PD365 Pump Up Primary 2027 by ILASCDpublishing

How do I develop phonological awareness in a playful, engaging way? What is most important with 4-year old brains? How does oral language impact the transfer to print in kindergarten? What does research say about letter/sound introduction? All these questions and more are explored in this focused, targeted session for teachers working with PreK & Kindergarten learners. Join Jake for chants, songs, interactive motions, and articulatory gestures to strengthen memory in our youngest readers.

EARLY WINS IN PK & KINDERPHONEMIC PLAY AND MUSIC

JAKE DAGGETT Wednesday March 3 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Add this event to your registration

PUMP UP PRIMARY: The 46th Annual Pre-K, Kindergarten, 1st & 2nd Grade Conference! Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel | March 3–5, 2027 Discover fresh ideas, practical strategies, and inspiring educators at Pump Up Primary 2027! This year’s conference will feature more than 150 presenters and over 240 engaging sessions designed especially for early childhood and primary educators. Come learn, connect, and have fun as you listen, participate, explore new resources, and shop in our exciting EXPO Hall!

WHAT’S NEW & NOTEWORTHY FOR 2027: • Thursday evening shopping event featuring giveaways, a cash bar & more! • Flexible registration - attend Thursday, Friday or both. Virtual is also an option! (See pg. 52) • Free administrator registration when attending with a team of four or more. All registration forms must be submitted together. • Convenient morning start times. • Earlier Friday dismissal for travelers. • Digital professional-development check-in & checkout—no more long lines! • Longer lunch periods with more dining options. • Professional-development credit approved by ISBE & Gateways to Opportunity.

2027 FEATURED PRESENTERS: • • • • • • • •

Katie Blue Kaci Bolls Keri Brown Amie Burkholder Shannon Cunningham Jake Daggett Dr. Jean Feldman Brandy Fuehne

• Monica Genta • LeAnna Wolkis Goldstein • Jack Hartmann • Jackie Kops • Nicki Newton • Crystal Oswald • Adam Peterson 3

• • • • • • •

Dee Ann Schnautz Ming Shelby Greg Smedley-Warren Hilary Statum Carole Stephens Donna Whyte Deedee Wills

THANKS to the Conference Planning Committee • • • • • • • • • • • •

Rosita Alvarez Marge Cox Janet Dews Laura Ettema Jamie Evans Julie Frisch Karen Graber Julie Grabenhofer Debra Honegger Cathleen Hughes Sarah Jaime Paulina Kedzierski

• • • • • • • • • • • •

Judy Kmak Erika Liburd Erin Lorentz Rochelle Luttrell Holly Magruder Michelle Matt Ken Medo Lindsey Neff Christe Pawlak Becca Pencak Cathy Pope Tammy Schmidt

• • • • • • • • • • • •

Leea Shelton Kerry Shilkaitis Katie Spengler Katherine Stengele Meda Sullivan Renata Serpico Bev Taylor Clint Thornton Jaycey Vedder Marc Wigler Tia Zerbe Nancy Zulawski

Ryan Nevius

Lindsey Neff

Executive Director

Committee Co-Chair

Bill Dodds

Laura Ettema

Associate Director

Committee Co-Chair

Katherine Stengele Conference Coordinator

Share your 2027 Pump Up Primary experiences using our official Twitter & Instagram accounts! 4

Pump Up Primary Conference Schedule Wednesday March 3 REGISTRATION 5:30-6:00 PM

Open

6:00-8:00 PM

Open

8:00-9:30 PM

Closes 9:30 PM

SESSIONS

EXPO HALL

BREAK/TRANSITION

FOOD SERVED

Pre-Con - Jake Daggett

Thursday, March 4 REGISTRATION 7-8 AM

Open

8-9 AM

Open

9-9:15 AM

Open

9:15-10:30 AM

Open

10:30-10:45 AM

Open

10:45-11:45 AM

Open

11:45-12:30 PM

Open

12:30-1:30 PM

Open

1:30-2:00 PM

Open

2:00-3:00 PM

Closes 3:15 PM

SESSIONS

EXPO HALL Open

Session A

FOOD SERVED Cont. Bfast

Open Open

Keynote - Ming Shelby

15 mins

Closes 9:30 AM

15 mins

Lunch

Open Open

Session C

Open Open

Session D

45 mins

Open Open

Session E

30 mins

Closes 2:00 PM

Open

3:00-3:15PM

Open

3:15-4:15 PM

BREAK/TRANSITION

Session F

15 mins

Open

4:15-5:30 PM

Closes 5:30 PM

Friday, March 5 REGISTRATION 7-8 AM

Open

8-9 AM

Open

9-9:15 AM

Closes 9:30 AM

9:15-10:30 AM

SESSIONS

EXPO HALL Open

Session I

Open Keynote - Jack Hartmann Session K

15 mins

Closes 9:30 AM

15 mins

Lunch

Open Open

Session L

45 mins

Open

1:30-2:00 PM 2:00-3:00 PM

Cont. Bfast

Open Open

11:45-12:30 PM 12:30-1:30 PM

FOOD SERVED

Open

10:30-10:45 AM 10:45-11:45 AM

BREAK/TRANSITION

Closes 2:00 PM Session M

30 mins

Closes 2:00 PM

Sessions

Administrators Attend Free

• 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.

Teachers - bring along your school administrator FREE as part of the team (four or more teachers). All registrations 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

Session Target Audience P= Pre-Kindergarten K=Kindergarten 1=1st Grade 2=2nd Grade A=Admin

Yummy Coupons

Ticket Swap

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.

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.

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. 6

Professional Development Hours Earn 11 PD hours over the days of the conference. 2 additional hours can be earned at Wednesday’s session with Jake Daggett. By attending all sessions you may acquire 13 PD hours.

2. Complete the Evaluation in your email for each day. You will receive a link to your email at the end of each day.

In order to receive credit for Professional Development Hours, you will need to:

4. Enter the earned hours into ELIS.

3. Download your Evidence of Completion at the end of the day.

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

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 Ribbon Teacher, and Nashville’s News 2 Educator of the Week. Before entering education, Kaci pursued her Nashville music dream, working with publishers, studios, and songwriters on Music Row for more than a decade. In 2020, she launched her career as a children’s music artist, songwriter, and performer, earning multiple top-five hits on SiriusXM’s Kids Place Live. Her debut children’s book, Dare To Be Me, encourages children—and grown-ups—to embrace what makes them unique. Kaci is married to JW, is a dog mom to bird-dog brothers Tuck and Coop, and is a proud “SuperAunt” to countless nieces, nephews, and kindergarten graduates.

KATIE BLUE

Katie Blue is a nationally recognized education speaker, children’s author, and energetic early childhood educator with more than 20 years of classroom experience. With a special focus on kindergarten and transitional kindergarten, Katie is passionate about helping educators create joyful, developmentally appropriate learning experiences that engage children and remain manageable for teachers. Her expertise includes play-based learning, classroom and behavior management, student engagement, early literacy, number sense, fine motor development, and hands-on learning. Having struggled in school herself, Katie understands that every child learns differently and is passionate about helping teachers recognize and build on each learner’s strengths. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Education and a Master of Arts in Education from McKendree University and is the author of Yani the Yeti and the Power of Yet. Known for her humor, authenticity, and practical approach, Katie leaves educators inspired and equipped with ideas they can use right away.

KERI BROWN

Keri Brown is an experienced K-2 educator, national presenter, and curriculum author from Alabama. Now in her 19th year of education, she has taught kindergarten and first grade and supported students as a K–2 reading and math interventionist. Keri is passionate about using researchbased practices, hands-on learning, and meaningful technology to support young learners. She brings that same practical, classroom-tested approach to her presentations. Number sense and writing instruction are among her favorite topics, and she loves helping teachers discover strategies they can implement immediately. Keri shares on Instagram @ enchantedkindergarden and on her website at www.enchantedkindergarden.com.

KACI BOLLS

Kaci Bolls is thrilled to return to Pump Up Primary! She has spent the past 13 years teaching kindergarten in Nashville, Tennessee, earning honors including school- and district-level Teacher of the Year, Blue 8

Featured Presenters as a second language. With a passion for teaching students and educators, Shannon strives to make classrooms places where students can grow and thrive academically and emotionally. Her sessions are packed with research and practical strategies designed to help educators teach with joy and confidence.

AMIE BURKHOLDER

Amie Burkholder, M.Ed., is a division literacy coach, national speaker, author, and founder of Literacy Edventures. During her 15 years in education, she has served as a classroom teacher, interventionist, literacy coach, and literacy leader. Amie is passionate about bridging the gap between literacy research and classroom practice, helping educators translate the science of reading into practical, high-impact instruction for real teachers and students. She is the author of Literacy Unlocked: How to Implement the Science of Reading with Young Learners and the creator of Foundations2Fluency, a foundational literacy curriculum. Through national professional development, Literacy Edventures, and her Route2Reading community, Amie equips educators with clear, evidence-aligned practices they can use immediately to build stronger readers and writers.

JAKE DAGGETT

Jake Daggett is an Ohio native who began his teaching career in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 2015. Specializing in literacy instruction, Jake built a social media following through his engaging, rhythmic phonics lessons and evidence-based structured literacy practices. His work led to an appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show in January 2024. Jake has taught prekindergarten and first, second, and third grades and now serves as a literacy director at a Milwaukee school, where he supports kindergarten through fifth-grade teachers in implementing the science of reading and writing. He also presents nationally at conferences and for school districts, modeling lessons and working directly with educators. Recent appearances include Plain Talk About Literacy and Learning, the Mississippi Literacy Association, and Los Angeles County’s Literacy Lifts. Jake’s first book, focused on spelling and handwriting instruction, is forthcoming from Express Readers, Inc. in spring 2027. He is thrilled to return for his third year at Pump Up Primary!

SHANNON CUNNINGHAM

Shannon Cunningham is a literacy educator in North Texas who loves working in the primary grades. Throughout her career, she has taught in Arizona, Nebraska, and Texas. Shannon holds a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction with an emphasis in educational technology. She is certified to teach preschool through sixth grade and English 9

Featured Presenters JEAN FELDMAN

MONICA GENTA

Dr. Jean Feldman’s distinguished career in education spans more than 55 years. She has served as a classroom teacher, adult educator, author, and consultant. Dr. Feldman holds a B.A. from the University of Georgia, a D.A.S.T. from Emory University, and both an M.A. and a Ph.D. from Georgia State University. Known affectionately as Dr. Jean, she has authored more than 20 books for early childhood educators, released 15 albums, and recorded hundreds of YouTube videos. She inspires teachers across the country with engaging songs and creative activities that make teaching and learning fun.

Monica Genta is a classroom teacher in rural Illinois who is passionate about transforming education from average to awesome. She believes schools thrive when students are engaged, relationships are strong, and learning connects to real life. Monica is the author of six books, has delivered multiple TEDx Talks, and is a National Board Certified Teacher. She enjoys Casey’s pizza, dance parties, and margaritas.

LEANNA WOLKIS GOLDSTEIN

LeAnna Wolkis Goldstein is an energetic and passionate kindergarten educator from Arizona with more than 25 years of teaching experience and a deep commitment to early childhood education. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Arizona State University and her master’s degree from Northern Arizona University. She also holds an early childhood endorsement and National Board Certification. LeAnna shares her work through national conferences, district trainings, and virtual professional learning experiences in partnership with educational organizations across the United States and beyond. Her teaching centers on visually rich environments, thoughtfully designed hands-on learning labs, and the joyful use of music and movement to engage the body

BRANDY FUEHNE

Dr. Brandy Fuehne brings nearly 20 years of experience and enthusiasm to education as a classroom teacher, curriculum coordinator, instructional coach, and professor. A former Illinois Teacher of the Year and author of 10 Techniques to Get Students Talking, Dr. Fuehne is passionate about sharing practical, hands-on strategies that spark curiosity, encourage participation, and get young learners excited about learning. She and her husband have one daughter and one son, and their family recently returned home after living overseas for two years. 10

Featured Presenters and mind. In her award-winning classroom, “The Wolkis Wonderland,” she promotes exploration and encourages her classroom family to develop their imaginations. Follow her on Instagram: @wolkiswonderland and on X: @WolkisWonders.

JACKIE KOPS

Jackie Kops is an enthusiastic preschool teacher with 14 years of experience in both full-day and half-day programs. A Missouri native, she earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in early childhood and elementary education from Maryville University. Jackie is the teacher-author and CEO behind Pocket of Preschool and loves to share her passion with fellow educators. Her goal is to help teachers unleash their teaching superpowers!

JACK HARTMANN

Jack Hartmann has created and performed children’s music for more than 40 years. His research-based music, developed with educators in mind, helps children meet important state, national, and early childhood standards through educational content, catchy beats, and movement. Jack earned a B.A. in child psychology from the University of Florida and an M.A. in clinical psychology from Assumption College. He began his career working with autistic children at Shands Teaching Hospital and later worked with at-risk youth in St. Petersburg, Florida, and in psychiatry at Emory University Hospital. Inspired by his wife, Lisa, during her first year as a kindergarten teacher, Jack began creating children’s music while substitute teaching. He has since performed at teacher workshops and conferences in nearly every state, including national NAEYC and Head Start conferences and numerous state and local early childhood events. Jack has nearly 2,000 YouTube videos, more than 3 billion views, and over 5 million followers across YouTube and Instagram. He, Lisa, and their team are proud to create joyful, educational content for children.

NICKI NEWTON

Dr. Roberta “Nicki” Newton is an internationally recognized K–8 mathematics education consultant, author, and professional development provider whose work has reached educators around the world. The founder of Newton Education Solutions and Periwinkle Press, Dr. Nicki has written more than 50 books published by Routledge, Corwin, Heinemann, and Teachers College Press. Her work covers guided math, math workshop, math coaching, Math Running Records, fact fluency, and the emerging field of AI integration in mathematics education. She is a contributing author to McGraw Hill’s Reveal Math series and publishes children’s math books through Periwinkle Press. A sought-after keynote speaker and workshop facilitator, she brings research-grounded frameworks to life and helps teachers and school leaders reimagine rigorous, joyful math instruction for the modern classroom. 11

Featured Presenters CRYSTAL OSWALD

DEE ANN SCHNAUTZ

Crystal Oswald is a reading specialist in the Chicago suburbs who works directly with students to build strong literacy skills and a love of reading. Before entering this role, she spent six years as an instructional coach focused on social-emotional learning and literacy and 14 years as an elementary teacher in grades 1–5. Crystal is passionate about helping students become confident, capable readers and supporting meaningful, engaging learning experiences. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with her daughter, Sadie, reading, golfing, tackling homeimprovement projects, and being with family and friends.

Dr. Dee Ann Schnautz brings more than 30 years of experience in PK–12 and higher education. She has served as a teacher, school administrator, district curriculum leader, assistant professor, principal coach, and new-teacher mentor. Through Spur Us On Services, LLC, Dee Ann provides professional development, leadership coaching, consulting, and speaking designed to help educators strengthen instruction, build supportive learning environments, and approach the daily challenges of education with clarity, confidence, and purpose. MING SHELBY

Ming Shelby, Ed.S., is dedicated to inspiring students, teachers, and staff through positive learning experiences. She has committed her career to fostering courageous communities where personal and academic transformation can thrive. Ming began as a teacher in the Chicago suburbs, where she experienced the joy of building school community and collaborating with families to create outstanding learning experiences for students. She later became an instructional coach, empowering fellow educators, celebrating their successes, and expanding her impact beyond her own classroom. In her current role as a director of curriculum and instruction, Ming collaborates with administrators, staff, and

ADAM PETERSON

Adam Peterson is an award-winning educator, best-selling author, and internationally recognized speaker. After more than a decade as a kindergarten teacher, Adam made it his mission to help teachers and students love school and enjoy learning through keynotes, workshops, and assemblies. He also works alongside teachers in their classrooms, providing coaching on behavior, play, and more. When he is not working with educators, Adam writes, tutors young learners, and teaches special education music. A firm believer that family comes first, he spends his free time with his wife, Trisha; their two children; and their dog, Auggie. 12

Featured Presenters families to make thoughtful curricular and instructional decisions that benefit students. Her philosophy centers on courage as a catalyst for personal growth. She advocates for intentional learning experiences, authentic personal development, and strategic support to build communities where courage flourishes. Ming’s dedication and vibrant energy inspire and empower educators nationwide, fostering cultures of growth and courage.

HILARY STATUM

Hilary Statum is a prekindergarten teacher, literacy consultant, and educational speaker based in Middle Tennessee with 20 years of classroom experience. Throughout her career, she has taught a variety of grade levels and served as a multilingual teacher for students in prekindergarten through eighth grade. Hilary is the author of Solar System for Kids and Kindergarten Activity Book: Unicorns and the creator of Pencils to Pigtails, a popular blog for parents and teachers. She travels across the country to provide engaging professional development, literacy training, and instructional coaching. Hilary holds a master’s degree in instructional leadership and is passionate about serving her community by coordinating and teaching her school district’s free English classes for parents. Her favorite days are spent with her husband, their three children, and their extended family. You can connect with Hilary on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest.

GREG SMEDLEYWARREN

Greg Smedley-Warren has been a full-time classroom teacher for 20 years, teaching fifth grade, second grade, and kindergarten. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Indiana University and his English language learner certification from Lipscomb University. In 2015, he was named Teacher of the Year. Greg’s influence extends far beyond his classroom: He is an international speaker, presenter, curriculum developer, and creator of TheKindergartenSmorgasboard. com. He is also the co-founder of Elevate Your Classroom, which provides highquality professional development for early elementary educators, and co-owner of Berteau & Co., a teacher planner and stationery company. When he is not in the classroom or onstage, Greg is a devoted family man. He lives in Brentwood, Tennessee, with his husband, Jason Warren—affectionately known online as “The Mister”—their daughters, Adelynn and Violet, and their dog, Dolly.

