2nd Graders
SERENITY
1 • 2
Marge Cox
This presentation focuses on connecting factual and fictional literature to help students enjoy the curriculum in new ways. Participants will have hands-on opportunities with the books. Age-appropriate activities will be included because children remember more when they are actively involved.
F16 Move and Groove to Regulation
SCHAUMBURG A/B
P • K • 1 • 2 • A
Ashley Crompton
Many students enter our classrooms at very different levels psychologically and, academically, some struggle with focus or even adverse childhood experiences and trauma that affect their executive functioning and ability to self-regulate. Students often do not have the tools they need to focus, keep their emotions in check, and self-regulate when their body is starting to feel dysregulated. Count-to-
ten, take a deep breath, or request a break are all great strategies, but can our students use them when anger and frustration set in? Come be exposed to ways to help bring your students bodies up, help them identify in a healthy way signs they are becoming dysregulated, and giving them tools to help self-regulate. What goes up…Must come down…And this session will show ways to incorporate movement and calming strategies to help keep our students centered and able to learn.
PASSION, UNITY, & DIY create classrooms & schools where students & staff are engaged, are ALL part of the culture & learning, & have ownership of what happens. Punk Rock Classrooms unites educators to drop egos, work together, & collaborate with their strengths. You don’t need flashy programs, software, or scripted curriculum to engage students. With the punk rock mindset, educators bring life changing lessons to students that will not be forgotten. Our classrooms need to have students moving around, collaborating, taking over the “mic” & taking charge of their learning on their terms.
F18 The Writing and Reading Connection
SCHAUMBURG D
K • 1 • 2 • A
Stacey McCarthy
The Science of Reading is a popular topic of conversation, and for good reason! We all want to build strong readers equipped to think critically. Equally important, however, is our students’ ability to effectively communicate through writing. We will explore the reciprocal nature of reading and writing. First, an introduction to The Writing Rope, then we will hone in on a few strands in order to share practical activities to support reading comprehension and writing in your classroom.
F19 Play With All 5 Senses
SCHAUMBURG F
P • A
Maggy Fedak
Learn how to build a foundational understanding of sensory play—what it is, why it matters, and how it supports child development. We’ll go beyond theory by engaging in real-time, hands-on experiences. Together, we’ll explore DIY sensory projects and create simple “make and take” activities that you can use at home, in the classroom, or in therapy settings.
Whether you are a brand new teacher with your first class or a veteran teacher, we can always use more behavior tools in our teacher tool box. This session will share ideas for whole class and individual behavior management.
F21 Kindergarten Magic: Tips for Managing the Mayhem
SCHAUMBURG H
K
Julie Parker
Teaching Kindergarten is a unique and rewarding challenge—where play meets purpose and curiosity drives learning. You will discover practical strategies to enhance classroom instruction while fostering a joyful, well-managed learning environment. Gain real-world tips for balancing structure with creativity, integrating academic goals with play-based learning, and managing behavior in developmentally appropriate ways. Leave with easy-to-implement routines, instructional techniques, and behavior management strategies that support student growth without sacrificing the fun and wonder of early childhood education. Whether you’re a new teacher or a seasoned pro, you’ll gain fresh ideas to make your classroom a place where students thrive, laugh, and love to learn. Come ready to laugh, learn, and leave inspired!
F22 Picture This! Strengthening Word Problem Comprehension with Visuals and Hands-on Tools
SCHAUMBURG EAST
K • 1 • 2 • A
Jennie Winters
Transform word problem instruction with engaging, hands-on strategies that bring math to life! This interactive session equips K-2 teachers and administrators with researchbacked techniques that strengthen student comprehension through explicit vocabulary guidance and visual structure mats. Explore dynamic activities that connect mathematical language to real-world problem-solving, using manipulatives and visuals to make abstract concepts tangible. Participants will engage in collaborative discussions, experiment with practical classroom tools, and leave with readyto-use resources that enhance early math instruction. Whether you’re looking to refine your approach or gain fresh ideas, this session offers actionable insights that empower young learners to tackle word problems with confidence.
F23 Taking Care of Your Body for Stress Management
SCHAUMBURG WEST
P • K • 1 • 2 • A
Naomi Hall
The mind and body work together. When your body is not at its best, your mind and emotions are affected. You will learn practical steps to take care of your body to help you feel your best so that you can better handle the stress you can’t control.
Pump Up Primary Virtual Conference
Can’t make the in-person event?
Or want more learning?
Join us for 90 days of on-demand learning!
Access starts March 30, 2026
20 Hours of Professional Development!
Click HERE to register only for the VIRTUAL CONFERENCE option.
Angela Griffith: Cracking the Code: How Alphabet Knowledge Fuels Decoding
Hilary Statum: Game On! Engaging Multilingual Learners Through Play
Jackie Kops: Math Magic: Hands-On Strategies & Games for Little Mathematicians
Jacob Dagget: Differentiated Phonics for Below, Above, and Multilingual Learners
Katie Blue: A Day in TK
Keri Brown: The Small Group Routine That Reinforces Decoding and Encoding
LeAnna Wolkis Goldstein: Smooth Moves: Mastering Transitions with Joy and Ease
LeAnna Wolkis Goldstein: Fine Motor Fusion & Sensory Synergy
Shannon Cunningham: AI Tools for Teachers
Shannon Cunningham: Next-Level AI for Teachers
Deedee Wills: Interactive Read Aloud IN THE AGE OF SCIENCE OF READING
Kendrick Johnson: The Audacity to Fail Forward
Adam Peterson: Make Circle Time Count
Adam Peterson: Small Group Success!
Greg Smedley Warren: Mastering the Classroom Symphony: A Guide to Effective Classroom Management
Mary Amoson: Heart Words + Phonics Rules = Student Success
Mary Amoson: Center Success
Melissa Leach: Plan, Do, Review: Choice-Based Centers for Executive Function Skills
Melissa Leach: Small Group Reading Instruction: Decoding Text/Meaning Making
In this day and age, motivation, engagement, and executive functioning go hand in hand. If we want academic achievement, it is crucial that we give students multiple ways to respond. In Jake’s session, join the party and practice essential classroom engagement strategies for tier 1 that tap into all different modalities. Get ready to clap, stomp, repeat, and chant your way to 100% class participation during whole group lessons.
I02 Small Group Success!
UTOPIA B
P • K • 1
Adam Peterson
Meeting the needs of all students can be tricky and overwhelming at times. Let Adam help you out! Using his management ideas and small group organization skills, Adam will share tips, tricks, and techniques for making small groups work. Reading, writing, math, and more can be engaging and fun when small groups are done right!
I03 Interactive Read Aloud IN THE AGE OF SCIENCE OF READING
UTOPIA C
K • 1
Deedee Wills
How do you teach emergent readers to become deep thinkers and engage in focused discussions? How do you scaffold them, support their attempts, and help them transfer their learning to new situations? It just doesn’t happen...it happens with deliberate instruction. Join Deedee as she walks you through the process of planning an interactive read-aloud for deliberate instruction.
I04 A Day in TK
UTOPIA D
P • K • A
Katie Blue
Repeat Session - See D04. Step into the world of Transitional Kindergarten with veteran educator, Katie Blue. This session offers a comprehensive look at what a typical day in a TK classroom looks like—from morning routines to centers, whole-group instruction to playbased learning. Attendees will leave with a clear understanding of how to structure the day, meet state standards while honoring early learners’ needs, and create a joyful and engaging classroom culture. Whether you’re new to TK or looking to refine your approach, this session will equip you with tools, resources, and inspiration to make each day in TK meaningful and memorable.
