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About the Conference Cancelled or Full Sessions:

Continuing Education Credit:

Last minute cancellations will be posted outside the session rooms. It is unavoidable that some of your chosen sessions will be full. We recommend that you have at least two alternates chosen in advance for each session time. A Breakout Session Planner is included for your convenience.

In fairness to all participants, saving more than one seat in a session will not be allowed if that session begins to fill up.

Please respect “Session Full” signs, as sitting on the floor is a violation of Fire Safety Codes.

The Early Childhood Winter Conference is approved for 6.0 hours of continuing education credit for teachers.

Certificates have been included in your conference program.

Lunch:

Lunch will be served continuously between 11:30 a.m and 1:45 p.m in the Gymnatorium. Participants are free to eat at any time during that period. One lunch and drink (soda or bottled water) per person, please. Please do not take lunches into session rooms.

Exhibits:

A variety of exhibits are open in the Exhibit Hall, located in the KBC’s Great Room, beginning at 7:00 a.m. and most will remain for a short time after the conference ends. A directory of exhibitors is in your conference bag. Please take time to visit the Exhibit Hall as these vendors help support the conference and keep registration fees low.

Evaluation Forms:

Your comments are essential to planning! Please take the time to complete the evaluation form located in your conference bag after each session and bring it to the Closing Session at 3:15 p.m. in the Gymnatorium. We will be giving away lots of great door prizes!!! You may also drop it in the boxes provided throughout the facility or turn it in to the presenter of your last session. Please use the full session code or title. (Example: Mathematics 01 – Ma01 should be written in the four boxes provided.)

Help Desk / Lost and Found:

Visit the Help Desk near the Aquarium on the first floor or near the Promenade Room on the second floor at any time during the conference if you have a question or need help.

Please check both the Help Desks for lost items. Items found during the conference and not claimed will be taken to HCDE and kept for one week. Call 713-696-8223.

Table of

Contents Conference Schedule............................................................................................ 2 Keynote and Featured Speakers...................................................................3-7 Breakout Sessions I-IV.................................................................................. 8-16 Acknowledgements.............................................................................................17 Map of the Facility........................................................................................18-19 Advertisements.....................................................................................................20 Notes..................................................................................................................21-22 Certificate of Attendance.................................................................................23

28th Annual R.T. Garcia Early Childhood Winter Conference

Conference Schedule 7:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.

Registration

8:30 a.m.

Opening Session Gymnatorium

10:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.

Breakout Session I

11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Breakout Session II

12:45 p.m. –1:45 p.m.

Breakout Session III

2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Breakout Session IV

3:15 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Closing Session

West Entrance Hall The Great Room

Exhibits

Keynote Address: Dr. Marianne Gibbs Promoting Academic Readiness through Improved Sensory and Motor Skills

Breakout sessions and Exhibits Special Bilingual Keynote Address: Dr. Elsa Cárdenas-Hagan Making Connections: Language and Vocabulary Development for Dual Language Learners

Breakout sessions and Exhibits or Lunch

Breakout sessions and Exhibits or Lunch

Breakout sessions and Exhibits

see program Promenade

see program Gymnatorium

see program Gymnatorium

see program Gymnatorium

Door Prizes for Evaluations!!!

*

Lunch will be served continuously between 11:30 a.m. and 1:45 p.m. in the Gymnatorium. Participants are free to eat at any time during that period.

The lunch area will be closed after 1:45 p.m.

Please do not take lunches into session rooms.

2 | Conference Schedule

28th Annual R.T. Garcia Early Childhood Winter Conference

Keynote Speakers Dr. Marianne Gibbs, OTR Promoting Foundations for Future Academic Success Right from the Start!

This expanded session supports all educators PK-2 in their quest to develop the whole child from the inside-out. Sensory-based issues are on the top of most teachers’ minds as they impact many children with and without special needs in their educational settings. Of course, the topic of motor skill development flows naturally from an understanding of sensory challenges and just happens to be my specialty as an occupational therapist.

Gymnatorium – 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

Also by Marianne Gibbs…

Breakout Session #IS02 Errorless Learning...Who Knew?

The Connection Center 11:30 a.m.

Bilingual Keynote Speaker Dr. Elsa Cárdenas-Hagan Making Connections: Language and Vocabulary Development for Dual Language Learners

The population of dual language learners continues to increase in communities across our nation.

Educators must be prepared to meet their language and learning needs. Making connections within and across languages in an efficient and effective manner to support language and vocabulary development will be discussed in this session by one of the state’s best-known experts in second language acquisition. Participants will understand the research and evidence-based strategies for helping these students to achieve excellence in the early years.

Breakout Session # KNO1 Promenade Room 10:15 a.m.

Also by Dr. Cárdenas-Hagan…

Breakout Session #LL07 Making Connections: Language and Vocabulary Development for Dual Language Learners – Continuing the Discussion Room 2113 12:45 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.

28th Annual R.T. Garcia Early Childhood Winter Conference

3 | Keynote Speakers

Featured Speakers

How to Handle Hard-to-Handle Children Dr. Marlyn Appelbaum, Appelbaum Training Institute (ATI) ATI’s mission is to make a difference in the lives of children each and every day.

ATI has direct contact with over a million educators making an impact by making our world better through the lives of children.

SESSION NO.

BE03 | Behavior Management

Lyrics to Literacy: Playful Connections between Singing & Early Literacy

Help Your Students Become Citizen Scientists!