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 invite everyone— from the youngest child to the oldest 13

Featured Presenters adult—to sing, dance, and move to the rhythm. Miss Carole has taught music to children ages 1–6 since 1989. Through her company, Macaroni Soup!, she travels across the United States presenting concerts for children and families and workshops for early childhood professionals. Learn more at Macaroni Soup!

sessions and provides in-class modeling and coaching. Her positive attitude, boundless energy, and wealth of practical ideas have been described as “a breath of fresh air in education,” and educators often say, “Her enthusiasm is contagious.” DEEDEE WILLS

Deedee Wills began her teaching career in San Diego at a school where 96% of students were multilingual learners. After several years of teaching second grade, she became her district’s literacy coach, helping train K–2 staff and implement balanced literacy practices. Missing the daily connection with students, she returned to the classroom to teach kindergarten. Deedee is the creator of the popular blog Mrs. Wills Kindergarten, mrswillskindergarten.com.

DONNA WHYTE

For nearly three decades, Donna Whyte has shared her passion as a teacher, education consultant, and author in schools, colleges, and on stages across the country. Her work focuses on supporting at-risk students and providing schools with energy, encouragement, and instructional strategies that work. Donna presents highly engaging keynotes and professional development

Thursday, Mar. 4th - SESSION A: 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. A01 The Power of PlayBased Learning

A03 Behavior Busters

UTOPIA C K•1•2

UTOPIA A K•1•2

Adam Peterson

Hilary Statum

Join Adam for some effective behavior management strategies designed to empower you with practical tools and techniques you can put into place right away. This workshop offers a comprehensive approach to fostering positive behavior and a conducive learning environment. Participants will explore evidence-based strategies for establishing clear expectations, implementing proactive interventions, and nurturing social-emotional skills in young learners. Learn more about building positive relationships, promoting self-regulation, and addressing challenging behaviors with empathy and consistency.

Repeat Session: See L01. Bring back your joy! Hilary believes every single standard can be taught in a fun way. In this session, you’ll discover how to incorporate play while teaching essential ELA, Math, Science, and Social Studies standards. Hilary shares how to keep kids engaged while seeing major results. You’ll head back to the classroom with exciting inspiration, playbased and purposeful lesson plans, and new games to transform your teaching!

A02 Get Unplugged and Get Engaged!

UTOPIA B P•K•1•2•A

A04 ESL & Early Literacy

Jean Feldman

UTOPIA D K•1•2

Repeat Session: See D23. Want to create a classroom community and nurture the WHOLE child—socially, emotionally, physically, and intellectually? Well, unplug those devices and get ready to explore meaningful ways to connect with children! This presentation will emphasize WHY it is important to engage with children, HOW to capture their attention, and WHAT active learning strategies you can use to nurture skills in a fun and playful way. “We’re so busy trying to give children things we didn’t have that we are failing to give them what we did have.” I hope you’ll join me as I share some tried-and-true tips and tricks from my five decades as an early childhood educator! P - Pre-Kindergarten

K - Kindergarten

Jake Daggett English Language Learners are valued, contributing members of our classroom communities. How do we ensure they are celebrated, affirmed, and supported in Tier 1 literacy instruction? How can we expand our toolbox to make Tier 1 instruction inclusive of ELL/ESL students? Discuss all this and more in an interactive, practice-based session where Jake will model explicit strategies to help your English Language learners with memory cues, working memory, and repetition.

1 - 1st Grade 2 - 2nd Grade A - Administrators

Thursday, Mar. 4th - SESSION A: 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. A05 A Day in TK

A07 High-Impact Phonics: Small Moves That Make a Big Difference

EUPHORIA P•K•A

Katie Blue

NIRVANA B K•1•2

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 play-based 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.

Amie Burkholder Explore practical, research-aligned routines that strengthen phonics instruction without adding more to teachers’ plates. We’ll focus on increasing student response, building automaticity, and getting more impact from the phonics instruction already happening in the classroom.

A08 The Number Sense Gap: Finding It and Fixing It Fast NIRVANA C K•1•2 Keri Brown

By the time a number sense gap shows up clearly, it’s usually already bigger than it looks. In this session, you’ll walk away with simple, low-prep routines you can fold into your regular day, ones designed to build real number sense over time instead of just number recall. No overhauling your schedule, no adding another full block to your day, just practical routines that move students forward and keep those gaps from getting any wider.

A06 From What We Do to What We Can Elevate NIRVANA A P•K•1•2•A

Donna Whyte Repeat Session: See L06. This session invites teachers and administrators to reflect on their current literacy practices through the lens of the Illinois Literacy Plan. “What are we already doing that aligns, and what small changes can we make to strengthen our alignment?” The focus will be on manageable shifts—not adding more to teachers’ plates but making intentional adjustments to what is already happening in classrooms and across schools.

P - Pre-Kindergarten

K - Kindergarten

Join us at the conference!

CLICK here TO REGISTER NOW online 17

1 - 1st Grade 2 - 2nd Grade A - Administrators

Thursday, Mar. 4th - SESSION A: 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. A09 Making Science Meaningful

A11 Positive Alternatives to Aggression in Young Children

CONNECTION P

Mickaela Atkins Ashley Passfield

INNOVATION K•1•2

Beverley Johns

Presenting science to a preschool classroom can sometimes be intimidating. Children naturally struggle with failure. Science is an interesting and cooperative way to expose children to healthy failure. Join us as we share our methods for incorporating science into the classroom and how we prepare children to handle experiments that don’t go as predicted. In our classroom, we live by Ms. Frizzle’s saying, “Take chances, make mistakes, get messy.”

We are seeing an increase in aggression in young children. Children may have a low threshold for frustration when they don’t get their way and can become verbally or physically aggressive. If educators tolerate anger and aggression, a child’s negative behavior can escalate. Low-level aggression can lead to high-level aggression. Educators must ensure that they do not become desensitized to it. Aggression can become a vicious cycle: when inappropriate behavior accelerates and adults allow it, the child may become more aggressive. If we are to teach children kindness and peace, we must teach them alternative ways to deal with frustration and recognize them when they use appropriate methods to manage anger. This session will provide educators with multiple strategies.

A10 Kids’ Choice!—Engaging Incentives for Classroom Management IMAGINATION K•1•2

Sherri Feagins Sharron Feagins Looking to boost classroom engagement while managing behavior in a fun and effective way? This session is for you! Discover creative incentives and playful strategies that bring energy and joy into your daily routine. From brain breaks to interactive games, you’ll explore practical tools to keep students motivated, focused, and excited about learning. Walk away with readyto-use ideas that make your classroom a place students love to be! P - Pre-Kindergarten

K - Kindergarten

A12 More Time to Learn, More Time to Grow: Purposeful Full-Day Kindergarten KNOWLEDGE P•K

Sarah Rodriguez Lindsay Kueking Explore how to intentionally design a full-day kindergarten experience that balances academic growth, purposeful play, social-emotional development, and individualized 18

1 - 1st Grade 2 - 2nd Grade A - Administrators

Thursday, Mar. 4th - SESSION A: 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. Through demonstrations, collaborative discussions, and hands-on exploration, attendees will discover how AI can support lesson planning, intervention strategies, and creative student projects while maintaining a focus on privacy, transparency, and authentic learning. Leave with practical ideas, resources, and guidelines for integrating AI thoughtfully and ethically into your classroom.

support. Strategies for maximizing instructional time without overwhelming young learners will be provided through practical examples. Topics will include creating meaningful playbased learning opportunities that foster creativity, problem-solving, and language development; structuring effective academic centers that promote independence and differentiation; embedding intervention and enrichment opportunities throughout the day; and integrating social-emotional learning practices that build classroom community and support self-regulation. Participants will leave with concrete ideas, sample schedules, and planning tools to help create a full-day kindergarten program where every minute is purposeful, engaging, and developmentally appropriate, allowing students to learn, play, grow, and thrive.

A14 Planting Seeds for Curious Learners PROSPERITY K•1•2

Kevin Daugherty Taylor Talbert Get ready to take on spring with your own garden—one filled with books and great, easy-toimplement activities for your students. Easy-to-incorporate science and social studies lessons and activities paired with classic K–2 literature will set you up for successful, engaged students this spring. You won’t be disappointed with these Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom activities. The activities and resources are adaptable for all ages.

A13 Ethical use of AI in the Elementary Classroom Exhibitor Product Showcase Session EPIPHANY P•K•1•2•A

Julieanna Pomian Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming education by providing new opportunities for personalized learning, instructional support, and student creativity. In this interactive session, educators will explore practical classroom applications of AI tools such as ChatGPT, Magic School AI, Claude, and Suno while examining the ethical responsibilities that accompany their use. Participants will gain a better understanding of student data privacy, SOPPA compliance, academic integrity, and responsible implementation practices. P - Pre-Kindergarten

K - Kindergarten

A15 Discovery Education Experience Exhibitor Product Showcase Session SERENITY K•1•2•A

Kelly Wilga Looking for a one-stop destination for engaging, standards-aligned K-2 resources? Join this interactive session to explore how 19

1 - 1st Grade 2 - 2nd Grade A - Administrators

Thursday, Mar. 4th - SESSION A: 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. Discovery Education Experience can become your essential classroom companion. Discover vetted content across Math, ELA, Science, Social Studies, Health, Career Exploration, and more—all within a single platform designed to save teachers time and inspire young learners. Ideal for K-2 teachers, instructional coaches, media specialists, and elementary administrators looking for a tool to simplify planning while increasing student engagement. You’ll leave with access to a demo account and free resources to begin implementing in your classroom.

A17 Count, Sort, Play: Kindergarten Math the Fun Way SCHAUMBURG C K

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!

A16 Yoga & Mindfulness for Managing Stress at Work

A18 Play is the Method. Learning is the Outcome: Creating Classrooms Where Children Thrive SCHAUMBURG D P•K

SCHAUMBURG A/B P•K•1•2•A

Karissa James An interactive wellness session designed to give educators and staff practical tools for reducing stress and increasing focus during the workday. Participants will be introduced to yoga as a holistic practice that includes reflection, movement, breathing, sensory regulation, concentration, and meditation. Through accessible activities such as centering, gentle movement, box breathing, Bee’s Breath, the 5-4-3-2-1 grounding technique, and guided meditation, participants will experience strategies they can realistically use before, during, or after the school day. The goal of this session is to provide simple, sustainable practices that support nervous system regulation, emotional balance, and overall workplace well-being. Participants will leave with real-world strategies for reducing stress in the classroom. P - Pre-Kindergarten

K - Kindergarten

Laurel Mateyka Young children learn best when they feel safe, connected, and engaged — and intentional educators know that joy and rigor can exist together. In this interactive session, participants will explore how developmentally appropriate practices, the Pyramid Model, and purposeful classroom environments support social-emotional growth, positive behavior, and academic success. Through practical examples including intentional read alouds, morning tubs, play-based learning experiences, and environmental design strategies, educators will discover simple shifts that increase engagement and reduce challenging behaviors. Participants will leave with 20

1 - 1st Grade 2 - 2nd Grade A - Administrators

Thursday, Mar. 4th - SESSION A: 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. phrases into asset-based language, design affirmation routines that build joy and connection, and identify simple ways to celebrate linguistic and cultural diversity within daily practice. This session emphasizes developmentally appropriate, relationshipcentered approaches that honor children’s lived experiences and position families and communities as strengths rather than gaps. Participants will leave inspired and equipped with practical tools they can implement immediately to cultivate classrooms where joy is intentional, strengths are centered, and every child is recognized as capable and valued.

research-based tools and ready-to-use ideas to create early childhood classrooms where every child belongs, participates, and learns.

A19 Storytelling Without Books SCHAUMBURG F P•K•1

Sherry Ann Wolfer Make storytelling fun again. This workshop features handmade props to accompany different storybooks. Read the story, tell the story with props, or introduce the props while telling the story. The props shown and used are made from everyday items. You can connect the stories to math, science, and other concepts depending on the books you choose.

A21 “Inquiring Minds Want to Know!” SCHAUMBURG H P•K

Laura De Luca Kim Burd

A20 Joy on Purpose: Centering Strengths in PreK & Kindergarten Classrooms SCHAUMBURG G P•K

Whether you are new to Project Approach, an experienced facilitator, or just want to bring more inquiry into your classroom, you will find this list of investigative “tools” helpful in preparing children for in-depth research of a topic of interest. Come learn how to develop and keep that “inquiry fire” going in between projects by incorporating some of the “tools” of Project Approach work into daily routines and smaller thematic or seasonal studies. Come see photos and real artifacts from classrooms of “tools” in action! Learn how practicing these activities can help build investigation skills for Project Approach work while meeting curriculum objectives and another bonus… make teaching and learning so much more fun!

Chenelle Price What if the most powerful change we could make in early childhood classrooms is not adding more strategies, but changing the story we tell about children? This uplifting and practical workshop invites educators to shift from deficit thinking to strength-based, culturally affirming practice. Participants will explore how everyday teacher language, classroom routines, and interactions shape identity, belonging, and confidence in infant, toddler, and preschool environments. Through reflection and hands-on activities, teachers will practice transforming common classroom P - Pre-Kindergarten

K - Kindergarten

1 - 1st Grade 2 - 2nd Grade A - Administrators

KEYNOTE

Thursday, Mar. 4th - SESSION B: 9:15 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

Ming Shelby

Experiencing Joy while Creating Courageous Cultures School can be unpredictable, exhausting, hilarious, and incredibly rewarding all in the same day. So, how do we create an environment where people want to be, want to contribute, and feel inspired to bring their best? The everyday choices we make shape the culture around us, including how we connect with one another, navigate challenges, and recognize progress. Through stories, laughter, and practical ideas, you’ll leave with a fresh perspective on how to create a positive, empowering culture where people feel valued, motivated, and ready to make a difference.

Thursday, Mar. 4th - SESSION C: 10:45 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. C01 Creative Classrooms: Integrating Art Into Your Classroom

C02 Boosting Literacy Skills Through Purposeful PlayBased Games and Activities UTOPIA B P•K

UTOPIA A P•K•1•2

Jackie Kops

Greg Smedley-Warren

Unlock the power of play and transform your literacy lessons into powerful, playful learning adventures! The first part of the session focuses on discovering purposeful, play-based games that make foundational skills like letter recognition and phonemic and phonological awareness engaging, exciting, and achievable for little learners. From creating oversized letter hunts on butcher paper to bringing early alphabet activities to life at the light table, you’ll uncover research-backed, developmentally

Discover the “secret” to incorporating daily art activities in your classroom while meeting academic requirements and standards. Build your toolbox with innovative strategies to enhance classroom management, foster creativity, and promote holistic learning experiences. Gain practical strategies and resources to seamlessly incorporate art across various subjects, nurturing a dynamic and enriching educational environment for your students. P - Pre-Kindergarten

K - Kindergarten

1 - 1st Grade 2 - 2nd Grade A - Administrators

Thursday, Mar. 4th - SESSION C: 10:45 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. smart teacher hacks and simple organizing ideas that simplify routines, maximize learning time, and keep students engaged with little to no prep. From clever supply solutions to creative classroom systems, you’ll leave with a toolkit of tried-and-true teacher tricks designed to make your days easier, smoother, and a whole lot more fun!

appropriate literacy activities that are simple to implement and highly impactful for student success! We’ll also dive into small group differentiation strategies for personalized learning and quick transitiontime games that keep your little learners moving and engaged all day long. This session will have you energized, playing, and learning—just like your students!

C05 Play by Design: The Research Behind PlayBased Learning (and How to Actually Do It) EUPHORIA K•1•2

C03 Dollar Store Teacher Wars UTOPIA C K•1•2

Adam Peterson Katie Blue

Deedee Wills Hilary Statum

Get ready for a fast-paced, handson, 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. Everyone walks away a winner with fresh ideas, practical strategies, and loads of fun!

Play-based learning gets talked about a lot—but what does the research actually say, and what does it look like on a Tuesday morning with 22 kindergartners? In this session, Deedee Wills and Hilary Statum unpack the evidence behind purposeful play and translate it into routines you can use right away: how to structure play centers around specific skills, how to weave in intentional teacher moves without hijacking the play, and how to defend play-based practice to administrators and parents with confidence.

C04 The Creative Classroom Playbook UTOPIA D K•1•2

Conference confirmations will be emailed & session tickets will be picked up onsite.

LeAnna Wolkis Goldstein Every teacher needs a few secret shortcuts up their sleeve, and LeAnna is here to share hers. This fast-paced session delivers P - Pre-Kindergarten

K - Kindergarten

1 - 1st Grade 2 - 2nd Grade A - Administrators

Thursday, Mar. 4th - SESSION C: 10:45 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. C06 You Can’t Teach a Class You Can’t Manage

C08 Get ALL Students Motivated and Engaged in Learning

NIRVANA A P•K•1•2

NIRVANA C P•K•1•2

Donna Whyte

Monica Genta

Classroom management is relationship-building, environmental design, explicit teaching, and responsive support. The truth is that it is the number one reason teachers are leaving our profession. Join Donna as she shares what drives behaviors, how we can teach self-control and ways to proactively prevent behavior challenges.

In this engaging, high-energy session, you’ll discover simple, practical strategies that increase student participation, boost motivation, and create a classroom where every learner feels connected. Walk away with easy-to-implement ideas, interactive activities, and proven engagement techniques you can use immediately—because small changes can make a HUGE difference.