Set up and manage amazing learning centers that are student-friendly, teacher-tested, and guaranteed to delight your students. Get inspired by Mary’s TONS of pictures and walkaway ideas. Understand how to differentiate your centers for all your learners and connect the learning to the Common Core. Plus, takehome activities your students will dive into and have a ball with. This session includes digital make-and-take freebies.
I06 Game On! Engaging Multilingual Learners Through Play
NIRVANA A
P • K • 1 • 2
Hilary Statum
Buckle up for this fast-paced, practical session filled with 20 interactive games designed to support multilingual learners—and all students! You’ll leave with ready-to-use materials, research-based strategies, and tools to build an inclusive, multilingual-friendly classroom. Learn how to strengthen family communication and confidently navigate common challenges with ESL students. Fun, effective, and classroom-ready!
I07 AI Tools for Teachers
NIRVANA B
P • K • 1 • 2
Shannon Cunningham
Repeat Session - See C06. Curious about AI but not sure where to start? This session is designed to introduce educators to easy-to-use AI tools that can help with lesson planning, communication, classroom organization, and more. You’ll explore practical, teacher-friendly examples that show how AI can save you time and bring more ease to your day. Walk away with tools, ideas, and inspiration to confidently begin using AI in ways that support your work—not add to it.
Note: now refreshed with updated tools, deeper implementation strategies, and new classroom examples.. This sessions is recommended for those newer to AI tools and concepts.
I08 Phonological Awareness That Builds Strong Readers
NIRVANA C
K • 1 • 2
Angela Griffith
Phonological awareness is a critical foundation for reading success. Come explore practical ways to build and strengthen these essential skills across the year—helping students bridge the gap from sounds to print with confidence.
Conference confirmations will be emailed & session tickets will be picked up onsite.
Are you looking for fresh new ideas to start your school year? Join us as we share 4 weeks of tried-and-true farm lessons perfect for large and small group instruction, table time, art, and centers. Each activity is aligned to Teaching Strategies GOLD objectives and will help you collect meaningful information as your students participate in engaging learning opportunities. You will definitely leave this session with some new twists on this popular theme.
I10 IEP Accommodations and Modifications: Are You Doing Them Right? IMAGINATION
P
K • 1 • 2
Shelley Kenow
As a general education teacher is it your responsibility to provide accommodations? As a special education teacher is it your responsibility to provide accommodations and modifications? What is the difference between an accommodation and modification? Knowing the answers to these questions is very important if you work with students who have individualized education programs (IEP). The majority of due process cases filed across the country stem from educators not knowing the right answers to these questions. Participants will leave this workshop with the knowledge and tools to answer these questions and many more.
I11 Battling Burnout - A Lesson Plan for Your Body INNOVATION
P • K • 1 • 2 • A
Colleen Hennessey
Burnout is on the rise! We’ll explore how to help PK - 2 teachers reconnect with their bodies through movement, mindfulness, and manageable self-care strategies. The session includes practical, classroom-ready ideas and hands-on activities that are developmentally appropriate. Join us for interactive demonstrations, small group collaboration, and reflection. Explore how small changes in daily routines can help young learners and their teachers regulate emotions, manage stress, and build resilience. Time will be reserved for open discussion and Q&A, allowing attendees to ask some questions at the end and hopefully walk away with fresh energy, creative tools, and a new way to view wellness—as a shared part of your classroom culture.
I12 The ABCs of Parent Engagement: A Practical Guide for School Leaders KNOWLEDGE
P • K • 1 • 2 • A
Deborah
Hill
Unlock the power of partnership! In this engaging and research-informed session, participants will explore The ABCs of Parent Engagement—a comprehensive A-to-Z framework designed to help educators meaningfully connect with families. From “Accessibility” to “Year-Round Engagement,” this session offers strategies, real-world case
studies, downloadable templates, and tools for creating school-specific engagement action plans. Walk away with fresh ideas, new resources, and a renewed commitment to family-school collaboration.
I13 Why Most SEL Books Fail—How
Mirrors, Maps, & Magic Can Change That
EPIPHANY
P • K • 1 • 2
Sarah (Sparks) Minnis
Forget the “message books” that talk AT kids. The real magic happens when children feel a story — when they see themselves in the characters, ride the emotional waves, and come out changed on the other side. We’ll move beyond surface-level SEL and explore how carefully chosen stories can ignite real emotional growth. Using the framework of Mirrors (reflection), Maps (guidance), and Magic (transformation), we’ll unpack what makes a book SEL-powerful — and how to bring it to life. You’ll leave with ready-to-use strategies and practical applications to make storytime a true SEL powerhouse in your classroom, adaptable for PK through 2nd grade.
I14
Exploring Writing Through Inquiry and Language
PROSPERITY
P • K • 1 • 2
Lana Briggs
Eduardo Perez
Tania Alcala
In this interactive session, participants will explore engaging writing strategies that support emergent bilinguals in developing literacy skills through inquiry and structured
language experiences. We will dive into activities such as I See/I Wonder to spark curiosity, the Picture Word Inductive Model to build vocabulary, Sentence Patterning to reinforce syntax, RAFT Writing to promote perspectivetaking, and the Language Experience Approach to connect oral language with print. Through hands-on practice and discussion, educators will gain practical tools to enhance writing instruction and foster meaningful language development in their classrooms.
I15 Using World Music Song Literature & Language-Vocabulary Songs to Address Culturally Responsive Teaching & Language Learning SERENITY
1 • 2
Lois Guderlan
When folk songs and songs are available in two or more languages, children are provided with the additional opportunity to learn vocabulary in another language, and aspects of the culture, history and geography of various places in the world. When classrooms are made up of children whose parents (or the children themselves) come from various cultures, including familiar folksongs and music from their cultures can be a springboard for studying and celebrating their cultures. While including non-English language songs is just one way of valuing cultural diversity, learning songs in more than one language also supports the development of fluency in a second language and adds to the awareness of the multicultural makeup of the world today. Learning vocabulary through song is a fun and lasting way to learn speech in a second language. I
provide information on children’s musical development and “most appropriate age” to use each song, and the reasons why.
I16 Storytime Meets
STEAM:
Easy Ways to Extend Your Read-Aloud Experiences
SCHAUMBURG A/B
K • 1 • 2
Maria Walther
With packed schedules and endless to-dos, you need smart, time-saving strategies. Join Maria to learn how picture books can be powerful springboards for cross-curricular learning. Discover read-aloud experiences that spark inquiry and build content knowledge. Walk away with simple STEAM center ideas you can use right away, along with a list of engaging books to bring STEAM to life through literacy.
I17 The Brain’s Control Tower: Guiding Young Minds to Take Flight
SCHAUMBURG C
P • K • 1 • 2
Josh Quick
Come deepen your understanding of Executive Functioning (EF) skills. Understand EF as the cognitive processes required to plan and direct activities, manage emotions, and inhibit impulses. We’ll highlight the three main areas of EF: working memory, cognitive flexibility, and inhibitory control. Explore how weaknesses in EF manifest in the classroom, including struggles with complex tasks, multi-step instructions, and impulse control.
Gain practical, evidence-based strategies to support students, focusing on modifying the environment, direct skill instruction (e.g., instructional routines, schema-based instruction), and effective incentive systems. We aim to equip teachers with tools to empower young learners to take flight!
I18 Bridging Research and Results: The Science of Reading in ActionUnlocking Word Recognition
SCHAUMBURG D
K • 1 • 2 • A
Codi Conway
Jill Hibbard
Heather Bowman
What happens when a district commits to aligning instruction with the science of reading? In this session, we will explore one of the two essential strands of reading development: word recognition. Participants will gain a clear understanding of the research behind effective word recognition instruction, emphasizing phonemic awareness, phonics, and decoding skills. The session will highlight how one district transformed reading outcomes by applying this research over the past three years. Through purposeful professional development, curriculum adjustments, and data-driven decisionmaking, the district has achieved significant growth in student achievement and educator confidence. Join us to learn not only the “what” and “why” of the science of reading but also the “how”—with practical strategies, tools, and inspiration to implement in your own setting.
I19 Beyond Tip Sheets: Using Resources from Illinois Early Learning to Support Teachers and Families
SCHAUMBURG F
P • A
Emily Dorsey
Natalie Danner
Many early childhood educators are familiar with the tip sheets produced by Illinois Early Learning (IEL). While these trusted, multilingual, one-page handouts on a variety of topics will always be a staple, IEL has so much more to offer! Join us for a guided tour of the IEL website and its associated social media platforms. Learn about our other content, including podcasts, resources related to the 2013 Early Learning and Development Standards (IELDS), blogs, learning at home activities, Q&As, tool kits, and Project Approach resources. You’ll leave with better knowledge of the IEL website, and specific ideas of how programs can incorporate these resources into the classroom and interactions with families.
I20 Thinking is the Curriculum in PreK: Four Bold Shifts to Elevate Intellect in PreK Classrooms
SCHAUMBURG G
P
Melody Brooks-Johnson
Across too many early learning classrooms, children are busy but not building brain power. We are focusing on routines over rigor, and it shows. Kids are compliant but
not always thinking. They follow directions but struggle to solve problems or explain their ideas. They finish worksheets without truly engaging or making connections. If we are serious about equity, third-grade reading success cannot start in second grade. It has to start right here, right now in PreK. This session centers on the Urban Advantage ECE Framework’s “Elevating Intellect” tier. It is time to stop doing activities just for the sake of activity. We must deliver intentional, deep, and intellectually rich instruction that grows minds. Because if thinking is not happening, real learning is not either.
I21 Plan, Do, Review: Choice Based Centers for Executive Function Skills
SCHAUMBURG H P
Melissa Leach
Participants are invited to attend a professional learning session focused on scaffolding foundational literacy skills. Merge multisensory learning with systematic phonics, reinforced by hands-on activities. Expect to explore practical ideas and resources, including strategies for integrating multisensory-orthographic high-frequency word instruction into structured literacy programs tailored for K-2 learners, English language learners, and those needing reading intervention. Additionally, discover an innovative multisensory-phonemic method and resources for teaching the alphabetic code, enhancing mastery of letter-sound correspondences through a mnemonic approach. Groundbreaking research findings will also be shared during the session.
Education is a wild place on MOST days, but it is also an awesome place on ALL days. The key is distinguishing the difference between creating a culture of clapping vs. critiquing. Let’s get pumped up for the final months of school by creating laughing and learning with all staff and students! Come join this real, raw, and relatable message to motivate all of us, even when we start to question our purpose in our profession.
Unpacked: Environment, Planning, and Rigor in Tier 1
UTOPIA A K • 1 • 2 Jake Daggett
What needs to be in place for both student engagement and student learning to thrive? How do I make something engaging but also effective? What does rigor look like in K-2 literacy? Unpack all of this and more as Jake explores ways to incorporate consistency, response opportunities, and retrieval in explicit instruction.
K02 Count It, Say It, Write It: Math Warm-Ups That Boost Number Sense Fast
UTOPIA B K • 1 • 2
Keri Brown
You don’t need a full lesson to build number sense. You just need the right routine. In this session, explore quick, consistent warm-ups that help students build fluency, flexibility, and confidence with numbers. From subitizing to place value, these routines take five minutes or less and can be used during morning meeting, transitions, or right before your core math block. Walk away with plugand-play routines that strengthen essential math skills without adding to your plate.
K03 Type A Classroom, Type B Teacher: Find Your Balance
UTOPIA C
P • K • 1 • 2 • A
Kaci Bolls
When you structure your classroom with a Type A approach—clear routines, solid management—you set the stage for your Type B fun! This session shows how big fun, independence, and respectful behavior all thrive in a well-organized space. Get ready to create a classroom where the chaos is contained, the fun is unlimited, and every student has the space to shine— socially, emotionally, and academically!
K04 Reading Rituals And Routines
UTOPIA D K
Greg Smedley-Warren
Discover techniques to enhance your literacy instruction through the five components of literacy. Explore a science of reading aligned routine that efficiently teaches phonics, phonemic awareness, comprehension, fluency, and writing using research-based, classroom-proven best practices. Gather a wealth of engaging ideas to meet your students’ needs and challenge them to embrace higher-order thinking skills.
Expo Hall
Plan to visit The Exploration Hall from 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Thursday and from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Friday.
K05 Building Builders and Engineers in the Blocks Center
EUPHORIA
P • K
Jackie Kops
Make the blocks center a place where little builders and engineers are engaged, working together, and learning through play. In this session, learn how to be intentional when setting up the environment, how to integrate various themes into the block center, and how to let students take the lead in their learning. Jackie teaches you new ways to seamlessly integrate STEM and literacy experiences throughout the center using photographs, books, and props that you can implement tomorrow!
K06 From Research to Recess: The Science
Behind Great Teaching
NIRVANA A
K • 1 • 2
Deedee Wills
Hillary Statum
Join Deedee Wills and Hilary Statum as they bridge the gap between research and reallife teaching. In this engaging session, you’ll learn how to digest educational research and turn it into practical, classroom-ready strategies. From evidence-based instruction to playful learning, you’ll leave with clear, actionable tips grounded in science - ready to boost student engagement, learning outcomes, and classroom joy!
K07 Words That Wow: Building Vocabulary with Purpose NIRVANA B
P • K • 1 • 2
Shannon Cunningham
In this session, we’ll explore how to grow students’ vocabulary in intentional, manageable ways. You’ll discover simple strategies for bringing powerful words into everyday instruction—without adding more to your plate. Walk away with ideas that make words stick and spark a love for language in your classroom.
K08
Looking at New Picture Books for Social Emotional Learning
NIRVANA C
P • K • 1 • 2
Becky Anderson
Repeat Session - See F02. Come focus on SEL (Social Emotional Learning) picture books that are great selections for classrooms from PreK-1st grade. The four major topics of books include: Empathy and Kindness, Emotion Management, Growth Mindset, Goal Setting, and Problem Solving. SEL education is essential right now, as it helps children to understand themselves and others. It builds empathy, communication skills, and relationships. These soft skills are essential in young lives and will continue to develop as they grow older. In addition to new SEL books, we will also present new Read Alouds, non-fiction titles, and other new books.
K09 Explicit Handwriting Instruction CONNECTION
P • K • 1 • 2
Jessica Rodriguez
Handwriting is a fundamental skill that plays a crucial role in a student’s overall academic success. Despite the advancements in technology, the ability to write legibly and fluently remains an essential skill for crucial literacy skills and effective communication. However, in recent years, there has been a decline in the emphasis on comprehensive handwriting instruction in schools, leading to not only inadequate handwriting skills among students, but also an adverse impact on reading achievement. This presentation aims to address the importance of comprehensive handwriting instruction and provide practical strategies for educators to enhance their students’ handwriting proficiency.