C07 AI Made Simple: Practical AI for Busy Educators

C09 Feel It, Read It, Grow: Using the I Feel… Series for Social-Emotional Learning CONNECTION K•1•2

NIRVANA B K•1•2

Shannon Cunningham Repeat Session: See L08. Curious about AI but not sure where to start? This beginner-friendly session explores practical ways educators can use artificial intelligence to support planning, instruction, organization, and everyday classroom tasks. You’ll leave with fresh ideas, increased confidence, and inspiration to begin incorporating AI into your workflow.

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!

Share your 2027 Pump Up Primary experiences using our official Twitter & Instagram accounts! P - Pre-Kindergarten

K - Kindergarten

1 - 1st Grade 2 - 2nd Grade A - Administrators

Thursday, Mar. 4th - SESSION C: 10:45 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. disability, and how structured literacy can help with both. We will also touch on signs of dyslexia, what is happening in the brain, and how dyslexia fits within special education.

C10 Navigating New Illinois Legislation for Smoother Transitions IMAGINATION P•K

Lynn Burgett Antoinette Taylor

C12 Creating CALM: Understanding Behavior and Unlocking Potential

As Illinois moves toward full-day, developmentally appropriate kindergarten, schools have an opportunity to strengthen the connection between preschool and kindergarten. This session will explore new legislation and share practical strategies for creating a more seamless transition for young learners. Presenters will highlight lessons learned from the Pre to K Project, a collaborative initiative that brings together early childhood administrators and educators, kindergarten teachers, school district leaders, and community stakeholders. Attendees will gain resources, tools, and ideas for promoting continuity of care, alignment of practices, and successful transitions from preschool to kindergarten.

KNOWLEDGE P•K•1•2•A

Ryan Reinecke Creating CALM is a practical framework that helps educators understand the needs that drive behavior and respond with greater clarity, confidence, and compassion. In this interactive session, participants will explore how unmet needs influence student behavior, staff engagement, and leadership challenges. Through real-world examples, guided reflection, and collaborative discussion, attendees will learn to apply the CALM framework—Core Needs, Autonomy, Love/ Connection, and Mastery—to common school situations. Participants will analyze behavior scenarios, engage in hands-on application activities, and practice a simple reflection protocol that can be used immediately in classrooms, team meetings, and leadership settings. The session will conclude with participant questions, discussion, and action planning. Attendees will leave with a practical framework for understanding behavior, strengthening school culture, supporting staff growth, and unlocking the potential of students, educators, and school communities.

C11 Dyslexia and the Primary Classroom INNOVATION K•1•2•A

Beth Koplinski Jessie Stinson How can I make sure that I am teaching my students with dyslexia or a reading disability? In this presentation, our main goals are to discuss what dyslexia is, the difference between dyslexia and a reading P - Pre-Kindergarten

K - Kindergarten

1 - 1st Grade 2 - 2nd Grade A - Administrators

Thursday, Mar. 4th - SESSION C: 10:45 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. and professional settings. Through engaging discussions, self-reflection activities, and actionable tools, attendees will leave equipped with strategies to work smarter, manage pressure effectively, and achieve greater success without sacrificing their well-being.

C13 Hot Sauce for Building Comprehension: Fluency EPIPHANY K•1•2

Melissa Gill Are your students struggling to read with expression and automaticity? Let’s dive into the true understanding of fluency! During this session, Melissa will sprinkle some HOT knowledge on how to bridge the critical gap from phonics to comprehension for ALL learners. Grounded in the essential work of Dr. Jan Hasbrouck with support from ML expert Elsa Cárdenas-Hagan, this engaging session explores practical, evidence-based fluency practices that strengthen reading comprehension across grade levels. Through creative collaboration, participants will work to design simple ‘Fluency Toolboxes’ filled with strategies, supports, and ideas that can be easily implemented to support students and educators in their schools.

C15 But They Talk at Home! Understanding Selective Mutism

SERENITY P•K•1•2•A

Kathy Slattery Megan Carlson Selective Mutism is a childhood anxiety disorder that can be confusing and is often misunderstood. Children with Selective Mutism are able to speak comfortably at home and in familiar settings but may struggle to speak or interact in school, child care, and other social or group environments.This session will provide an overview of Selective Mutism, including common characteristics, contributing factors, and the impact it can have on children’s social, emotional, and academic experiences. Participants will learn about effective intervention strategies and the importance of collaboration between families, schools, and therapists in supporting children as they build confidence and communication skills. Attendees will leave with practical tools, supportive strategies, and access to valuable resources to continue learning and help children use their “brave voices” to successfully overcome the challenges of Selective Mutism.

C14 Decrease Stress and Increase Productivity PROSPERITY P•K•1•2

Mica Ike This interactive workshop is designed to help participants identify common sources of stress, develop healthy coping strategies, and learn practical techniques to improve time management, organization, and work-life balance. Participants will explore proven methods for reducing stress, increasing resilience, and maintaining a positive mindset while enhancing productivity in both personal P - Pre-Kindergarten

K - Kindergarten

1 - 1st Grade 2 - 2nd Grade A - Administrators

Thursday, Mar. 4th - SESSION C: 10:45 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. C16 Making Music On Purpose!

C18 Tiny Humans, Big Thinking: Building Academic Conversations in Pre-K–2 SCHAUMBURG D K•1•2

SCHAUMBURG A/B P•K

Carole “Miss Carole” Stephens

Steve Oertle

Repeat Session: See K16. Is music-making in your PreK/K classroom on-demand, a time-filler, or an infrequent event? Can’t seem to make it work for ALL your students, including those with Sensory Processing Issues? OR does singing and movement advance a concept, promote a desired behavior, or enrich a content area? Let’s make spoken rhythm, singing, movement/dancing work better by helping you know its value for students of diverse learning modalities. Before this class, please think about how you use music now, and what you need to make it more effective. Come ready to sing and move with Miss Carole!

Young students are capable of deep thinking when classrooms intentionally develop speaking and listening structures that support language, reasoning, and collaboration. In this interactive, strategy-filled session, participants will explore practical, researchbased approaches that help Pre-K–2 students explain thinking, build academic vocabulary, justify answers, and engage in meaningful peer discussions. Educators will leave with immediately usable routines, sentence stems, oral language supports, and engagement structures that strengthen communication and increase student thinking across all content areas.

C17 The Missing Piece of Problem-Solving: Teaching the Process, Not Just the Problem SCHAUMBURG C 1•2

C19 It’s Time for an Agventure SCHAUMBURG F P•K•1•2

Becky Hill

Michelle O’Neall

Students often struggle with problem solving because we teach tasks rather than processes. Participants will learn practical ways to help students develop perseverance, create a plan, reflect, and engage in mathematical reasoning.

Connect STEM and inquirybased learning with real-world agricultural concepts to help young students better understand the exciting world of agriculture all around them. Engaging, hands-on activities, paired with excellent books, will give teachers bushels of ideas for STEM activities featuring pumpkins, dairy, renewable energy, baking, pollinators, bioplastics, construction, and more!

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. P - Pre-Kindergarten

K - Kindergarten

1 - 1st Grade 2 - 2nd Grade A - Administrators

Thursday, Mar. 4th - SESSION C: 10:45 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. C21 Hands-on Activities Make Books Come Alive Through STEAM

C20 Making Math Hands-On, Easy & Fun! SCHAUMBURG G P•K•1•2

SCHAUMBURG H 1•2

Karen Graber

Marge Cox

This session is packed with easy, fun & hands-on 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 & fun.

P - Pre-Kindergarten

K - Kindergarten

Using STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) provides the framework for teachers to connect fact and fiction books with hands-on activities. Meeting standards through literature and activities provides the opportunity to involve students in new and exciting ways for first and second graders.

1 - 1st Grade 2 - 2nd Grade A - Administrators

Graduate Education Programs

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MAXIMIZE LEADERSHIP POTENTIAL

Elmhurst graduate education programs are powered by engaged faculty who are active scholars and subject matter experts. The faculty are integral in providing an experience that enables educators to acquire a versatile skill set, equipping them to evolve with their students. The endorsements and master’s degree programs are tailored to working educators and emphasize leadership and collaboration, so that educators can learn from best practices and build professional connections.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS • • • • •

Bachelor's degree Copy of PEL (license required for all graduate education programs) Official transcripts Resume Additional requirements for educators interested in degree seeking programs

GRADUATE PROGRAMS IN EDUCATION Special Education (M.S.Ed.) Teacher Leadership (M.Ed.) ESL and Bilingual Endorsement LBS1 Endorsement Teacher Leader Endorsement* *master’s degree required

Learn More

Dr. Amanda Pasmore amanda.passmore@elmhurst.edu (630) 617-3234

elmhurst.edu/GraduateEducation

Office of Admission | admit@elmhurst.edu | (630) 617-3400 | elmhurst.edu/Graduate FIND US ON: 29

Thursday, Mar. 4th - SESSION D: 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. D01 Gross Motor Game Time

D03 Guided Math in 60 Minutes

UTOPIA A K•1•2

UTOPIA C P•K•1•2

Hilary Statum

Nicki Newton

This highly interactive session explores how gross motor skills support academic readiness, emotional regulation, and classroom engagement. Teachers will participate in engaging, low-prep activities designed to strengthen gross motor skills using minimal supplies and classroomfriendly spaces. Return to your school with printable instructions, games, and materials for immediate implementation!

Small groups should do more than make the class smaller—they should make instruction more responsive. In this practical session, educators learn how to form flexible groups from evidence of student thinking and match those groups to a clear instructional purpose. Participants explore four distinct small-group lesson formats (conceptual understanding, procedural fluency, mathematical reasoning, and problem solving) then use student data to plan a lesson they can take back to the classroom. The focus is simple: move from “Who is in this group?” to “What does this group need next?” Teachers leave with a repeatable process for turning formative evidence into targeted, high-impact instruction.

D02 Classroom Management and Organization Strategies UTOPIA B P•K•1•2

Jackie Kops

D04 Creative Micro ~ Moments That Spark Magic!

Do you struggle with classroom management or want to make it even better? What about how to organize all the things that come with teaching little learners? With over 14 years of classroom experience, I’ll share my favorite classroom management and organization strategies that actually work. In this session, I’ll cover how to handle transitions, add movement breaks, streamline your clean up procedure, use visuals with more impact, and walk through my morning routine- just to name a few. We will also chat about storing all your classroom manipulatives, themes, and props so they’re easier to find and use throughout the year. P - Pre-Kindergarten

K - Kindergarten

UTOPIA D K•1•2

LeAnna Wolkis Goldstein Sometimes the moments that matter most aren’t the big events; they’re the tiny sparks woven into the everyday. This session invites educators to rediscover the power of micro-moments: small, intentional bursts of connection, creativity, and joy that transform classroom culture from the inside out. This session focuses on the small, meaningful moments that shape the emotional heartbeat of your classroom. You’ll learn simple, 30

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Thursday, Mar. 4th - SESSION D: 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. realistic routines that build trust, strengthen relationships, and bring playfulness to transitions, greetings, celebrations, partner interactions, and everyday instruction. LeAnna will fill your mailbox with dozens of micromoments rooted in what we know about brain development—moments that calm the nervous system and create deep connections.

D06 Attention, Memory, and Routine: Key Takeaways from the Science of Learning NIRVANA A P•K•1•2

Jake Daggett Engagement is top of mind in elementary classrooms, especially in a world of TikTok, iPhones, tablets, and other devices. How do we break down executive functioning? What is working memory? What practices free up the ability to store more information? Jake will answer all this and more as he models various routines that bring repetition, consistency, and pace to the forefront of Tier 1 instruction.

D05 Play to Learn— Purposeful Play, Independent Learners & Time for Small Groups EUPHORIA P•K•1•2

Katie Blue What if your students could play, explore, create, and learn—while you worked with small groups without being interrupted every two minutes? Play to Learn is a structured time built around familiar classroom stations such as dramatic play, blocks, the library, sensory play, and more. Because the routines, materials, and expectations are intentionally taught and practiced, even four-year-olds can play with confidence and independence. Join Katie as she shares how she organizes Play to Learn time, builds student independence, and creates meaningful opportunities for social-emotional, language, and academic growth—all while making targeted smallgroup instruction possible.

D07 AI Made Simple: Level 2 – Beyond the Basics

NIRVANA B K•1•2

Shannon Cunningham Repeat Session: See M08. Ready to take your AI skills to the next level? Designed for educators who already have a basic understanding of AI, this session explores additional tools, strategies, and creative applications that can help streamline your work and enhance teaching and learning.

Join us at the conference!

CLICK here TO REGISTER NOW online P - Pre-Kindergarten

K - Kindergarten

1 - 1st Grade 2 - 2nd Grade A - Administrators

Thursday, Mar. 4th - SESSION D: 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. D08 Connecting the Dots: Letter Names, Letter Sounds & Phonemic Awareness NIRVANA C K•1•2

D10 Helping Little Learners Thrive: Practical Tips & Tools for New ECSE Teachers IMAGINATION P•K•1•2

Amie Burkholder

Tanya Boyle

Explore how these foundational skills develop together and the instructional practices that help young learners build the connections they need for successful reading and spelling.

In this interactive, hands-on session, you’ll discover simple, play-based strategies that help students solve real playground problems in real time. Learn how to turn everyday recess conflicts into opportunities for students to build confidence, make thoughtful decisions, and become more independent. You’ll leave with practical ideas you can start using tomorrow to create a calmer, more positive playground where children learn to solve problems together. Designed for Pre-K through second-grade educators and administrators.

D09 Tiny Texts, Big Language for Multilingual Learners CONNECTION K•1•2

Michele Yanong Primary texts may be short, but they are packed with opportunities for big thinking, rich talk, and meaningful language growth for multilingual learners. In this interactive, hands-on session, teachers will learn a repeatable process for pairing any K–2 text—read-alouds, decodables, science passages, social studies texts, and picture book excerpts—with clear content objectives, WIDA-aligned language objectives, studentfriendly sentence frames, and formative checks that assess one thing at a time. Participants will use AI as a practical planning partner to quickly create visuals, look-fors, sentence frames, and multiple-choice exit slips that separate content understanding from language forms and features. Teachers will leave with an AI prompt sequence and sample classroom materials they can adapt immediately for their own multilingual learners. P - Pre-Kindergarten

K - Kindergarten

D11 Every Engine Can Thrive: Small Shifts That Strengthen Executive Functioning INNOVATION P•K•1

Amber Beutel Executive functioning isn’t another subject to teach. It’s woven into everything students do. In this interactive session, participants will discover a simple framework for understanding why some students struggle to start, stay focused, remember directions, or regulate emotions. Through the “Three Engines” model and practical classroom examples, educators will learn small, sustainable strategies that naturally build executive functioning into daily routines without adding one more thing to 32

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Thursday, Mar. 4th - SESSION D: 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. their day. Participants will leave with ready-toimplement tools that improve independence, engagement, and confidence for every learner.

D14 Brain-friendly & Standards-based Learning

PROSPERITY K•1•2•A

D12 Head to Hand: How Handwriting Aids Literacy and What that Means for Learning

Yanina Jimenez This interactive session explores how educators can combine brain-friendly instructional practices with standards-based learning to increase student engagement, understanding, and achievement. Teachers will learn the key principles of the science of learning, including encoding, consolidation, and retrieval, and discover how these principles align with standardsbased planning, instruction, assessment, and reporting. The session begins with an overview of brain research and standardsbased learning, followed by practical classroom strategies, real-world examples, and implementation tools. Educators will examine instructional frameworks, proficiency scales, formative assessment practices, and student-centered learning experiences. The session concludes with discussion and application activities. By the end of the session, participants will understand the connection between cognitive science and standards-based learning, be able to design brain-friendly lessons aligned with standards, and identify practical strategies they can immediately implement to provide students with meaningful and lasting learning experiences in all subjects.

KNOWLEDGE K•1•2

Holly Britton This session explores the critical “headto-hand” connection—the integration of language, memory, and motor movement that underpins writing development. We’ll examine how handwriting supports language acquisition by strengthening phoneme–grapheme connections and discuss how the two key components of handwriting—motor and cognitive skill— work to develop writing fluency.

D13 Limitless Literacy EPIPHANY K•1

Sarah Howe Come learn ways to get the biggest literacy bang for your instructional time! This session will be jampacked with practical ideas to freshen up your literacy instruction through a variety of morning messages, oral language games, writing formats and so much more! You will leave with instructional, organizational and management strategies to help your little learners grow. P - Pre-Kindergarten

K - Kindergarten

1 - 1st Grade 2 - 2nd Grade A - Administrators

Thursday, Mar. 4th - SESSION D: 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. D15 Illuminating Intervention

D17 An Adventure into the Design and Thoughtful Use of Picture Books SCHAUMBURG C K•1•2•A

SERENITY K•1•2

Jackie Powell

Laura Beltchenko

Every classroom is filled with students who learn in different ways and at different paces. This session will define what Tiers 1, 2, and 3 entail and focus on how to use tiered support to make sure every student gets what they need to succeed. We’ll break down what Tier 2 and Tier 3 supports look like in an elementary classroom and share easy-to-use strategies you can take back right away. By the end, teachers will leave with practical tools, planning ideas, and resources to make tiered support part of their everyday teaching.

In this book-rich session, participants will venture into the behind-the-scenes experience of picture books! We will explore the advanced messages that illustrations send to the reader and implications to story comprehension that extend beyond the text. We will take a purposeful, productive and thoughtful investigation into the design of these masterful works of art and words. Advanced comprehension implications presented in illustrations support additional narratives that words alone simply do not convey. Curated book lists and a resource bank of materials will support transfer into classroom lessons.

D16 Those Little Songs Everyone Needs!

D18 Playful Paths to Vocabulary Expansion

SCHAUMBURG A/B P•K

SCHAUMBURG D P•K

Carole “Miss Carole” Stephens

Annie Browning Kate Klimson

Repeat Session: See L16. Got 30 seconds to fill? Need to bring the temperature down or wake your students up in only a minute or two? Miss Carole’s got you! Zipper songs, rhythmic chants, tiny dances – we’ve got 60 minutes to fill your go-to song bucket.

In this fast-paced, hands-on session, you will discover simple, high-impact strategies to instantly enrich conversations and boost vocabulary in your preschool classroom. Skip the theory and dive straight into practical techniques you can put into action the very next day. Walk away with a toolkit of fresh ideas to naturally elevate early language development through the power of play!

Conference confirmations will be emailed & session tickets will be picked up onsite. P - Pre-Kindergarten

K - Kindergarten

1 - 1st Grade 2 - 2nd Grade A - Administrators

Thursday, Mar. 4th - SESSION D: 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. D19 Let’s Get Dramatic

D20 Rhymes, Rhythm & Sticks

SCHAUMBURG F P•K

SCHAUMBURG G P•K•1

Kim Poulin Amy Fedor

Yolani Belfort Christina Storm

Join fellow early childhood professionals for an engaging and interactive session focused on the value of dramatic play in preschool settings. Dramatic play allows children to use their imagination to take on different roles and act out real-life experiences, through meaningful play experiences. Children develop social-emotional skills, language and communication abilities, problemsolving strategies, creativity, and a deeper understanding of the world around them.

This workshop features interactive word-pattern rhymes using rhythm sticks. Participants will learn how to apply these activities to literacy instruction, including pacing, identifying initial and ending sounds, and building words. We will model and practice multiple patterns and rhymes that can be used immediately for chants, songs, poetry, and music to support literacy development. The session will also include time for discussion, troubleshooting, and questions so participants leave confident in using rhythm sticks in their classrooms.

This session is designed for teachers, supervisors, and program coordinators who are looking to strengthen their dramatic play environments and maximize learning opportunities through play. Participants will explore practical strategies for creating inviting, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate dramatic play areas, supporting children’s engagement, and ensuring a safe and well-organized environment for everyone involved. Leave with fresh ideas, valuable resources, and inspiration to enhance dramatic play experiences in your program.

P - Pre-Kindergarten

K - Kindergarten

D21 Building Problem Solvers Through Talk SCHAUMBURG H K•1•2

Mona Iehl Tanner Bradshaw Math discussions don’t have to feel scripted. In fact, some of the most powerful learning happens when we learn to respond to student thinking in the moment. In this engaging, hands-on session, K–2 teachers will discover how improv-inspired facilitation moves can strengthen problemsolving, mathematical discourse, and student 35

1 - 1st Grade 2 - 2nd Grade A - Administrators

Thursday, Mar. 4th - SESSION D: 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. confidence. Participants will experience classroom-ready routines, discussion prompts, and teacher moves that help students share ideas, build on one another’s thinking, and make sense of mathematics together.

D23 Get Unplugged and Get Engaged!

SCHAUMBURG WEST P•K•1•2•A

Jean Feldman Repeat session: See A02. Want to create a classroom community and nurture the WHOLE child—socially, emotionally, physically, and intellectually? Well, unplug those devices and get ready to explore meaningful ways to connect with children! This presentation will emphasize WHY it is important to engage with children, HOW to capture their attention, and WHAT active learning strategies you can use to nurture skills in a fun and playful way. “We’re so busy trying to give children things we didn’t have that we are failing to give them what we did have.” I hope you’ll join me as I share some tried-and-true tips and tricks from my five decades as an early childhood educator!

D22 Management Hacks that Actually Work and DeStress Our Teacher Life SCHAUMBURG EAST P•K•1•2

Monica Genta In this practical and entertaining session, you’ll learn simple, proven behavior management strategies that reduce disruptions, increase student responsibility, and create a calmer, more positive learning environment. Walk away with easy-to-implement classroom management hacks that save time, lower stress, and help you spend more energy teaching instead of managing behavior.

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Thursday, Mar. 4th - SESSION E: 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. E01 Beyond OneWord Answers!

E03 Once Upon a Number

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Nicki Newton

Brandy Fuehne Dee Ann Schnautz

Picture books can do much more than introduce a math lesson; they can become the lesson. In this interactive K–2 session, participants learn how to identify mathematically rich books and use them to spark reasoning, discussion, modeling, and hands-on exploration. Educators experience a live math readaloud and then use a Before, During, and After planning frame to design one of their own. Along the way, we explore purposeful questioning, manipulative connections, math talk, and ways to build a classroom library that reflects both mathematical depth and children’s identities. Participants leave with a complete, teachable read-aloud plan and practical tools for turning storytime into meaningful mathematics.

Repeat Session: See I04. In this interactive session, you’ll explore how silent signals and turn-and-talks can help all students find their voices while creating richer, more meaningful classroom conversations. During a fun, hands-on activity, you’ll use discussion cards designed for your grade level—and leave with access to print and use them in your own classroom the very next day!

E02 Math Magic: HandsOn Strategies & Games UTOPIA B P

Jackie Kops

E04 Brains in Motion: Movement Strategies that Stick

Transform math time into a playful adventure! This session will show you how to teach various math concepts like counting, number recognition, shapes, and patterns through hands-on activities such as sensory math bins and games. Learn 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!

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LeAnna Wolkis Goldstein When young learners move, their brains light up and learning lasts longer. In this high-energy session, discover how to weave purposeful movement into literacy, math, and classroom routines so students stay engaged, focused, and ready to learn. You’ll walk away with fresh, practical strategies, from kinesthetic games to brain-boosting routines that transform wiggly bodies into powerful learning tools. Get ready to 37

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Thursday, Mar. 4th - SESSION E: 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. experience the joy of moving minds and bodies together with activities you can use the very next day in your classroom.

E07 The Literacy Leader’s Roadmap NIRVANA B K•1•2

Shannon Cunningham

E05 Teach, Play, Learn! EUPHORIA K•1•2

Repeat Session: See I08. Creating strong readers is a team effort. Designed for instructional coaches, administrators, teacher leaders, and aspiring leaders, this session explores practical ways to build a schoolwide culture that supports high-quality literacy instruction. Participants will walk away with ideas for strengthening systems, supporting teachers, fostering collaboration, and creating meaningful opportunities for literacy growth across their campus.

Adam Peterson Repeat Session: See I03. Ever feel like you’re bogged down with curriculum, standards, and new manuals? Well, never fear, Adam is here! Using tried and true methods, Adam will have you laughing, moving, playing, and learning as you explore ways to make your standards more fun than ever before. With simple tweaks and classroom hacks to board games, card games, and more, you can have your students of any age learning through play in so many ways!

E08 Excite! Explore! Discover! Classroom Engagement Unveiled NIRVANA C P•K•1•2•A

E06 Transforming Perspectives on Special Education

Greg Smedley-Warren

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Embark on a journey of discovery in this session, where you’ll uncover simple, classroom-proven ideas, activities, and games that captivate and motivate students. From sensory learning to math and literacy activities, games, and inspiring art projects, you’ll gain a wealth of ideas and inspiration to infuse energy into your classroom.

Shelley Kenow Through personal anecdotes and interviews, Kenow dismantles cognitive biases and promotes a culture of inclusion, acceptance, and empathy. As a veteran special educator, Kenow shares her evolution from a hesitant observer to a passionate advocate for students with diverse learning needs. Participants will leave this session with a deeper understanding of the unique challenges families face and a renewed commitment to building relationships that empower every student. P - Pre-Kindergarten

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Click HERE to register only for the VIRTUAL CONFERENCE option. 38

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Thursday, Mar. 4th - SESSION E: 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. collaborative discussion, teachers will learn how to embed oral language routines that strengthen both speaking and thinking skills across the curriculum.

E09 Tips, Tricks, and Time-Savers for the Beginning of the Year & Beyond CONNECTION K•1•2

Megan Nissen Rachel Golden

E11 Tech and Templates for Modern IEP Writing

Start the school year with confidence and discover practical strategies that will save time all year long! This engaging session is designed specifically for kindergarten teachers and will focus on classroom organization, routines and procedures, classroom management, and simple systems that streamline daily tasks. Participants will leave with ready-to-use ideas, teacher-tested hacks, and valuable resources to make the beginning of the year smoother and help maintain efficiency throughout every season. Whether you’re new to teaching or looking for fresh ideas, you’ll gain tools that reduce stress, maximize instructional time, and create a positive learning environment for your K-2 students from day one and beyond.

INNOVATION K•1•2

Renata Serpico Writing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) is one of the most critical—yet time-consuming— responsibilities of a special educator. This session equips educators with a robust toolkit to streamline the writing process without sacrificing the quality of student advocacy. Participants will learn how to synthesize foundational frameworks like SMART goals, modern efficiency tools, and customizable templates. By the end of this session, attendees will know how to leverage technology and structured resources to write compliant, data-driven, and highly effective IEPs in a fraction of the time.

E10 Little Voices, Big Thinking IMAGINATION K•1•2

E12 Comprehension Alongside Decoding in Primary Bilingual Classrooms KNOWLEDGE K•1

Jessica Barrera Elizabeth DeFoe This 60-minute interactive session will guide K–2 educators in developing students’ academic oracy—the ability to express complex ideas clearly and confidently through structured conversation. Participants will explore practical strategies that move young learners, including multilingual students, beyond one-word responses toward meaningful academic dialogue. Through hands-on activities, modeling, and P - Pre-Kindergarten

K - Kindergarten

Rachell Plote Let’s talk phonics in early Spanish literacy! In this interactive session designed specifically for Kindergarten and 1st-grade bilingual educators, discover how to support emerging readers with foundational syllable recognition AND deep text comprehension. Participants will explore 39

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Thursday, Mar. 4th - SESSION E: 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. how to integrate meaning-making from day one using visual supports, comprehensible readers, and rich Spanish mentor texts. We will explore practical strategies that demonstrate how K–1 readers can leverage syntax and context clues, and apply handson visual scaffolds to map out early story elements. You will leave with actionable ideas to immediately try in your own classrooms!

understanding across Pre-K–2 settings and learn ways to adapt experiences for different developmental levels. Participants will leave with practical strategies they can immediately implement to increase engagement, build number sense, and foster problem-solving skills. The session will conclude by exploring how DreamBox Math can extend authentic classroom experiences through personalized learning opportunities that support and reinforce high-quality mathematics instruction. Time will be provided for participant interaction, reflection, and questions.

E13 Let’s Talk About Reading EPIPHANY P•K•1•2•A

Hailey Lively Celeste Rusin

E15 One Classroom, Many Cultures

Join us for a funfilled, interactive session, as we share ideas and strategies for fostering collaborative conversations about Reading in the early childhood classroom that support the new IL Comprehensive Literacy Plan!

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Molly Babu Participants will discover strategies for incorporating cultural diversity into everyday activities, books, music, celebrations, and family engagement. Through discussions and shared experiences, educators will gain ideas to foster belonging, build cultural awareness, and celebrate the rich diversity that strengthens our classrooms and communities.

E14 Making Math Matter PROSPERITY P•K•1•2•A

Lisa Womack How do we move beyond teaching math as a set of procedures and help students see mathematics as a meaningful part of their world? In this interactive session, participants will explore research-based instructional practices that promote mathematical thinking through authentic learning experiences, purposeful questioning, and student discourse. Through hands-on tasks, classroom examples, and collaborative discussions, attendees will examine how real-world contexts can deepen conceptual P - Pre-Kindergarten

K - Kindergarten

Registration Deadline for the In-Person Conference is FEBRUARY 15, 2027 Registration Deadline for the Virtual Conference is MARCH 25, 2027 40

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Thursday, Mar. 4th - SESSION E: 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. grade classroom too. Whether you’re new to the method or already dabbling, this session offers concrete entry points, task resources, and honest reflections from a classroom where the littlest minds are doing BIG thinking.

E16 Math Moves: Incorporating Yoga & Mindfulness into Math Content SCHAUMBURG A/B P•K•1•2•A

Erin Bracco Asher Waldron

E18 Fluency is Poppin’: Literacy Activities for K-2 Classrooms

BBKY (Boundy by Karma Yoga) embraces this philosophy through our math-based yoga curriculum, not just through literacy. Science shows that the same areas of the brain that control movement also affect memory, executive function, and focus—three key players in learning. This idea of “math moves” gives children a chance to physically engage with abstract thinking and demonstrate their understanding kinesthetically. In this session, we share activities that encourage embodied cognition and align with mathematical concepts and standards.

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Erika Mora-Postma Are you looking for some poppin’ fun ways to increase fluency in your classroom? Then this is the workshop for you. Come see creative and interactive literacy activities that increase your students’ fluency skills. In this engaging, hands-on session, participants will explore fun literacy activities that make fluency pop. Participants will leave with ready-to-use ideas that will energize fluency instruction and learning in the primary classroom.

E19 Make It Work: Keep the Play, Meet the Standard

E17 Exploring Building Thinking Kindergarten Classrooms

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Kimberley Bradley Erica Glenn

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Megan Mann

Young children learn through play, but by second grade it is the first thing cut to make room for the standards. In this hands-on session, you build one shared STEM challenge that scales from Pre-K to second grade, then use a simple four-part framework to turn that play into standards-aligned learning. You will leave able to look at the play in front of you and identify the standard it is already meeting, so you can answer “where’s

Can Peter Liljedahl’s Building Thinking Classroom (BTC) method actually work and transform the math experience for kindergarten students? Absolutely. In this session, you’ll see the BTC framework come to life through a year’s worth of real classroom examples and video demonstrations. While the examples are from kindergarten, it will be easy to envision this beautiful work in a first P - Pre-Kindergarten

K - Kindergarten

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Thursday, Mar. 4th - SESSION E: 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. the learning?” for a child, a family, and the principal. Take home ready-to-use Make It Work Guides, a planning tool that maps what you see to the standard it meets, and clear look-fors leaders can use across the building.

E21 Beyond Tip Sheets: Using Resources from Illinois Early Learning to Support Teachers & Families SCHAUMBURG H P

E20 Keep Little Learners Moving & Growing!

Emily Dorsey Natalie Danner

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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.

Sarah Bartosik Amanda Hill In this highenergy, hands-on session, participants will explore practical, research-based strategies for maximizing engagement in blended Pre-K and early childhood classrooms. Learn how to use Creative Curriculum to create meaningful lessons and routines that support literacy, numeracy, social-emotional development, and independence. Through real classroom examples, attendees will discover ways to incorporate fine-motor activities, sensory supports, adapted materials, independent task systems, and a Google Slides–based daily schedule to create engaging and accessible learning experiences for all students. The session will highlight strategies for balancing teacher-led instruction, hands-on exploration, movement, and independent learning throughout the day. Participants will leave with ready-to-implement ideas for increasing engagement, supporting diverse learners, building independence, and keeping little learners actively learning, moving, and growing every minute of the day.

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Join us at the conference!

CLICK here TO REGISTER NOW online

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Thursday, Mar. 4th - SESSION E: 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. E22 Social-Emotional Learning Games

E23 Exploring Identity & Empathy Through Play

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Monica Genta

Delores Rita Kema Gipson

In this interactive session, you’ll experience fun, easy-to-use activities that help students develop essential SEL skills while increasing participation, teamwork, and connection. Leave with practical games you can implement immediately to build a classroom where every student feels seen, valued, and loved.

Support the development of identity and empathy in young children through creative play experiences.

Share your 2027 Pump Up Primary experiences using our official Twitter & Instagram accounts!

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CALLING ALL VOLUNTEERS Each year, volunteers are needed to collect session tickets, give directions, and help with conference procedures for participants. Volunteers must be willing to work one full conference day (March 4 or 5). Volunteers will be selected on a first-come, first-served basis. Breakfast and lunch are provided. Network with 2,000 teachers at the largest Primary Grade Conference in the Midwest. Your total conference cost will be refunded! ($50 registration deposit)

See Page 83 For Full Details

Thursday, Mar. 4th - SESSION F: 3:15 p.m. - 4:15 p.m. F01 The Phonics Playground

F03 Bring Clarity, Purpose & a Little Fun to your Lesson Planning!

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Hilary Statum

Brandy Fuehne Dee Ann Schnautz

Bring more fun to your phonics block with engaging, low-prep tools, centers, games, and activities aligned with the Science of Reading to make learning stick. In this hands-on session, Hilary shares classroomtested ideas that are easy to implement and perfect for whole-group lessons, small groups, literacy centers, and independent practice. You’ll leave with practical strategies you can use right away, plus freebies and printables to try. Come ready to play, learn, and fill your phonics toolbox with activities your students will love!

Repeat Session: See K06. In this upbeat, hands-on session, you’ll learn how to use SWBAT (Students Will Be Able To) to set instructional outcomes and give every lesson purpose and direction. You’ll play an engaging game of dominoes to match standards with objectives, watch real classroom videos of SWBAT in action, and create SWBAT objectives for your own grade level using the standards you teach. Come ready to learn, play, and leave with practical ideas you can use right away.

F02 The Power of Shared Assessment Language

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F04 Small Group Time Without the Chaos

Jennifer Smith

UTOPIA D K•1•2•A Keri Brown

In this session, you’ll learn how teachers identified individual “holes in learning,” tailored instruction to address specific needs, and observed measurable results. Explore how targeted instructional adjustments supported student movement across MTSS tiers and contributed to improved outcomes. You’ll leave with practical strategies that can be applied in classrooms and schools to promote meaningful, sustained student growth.

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K - Kindergarten

Imagine sitting down with your small group and actually staying there, fully focused, while the rest of your class works independently without a single interruption. That’s exactly what this session helps you build. You’ll learn practical routines for the rest of your classroom, so your small group time finally looks and feels the way you always pictured it.