K10 Story-Play: Making Stories
Memorable for Students
IMAGINATION
P • K • 1 • 2
Michael Lockett
Come learn how to combine oral, kinesthetic, and visual learning techniques to totally engage children with all learning styles to build language skills. Prepare to laugh as you learn to use play to improve listening, speaking, vocabulary, comprehension and more.
K11 Journey Through Reading: Elevating Literacy with Systematic Phonics, Purposeful Setup, and RealTime Engagement
INNOVATION
K • 1 • 2
Marcie Marzullo
Effective literacy instruction begins with a solid foundation in phonics, supported by an intentional classroom setup and dynamic instructional strategies. Participants will learn how to structure and sequence phonics lessons that promote decoding, encoding, and fluency. We will examine how classroom design can foster collective participation while supporting individual learning needs. The session will also showcase high-impact engagement strategies. Whether you are a new teacher or a seasoned educator looking to refine your practice, this session will help you turn your phonics block into a powerful, responsive instructional experience.
K12 Creating a Safe and Supportive Classroom: A Trauma-Informed Approach to Teaching KNOWLEDGE
P • K • 1 • 2
Kema Gipson
Delores Rita
In this session, we discuss that trauma-informed practices help teachers create safe, supportive learning environments for young children who may have experienced adversity. For ages
prek–8, consistent routines, positive relationships, and a focus on emotional safety are essential. Starting with pre-k allows teachers to establish a foundation from a trauma -informed perspective that will hopefully continue through 2nd grade and beyond. Teachers can use calm tones, predictable schedules, and gentle transitions to reduce anxiety and promote security. Recognizing that behavior is often a form of communication, educators should respond with empathy rather than punishment, using techniques like co-regulation and offering choices. Building trust through strong connections with students and families fosters resilience and healing. Professional development on trauma, brain development, and self-care helps teachers remain effective and compassionate. By incorporating trauma-informed strategies into everyday classroom interactions, educators support the whole child—emotionally, socially, and academically—laying the foundation for lifelong learning and well-being.
K13
Technology-Free Classroom Automation EPIPHANY
K • 1 • 2
Tera Hammond
This session introduces the concept of technology-free classroom automation-an approach that empowers students to take on classroom responsibilities, reducing the teacher’s workload and maximizing instructional time and efficiency.
K14 Powerful Play: Engaging Centers That Meet the Standards
PROSPERITY
K • 1 • 2
Trisha Sellars-Kamp
Lisa Reno
Learn how open-ended, meaningful play can drive deep learning in your kindergarten classroom. In this session, you’ll explore how to create play centers that foster creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration—while still aligning with academic standards. Discover how child-led exploration and carefully designed materials can support literacy, math, science, and social-emotional growth. You’ll leave with practical tools, center ideas, and the confidence to advocate for rich, developmentally appropriate play in a standards-driven world.
K15 Decrease Stress and Increase Productivity SERENITY
P • K • 1 • 2
Mica Ike
This workshop allows participants to explore decreasing stress in and out of the workplace, and increase productivity in the classroom and in their lives. Participants are given steps to take towards self-care, information that will ensure protection from the damaging effects of stress, and the opportunity to improve classroom performance and overall well-being.
K16 Spillers, Fillers and Thrillers!
SCHAUMBURG A/B
P • K
Carole “Miss Carole” Stephens
Repeat Session - See D16. NO –we’re not flower arranging – just making sure your students aren’t becoming potted plants! Miss Carole will share music and movement for quieting down, brain breaks and reviving engagement. There’ll be some new takes on old favorites and musical games you haven’t tried yet. Give yourself a shot of serotonin (and a break from sitting!)
K17 Managing Big Behaviors from Little Learners
SCHAUMBURG C
K • 1 • 2
Renata Serpico
Big behaviors come with big uncomfortable feelings. During this session, we will discuss how to track behaviors using FBAs (Functional Behavioral Assessments), create behavior plans, different strategies to implement, and different examples of visual supports within the classroom. This session will also include communication strategies when talking with families about the observed behaviors.
K18 A Personal Journey of Advocacy & Leadership in Education: How Being Parents Of a Child with Autism Transformed Our
Professional
Practice
SCHAUMBURG D
P • K • 1 • 2 • A
Ryan Huels
Delaney Huels
Delaney and Ryan Huels are proud parents of a child with Autism. Come learn how that journey has transformed both of their professional careers as a Kindergarten teacher and Elementary Principal. We will share ideas on how to make your classroom/ school more inclusive to all with ways all children can be successful. From school wide policies/procedures, parent involvement opportunities, classroom visuals/practices, and shifting paradigms we hope all participants leave with an enhanced toolbox on how to best support all students.
K19 Learning That Sticks: Immersive Teaching Across the Curriculum
SCHAUMBURG F
K • 1 • 2
Jessica Wentz
Ready to bring your lessons to life in ways your students will never forget? In this session, we’ll explore how to transform everyday topics into immersive, hands-on learning experiences that captivate and engage young learners across all subjects. From room transformations to low-prep ideas, you’ll walk away with fresh, practical ideas you can implement right away. Leave with a toolkit full of templates, inspiration, and ready-to-use ideas that will make your classroom the most exciting place to learn. Whether you’re ready for a full theme day or just want to sprinkle in more hands-on fun, this session is for you!
K20 Cookie Cutters Are For The Kitchen, Not Our Children’s Artwork!
SCHAUMBURG G
P • A Maggy Fedak
Cookie cutters are for the kitchen, not our children’s artwork! Join us for an inspiring and hands-on session that dives into the world of process art—a child-centered approach that emphasizes creativity, exploration, and selfexpression over finished products. Designed for preschool educators, administrators, therapists, and early childhood professionals, this session will explore the developmental value of open-ended art experiences that support critical thinking, sensory integration, emotional regulation, and fine motor skills.
Participants will learn how process art differs from product-focused projects, examine its role in inclusive and play-based learning environments, and gain practical strategies for integrating it into daily routines. We’ll engage in guided process art activities, discuss how to document learning through children’s artwork, and reflect on how to shift adult mindsets to foster more meaningful creative experiences for every child.
Whether you’re new to process art or looking to deepen your practice, this session offers both inspiration and actionable tools to take back to your learning environment.
Conference confirmations will be emailed & session tickets will be picked up onsite.
K21 Meaningful for Students, Manageable for Teachers: PhenomenaBased Science within the 5e Model
SCHAUMBURG H
P • K • 1 • 2 • A Catie Bales
Empower yourself to make science teaching more manageable and meaningful by integrating phenomena-based lessons into your classroom. From planning to setup to execution, science instruction can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be.
In this hands-on workshop, participants will engage with real-world phenomena as students, then as teachers they will explore the pedagogy, including the 5e model, behind creating inquiry-driven science lessons that are both manageable for teachers and deeply meaningful for students at all grade levels.
You’ll walk away with practical strategies, a curated digital resource library, and a physical toolkit designed to simplify your process. You’ll leave equipped with the tools and confidence to implement engaging, meaningful science lessons, without adding extra stress to your workload.
L01 Game Changing Ideas That Motivate & Engage All Kids
UTOPIA A
P • K • 1 • 2
Monica Genta
Every student who walks into your classroom deserves to LOVE that experience. In order to do that, we have to reflect on the everyday practices we have in place and transform them from average to awesome. Small tweaks to the great things we are already doing make a big difference. Come learn how to be a game changer for kids and for education by implementing easy, engaging, motivational strategies that don’t take much time or money!
L02 Revitalizing Small Groups and Reading Centers with SoR
UTOPIA B
K • 1 • 2
Keri Brown
It’s time to rethink small groups and reading centers through the lens of the science of reading. In this session, we’ll focus on how to make your small group instruction more targeted, your center routines more meaningful, and your overall literacy block more effective. You’ll learn how to group students based on real needs, plan purposeful lessons, and design centers that reinforce phonemic awareness, decoding, fluency, and comprehension. Walk away with a clear framework, classroom-tested ideas, and flexible routines that help you meet every student where they are without feeling overwhelmed.
L03 Theme = SchoolWide Team
UTOPIA C
P • K • 1 • 2 • A
Kaci Bolls
Discover how choosing a school-wide theme each year — with student input — transforms your school into a vibrant, connected community. It’s a proven recipe for unbelievable school pride, boundless unity, and overall good vibes that stick with everyone.
L04 Fun Ways to Develop the Basics of Number Sense
UTOPIA D
P • K • A
Katie Blue
Hands-on learning helps students connect abstract math concepts to the real world. Join Katie for fun, practical activities and easy-touse math games that support number sense, reinforce essential skills, and energize your math block!
L05 Raising Young Scientists: Investigating
in the Science Center
EUPHORIA
P • K
Jackie Kops
Dive into how to intentionally plan fun, hands-on science investigations at the science table. Get students investigating, interacting with each other, and problem solving even when the teacher is not by their side at the
science center. Plus, learn the essential items you need to set up an amazing science center for your little scientist.
L06 Heart Words + Phonics Rules = Student Success
NIRVANA A
P • K • 1 • 2
Mary Amoson
Repeat Session - See A08. Highfrequency words are often labeled as “sight words” that students must memorize, but research shows that most of these words are, in fact, decodable when connected to phonics rules. In this session, teachers will explore how phonics knowledge empowers students to read and spell high-frequency words with confidence. Learn how to identify which parts of a word follow predictable phonics patterns and which parts are irregular, helping students focus on what is decodable instead of memorizing entire words. Experience practical strategies and classroom-ready routines of how explicit phonics instruction and heart word routines can transform the way high-frequency words are taught. Walk away with tools to make instruction more systematic, effective, and accessible for all learners—laying the foundation for stronger reading and spelling outcomes.
L07 Movement Magic with Music in Motion
NIRVANA B
P • K • 1 • 2
LeAnna Wolkis Goldstein
Get ready to transform your classroom into a lively, dynamic space where
music and movement captivate young learners and boost memory! This engaging session will show you how simple brain breaks, quick movement minutes, and playful songs can make routines, transitions, and procedures smooth and stress-free. Reduce downtime, build partners & increase focus, as you inspire your students to join in with musical techniques that make learning active and joyful. Join LeAnna & discover practical, exciting strategies you can start using right away to create a classroom that truly moves!
This session equips educators with practical, research-based strategies to build fluency in young readers. Explore the key components of fluency—accuracy, rate, expression, and comprehension—while aligning instruction with the science of reading to support lasting literacy growth.
L09 Write Up Your Alley CONNECTION
P • K • 1
Tammy Haggerty Jones
Teachers understand that children pass through emergent writing stages in their development of skills, beginning with drawing, scribbling, creating letter-like forms and reproducing strings of random letters. They progress by using spaces between letters/words, writing
in a sentence-like format, adding punctuation and creating paragraphs. Graphic organizers guide the process, formulating supporting details and offering a safe structure. You meet the needs of children who are not progressing according to the expectations of the writing program without stigma, embarrassment or shame and lovingly, patiently and respectfully respond, quelling their insecurity and fear.
L10 Family & Community Engagement in a Preschool Setting IMAGINATION
P • K
Jayme Holt
Lisa Gadomski
Listen to how a preschool setting utilizes the socialemotional curriculum “Leader in Me” to encourage family and community engagement in multiple areas. Engaging families in 3 areas of Culture, Leadership, & Academics, the preschool will list multiple ways in which parents and community members can become involved in a preschool/early elementary setting. Practical ideas and links for duplication will be provided to participants. Participants will also learn the 7-Habits within the Leader in Me curriculum and how those are taught to preschool students.
L11 Let’s Talk About Math INNOVATION
P • K • 1 • 2
Hailey Lively
Celeste Rusin
We believe that collaborative conversations drive student success within the Math block, especially for our youngest learners. We are excited to share our Top 10 Mathematical Routines from our yearlong journey together, and highlight the gains our students made along the way. Every mathematical routine can be adapted for PreK-2nd and beyond.
L12 Being Creative with Creative Curriculum: Elevating Engagement, Planning & Family Involvement in PreK KNOWLEDGE
Anjanette Wordlaw
In today’s PreK classrooms, educators must skillfully balance academic rigor, social-emotional learning, and meaningful family engagement—all while navigating evolving expectations and diverse learner needs. This hands-on workshop will guide early childhood professionals in making the most of The Creative Curriculum, blending compliance with creativity to deliver engaging, high-quality instruction.
Share your 2026 Pump Up Primary experiences using our official Twitter & Instagram accounts!
It seems more and more children each year arrive to school with “sensory needs”. But how can one teacher support these needs in a general education classroom without distracting other students or disrupting the curriculum? In this presentation. A classroom teacher and an occupational therapist will explore various sensory inputs and share practical ideas on how to help all students succeed.
L14
Equity in Action: Inclusion Strategies That Work PROSPERITY
P • K • 1 • 2
Caitlin Gomez
Molly Boudouris
Inclusion is more than a philosophy—it’s a daily practice that shapes the culture of our classrooms and schools. This interactive session equips educators with practical, research-based strategies to create inclusive learning environments where every student feels seen, valued, and supported. Participants will explore real-world scenarios, engage in reflective dialogue, and learn actionable tools for differentiating
instruction, addressing bias, and fostering a strong sense of belonging for all learners. By the end of the session, attendees will leave with concrete strategies they can implement immediately to advance equity and inclusion in their own classrooms.
L15 Unlock Their Potential: The Power of Student Discourse SERENITY
K • 1 • 2
Laura Carbajal-Ramirez
Jennifer Janoso
Learners will become familiar with the practical routine of talking, reading, and writing for learning in all content areas. This approach integrates all four language domains of reading, speaking, listening, and writing. Participants will learn about how this approach can be used for all students in grades K-2.
L16 I’ve Got Rhythm:Musical Manipulatives To Enhance Learning SCHAUMBURG A/B
P • K
Carole “Miss Carole” Stephens
Repeat Session- See E16. Get a bang out of your students’ innate abilities! Simple chants, songs, and movements that reinforce steady beat (a necessary skill for emerging readers) can keep a child’s access to the sense of rhythm with which they’re born not only
intact, but growing! Hands-on clapping, tapping, drumming, and shaking will help you retain the techniques used. Failure resistant content with classroom-tested techniques for teachers with all degrees of musical ability and experience. Learning should be fun - for you AND your students!
L17 Effects of Handwriting Instruction on All Learning
SCHAUMBURG C
P • K • 1 • 2 • A
Holly Britton
The narrative around handwriting has centered around penmanship, but poor handwriting is so much more than a neatness issue. Let’s discuss how has the neglect of handwriting instruction has contributed to the spiraling literacy rates in the US and how rethinking this age-old practice can make radical difference in the lives of today’s students.