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Thursday, Mar. 4th - SESSION F: 3:15 p.m. - 4:15 p.m. F05 Tier 2 Support Without Tears

F07 No Time for Science? Inquisitive has the Solution!

EUPHORIA K•1•2•A

Exhibitor Product Showcase Session NIRVANA B P•K

Deedee Wills Intervention time shouldn’t mean extra prep or another stack of worksheets. In this hands-on session, you’ll learn three ready-to-use Tier 2 routines: decodable word lists targeting specific skill gaps, quick sentence dictation for encoding practice, and fluency games that make repeated practice feel like play. You’ll see how to group students, how long each routine should run, and how to keep it simple. Grounded in what the research says about effective intervention, this session skips the jargon and hands you routines to start tomorrow—so Tier 2 support becomes a natural extension of your day, not one more thing on your plate.

Linda Rohaly Time is a precious resource and teachers don’t have enough! Inquisitive knows that you need the highest quality lessons, handson experiences aligned with standards, assessments that measure student success fairly and accurately…all without draining hours of your planning time. It’s possible with Inquisitive’s Open and Go lessons for Grades PreK-5. In this session, you’ll see all of the elements you need to engage students, cover standards and assess learning outcomes with little to no prep time. You’ll also see how to create a customized teacher planner that allows you to annotate your lessons, saving you even more time when you teach them again. And it’s all made by teachers, just for you!

F06 Save Your Sanity! NIRVANA A P•K•1•2

Donna Whyte

F08 More Than Handwriting

What is one task that takes too much time but gives too little back? Let’s look at some small changes that can lead to BIG differences throughout the day. Teachers are working harder than students and we must flip that scenario to ensure that our students learn to take responsibility and accountability for their learning starting at a very young age. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain quick and easy strategies for success!

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K - Kindergarten

NIRVANA C K•1•2

Amie Burkholder Exploring why letter formation matters for early literacy and how explicit, efficient instruction can build automaticity while strengthening the connections between letters, sounds, reading, and writing.

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Thursday, Mar. 4th - SESSION F: 3:15 p.m. - 4:15 p.m. F09 Picture Book Treasure Chests

method actually LOVE learning their letters! Leave this session with ready-to-use ideas for shaking up traditional approaches to teaching the alphabet, and be ready to have a blast creating stories about each letter to promote positive and experiential learning.

CONNECTION K•1•2

Michele Yanong Picture books are tiny treasure chests of language, identity, culture, and author craft. In this interactive session, explore how diverse and bilingual picture books can help young multilingual and multicultural students see their voices, stories, and home languages as powerful tools for writing. We’ll browse fresh titles, study real bilingual authors writing bilingually, and practice pulling mentor sentences that sparkle. Then, we’ll name the language forms and features in those sentences and connect them to gradelevel World Class Instructional Design and Assessment expectations and genre-writing goals. Teachers will leave with hands-on goodies, printable tools, a current picture-book starter list, and a simple routine for helping young authors use all of their languages to write with voice, pride, and purpose.

F11 We Love a Theme INNOVATION P•K•1•2

Jessica Boccia Kristin Picchi Themes are a wonderful way to bring fun, creativity, and fresh energy into your classroom. Join us as we explore simple and practical ways to incorporate thematic learning into your everyday teaching. From easy one-day themed experiences to larger, week-long classroom celebrations, you will discover engaging strategies that spark curiosity and excitement for your students.

F12 The Aguacatito Classroom Framework KNOWLEDGE K•1•2

F10 Alphabet Stories IMAGINATION P

Yanira Franco

Paula Fink

Discover how intentional classroom systems transform teaching beyond individual lessons. Participants will explore The Aguacatito Classroom Framework, a practical approach to building joyful, organized, and student-centered primary classrooms through routines, biliteracy, student leadership, family partnerships, and purposeful classroom design. Teachers will engage in hands-on planning activities, collaborative discussions,

Teaching the alphabet has never been more creative and engaging! Join this inspiring, hands-on session to see letters like you’ve never seen them before. Dive deep into the history of visual communication, and then, with support from studies in foundational literacy, creative growth, and more, you’ll understand why students who learn through this interactive P - Pre-Kindergarten

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Thursday, Mar. 4th - SESSION F: 3:15 p.m. - 4:15 p.m. and classroom demonstrations while exploring strategies that are easily adapted for Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd grade. Throughout the session, participants will design components of their own classroom framework, exchange ideas with colleagues, and reflect on immediate next steps. Time is provided for discussion, questions, and collaborative planning. Educators will leave with ready-to-use planning templates, practical classroom resources, and an expanded instructional toolbox they can implement immediately to strengthen student agency, multilingual identity, and academic success.

F14 Social-Emotional Learning Through a Play Lens PROSPERITY P•K

Ashley Passfield Dana Imlah Social-emotional learning is one domain that is key to children’s development in early childhood settings. Gaining these skills also helps children become more prepared for kindergarten. Teaching these skills is best accomplished through play and supplemental curricula. Come prepared to share how you approach this work in your classroom and gain new insights to take back with you.

F13 Foundations of Reading: Literacy for Little Minds

F15 The Co-Teaching Playbook

EPIPHANY K•1•2•A

SERENITY P•K•1•2•A

Krissi Carr

Tanya Boyle Kacie Bemis

This training session focuses on building a strong foundation in early literacy through evidence-based reading instruction strategies. Participants will explore the essential components of literacy development, including phonological awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension. The session will provide practical tools and strategies to support young learners as they develop foundational reading skills. Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of how to intentionally foster literacy growth through engaging, developmentally appropriate instruction.

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While co-teaching is a powerful vehicle for student success, it comes with unique collaborative challenges. Sharing experiences and strategies is vital, as every educator brings distinct perspectives to the table. When handled poorly, these differences can create friction— and because students are deeply attuned to classroom dynamics, a positive atmosphere is essential for their growth. With Tanya’s nine years and Kacie’s five years of collaborative teaching, we provide a strong foundation of experience to help you navigate these hurdles. Laying the right groundwork now 48

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Thursday, Mar. 4th - SESSION F: 3:15 p.m. - 4:15 p.m. ensures you build a dream team that drives student achievement and excitement instead of falling into a stressful team situation.

Fluency, Vocabulary, Comprehension, and Writing—will serve as a backdrop. Even if your district or school has not created a plan, this session will familiarize you with the elements of a complete literacy lesson for the advanced learner, as the ICLP implies. Participants will leave with a Padlet of resources that provide more advanced learners with opportunities to further their literacy development and growth.

F16 Transforming Literacy & Language through Movement SCHAUMBURG A/B P•K•1•2

Erin Bracco Asher Waldron

F18 Understanding and Implementing the IL Comprehensive Numeracy Plan

Bound By Karma Yoga embraces this philosophy through our literacy-based yoga curriculum. Infusing yoga into storytime and read-alouds is our favorite way to encourage little learners to move loudly. Join us to learn how to bring your read-alouds to life with the magic of yoga. We develop yoga sequences to mirror children’s literature. This helps engage students and allows children the opportunity to truly embody the story, providing more opportunities for recall and retelling.

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Jennie Winters Nikki Brown Samantha Krieg In this session, we will unpack the newly released Illinois Comprehensive Numeracy Plan and explore actionable, systemic frameworks designed to elevate mathematics success across the PreK–2 grades. Participants will dive into the core pillars of the state plan, identifying highimpact instructional strategies and concrete alignment tools that can be directly integrated into district and classroom practices. Participants will explore strategies for operationalizing the 8 effective mathematics teaching practices within the framework to advance equity. We will explicitly discuss how these high-leverage practices—such as establishing clear goals, implementing tasks that promote reasoning, and supporting productive struggle—

F17 Creating a Differentiated Lesson for Young Advanced Literacy Learners SCHAUMBURG C 2•A

Laura Beltchenko In this enjoyable session, a modeled lesson will demonstrate how a well-known picture book can be differentiated to meet the needs of an accelerated or more advanced young literacy learner. The seven competencies of the Illinois Comprehensive Literacy Plan (ICLP)—Oracy, Phonological Awareness, Word Recognition, P - Pre-Kindergarten

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Thursday, Mar. 4th - SESSION F: 3:15 p.m. - 4:15 p.m. dismantle systemic barriers and ensure that every student has meaningful access to high-quality math instruction.

F20 Navigating Autism in the K–2 Classroom SCHAUMBURG G K•1•2

Renata Serpico

F19 Dollar Store Divas SCHAUMBURG F P•K

An insightful session designed to help educators effectively navigate Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Kindergarten 2nd Grade classrooms. This session provides a foundational understanding of ASD, moving beyond stereotypes to explore how it affects communication, social interactions, and sensory processing. Participants will gain practical, evidence-based strategies to create inclusive and predictable learning environments. Key topics include implementing visual supports, utilizing social stories, breaking down complex tasks with task analyses, and various Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) tools. Leave with a toolkit of resources and actionable techniques to improve behavioral and educational outcomes for students with ASD.

Tracy Cupolo Sara Relojo This session will provide participants with materials they can use to create learning centers for the classroom the very next day. Materials from the dollar store will be used to create centers relevant to academic skills and themes taught in Pre-K and kindergarten classrooms. Skills covered include alphabet recognition, beginning- and ending-sound recognition, rhyming words, syllable counting, CVC word blending, vowel-sound substitutions, number identification from 1–10 and 1–20, basic addition, patterning, one-to-one correspondence, and basic fine-motor skills. This session will provide a wide variety of ideas for using items purchased at the dollar store to promote hands-on instruction that allows children more movement and less time with worksheets. Anecdotal records will be shared for documenting skills as children work through these simple activities.

F21 Helping Students See Themselves in Books SCHAUMBURG H 1•2

Lesley Bracero Natoia Franklin This professional learning session centers on the impact of culturally responsive literature and authentic representation in secondgrade classrooms. Presented by Melanated Authors, the session emphasizes that seeing themselves in books strengthens children’s self-esteem,

Conference confirmations will be emailed & session tickets will be picked up onsite. P - Pre-Kindergarten

K - Kindergarten

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Thursday, Mar. 4th - SESSION F: 3:15 p.m. - 4:15 p.m. engagement, and connection to learning. Participants will directly examine how diverse children’s books foster inclusion, belonging, empathy, and academic growth by functioning as both mirrors to students’ experiences and windows into the lives of others. Educators will discuss practical strategies for selecting and using inclusive literature in the classroom.

framework, and MTSS principles, participants will explore practical strategies for identifying meaningful data, making student thinking visible, recognizing patterns across multiple measures, and translating evidence into instructional action. Participants will work through Pre-K–2 student scenarios, collaboratively “build” a whole-child data story, and practice asking three essential questions: What do we know? What might we be missing? What should we do next? Educators will leave with practical strategies and resources they can immediately use to strengthen datainformed conversations, differentiation, smallgroup instruction, intervention, and progress monitoring in their classrooms.

The session showcases examples from Melanated Authors’ books, demonstrating how representation drives literacy development, social-emotional learning, and identity formation. Teachers will leave with actionable tools and ideas for weaving diverse literature into their teaching and classroom culture.

F23 Mindfulness in the Classroom

F22 Using Data to See the Whole Child in Pre-K–2

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Diane Jankowski Toni Morales

Barb Davis Nikki Nickelman

Help your youngest learners thrive with simple and effective mindfulness tools designed especially for K-2 classrooms. In this interactive session, participants will explore how The Mindful Pro program uses play, games, breathing, and movement to teach student 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.

In this highly interactive session, participants will identify the challenges that occur when making decisions with incomplete, disconnected, or inaccessible information. We will then explore how literacy, numeracy, developmental observations, formative assessment, attendance, intervention, and whole-child indicators can work together to create a more complete picture of student learning. Grounded in Illinois’ Comprehensive Literacy Plan, Comprehensive Numeracy Plan, KIDS P - Pre-Kindergarten

K - Kindergarten

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Friday, Mar. 5th - SESSION I: 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. strategies for supporting name writing. Attendees will leave with practical, researchaligned tools to develop confident, capable early writers.

I01 A Joyful Approach to Positive Behavior Management UTOPIA A K•1•2

Kaci Bolls

I03 Teach, Play, Learn! UTOPIA C K•1•2

Experience a proven, feel-good approach to positive kindergarten behavior that actually sticks. I’ll share how small rewards (think quick, joyful nods of recognition) build upon each other to grow responsibility, motivation, and engagement. Spoiler alert: desk pets eventually steal the show! Walk away inspired, amused, and ready to add a little sprinkle of magic to your day.

Adam Peterson Repeat Session: See E05. Ever feel like you’re bogged down with curriculum, standards, and new manuals? Well, never fear, Adam is here! Using tried and true methods, Adam will have you laughing, moving, playing, and learning as you explore ways to make your standards more fun than ever before. With simple tweaks and classroom hacks to board games, card games, and more, you can have your students of any age learning through play in so many ways!

I02 Scribble, Draw, Write: Building Confident Little Writers UTOPIA B P•K

I04 Beyond OneWord Answers!

Jackie Kops Emergent writing develops best when play and intentional instruction work together. This session focuses on early writing (scribbles to early writing) and fostering a classroom culture where writing is meaningful, purposeful, and present throughout the entire day. Topics include implementing Message of the Day, modeling real-world writing during circle time, and embedding writing experiences into play-based learning centers and activities. Participants will also explore multisensory activities designed to strengthen fine motor skills and support early writing development. The session will highlight the stages of writing, the value of scribbles and invented letters, and effective P - Pre-Kindergarten

K - Kindergarten

UTOPIA D P•K•1•2•A

Brandy Fuehne Dee Ann Schnautz Repeat Session: See E01.In this interactive session, you’ll explore how silent signals and turn-andtalks can help all students find their voices while creating richer, more meaningful classroom conversations. During a fun, hands-on activity, you’ll use discussion cards designed for your grade level—and leave with access to print and use them in your own classroom the very next day! 53

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Friday, Mar. 5th - SESSION I: 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. I05 Kinder Case Files

I07 Math Marvels: Math Strategies For Early Childhood

EUPHORIA P•K•1•2

Katie Blue

NIRVANA B P•K•1•2

Ready for some hands-on learning FUN?! Grab your detective hat, and let’s get to work! Travel around to different stations collecting clues and using prior knowledge to make inferences and crack the case! This interactive session will give you ideas and resources to equip your young learners with essential skills for successful reading and critical thinking! This kind of thematic learning is the best way to combine reading, science, inquiry learning and FUN!

Greg Smedley-Warren Explore innovative ways to enhance your math instruction. Uncover methods such as interactive calendar routines, math review, mental math, mini-lessons, small groups, and centers to build math skills daily. These strategies not only cater to your students’ individual needs, but also encourage the development of higher-order thinking and problem-solving skills.

I08 The Literacy Leader’s Roadmap

I06 Learning to Read and Trauma: How are They Connected?

NIRVANA C K•1•2

Shannon Cunningham

NIRVANA A P•K•1•2

Repeat Session: See E07. Creating strong readers is a team effort. Designed for instructional coaches, administrators, teacher leaders, and aspiring leaders, this session explores practical ways to build a schoolwide culture that supports high-quality literacy instruction. Participants will walk away with ideas for strengthening systems, supporting teachers, fostering collaboration, and creating meaningful opportunities for literacy growth across their campus.

Donna Whyte Trauma can make learning to read more difficult—not because a child is less capable, but because the brain may be focused on other needs. Come discover how educators can help students refocus their attention, strengthen working memory, develop language and vocabulary, and become more willing to take risks and make mistakes. All of these factors significantly affect how a student learns.

Share your 2027 Pump Up Primary experiences using our official Twitter & Instagram accounts! P - Pre-Kindergarten

K - Kindergarten

1 - 1st Grade 2 - 2nd Grade A - Administrators

Friday, Mar. 5th - SESSION I: 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. tools. You will learn exactly how to safely and ethically use AI to automate tedious administrative tasks, draft high-quality IEP supports, and differentiate materials in seconds. Leave this session with the practical skills needed to conquer the paperwork mountain and reclaim your valuable time for student-centered instruction.

I09 Building Oracy, Motor Skills, and Writing Progressions CONNECTION P•K•1•2

Leah Herold Katie Normoyle A high-impact professional development session designed to transform how educators approach writing instruction in the earliest grades. While many teachers view writing primarily as a mechanical task, this session shifts the focus to the underlying cognitive and physical processes that truly empower young writers. Over the course of this 60-minute session, we will explore three essential pillars for student success: Oracy & Vocabulary, Physical Mechanics, and Writing Progressions. By joining this session, you will gain practical methods for pinpointing student needs to ensure your teaching matches their developmental stages. Come work with us to sharpen your techniques, acknowledge the day-to-day challenges of teaching writing, and equip your students with the essential skills for writing success.

I11 Strategies to Support Multilingual Learners INNOVATION K•1•2

Lana Briggs Tania Alcala Multilingual learners thrive when they have meaningful opportunities to listen, speak, read, and write throughout the school day. In this session, participants will explore instructional strategies that support language development while building literacy skills. These strategies use visuals, shared experiences, structured conversations, and collaborative writing to support students as they move from oral language to reading and writing. The session includes classroom examples, hands-on activities, and readyto-use tools that promote vocabulary development, academic language, and student engagement. Participants will leave with practical ideas for increasing meaningful student talk and creating equitable learning opportunities that honor and leverage the linguistic strengths of multilingual learners.