L18 PreK Multilingual Learners: WIDA
Resources that Bring Language to the Forefront
SCHAUMBURG D
P Carly Spina
In this session, participants will explore some of the best WIDA (World-Class Instructional Design and Assessment) resources that are designed specifically for Pre-K & Early Learning, centered on supporting multilingual students. We will explore the Early Learning Key Uses and the Language Focused Planning Tool, and we will also explore classroom
based activities for nurturing our students linguistically throughout the year! Every participant will leave with a digital toolbank of resources to bring back to their spaces.
L19 Classroom Management with Compassion: Maximizing Correctable Moments
SCHAUMBURG F 1 • 2
Meryl Kleiner
Participants will be immersed in an interactive workshop exploring practical, research-based classroom management methods for young, energetic, divergent learners. Leave with ready-to-use strategies that will increase rich teaching time and create a respectful, joyful culture in your primary classroom!
L20 Agriculture, Snacks & Stories
SCHAUMBURG G
P • K • 1 • 2
Terrie Schmoldt
Marissa Schmoldt
Do you know where your food comes from? Do your students? Join us as we share easy and hands-on ways to teach children the importance of Agriculture in every community and knowing where their food comes from. Get ready to learn about agriculture, listen to stories, and make tasty treats to eat! Who doesn’t love a good snack? Bring a friend, make memory and go back ready to engage your students in agriculture, snacks & stories!
Play has been a topic of conversation for the last few years. It is not uncommon to hear people who are not in the ECE field say, “Well, all you do all day is play,” or “Why do you play so much? Don’t you know the children need to learn? Come to hear how we have tried to overcome those conversations and see how you can incorporate different ways to play across major components of ECE. Be prepared to share ideas from your classroom.
L22 Mindset Management
SCHAUMBURG EAST
P • K • 1 • 2
Naomi Hall
When life feels overwhelming, your mindset can either add fuel to the fire—or help you find calm in the chaos. The stories we tell ourselves about the events in our lives have the power to increase anxiety or reduce stress. In this interactive workshop, you’ll explore practical, sciencebacked strategies to shift your mindset in moments of high stress. You’ll learn how to calm racing thoughts, build emotional resilience, and lower your overall stress load— so you can think clearly, respond intentionally, and show up as your best self.
L23 Building Foundational Literacy in K-2 Learners Using a MultisensoryPhonemic Approach
SCHAUMBURG WEST
P • K • 1 • 2
Jennifer Orr
Participants are invited to attend a professional learning session focused on scaffolding foundational literacy skills. Merge multisensory learning with systematic phonics, reinforced by handson activities. Expect to explore practical ideas and resources, including strategies for integrating multisensory-orthographic high-frequency word instruction into structured literacy programs tailored for K-2 learners, English language learners, and those needing reading intervention. Additionally, discover an innovative multisensory-phonemic method and resources for teaching the alphabetic code, enhancing mastery of letter-sound correspondences through a mnemonic approach. Groundbreaking research findings will also be shared during the session. Join us at the conference!
Share your 2025 Pump Up Primary experiences using our official Twitter & Instagram accounts!
M01 Short Bursts of Shared Reading = Big Gains in Foundational Skills
UTOPIA A
K • 1 • 2
Maria Walther
Pressed for time? You’re not alone. Join Maria to explore how short bursts of shared reading can deliver big results. You’ll learn a clear, easy-to-follow structure for planning shared reading that fits into tight schedules and strengthens foundational skills. Discover how brief, purposeful lessons spark language-rich conversations, build phonological awareness, boost vocabulary, and support comprehension. Leave this session with a curated list of fresh picture books to energize your literacy block plus ready-to-use ideas you can try tomorrow!
M02 Make Reading Fun Again!
UTOPIA B
K • 1 • 2
Adam Peteson
Get ready to reignite the joy of reading in your classroom! In this engaging session, educators will explore practical ways to get students excited about books. From energizing book talks and interactive storytelling to creative classroom activities and simple strategies that build a reading culture, this session is packed with ideas to help you turn even your most reluctant readers into enthusiastic book lovers. Walk away with ready-to-use resources, new inspiration, and a renewed passion for making reading the best part of your students’ day!
M03 Math Centers that Matter: Independent Work Aligned with
Standards
UTOPIA C
K • 1
Deedee Wills
the
Tired of math centers that turn into busywork? Learn how to create math centers that are meaningful, low-prep, and aligned with the standards. I’ll show you how to structure, introduce, and rotate hands-on math activities that support skill development and promote independence—all while freeing you up for small group instruction.
M04 Mastering the Classroom Symphony:
A Guide to Effective Classroom Management
UTOPIA D K
Greg Smedley-Warren
Are you struggling with classroom management? Explore research-based, classroom-proven strategies, ideas, and tips for your classroom. Discover the transformative impact of relationships, consistency, and clear expectations. Implement easy-to-follow techniques to streamline your classroom dynamics, creating a smoothly operating class—no behavior programs, rewards, or incentives required!
Expo Hall
Plan to visit The Exploration Hall from 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Thursday and from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Friday.
Participants will learn simple ways to add fine motor skills into their school day, centers and stations that they can quickly pull together to develop the important fine motor skills and the important learning and life skills that are affected by weak fine motor skills.
Students that are lacking these skills will struggle with writing, typing, and turning the pages of books. Even simple activities like cutting and coloring can be a struggle and even painful for students with weak fine motor skills.
M06 Smooth Moves: Mastering Transitions with Joy and Ease
NIRVANA A
P • K • 1 • 2
LeAnna Wolkis Goldstein
Discover developmentally appropriate transition tools that boost focus, minimize disruptions, and strengthen classroom routines. Through music, movement, and visual supports, LeAnna will show you how to create a calm, consistent rhythm to your day. Her strategies will help young learners stay regulated, engaged, and ready for what’s next.
M07 Engineer It! HandsOn STEM for Curious
Kids
NIRVANA B
P • K • 1 • 2
Shannon Cunningham
Get ready to spark curiosity and problem-solving in your classroom! In this hands-on session, we’ll focus on the oftenoverlooked engineering strand of STEM and explore how even our youngest learners can think like engineers. You’ll walk away with ideas for building an Engineer Station in your classroom—a space where students can tinker, create, and design solutions using simple materials and big imagination. We’ll discuss how to connect engineering challenges to real-world problems, scaffold student thinking, and build language, collaboration, and confidence—all through creative STEM exploration.
M08 It Still Takes a Village: Fostering
Parental Resilience
NIRVANA C
P • A
DeKol Austin Holland
Parental Resilience is a parent’s ability to manage stress and navigate challenging experiences effectively. This presentation is designed to support the Early Education Professional in gaining tools and strategies necessary to create a classroom environment which fosters parental resilience. Through participant pairings, hand-outs, videos, and supplemental resources we will enhance our capacity to build parental resilience which positively impacts both the parent’s well-being and the child’s development.
M09 Revolutionize Writing in K-2 CONNECTION
K • 1 • 2
Leah Herold
Katie Normoyle
Participants will learn the importance of structured writing in early education and how these foundational skills support progression into upper elementary grades. We’ll discuss how writing strengthens literacy development and builds critical thinking. Teachers will learn how to use sentence frames to support emerging writers and see a demonstration on expanding simple sentences collaboratively. A handson activity will invite participants to create sentences using frames. Visual aids and graphic organizers that support writing in the primary grades will be introduced, including examples tailored for K–2 learners. We’ll explore how to guide students from sentence writing to paragraph planning. Toward the end, each participant will create a personal action plan by choosing one writing strategy to implement in their classroom the following week. Teachers will partner up to share how they plan to use the strategy, followed by a Q&A session for final questions, comments, and reflection.