I10 Building Your Ultimate AI Special Education Toolkit IMAGINATION P•K•1•2•A

David Brannstrom Special education teachers are drowning in paperwork, leaving less and less time for what actually matters: teaching. It’s time to work smarter, not longer. Build your personal AI toolkit using powerful, educator-focused P - Pre-Kindergarten

K - Kindergarten

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Friday, Mar. 5th - SESSION I: 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. Participants will also receive creative playstation ideas, family-engagement activities, and ready-to-use technology resources that can be implemented immediately in their classrooms. Walk away with practical tools and actionable strategies to create a more welcoming, inclusive, and collaborative learning community—helping every child thrive both at home and at school.

I12 Student Ideas Grow Through Solving, Thinking, & Talking KNOWLEDGE K•1•2

Mona Iehl Amanda Bourne In this interactive session, kindergarten through 2nd grade educators will explore how students’ mathematical ideas naturally grow from early counting strategies to increasingly sophisticated place value understanding and invented algorithms. Using student work progressions and the Word Problem Workshop structure, participants will learn how to recognize, interpret, and build on student thinking while gaining practical instructional moves they can implement immediately in their classrooms.

I14 Fostering Social and Affective Well-Being with Children’s Literature PROSPERITY P•K•1•2•A

Laura Beltchenko Utilizing selections of children’s literature as a vehicle, this session will develop reasoning and thinking models to support affective development and social growth. Using picture books, character traits, and the influence of story settings, plot structures, and illustrations, students will be guided to understand social cues and situations as well as find the expressive words and actions they may require navigating their world. We will explore strengths of the Heart, Mind, and Will as well as the revised Illinois SEL Learning Standards. A Padlet will provide resources and bibliographies for classroom implementation.

I13 Building Strong Home-School Connections in Early Childhood Education EPIPHANY K•1•2

Keran Williams This engaging, interactive professional development session is designed to help early childhood educators strengthen family engagement and create meaningful homeschool connections. Through hands-on activities, discussions, role-playing, and realworld strategies, participants will learn how to overcome common barriers to parental involvement, improve communication, and foster positive relationships with families. P - Pre-Kindergarten

K - Kindergarten

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Friday, Mar. 5th - SESSION I: 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. I15 Using Storytelling Science to Predict the SEL Books that Stick

I16 Applied Improvisation SCHAUMBURG A/B P•K•1•2•A

Alex DiVirgilio

SERENITY P•K•1•2

As teachers and leaders, we cannot always assume that we will be understood by our teams, employees, and, especially, the children. This workshop is designed to help build relationships within your children and your teams focusing on five specific skills: Communication, Listening, Establishing Mutual Understanding, Moving on Quickly from Failure, and Initiative. This session contains interactive exercises and will require participants to communicate, act and react in the moment, and reflect on the challenges that each exercise presents to help recognize patterns in how we communicate with each other. Using the skills we refine in these workshops, we will provide the framework that allows us to build a communicative, resilient, and creative team that can discover new ways to navigate their ever-changing classes.

Sarah Minnis Every primary teacher knows the books kids beg to hear again—the ones they quote at lunch, reference on the playground, and remember months later. Then there are the social-emotional learning books we choose for all the right pedagogical reasons, but simply fail to stick. While SEL stories have the immense potential to help children navigate big emotions, none of that impact matters if the children tune out before the lesson ends. We can easily identify past classroom legends, but can we actually predict that picture book magic before allocating our limited budgets? Welcome to the Story Lab. Drawing on established research around attention, memory, and narrative engagement, Sarah breaks down what early childhood cognitive science tells us about the stories young children naturally revisit. Sarah will share a practical playbook to transition these highimpact stories from a single read-aloud into a living classroom culture. From character-driven morning routines to school-wide celebration weeks, you will leave with a sharper eye for auditing your shelves and a creative roadmap to make emotional literacy the most celebrated part of your school year. P - Pre-Kindergarten

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Friday, Mar. 5th - SESSION I: 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. I17 Words in Action: Linking Sounds, Meaning, and Context

I18 Tips and Strategies for Early Career Educators

SCHAUMBURG C K•1•2

SCHAUMBURG D P•K•1•2

Danielle Cronk Juliana Amador

Diane Schoenheider Mallory Lawler

Knowledge is the engine of comprehension, and words are the building blocks of knowledge, allowing us to construct meaning through verbal, written, and abstract experiences. In this session, we’ll explore how explicit vocabulary and morphology instruction can be woven into daily K–2 literacy instruction to expand students’ language, strengthen word learning, and support long-term reading success. Participants will experiment with evidencebased instructional routines that develop morphological awareness, deepen vocabulary knowledge, and help students transfer their understanding across reading, writing, and content-area learning specific to the K-2 setting. Leave with practical resources and actionable strategies you can implement immediately in your classroom!

Teacher preparation programs provide a strong foundation in instructional practices, but many educators enter the profession wishing they had learned more about the realities of building relationships, collaborating with colleagues, and establishing effective classroom systems. This interactive 60-minute session is designed for early career educators and focuses on practical strategies that can be implemented immediately to create positive learning environments and sustainable professional practices. Participants will engage in hands-on activities, collaborative discussions, reflection opportunities, and problem-solving scenarios centered on building meaningful relationships with students, fostering productive coteaching and colleague partnerships, and establishing routines and expectations that support student success. Examples will be adaptable across grade levels, including specific considerations for Pre-K through 2nd grade classrooms. Attendees will leave with actionable tools, ready-to-use strategies, and a personalized implementation plan. Time will be provided for participant interaction, questions, discussion, and sharing of ideas to support successful application in their own educational settings.

Registration Deadline for the In-Person Conference is FEBRUARY 15, 2027 Registration Deadline for the Virtual Conference is MARCH 25, 2027

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Friday, Mar. 5th - SESSION I: 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. student choice, and behavior supports. The session also highlights strategies for building relationships, increasing student engagement, and promoting emotional regulation in young learners. Attendees will actively participate in activities that model real classroom practices. Teachers will leave with immediately usable ideas, songs, routines, resources, and management tools that foster a safe, organized, and supportive learning environment where all students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

I19 25 Theme-Based Art Activities That Complement Your Curriculum SCHAUMBURG F P•K•1

Karen Graber Art Extravaganza! Explore 25 simple, themebased art activities that complement your curriculum. Help your students become well-rounded learners with easy and fun art projects that connect with literature and common themes. Bring cardstock or paper to trace patterns to take with you. A detailed handout will be provided for use back in your classroom.

I21 Full STEAM Ahead with Fact, Fiction and Hands-on Activities SCHAUMBURG H P•K

I20 Building a Set of Classroom Management Strategies for a K-2 Classroom

Marge Cox This session uses STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) as a framework to showcase current fact and fiction books along with activities to further enhance the book experience. When children get to “do” they remember more. Come prepared to share your own experiences and leave with ideas you can use as soon as you return to your classroom.

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LeeAnn Delli Laura Lunardi This interactive professional development presentation explores effective classroom management strategies for K–2 classrooms that build structure, independence, positive behavior, and strong classroom community. Participants will learn practical, developmentally appropriate systems that create predictable routines and support student success throughout the school day. Topics include morning meetings, transition routines, classroom jobs, center rotations, positive reinforcement systems, calming corners, SEL integration, P - Pre-Kindergarten

K - Kindergarten

Join us at the conference!

CLICK here TO REGISTER NOW online

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KEYNOTE

Friday, Mar. 5th - SESSION J: 9:15 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

Music and Movement All Around The Curriculum with Jack Hartmann Start the day with music, movement, dancing and learning fun with YouTube sensation and your favorite co-teacher, Jack Hartmann. Jack guarantees a supfun start to the day, singing “live’ and presenting a wonderful variety of his his educational and brain break songs. Jack’s song topics will cover counting, language skills, science, social skills – Tooty Ta, and more! Don’t miss the fun!

Friday, Mar. 5th - SESSION K: 10:45 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. K01 Beyond the Book: Read-Alouds with Purpose

K02 Teaching K-2 Students to Add Detail That Matters

UTOPIA A K•1•2

UTOPIA B K•1•2 Keri Brown

Hilary Statum Bring back the read-aloud! In this fun session, discover 10 engaging read-alouds for primary students. Each text is paired with the perfect standards-driven activity. Return to your classroom with low prep crafts, graphic organizers, high interest activities, and a list of fun books to “check out” for your students.

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K - Kindergarten

A complete sentence is a great start, but it’s not the finish line. The real skill, the one that makes writing come alive, is teaching students to add the details that make a sentence actually mean something. In this session, you’ll learn simple, repeatable routines that help students move beyond bare-bones sentences and into writing with real substance, without turning it into a heavy lift.

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Friday, Mar. 5th - SESSION K: 10:45 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. how thoughtful setup and organization can improve behavior, increase participation and make learning more accessible for all students!

K03 Move It, Feel It, Grow It: SEL in Motion UTOPIA C P•K•1•2•A

K05 Making Math Visual: Using Manipulatives to Deepen Understanding

Crystal Oswald What if movement could be more than a brain break? Young learners are naturally curious, active, and constantly learning through their experiences. In this interactive session, educators will explore creative ways to incorporate movement, music, and hands-on experiences into socialemotional learning for students in grades K–2. Participants will discover how kinesthetic learning can support the development of key social-emotional skills while exploring engaging strategies that can be adapted for a variety of classroom settings and student needs. Together, we’ll consider how intentional movement and creative experiences can help bring SEL to life in meaningful and memorable ways. Leave with fresh ideas, practical strategies, and inspiration for incorporating movement and creativity into your everyday approach to social-emotional learning.

EUPHORIA K•1•2

Deedee Wills Young children learn math best when they can see and touch it. In this hands-on session, explore how ten frames, rekenreks, unifix cubes, and other manipulatives help model big ideas in early math instruction. You’ll see how visual tools move students from concrete to abstract thinking without rushing the process—building real number sense instead of memorized steps. Walk away with practical ways to weave manipulatives into daily math routines, plus a few favorite tools worth adding to your classroom if you don’t have them already.

K06 Bring Clarity, Purpose & a Little Fun to your Lesson Planning!

K04 From Corners to Connections: Designing Learning Spaces That Work!

NIRVANA A K•1•2•A

Brandy Fuehne Dee Ann Schnautz

UTOPIA D P•K•1•2•A

Repeat Session: See F03. In this upbeat, hands-on session, you’ll learn how to use SWBAT (Students Will Be Able To) to set instructional outcomes and give every lesson purpose and direction. You’ll play an engaging game of dominoes to match standards with objectives,

LeAnna Wolkis Goldstein Every corner of your classroom has the potential to be a powerful learning space. In this session, explore how to transform everyday areas into meaningful, engaging environments that promote collaboration, independence and academic growth. Learn P - Pre-Kindergarten

K - Kindergarten

1 - 1st Grade 2 - 2nd Grade A - Administrators

Friday, Mar. 5th - SESSION K: 10:45 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. watch real classroom videos of SWBAT in action, and create SWBAT objectives for your own grade level using the standards you teach. Come ready to learn, play, and leave with practical ideas you can use right away.

K09 Letters, Sounds, Activities Oh My! CONNECTION P•K

Tracy Cupolo Sara Relojo

K07 Simple Songs for Student Success

This session will provide participants with hands-on activities for students to use for building fine motor skills, letter recognition skills, and letter/sound associations. Participants will be given examples of Letter Builders, Letter Charts, and Upper and Lowercase letter art projects to help with fine motor skills, letter recognition and sound association. These activities can be prepared and used in the classroom the very next day! Letter builders provide students with materials and verbiage for creating letters (big lines, little lines, big curves, little curves), the letter charts will provide students with a visual for remembering the letter and letter sound by building the chart together and attaching a learning chant with the chart, and the upper and lowercase letter projects help to reinforce fine motor skills and letter/ sound associations. This is a great session that provides a multitude of modalities for teaching letters and letter/sound associations.

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Adam Peterson In today’s world of overused screen time, music and movement are more important than ever before! Get your kids singing and moving with simple, developmentally appropriate songs, chants, and fingerplays that also help you meet guidelines and standards. Don’t worry, you don’t have to be a singer or dancer to be a part of this engaging session!

K08 The Education Team: Working with Paraprofessionals NIRVANA C P•K•1•2•A

Shelley Kenow Paraprofessionals can be a teacher’s greatest ally or a significant challenge. This session helps teachers transform that relationship, ensuring paraprofessionals become a true asset in the classroom.

K10 Ready, Set, Play! 10 Games You Can Use in Any Lesson IMAGINATION K•1•2

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. P - Pre-Kindergarten

K - Kindergarten

Jennifer Shambaugh Bringing games into the classroom can be a powerful way to increase engagement 62

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Friday, Mar. 5th - SESSION K: 10:45 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. and participation. In this interactive session, teachers will explore 10 flexible game structures designed for use across reading, math, science, social studies, and more. These low-prep activities transform academic practice into active, purposeful learning experiences that strengthen student understanding while reinforcing essential skills. Participants will experience several of the games during the session and observe demonstrations of additional strategies with explanations about how each game can be used in multiple subject areas. Teachers will leave with a toolbox of ready-to-use, game-based strategies they can implement immediately to create more dynamic classroom learning experiences.

K12 The Hidden Weight of Leadership

KNOWLEDGE A

Saundra Russell-Smith School leaders are expected to lead with confidence and resilience while navigating the growing demands of students, staff, families, and school systems. Yet behind the visible responsibilities of leadership exists an often-unspoken emotional load that can impact decision-making, communication, school culture, and personal well-being. In this interactive session, participants will explore the hidden pressures administrators carry, examine how those burdens influence leadership effectiveness, and learn practical strategies for leading with greater emotional awareness, authenticity, resilience, and sustainability.

K11 The Power of Partner Talk INNOVATION K•1•2•A

K13 Helping Families Understand Preschool Special Education Assessment and Eligibility

Samantha Geijer Jacquelyn Johnson This interactive session explores how academic teaming and structured student talk promote deeper thinking, engagement, and achievement for primary learners. Grounded in John Hattie’s Visible Learning research, participants will examine highimpact teaming strategies and protocols. Attendees will leave with practical structures, collaborative protocols, and implementation ideas that foster meaningful discourse, student ownership, and rigorous thinking in any classroom. P - Pre-Kindergarten

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EPIPHANY P

Emily Dorsey Natalie Danner 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. 63

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Friday, Mar. 5th - SESSION K: 10:45 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. event? Can’t seem to make it work for ALL your students, including those with Sensory Processing Issues? OR does singing and movement advance a concept, promote a desired behavior, or enrich a content area? Let’s make spoken rhythm, singing, movement/dancing work better by helping you know its value for students of diverse learning modalities.

K14 High-Impact Math Routines for PK–2 PROSPERITY K•1•2

Lisa Womack Discover simple, high-impact routines that help young learners make sense of numbers, not just memorize steps. This hands-on session gives K–2 teachers ready-touse strategies to build confidence, flexibility, and real math understanding.

Before this class, please think about how you use music now, and what you need to make it more effective. Come ready to sing and move with Miss Carole!

K15 Using Our Words SERENITY P•K

K17 Assessing and Supporting Oral Language and Vocabulary for Comprehension

Amy Kilgus Chamley We all know that early childhood educators spend a lot of time talking. But how can we make sure we’re talking WITH children, not just AT them? In this engaging, interactive session, participants will discover and practice intentional approaches to having meaningful conversations with children, based on current research. We’ll also talk about how these conversations can have positive effects beyond language development. You’ll be surprised at the impact a few simple strategies can have in your classroom!

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Jennie Winters Samantha Krieg Reading comprehension starts long before a child begins to decode. This session focuses on the critical role of oral language in early literacy development. Participants will learn how to move beyond simple “I can” checklists to utilize high-impact, evidence-based assessment practices. We will explore the CUBED Narrative Language Measures (NLM) as a primary tool for diagnosing languagebased comprehension risk and dive into embedded observational strategies for monitoring vocabulary growth and oral language production in the classroom. Attendees will leave with a clear framework for integrating formal screening with daily

K16 Making Music On Purpose! SCHAUMBURG A/B P•K

Carole “Miss Carole” Stephens Repeat Session: See C16. Is music-making in your PreK/K classroom on-demand, a time-filler, or an infrequent P - Pre-Kindergarten

K - Kindergarten

1 - 1st Grade 2 - 2nd Grade A - Administrators

Friday, Mar. 5th - SESSION K: 10:45 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. instruction, ensuring all students—from Pre-K to 2nd grade—build the linguistic foundation necessary for literacy success. By the end of this session, participants will be equipped with actionable protocols to measure language progress and data-driven methods to differentiate instruction in real-time.

nature in the classroom! You will walk away with ideas for hands-on learning experiences that not only encourage critical thinking and questioning skills, but also bring an element of wonder into learning.

K20 Pour Into Yourself: A Creative Make & Take Experience

K18 Your AI Teaching Partner: Using ChatGPT Voice in Primary Classrooms

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Qiana Dukes

SCHAUMBURG D P•K•1•2

This interactive make-and-take session is designed for Pre-K through 2ndgrade educators, instructional staff, and administrators to pause, connect, and pour back into themselves through creativity and community. Participants will customize a trucker hat or tote bag using patches, transfers, and embellishments in a relaxed, beginner-friendly environment while exploring how creative experiences can support educator wellness, staff morale, and positive school culture. Throughout the session, participants will engage in hands-on creativity, collaborative discussion, reflection, and idea-sharing focused on building meaningful opportunities for connection within schools. Attendees will leave with a completed personalized item, practical ideas for school community-building, and inspiration for creating intentional spaces that pour back into educators.

Joanna H. Lee Discover how ChatGPT’s voice feature can become a practical teaching partner in PreK–2 classrooms. In this interactive session, participants will learn how to set up and use ChatGPT Voice, experience guided conversations through hands-on activities, and explore classroom-ready applications for literacy, math, behavior support, family communication, and teacher reflection. Participants will leave with practical prompts, ready-to-use examples, and increased confidence in using AI responsibly to support young learners.

K19 Hands-On Science SCHAUMBURG F P•K•1

Heather Ziemer You don’t have to love creepy crawlers and explosions to teach young learners about science. Join Heather for fun and engaging experiments for multiple grade levels and how to include P - Pre-Kindergarten

K - Kindergarten

Click HERE to register only for the VIRTUAL CONFERENCE option. 65

1 - 1st Grade 2 - 2nd Grade A - Administrators

Friday, Mar. 5th - SESSION K: 10:45 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. data to inform Behavior Intervention Plans (B.I.P.s). The presentation moves beyond theory into practical, tiered classroom strategies, including the “Check-In, CheckOut” system, visual schedules, and sensoryfriendly environmental modifications. Attendees will also gain specific techniques for de-escalating crises, avoiding power struggles, and fostering collaborative, nonjudgmental communication with parents. This session is designed to transform classroom management from reactive discipline into proactive, supportive intervention.

K21 Managing Big Behaviors from Little Learners SCHAUMBURG H K•1•2

Renata Serpico Big behaviors come with big uncomfortable feelings. During this session, we will create a comprehensive toolkit for understanding and managing “big behaviors” in young learners. Participants will explore the fundamental “functions” of behavior. We will learn how to collect and utilize A.B.C.

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P - Pre-Kindergarten

K - Kindergarten

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Let’s get creative together!

3000+ Clipart Sets

Bring your lessons to life with vibrant, quality graphics! Explore an extensive clipart library for holidays, phonics, and more!

Printable Coloring Pages Instant access to 1000+ coloring pages for fine motor skills, social emotional learning and handwriting readiness

No-Prep Crafts

Print, color, cut and glue! Students can create unique crafts from gingerbread houses, sandcastles, snow globes, leprechaun houses and more!

Access exclusive clipart and coloring pages in the FREE library!

Join Now! creativeclipsclipart.com

Friday, Mar. 5th - SESSION L: 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. Discover simple, play-based strategies that help students solve playground problems in real time. Turn every day recess conflicts into opportunities for students to build confidence, make thoughtful decisions, and become more independent. Leave with practical ideas to create a calmer, more positive playground where children solve problems together.

L01 The Power of PlayBased Learning

UTOPIA A K•1•2

Hilary Statum Repeat Session: See A01. Bring back your joy! Hilary believes every single standard can be taught in a fun way. In this session, you’ll discover how to incorporate play while teaching essential ELA, Math, Science, and Social Studies standards. Hilary shares how to keep kids engaged while seeing major results. You’ll head back to the classroom with exciting inspiration, playbased and purposeful lesson plans, and new games to transform your teaching!

L04 Scribbles, Squiggles & Storytelling Moments UTOPIA D K•1•2

LeAnna Wolkis Goldstein Bring out the creative side of your young writers by offering a print-rich environment where they can collect their thoughts & put their ideas on paper using a wide variety of hands-on tools. Students will take ownership of their learning by working collaboratively & accessing their writing purposefully. Leave this session with storytelling experiences, book binding techniques & examples of exciting novelty “Tiny Tools” that will stretch your young author’s imagination.

L02 Minilessons That Move the Needle for K-2 Writers UTOPIA B K•1•2 Keri Brown

Not every minilesson earns its five minutes. This session walks you through what to teach and when across the whole school year, so your minilessons build on each other instead of feeling random. You’ll leave with a clear, quarter-byquarter plan and specific lesson ideas you can use as soon as you’re back in your classroom.

L05 Pave the Way for Scientific Literacy

EUPHORIA P•K•1•2

Katie Blue

L03 Teaching Kids to Solve Problems in Real Time

Kids are naturally curious about the world around them. Tap into that curiosity by blending science into your everyday instruction. In this session, Katie will show you lots of fun, hands-on ways to engage your little scientists and build their scientific understanding through authentic exploration.

UTOPIA C K•1•2

Christina Torres Emma Main P - Pre-Kindergarten

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Friday, Mar. 5th - SESSION L: 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. L06 From What We Do to What We Can Elevate

L08 AI Made Simple: Practical AI for Busy Educators

NIRVANA A P•K•1•2•A

NIRVANA C K•1•2

Donna Whyte

Shannon Cunningham

Repeat Session: See A06. This session invites teachers and administrators to reflect on their current literacy practices through the lens of the Illinois Literacy Plan. “What are we already doing that aligns, and what small changes can we make to strengthen our alignment?” The focus will be on manageable shifts—not adding more to teachers’ plates but making intentional adjustments to what is already happening in classrooms and across schools.

Repeat Session: See C07. Curious about AI but not sure where to start? This beginner-friendly session explores practical ways educators can use artificial intelligence to support planning, instruction, organization, and everyday classroom tasks. You’ll leave with fresh ideas, increased confidence, and inspiration to begin incorporating AI into your workflow.

L09 The Serious Work of Play CONNECTION P•K

L07 Math Moments for Non‑Math Minded Teachers

Leslie Trombley Marcie Gottschalk

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After years of a systematic push toward the “schoolification” of early childhood education—a movement that prioritizes narrow academic skills over more developmentally appropriate teaching and learning—many researchers and experts are joining teachers and communities in pushing back. Why? Incorporating daily time for play “can be crucial for children’s emotional, social, and academic health and progress.” Research shows that bringing play into classrooms is associated with increased happiness and social-emotional well-being, improved selfregulation, and gains in academic performance for young children. Join us to learn proven

Kaci Bolls Fun, low‑prep routines for teachers who don’t see themselves as “math people.” Turn everyday classroom moments into student‑acted story problems that build kids’ thinking while helping children form a solid, positive relationship with numbers early on. Bonus: Your classroom environment will get a boost while they build stronger relationships with each other! Designed for teachers who remember being afraid of math (and of being wrong), this session offers classroom moves and ideas to make risk‑taking safe and joyful for all.

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Friday, Mar. 5th - SESSION L: 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. strategies from Tools of the Mind to cultivate high-quality play in your classroom!

L11 From Meltdowns to Mindful Moments INNOVATION P•K•1•2

L10 Past Proficient: Differentiation Strategies for 1st-2nd Grade

De’Andre Short When young learners struggle with big emotions, punitive discipline misses the mark. This interactive session, presented by Mindful Practices, equips early childhood educators with practical, trauma-informed self-regulation strategies that transform classroom environments. Participants will explore how adult well-being directly affects student behavior and learn how to practice co-regulation to de-escalate challenging moments in real time. We will explore easyto-implement mindfulness practices, sensory breaks, and social-emotional routines tailored for early childhood spaces. By prioritizing educator wellness alongside student emotional development, you will leave with a sustainable toolkit to reduce burnout, foster emotional safety, and help your youngest learners independently manage their behavior. Fill your own cup while learning to fill theirs!

IMAGINATION 1•2

Sharon Youngblood Samantha Catain As educators ourselves, we understand the challenge of meeting the diverse academic needs of all the students in one classroom. We also acknowledge the tendency to gravitate toward supporting our most struggling students, sometimes unintentionally neglecting our on-level and advanced learners. In this session we will challenge you to focus on meeting the needs of these sometimes overlooked students by enhancing their learning experiences to ensure they continue to grow and exceed. This session is tailored for first and second grade educators seeking practical ideas for supporting your above proficient learners using your current curriculum and grade level standards. We will share math and ELA examples from 1st and 2nd grade classrooms to help bridge the gap from theory to practice. If you are looking to create learning opportunities that support deeper thinking and learning for your students performing above the proficient expectations, this session is for you!

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L12 Recess Before Rigor KNOWLEDGE P•K•1•2•A

Valerie Mulvenna Shelby Hildreth 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 70

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Friday, Mar. 5th - SESSION L: 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. the importance of ensuring that all students see themselves reflected in daily learning experiences. Attendees will leave with practical strategies for fostering equitable, culturally responsive learning environments that honor and represent the diverse backgrounds, identities, and experiences of all students.

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 hand-in-hand in early childhood!

L14 Small Writing Moves to Build Strong Readers PROSPERITY K•1•2•A

Stacey McCarthy Strong readers and writers are built one sentence at a time! This session explores how intentional sentencelevel routines can strengthen language comprehension, improve writing quality, and deepen reading understanding. Grounded in the Science of Reading and cognitive science, participants will dive into practical classroom routines such as sentence expansion and combining, mentor sentence imitation, and quick writes that support comprehension and transfer directly into Tier 1 instruction. Attendees will leave with ready-to-use strategies that help students think more deeply, write more clearly, and read with greater understanding. Best of all, they are low/no prep.

L13 Why Representation Matters in an Early Childhood Classroom EPIPHANY P

Alejandra Ganddini Jennifer Dienelt Darlynn Terry Throughout this session, we will share resources and instructional practices that have been successfully integrated across our classrooms and school buildings. To strengthen the impact of these efforts, we will highlight meaningful partnerships with families that support and extend student learning beyond the school day. Participants will examine examples of inclusive instructional planning and explore P - Pre-Kindergarten

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Join us at the conference!

CLICK here TO REGISTER NOW online 71

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Friday, Mar. 5th - SESSION L: 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. L15 Purposeful Parent Engagement SERENITY P•K•1•2•A

L17 Oral Storytelling to Enhance Classroom Engagement

Meghan Sepich Shannon Mendoza

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Srividhya Venkat Jennifer Wagh

This presentation explores 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, ageappropriate approaches to connect with parents of students in preschool through 2nd grade. Participants will 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.

All of us are oral storytellers— we talk about our experiences, memories, and events. As we speak, our narratives create images in listeners’ minds, and each listener visualizes our stories in a unique way. This interactive session will provide an overview of how oral storytelling can be used in the classroom, alongside reading and other literacy techniques, to engage students, foster imagination, stimulate language development, and make learning an entertaining and educational experience. Attendees will leave with an overview of oral storytelling tools and techniques, a variety of fresh ideas to take back to their classrooms, and a handout that summarizes their learning.

L16 Those Little Songs Everyone Needs! SCHAUMBURG A/B P•K

L18 The Good, The Challenging and The Transformative

Carole “Miss Carole” Stephens Repeat Session: See D16. Got 30 seconds to fill? Need to bring the temperature down or wake your students up in only a minute or two? Miss Carole’s got you! Zipper songs, rhythmic chants, tiny dances – we’ve got 60 minutes to fill your go-to song bucket.

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Anjanette Wordlaw Inclusive classrooms are becoming more common in early childhood settings, yet many educators continue to navigate questions about collaboration, support systems, classroom structures, and student success. This interactive workshop explores 72

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Friday, Mar. 5th - SESSION L: 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. both the rewards and challenges of teaching in inclusive environments. Participants will examine practical strategies for implementing MTSS, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, and supporting diverse learners. Through audience polls, reflection activities, and real-world examples, attendees will leave equipped to create inclusive classrooms where every child feels valued, supported, and successful.

L20 Oh, the Places You’ll Go (with an iPad) SCHAUMBURG G K•1•2•A

Gabi Whitehead Amanda Graczyk You’re off to great places with a room full of iPad devices and a room of eager K-2 learners! Welcome to a highenergy workshop designed to transform your students into active, independent creators. Say goodbye to digital chaos and hello to a self-regulated classroom using physical management routines and accessibility features. Together, we will test-drive lowprep, hands-on “quick wins” using the Camera, Freeform, and digital storytelling tools to boost fine motor skills and critical thinking. Finally, you’ll walk away with a first-week launch plan to ensure your “Tiny Techies” can independently access and submit work from day one. Leave inspired, pumped up, and armed with resources to kickstart your digital adventure!

L19 Science and Exploration SCHAUMBURG F P•K•1•2•A

Carol Hepner Jordi Cavanagh What do you think about when you think about “Science”? We think of hands-on learning and exploration! We think about what we can do with the materials and resources around us. How can we, as educators, use what is at our fingertips to engage our students in Science? Look around at home, search your cabinets, ask a neighbor, or teacher down the hall what “extra” things they may have. You never know what you’ll find!

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Friday, Mar. 5th - SESSION L: 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. L21 Tricky Thoughts & Tiny Heroes: Building Emotional Skills

L23 10 Ways AI Can Change Your Teaching: The 60-Minute Version

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Ruby Dajani Aicha Sharif Choudhuri

Nicki Newton AI can save teachers time, but only when professional judgment stays in the driver’s seat. This fast-moving, hands-on session introduces ten practical ways educators can use AI for planning, assessment, differentiation, communication, workstations, and more. Participants learn a five-part prompting framework (Role, Task, Students, Constraints, and Check) and immediately apply it to a real task from their own work. We go deeper on high-value uses such as differentiation and family communication while also addressing the non-negotiables: accuracy, bias, privacy, equity, and responsible use. Educators leave with a tested prompt, a reusable prompting process, and a clearer understanding of what AI should, and should not do in teaching.

Our youngest learners are already forming beliefs about who they are often before they have the words for it. This handson session gives educators simple, body-based tools to help little ones notice big feelings, answer back to “tricky thoughts,” and build early confidence and resilience. You’ll learn the science behind why these first few years shape a child’s inner story and leave with practical moves you can use in circle time tomorrow.

L22 Unleash the Scientist Within! SCHAUMBURG EAST P•K•1•2

Greg Smedley-Warren Turn your classroom into an exciting mad-science lab with this engaging science session! Discover the numerous benefits of incorporating hands-on science activities into your teaching. Explore simple yet captivating experiments that will spark curiosity and excitement in your class so you can unleash the scientist within each of your students!

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Registration Deadline for the In-Person Conference is FEBRUARY 15, 2027 Registration Deadline for the Virtual Conference is MARCH 25, 2027

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V ON ISIT O LIN U ES R TO RE

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Friday, Mar. 5th - SESSION M: 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. M01 Purposeful Retelling

M03 Understanding Emotional Regulation

UTOPIA A P•K•1•2

UTOPIA C P•K•1•2

Jackie Kops

Crystal Oswald

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.

What if understanding emotional regulation was the secret to unlocking every student’s success? In this session, participants will explore the foundational connection between emotional regulation and the five SEL competencies: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. Through hands-on activities, real-life scenarios, and actionable strategies, we’ll explore how emotional regulation helps students manage their emotions while fostering their social and emotional development. Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of how to integrate emotional regulation practices into their classrooms, empowering students to navigate challenges and thrive both academically and personally.

M02 Getting Students to Explain Their Thinking UTOPIA B K•1•2 Keri Brown

M04 Building Big Voices

When students can explain their thinking out loud, you get a real window into what they understand, not just whether they got the right answer. This session is about building that skill through simple, everyday talk routines and sentence frames that fit right into your existing math block. You’ll leave with practical ways to get even your youngest students explaining their reasoning daily, so math talk becomes a natural part of your routine, not one more thing to add.

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Dominique Byrnes Jamie Kanas Every child has big ideas, but finding the right words—and putting them on paper—can feel overwhelming for our youngest learners. In the K-2 classroom, maximizing Opportunities to Respond is essential for engagement and formative assessment. However, without the right scaffolds, students can get stuck. This interactive session equips early childhood 76

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Friday, Mar. 5th - SESSION M: 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. educators with practical, high-leverage strategies to amplify student voice through oracy and writing. Participants will explore collaborative discussion structures tailored for primary grades that get every student talking. Then, we will dive into explicit writing frameworks—including evidence-based strategies inspired by The Writing Revolution. Educators will learn how to provide predictable, anticipated structures that reduce cognitive load, allowing K-2 students to focus less on how to form a response and more on communicating what they have learned. Walk away with a toolkit of routines you can implement tomorrow to ensure every little voice is heard and every pencil is moving!

M06 Small Conversations, Big Belonging

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Valerie Butrón Rita Guzman Discover practical, immediately applicable conversation routines that help young learners build language, confidence, and a sense of belonging. Participants will leave with ready-touse strategies that increase student voice, strengthen literacy, and support all learners, including multilingual students.

M05 Decodable Texts Done Right

M07 Making the Most of Morning Meetings

EUPHORIA K•1

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Deedee Wills

Kaci Bolls

Decodable readers are everywhere now—but owning them isn’t the same as using them well. This practical session walks you through selecting decodables that actually match your phonics scope and sequence, then extending them beyond a single read-through. You’ll learn how to pair texts with targeted word work, build in quick comprehension checks that don’t feel like a quiz, and connect the reading back to writing. Leave with a simple routine you can apply to any decodable on your shelf, so these books become a true bridge to independent reading—not just another worksheet.

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I’m NOT a morning person — but morning meetings (plus coffee!) have become my favorite part of the day. Learn how to intentionally foster rewarding moments, spark stronger relationships, grow deeper friendships, and even sneak in quick academic review. And the best part? We laugh. A lot. You’ll see how to turn chaos into connection and start each day with a smile.

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Friday, Mar. 5th - SESSION M: 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. engagement in your children across each learning domain? The Project Approach paired with the Child Emergent Curriculum allows children to steer their learning in a way that considers their interests, encourages the innate sense of wonder within them, and provides resources for them to find answers to the questions that they ask. Join us as we discuss our classroom experiences with The Project Approach and the benefits it brings to children, families, and teachers.

M08 AI Made Simple: Level 2 – Beyond the Basics

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Shannon Cunningham Repeat Session: See D07. Ready to take your AI skills to the next level? Designed for educators who already have a basic understanding of AI, this session explores additional tools, strategies, and creative applications that can help streamline your work and enhance teaching and learning.