Friday, Mar. 7th - SESSION M: 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Click HERE to register only for the VIRTUAL CONFERENCE option.
M10 From Pre-K to Kindergarten: Empowering Parents for a Confident Transition
IMAGINATION
P • K • A
Megan Nissen
Rachel Golden
Want to support incoming kindergarten families? Join this interactive session to discover how to design a memorable, engaging experience that helps children and parents transition smoothly from pre-K to kindergarten. You’ll get practical tips for planning a fun-filled evening that makes everyone feel welcome and excited. Let’s work together to make this milestone a success!
M11 But They Talk at Home! Understanding Selective Mutism
INNOVATION
P • K • 1 • 2 • A
Kathy Slattery
Selective Mutism is a confusing childhood anxiety disorder where children can talk at home and in places they are comfortable but are generally unable to speak in group care and learning settings. Preschool and kindergarten level teachers and teaching teams are often the first to notice symptoms of SM in young children, so it is important for them to understand what it is and how to help. Learn more about Selective Mutism and how schools and teaching teams can support children in overcoming this condition. You will leave this session with many resources to continue your learning on this topic.
M12 AI in Primary? Yes, Please! Tools for Teachers, Not Toys for Kids KNOWLEDGE
K • 1 • 2
Lisa
Steiner
Brienne Vainisi
Artificial Intelligence isn’t just for secondary classrooms and tech labs. It’s a powerful planning partner for primary educators, too! In this engaging and practical session, discover how AI tools like ChatGPT can streamline your workload, spark creativity, and support differentiated instruction without ever handing devices to your K–2 learners. Walk away with ready-to-use ideas, prompt templates, and confidence in how AI can help you focus more on what matters most, your students! Perfect for AI beginners and curious primary educators who want to harness technology to lighten their load and deepen instruction!
M13 From Meltdowns to Moments of Magic: Practical Behavior Support Strategies for Pre-K–2 Classrooms EPIPHANY
K • 1 • 2 • A Alyse Smith
Challenging behavior can turn your day upside down—but with the right tools, you can shift meltdowns into teachable moments. This interactive session equips Pre-K–2 educators with practical, classroom-ready strategies to prevent and respond to behavior challenges in inclusive settings. Participants will engage in real-life scenarios, hands-on activities (like building a visual behavior cue
system), and group reflection to identify what works at each grade level. We’ll explore developmentally appropriate routines, behavior scripts, and regulation tools that support emotional growth across Pre-K, K, 1st, and 2nd grade. You’ll leave with a flexible “Behavior First Aid Kit” and time-saving tools to coach paraprofessionals and co-teachers. Built-in time for Q&A ensures you can apply strategies to your exact classroom context. Whether you teach 2-year-olds or 7-year-olds, you’ll learn how to adapt support systems to your students’ needs while staying calm, consistent, and confident.
M14 SCRIBBLE SCRABBLE: Let’s take a different look at manipulatives, toys & play BECAUSE PREWRITING IS LITERACY, TOO!!
PROSPERITY
P • K
Mary Wonderlick
As scribbling is the start of making purposeful, meaningful marks, it is important to broaden the view of play & play materials to give children scribble experiences so that they will have improved opportunities in early literacy activities. Look through a different lens at play and toys guaranteed to “draw” children into play so that they’ll develop prewriting / writing competence. See that strokes naturally evolve from playing with objects. Come to look. Leave to play.
Conference confirmations will be emailed & session tickets will be picked up onsite.
M15 Teaching with Heart: The Power of Social Emotional Learning in the Early Years
SERENITY
P • K • 1 • 2
Keran Williams
This session will provide educators with a practical and research based intoduction to SEL in the early years (ages 3-8), highlighting strategies for fostering emotional literacy, self-regulation, empathy, and positive social interactions. Leave with tools to integrate SEL into daily routines, classroom management, and curriculum in meaningful, age appropriate ways.
M16 I Can Read Songs: Music as a Tool to Teach Sight Words and More
SCHAUMBURG A/B
P • K
LaDonna Wicklund
PreK and K teachers you will love this presentation on a sing-along, dance-along way of teaching kids to read and write 13 powerful sight words (I, we, go, see, like, can, the, my, you, in, on, to, and) that lead them naturally into reading simple print and writing simple stories. Come sing and dance the songs, learn ways to introduce and expand early print skills, and gain access to a website with “I Can Read Songs” videos and print resources. Use these resources to pump-up kids literacy learning AND alert parents to using the resources for literacy fun and success at home. Excellent learning method for all kids but especially those with limited print.
M17 Working Collaboratively with the Paraprofessional in Your Room
SCHAUMBURG C
P
Heather Ziemer
Brittney Farley
Join us for strategies on how to use and collaborate with your classroom paraprofessionals! We have always strived to have positive teacher-para partnerships in our classrooms, but it’s not always easy. We got our degrees to teach young children, not to give orders to adults, right? Hopefully you walk away with strategies to cultivate a positive environment with your para and efficiently delegate tasks without being bossy.
M18 Fueling Your Body for Performance (Nutrition and Hydration)
SCHAUMBURG D
P • K • 1 • 2
Naomi Hall
You wouldn’t put low-grade fuel in a highperformance sports car and expect it to run at its best—your body is no different. Yes, it can function on whatever you give it, but without the right fuel, you’ll experience brain fog, fatigue, midafternoon crashes, increased stress and anxiety, and other health issues. In this session, you’ll learn how to use food and hydration to support peak performance. We’ll cover how what you eat and drink affects your stress levels, energy, focus, and resilience—and how to build realistic,
sustainable habits even in the midst of a busy life. Whether you’re navigating high demands at work, at home, or both, this workshop will help you fuel your body to handle it all with greater ease.
M19 The Serious Business of Play for SPED
SCHAUMBURG F
P
Delores Rita
Mary Korthauer
With increasing focus on academic standards and increasing use of technology, play is pushed out. Incorporating play is essential to young children. Based on Vygotsky’s work, we learned: In play, a child is always above his average age, above his daily behavior. In play, it is as though he were a head taller than him/ her/their-self. We will provide strategies to enhance play for children with special needs, encourage collaborations between general education, blended and EC special education classrooms. We provide examples to engage and explain to parents the learning that occurs in play.
M20 Listening is the Secret to Student Talk
SCHAUMBURG G
K • 1 • 2
Connie Hamilton
Ever feel like your learners are great at talking, but their “conversations” aren’t really conversations at all? Why?
Because they’re not actually listening. In K–2 classrooms, kids love to talk, but real learning happens when they slow down and tune in. That means focusing their attention, waiting their turn, and responding with purpose. This session shows you how to turn listening into a teachable, daily habit. You’ll explore simple routines, visual prompts, and high-impact strategies that help young learners stay present in conversations and build on each other’s thinking. We will model ways to stretch pair shares and group talk beyond surfacelevel chatter, even with your most talkative kids. You’ll leave with practical ways to build listening stamina, spark peer-to-peer talk, and shift student conversations from surface sharing to real collaboration.