M11 Applying SelfRegulation Strategies to Positively Reshape Challenging Behaviors INNOVATION P•K

M09 Making the Most of Every Minute In Your Busy Day CONNECTION P•K•1

Leslie Trombley Tiffany Wanta

Karen Graber

As educators, we have a clear vision of how to help children learn and develop, and of what a classroom should be like. Nothing diminishes a teacher’s feeling of accomplishment more than being repeatedly drawn away to address challenging behaviors in their classroom. This session is designed to empower teachers to develop new strategies rooted in neuroscience and self-regulation to respond to students more thoughtfully and efficiently. To better understand this approach, participants will explore real classroom scenarios and hear from teachers who have successfully implemented strategies to support the development of self-regulation. Attendees will leave with a new outlook and actionable strategies to respond to challenging behaviors in the classroom.

Ever wonder what to do with those few extra minutes before the next activity, recess or dismissal? In this workshop I will share numerous ways to maximize short periods of time while reinforcing key concepts and skills. These fun and engaging ideas will help waiting in line, transitions and making the most of every day. Many of these ideas can also be extended as games in the classroom to help solidify a concept in a fun way.

M10 Utilizing the Project Approach as a Foundation of Learning IMAGINATION P•K

Mickaela Atkins Ashley Passfield Do you ever find yourself wondering how to foster natural P - Pre-Kindergarten

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Friday, Mar. 5th - SESSION M: 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. proven approach to creating a system for using student data to guide instructional decisions and support student growth. Walk away with practical strategies to strengthen your school’s systems and instructional practices.

M12 What Is a Dollhouse When It’s Not a Dollhouse? KNOWLEDGE P

Ramona Trout Penny Ray

M14 Play Today, Learn for Life!

Have you ever thought about what else you could do with your doll house? There is much data that can be acquired using a doll house. If you just sit and listen you will hear all kinds of language for documentation. When you intentionally add new/different items to the doll house you can expand your collection to include all areas of learning. Thanks to Jackie Kops, she had a picture of a doll house and mentioned changing it to reflect your study/theme.

PROSPERITY K

Erin Griffith Explore how to make learning playful, purposeful, and powerful, all while keeping the magic of kindergarten alive! Whether you are new to play-based learning or looking for fresh ideas, this session will provide inspiration, classroom examples, and easy-to-implement activities for choice time, centers, or content/theme based learning. Discover how meaningful play not only supports academic growth, but also helps build the creativity, confidence, collaboration, and problem-solving skills students need for learning and life.

M13 Boosting School Culture Through Collaborative Learning Communities EPIPHANY K•1•2•A

M15 Target Dollar Spot Finds

Mary Kate Moroney

SERENITY K•1•2

Join several educators as they share how Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) empower colleagues and boost student success across their district. Learn how one school district has managed to align instruction and data to improve student learning, promote equity and coherence district-wide, and foster collaborative professional growth. This session will show team leaders and district leaders one district’s P - Pre-Kindergarten

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Rachelle Sikes What teacher doesn’t love Target, especially the Target Dollar Spot! This session will outline all the amazing goodies you can find, and how you can use them in your classroom!

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Friday, Mar. 5th - SESSION M: 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. M17 Little Learners, Big Feelings

M16 Yoga PLAN Time SCHAUMBURG A/B P•K•1•2•A

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Marcie Marzullo

Amber Ruland Kristal Armstrong

Educators spend each day supporting the diverse academic, social, emotional, and behavioral needs of students. Yoga PLAN Time provides practical strategies to help educators cultivate calm, regulate their nervous systems, and create sustainable wellness practices that enhance both personal well-being and student success. Participants will explore the eight dimensions of wellness—physical, emotional, intellectual, social, occupational, environmental, financial, and spiritual— and discover how balance in these areas contributes to resilience and a positive learning environment. Through reflection and discussion, attendees will identify simple practices that can be integrated into the school day to reduce stress and prevent burnout. The session will conclude with a brief, calming yoga and mindfulness experience, allowing participants to experience restorative movement and breathing techniques they can immediately apply to support their own wellness and better meet the needs of students.

This interactive session is designed for PreK–2 educators seeking to create inclusive classrooms where every child feels seen, valued, and supported academically, socially, and emotionally. Grounded in CASEL: (Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning) competencies, participants will explore how social-emotional learning, positive classroom management, and equity-driven practices work together to foster belonging. Emphasis is placed on understanding behavior as communication shaped by development, culture, and classroom context. Educators will engage in practical strategies to embed SEL into daily routines, use affirming teacher language, and design environments that reflect student identities. The session highlights proactive approaches to preventing challenging behavior and responding in ways that maintain dignity and strengthen relationships. Participants will leave with concrete, immediately applicable tools to support emotional regulation, build inclusive classroom communities, and implement culturally responsive practices that honor the diverse needs of young learners while promoting safety, engagement, and a strong sense of belonging.

Click HERE to register only for the VIRTUAL CONFERENCE option.

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Friday, Mar. 5th - SESSION M: 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. M18 Let’s Talk About Math

M20 From Unplugged to Plugged In

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Hailey Lively Celeste Rusin

Gabi Whitehead Larualee Pavlacka

Join us for a funfilled, interactive session, as we share our Top 10 Mathematical Routines for fostering collaborative conversations during Math lessons in the kindergarten classroom! Every mathematical routine can be adapted for PreK-2nd and beyond.

Think coding is only for big kids? Think again! You don’t need any coding experience to bring problem-solving and logic to life in your K–2 classroom. In this high-energy, hands-on session, we will demystify computer science for our youngest learners using simple, engaging unplugged and plugged activities. Discover how to seamlessly integrate kid-friendly tools like Dash robots, Code & Go Mice, and Sphero Indi cars into your daily routines. We’ll focus on practical, low-prep lessons that naturally reinforce CCSS literacy concepts while meeting ISTE standards. You will leave with ready-to-use lesson ideas, confidence, and the inspiration to get your “littles” coding, creating, and thriving in a 21st-century world!

M19 Playing With All 5 Senses SCHAUMBURG F P•K

Maggy Fedak Kayla Jaeger In this session, we will 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, handson 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.

M21 The Move Meter SCHAUMBURG H K•1•2•A

Erin Bracco Trina Gorny From the brain to the belly run the vagus nerves—the main nerves responsible for our parasympathetic nervous system. As a co-regulating species, the condition of the grown-up nervous system sets the stage for classroom

Conference confirmations will be emailed & session tickets will be picked up onsite. P - Pre-Kindergarten

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Friday, Mar. 5th - SESSION M: 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. climate. Science tells us that energy is the ability to do work, and emotion is energy in motion. When we experience a feeling or trauma, it can become stored in the body unless we express it through movement. Inspired by Dr. Marc Brackett’s Mood Meter, we have taken this concept to the next level! Created through a child-development and neuroscience lens, participants will experience creative ways to engage children in important stages of emotional learning. We will connect yoga to the body’s sensory systems, learn how to use the Move Meter to help children identify, notice, and move through big feelings, and embody poses and breathwork geared toward building healthy school-year routines.

M23 Problem Solving in the K–2 Classroom

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Nicki Newton Problem-solving is not what children do after they learn the math; it is how the math begins to make sense. In this hands-on K–2 session, teachers learn how to move students beyond keyword hunting and toward genuine sense-making. Using an Understand → Represent → Solve → Explain/ Compare pathway, participants explore how young mathematicians can act out, build, draw, discuss, and symbolize problem situations. We examine common problem structures, including join, separate, part-partwhole, and compare situations, and consider how the position of the unknown changes the reasoning demand. Teachers redesign a familiar word problem so students do more of the thinking and leave with practical supports that increase access without reducing cognitive demand.

M22 Count It, Talk It, Understand It! SCHAUMBURG EAST K•1

Grace VanDerKolk Nicole Schroedle Discover how meaningful math conversations can strengthen number sense in kindergarten classrooms. Through engaging routines, student-centered conversations, and handson activities, participants will explore strategies that encourage young learners to explain their thinking, justify solutions, and develop a deep understanding of numbers. Attendees will leave with practical tools and ready-to-use ideas that foster mathematical confidence and reasoning.

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Graduate Credit Available! Participants at the 46th 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? Help make Pump Up Primary a success! Volunteers assist with collecting session tickets, providing directions, and supporting conference operations. • Indicate your interest. Select the volunteer option on the in-person conference registration form. Opportunities are filled on a first-come, firstserved basis. Each person must register individually; you may not volunteer on someone else’s behalf. • Confirm your availability. Volunteers must be available to serve on one or both conference days: March 4 and/or March 5, 2027. • Pay the $50 deposit. A $50 deposit is required when registering as a volunteer. Your deposit will be refunded after you successfully complete your assigned volunteer duties at the conference. • Be flexible with assignments. We will make every effort to accommodate your preferred sessions, but assignments may be adjusted to meet conference needs. Please volunteer only if you are comfortable with this flexibility.

Share your 2027 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 15, 2027 Registration Deadline for the Virtual Conference is MARCH 25, 2027 Any changes to how you plan to attend (in-person or virtual) must be submitted by February 2, 2027. 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 pd365.net. BREAKFAST 7:00 - 9:30 a.m. | LUNCH 10:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. 84

Please call Illinois State University Conference Services at 309-438-2160 or 800-877-1478 if you have any questions regarding the conference registration. 2027 Pre-K & Kindergarten In-Person Conference and Virtual Conference Registrations Process • Administrators attend FREE with a team of 4 or more teachers. All teachers and the administrator registrations must be submitted at the same time. • Online registration accepts credit card payments and purchase orders. • Hardcopy registrations must be accompanied by a check and a registration form for each person. • Group Registration is available again this year. Group pricing starts at 3 or more people. All group registrations must be submitted to the same time.

Share your 2027 Pump Up Primary experiences using our official Twitter & Instagram accounts!

Future Annual Conferences! MARK YOUR CALENDAR

47th Annual - March 1 – 3, 2028 Renaissance Hotel - Schaumburg, IL 48th Annual - March 7 – 9, 2029 Renaissance Hotel - Schaumburg, IL 85

46th Annual Pump Up Primary Conference March 3-5, 2027

46th Annual Pre-K, Kindergarten, 1st, & 2nd Grade Conference

In-Person Attendee Registration

The registration deadline is February 15, 2027. This form is for those wanting to attend in-person on March 3-5, 2027. If you are only attending virtually, complete the virtual form.

First Name___________________________ Last Name___________________________

Cancellation Policy: A full refund less a $25.00 processing fee will be provided for any cancellation requests received prior to February 15, 2027. 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.

State____________________ Zip Code________________ County__________________

Your selections will be entered based on what is available. If the sessions you select are not available, you will need to go to Ticket Swap 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. 1st Choice

2nd Choice

A: 8:00-9:00 AM C: 10:45-11:45 AM D: 12:30-1:30 PM

K: 10:45-11:45 AM L: 12:30-1:30 PM M: 2:00-3:00 PM

IL ASCD #____________________________ IEIN #________________________________ Email_______________________________________________________________________

School Phone_________________________ School Fax____________________________

Cell Phone___________________________________________________________________ Special Accommodations (non-dietary)_________________________________________ Would you like to volunteer?

Yes

Administrator - Buy 4, get 1 free. Select dates:

Thursday

Friday

q q

ISBE Professional Development Hours General Attendance Certificate*

Gateway Credits

I do not need credit

* For participants outside of Illinois or those without an Illinois teaching license.

Registration Fees (Per Person) PD365 Member

NonMember

Group of 3+ (Per Registrant)

Undergrad Student

Thurs, March 4 (only)

$230

$279*

$260

$49

Fri, March 5 (only)

$230

$279*

$260

$49

Full Conference (March 4 & 5)

$330

$379*

$360

$79

PD365 Annual Membership

$49

Total

ADD ON (Wed, March 3): Pre-Conference Early Wins in Pre-K and K with Jacob Daggett

$50

$99

$60

$15

ADD ON: On-Demand Viewing, Beginning March 30

$50

$ $

* Non-member fees include a 1-year membership.

F: 3:15-4:15 PM

I: 8:00-9:00 AM

City________________________________________________________________________

Total

E: 2:00-3:00 PM

Friday, March 5

School Address_____________________________________________________________

What kind of credit for attendance do you want?

Select Sessions

Thursday, March 4

School Name_______________________________________________________________

Registration & Payment Information 1st Choice

2nd Choice

Register Online: Go to isuconferenceservices.cventevents.com/PUPInPerson and pay with a credit card or upload a purchase order. Register via PDF: Complete this form and mail in with a check (payable to Illinois State University). Mail to:

Illinois State University Conference Services Campus Box 8610 Normal, IL 61790-8610

Contact Information:

Phone: 309.438.2160 Fax: 309.438.5364 Email: mdrhoa1@ilstu.edu

SCHAUMBURG

RenaissanceHotel KING /NIGHT

FACILITY:

$190+TAX

Swimming Pool Public House Restaurant Gather Dining Space Rendezvous Cafe Fitness & Saline Pool

DOUBLE /NIGHT

$192+TAX

BOOK NOW! 87

PPUUM MPPUUPP

Y R A R A PPRRIIM M Y

. g in h c a e T e r o M . g L e s s G u e s s in

Progress Monitoring from PreK to 2nd Grade From one classroom to your whole school

Quick assessments. Clear next steps. A shared view of student progress:

Know what to teach next

Group students and share progress with families

Explore ESGI See why Pump Up Primary presenters use ESGI, discover new features, updates, and resources!

See learning needs across classrooms and schools

Start your FREE TRIAL Scan the code to sign up and start using ESGI today!

46th Annual Pump Up Primary Conference On Demand for 90 Days Beginning March 30, 2027

Virtual Attendee Registration

46th Annual Pre-K, Kindergarten, 1st, & 2nd Grade Conference

The deadline to register is March 25, 2027. This form is for those attending virtually. If you want to attend in-person, complete the in-person registration form. On-demand access is available for 90 days, beginning on March 30, 2027. Cancellation Policy: A full refund less a $25.00 processing fee will be provided for any cancellation request received prior to March 9, 2027. 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. First Name_________________________________________________

Last Name_________________________________________________

School Name_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ School Address___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ City______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ State__________________________________

Zip Code______________________________

IL ASCD #__________________________________________________

IEIN #_____________________________________________________

Email____________________________________________________________________________ School Phone_______________________________________________

County_______________________________ School Fax____________________________

Cell Phone__________________________________________________

Special Accommodations___________________________________________________________________________________________________ What kind of credit for attendance do you want? q

ISBE Professional Development Hours

Gateway Credits

General Attendance Certificate*

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)

Virtual Attendance PD365 Annual Membership

On-Demand Access

PD365 Member

NonMember

Group of 3+ (Per Registrant)

Undergrad Student

$199

$248*

$225

$79

$49

Total

Total $ $ $

Please view the online 2027 Pump Up Primary program book for information regarding sessions. The virtual viewing will be available on-demand starting on March 30, 2027. * Non-member fees include a 1-year membership.

Registration & Payment Information

Register Online: Go to isuconferenceservices.cventevents.com/PUPVirtual and pay with a credit card or upload a purchase order. Register via PDF: Complete this form and mail in with a check (payable to Illinois State University). Mail to:

Illinois State University Conference Services Campus Box 8610 Normal, IL 61790-8610

Contact Information

Phone: 309.438.2160 Fax: 309.438.5364 Email: mdrhoa1@ilstu.edu

Please enjoy browsing products during the Conference from THESE VENDORS

About Learning

Lakeshore Learning Materials

Aurora University

Learning Disabilities Association of Illinois

Behind Your Classroom Door

LegiLiner

Brain to Belly Kids Yoga (BBKY)

Let’s Dig In

Charge Mommy Books

Limitless Leaders LLC

Creative Clips Clipart & Design

LinkIt!

Discovery Education

Math Stackers, Inc.

Discovery Toys presented by Betty Jo Winters

McKendree University

DKG - Delta Kappa Gamma

Melanated Authors

Dukes Designs & Creations

Monsters on Mill Street

Elmhurst University

National Louis University

ESGI Software

Olivet Nazarene University

Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom

PaperPie

Illinois Dept of Natural Resources, Education

Recess Reset

Illinois Early Learning

School Specialty

Illinois Reading Council & Guatemalan Literacy Program

Shelley Kenow IEP Consultant

Illinois SLD Support Project

Summit K12

InnerJoy

The I Feel… Children’s Series

Inquisitive Prek-5 Science

The Teacher Truck

Kaplan Early Learning Company

Virco

Squiggle Squad

R e n d e z v o u s

Food Options

Free Continental Breakfast

Both mornings from 7:00 am - 9:30 am In the back of EXPO Hall

Lunch Use your YUMMY COUPONS! Lunch is served each day from 10:30 am - 2:00 pm

C a f e

Food Options and Locations:

Breakfast

Burrito Bowl Stations: 7:00-9:30 Location 1 - outside Keynote room (Schaumburg Ballrooms) Location 2 Hall Leading to EXPO Lunch - Burrito Bowl Station- includes food and drink Average line time is 10-20 minutes

Sandwich/Salad Lines: Ground Level near EXPO Hall Upstairs Hall near Utopia Rooms

Lunch 10:30 - 2:00

G a t h e r L o u n g e

Lunch - Sandwiches, salads, Chips, Drinks Time in line for purchase 10 minutes

Gather Lounge - 10:30 am - 2:00 pm

Lunch - Sandwiches, burgers, Salads, Beverages The average dining time is 60 minutes! You may have to skip a session. Gather will be open for lunch 10:30 am - 2:00 pm on Thursday & Friday

Rendezvous Cafe - All day

Starbucks and snacks in the morning. Lunch - Starbucks, Fast Casual Food, Beverages Average wait time is 5-15 minutes. Allow more time in the morning.

Schaumburg Public House - All day

Lunch - burgers, steaks, bar snacks, salads, sandwiches The average dining time is 1 hour to 1-and-a-half hours or more! You may have to skip a session. 91

P u b l i c H o u s e