M21 Cheep Cheep! Chicken Hatching and Life Cycle Resources to Egg-cite and Engage
SCHAUMBURG H
P • K • 1 • 2
Lee Deal
Spring is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than with some eggciting chicken and poultry activities? In this interactive session from Illinois Ag in the Classroom, participants will discover new and exciting chicken hatching and life cycle activities to engage K-2 classrooms during chick hatching units and beyond, and leave with a carton-full of cross-curricular ideas, materials, and book recommendations sure to get students chirping with excitement!
M22 Mindfulness in the Classroom: Empowering Young Learners
SCHAUMBURG EAST
K • 1 • 2
Antoinette Morales
Diane Jankowski
Help your youngest learners thrive with simple and effective mindfulness tools designed specifically for K-2 classrooms. In this interactive session, participants will explore how The Mindful Pro program uses play, games, breathing, and movement to teach children self-awareness and self-regulation. Walk away with easy-toimplement strategies to reduce disruptive
behavior, enhance focus, and support emotional resilience in your students—all in just a few mindful minutes a day.
M23 Making Math HandsOn, Easy & Fun!
SCHAUMBURG WEST
P • K • 1 • 2
Karen Graber
Repeat Session - See E19. This session is packed with easy and fun math activities that can be used for whole group instruction or centers. I will share ideas that will cover the math standards while making math easy and fun.
Graduate Credit Available!
Participants at the 45th Annual Pre-K, Kindergarten, 1st & 2nd Grade Conference can receive graduate credit for their attendance at this event. Visit the University of St. Francis table located in the hallway near Schaumburg East/West. Additional information can also be found online at stfrancis.edu/ real/experiential. Questions? real@stfrancis.edu or 815-740-3699
Interested in Volunteering?
If you would like to volunteer, please indicate your interest on the inperson conference registration form. Each year, we rely on many volunteers to assist with tasks such as collecting session tickets, giving directions, and supporting conference operations.
Commitment: Volunteers must be available to serve on one or both conference days (March 5 and/or March 6, 2026).
Refund: Volunteers will receive a full refund of their conference registration fee.
Selection: Opportunities are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note you may not volunteer on behalf of another person.
Session Assignments: While every effort will be made to honor your preferred sessions, adjustments may be required to meet conference needs. If flexibility is a concern, please reconsider volunteering.
Important: All participants must pay their registration fee when submitting the form. Fees will be refunded if you are selected as a volunteer.
Share your 2026 Pump Up Primary experiences using our official Twitter & Instagram accounts!
Conference confirmations will be emailed & session tickets will be picked up onsite.
Please call Illinois State University Conference Services at 309-438-2160 or 800-877-1478 if you have any questions regarding the conference registration.
Sessions Fill Quickly, Register Early! Registrations can be completed by mail, fax or online.
Illinois State University Conference Services Campus Box 8610 Normal, Il 61790-8610
Registration Deadline for the In-Person Conference is FEBRUARY 16, 2026
Registration Deadline for the Virtual Conference is MARCH 25, 2026
Any changes to how you plan to attend (in-person or virtual) must be submitted by February 2, 2026. No changes will be accepted after that date.
Join us at the conference! CLICK here TO REGISTER NOW online Click HERE to register only for the VIRTUAL CONFERENCE option.
In-Person Conference Registration Fees Include:
• Morning continental breakfast (each of the two days of the conference)
• Three Yummy Coupons with a total value of $21 (each day for Thursday & Friday) that may be used for purchase of your lunch within the hotel restaurants
• Access to all featured, concurrent session speakers
• Access to the conference exhibitors
• Parking
• Conference bag sponsored by Kaplan Early Learning
• Session Handouts: Download before the Conference at illinoisascd.org.
2026 Pre-K & Kindergarten In-Person Conference and Virtual Conference Registrations Process
• Administrators attend FREE with a team of 4 or more teachers. The registration must come in all together or this will not be honored.
• Hardcopy registrations must be accompanied by a credit card or signed copy of the purchase order (P.O.). Payment or signed P.O. must be included with mailed registration in order to be considered for registration.
• Complete the In-Person OR Virtual Conference Registration Form on the following pages and mail, email or fax as soon as possible.
• Online registration only accepts credit card payment.
• A “Group Registration” option is available again this year. Those attendees requesting the group rate MUST meet all three conditions below:
- Group pricing starts at 3 or more people
- Separate form must be used for each person in the group
- All group forms MUST be mailed or faxed together with payment
45th Annual Pump Up Primary Conference March 4-6, 2026
In-Person Attendee Registration
The registration deadline is February 15, 2026. Changes to how you are attending (in-person or virtually) will only be accepted through February 2, 2026. This form is for those wanting to attend in-person on March 4-6, 2026. If you are only attending virtually, complete the virtual form. Cancellation Policy: A full refund less a $25.00 processing fee will be provided for any cancellation requests received prior to February 15, 2026. No refunds will be provided after that date. Substitutions will not be allowed after that date. All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing via email to Meg at mdrhoa1@ilstu.edu. A confirmation email will be sent to the participant after registration and payment are received.
Select Sessions
Your selections will be entered based on what is available. If the sessions you select are not available, you will need to go to the swap table on-site to select your sessions. Sessions B and J are keynotes that everyone can attend. New this year: It is required to select the sessions you want to attend. If we receive a registration with no sessions selected, we will contact you via email to get your selections. If we do not hear from you within 48 hours, you will not be assigned to any sessions and will have to get your sessions on-site. Sessions cannot be changed after we receive your form. Any changes to sessions can be done on-site at ticket swap.
Special Accommodations (non-dietary)
Would you like to volunteer?
Administrator - Buy 4, get 1 free What kind of credit for attendance do you want?
q ISBE Professional Development Hours
q General Attendance Certificate*
* For participants outside of Illinois or those without an Illinois teaching license.
March
Full Conference (March 5 & 6) IL ASCD Annual
ADD ON (Wed, March 4): Pre-Conference Centers, Work Stations, and Small Groups with Melissa Leach
ADD ON: On-Demand Viewing, Beginning March 30
* Non-member fees include a 1-year membership.
Mail to: Illinois State University Conference Services Campus Box 8610 Normal, IL 61790-8610
45th Annual Pump Up Primary Conference
On Demand for 90 Days Beginning March 30, 2026
Virtual Attendee Registration
The deadline to register is March 25, 2026. Changes to how you are attending (in-person or virtual) will only be accepted through February 2, 2026. This form is for those attending virtually. On-demand access is available for 90 days, beginning on March 30, 2026. If you want to attend in-person, complete the in-person registration form.
Cancellation Policy: A full refund less a $25.00 processing fee will be provided for any cancellation request received prior to March 9, 2026. No refunds will be provided after that date. Substitutions will not be allowed after that date. All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing via email to Meg at mdrhoa1@ilstu.edu. A confirmation email will be sent to the participant after registration and payment are received.
What kind of credit for attendance do you want?
q ISBE Professional Development Hours q Gateway Credits q General Attendance Certificate* q I do not need credit
* For participants outside of Illinois or those without an Illinois teaching license.
Administrator - Buy 4, get 1 free q Yes, this applies.
Registration Fees (Per Person)
On-Demand Access
Please view the online 2026 Pump Up Primary program book for information regarding sessions. The virtual viewing will be available on-demand starting on March 30, 2026.
* Non-member fees include a 1-year membership.
Payment or PO MUST accompany registration.
q Check (payable to Illinois State University) q PO#____________________________________________________________________
q Mastercard q Visa q Discover q American Express
Please enjoy browsing products during the Conference from THESE VENDORS