Lisa Felske,

Songs & Activities for the Musically Hopeless Stephen Fite,

HCDE Instructional Support

Melody House, Inc.

Morph a song into a picture book: VOILA! The bridge is built. Meet an awardwinning author/illustrator on an upbeat romp with sign language, puppets, props, choreography and novelty. Cross the midline!

Call and response! Patterns and sequence! Brain development! Laughter!

Come and learn about citizen science projects that allow your students to participate in authentic scientific research.

All you need for most projects is a digital camera and an internet connection, and many have apps for a smartphone.

Example projects include Bug Guide, Project Squirrel, Creek Watch and BudBurst Buddies.

Feeling a little lost when it comes to using music as part of your curriculum? Are you uneasy about actually singing along with the kids? Join Stephen as he shares fun and exciting ideas that will make your time with music and movement in the classroom meaningful for your children, as well as you.

SESSION NO.

SESSION NO.

SESSION NO.

SH04 | Science/Health

FM02 | Fine Arts/Motor

Debbie Clement, Rainbows Within Reach

AUDIENCE

FM01 | Fine Arts/Motor

PPCD, PK, K, 1, 2

AUDIENCE

and Technology

TIME

PK, K, 1

AUDIENCE

PPCD, PK, K, 1, 2

11:30 a.m. and 12:45 p.m.

TIME

K, 1, 2

TIME

ROOM

12:45 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.

TIME

10:15 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

Promenade

ROOM

12:45 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.

ROOM

Hang Time High School

ROOM

Hang Time Mid-High

4 | Featured Speakers

AUDIENCE

2115

28th Annual R.T. Garcia Early Childhood Winter Conference

Featured Speakers

Pack Your Bags and Passport! Explore the World with Us! Kathy Flores & Jill Charrier

Simple Technology Ideas for Teachers Matt Gomez,

iPads for Early Learners Joan Gore & Janet Corder,

Attention Differences in the Early Childhood Setting Susan MacHugh,

Aldine ISD

Plano ISD

J2 Training

The Singing Bag Solution

In this session participants will be shown examples of how to incorporate continents and countries into their lessons and classroom centers.

Examples of ways to enrich and integrate world studies into math, writing, dramatic play and science will be included.

Explore fun ways to enhance learning and foster creativity with technology. Come see real world technology lessons and how to easily incorporate tech tools and apps in your classroom. Matt will also share how global connections lead to learning in his classroom.

Young learners love to use iPads to play “games�, but how can they be used for instruction?

Te05 | Technology

Come and explore the developmental disorder of self-control called ADHD and brainstorm effective classroom management strategies. Learn how to make curriculum adjustments, increase incentives, maintain a strong relationship with parents and develop problemsolving techniques for young children. Receive valuable resource information.

AUDIENCE

SESSION NO.

SESSION NO.

IC05 | Integrated Curriculum

AUDIENCE

PK, K, 1 TIME

10:15 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

ROOM

2117

SESSION NO.

Te07 | Technology AUDIENCE

PK, K, 1, 2 TIME

10:15 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

ROOM

2233 Hang Time College

You will be amazed at the things even your tots can do when given the chance to use iPads to create and learn.

Walk away with ideas that can be used immediately.

SESSION NO.

K, 1, 2 TIME

12:45 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.

ROOM

2233 Hang Time College

Be01 | Behavior Management AUDIENCE

PPCD, PK, K, 1, 2 TIME

10:15 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

ROOM

1420

28th Annual R.T. Garcia Early Childhood Winter Conference

5 | Featured Speakers

Featured Speakers

Wizard Wednesday Science Fun Kalin McSweeney,

Encouraging Creative and Critical Thinking Dr. Pam Schiller

Humble ISD Learn fun, exciting hands-on science for kids of all ages.

These weekly experiments for your class may seem like magic and wizardry, but are based on sound scientific principles. Your students will develop a love of science and begin learning many TEKS.

This presentation is based on current research and Bloom’s Taxonomy with a modern perspective. This information is used as a springboard for helping children develop critical and creative thinking skills. Our job is providing the opportunity. This session is filled with suggestions.

SESSION NO.

SESSION NO.

SH06 | Science/Health AUDIENCE

PK, K, 1, 2 TIME

12:45 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.

ROOM

1420

10 Centers to Compose and Decompose to 10 Nicole Shanahan and Kristen Allen, HCDE

Teaching is My Bag Al Stewart, A. Stewart Consulting

TIME

Ma04 | Mathematics

During this session participants will be introduced to instructional ideas, suggestions, and activities using “bags”. The participants will take an active part in a number of activities to promote critical thinking in mathematics, language, spelling, and other content areas through the use of bags.

How many different kinds of bags can you name? Or do you call them “sacks”?

12:45 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.

AUDIENCE

SESSION NO.

IC02 | Integrated Curriculum AUDIENCE

PK, K, 1, 2

ROOM

1430 ELC

Composing and decomposing is an important concept in the new TEKS for kindergarten and first grade. Participants will experience ten centers that enable independent practice so students can master these skills. Other grade levels are also welcome.

SESSION NO.

K, 1

IC06 | Integrated Curriculum

TIME

10:15 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

ROOM

2112

AUDIENCE

PK, K, 1, 2 TIME

12:45 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.

ROOM

Hang Time Mid-High

6 | Featured Speakers

28th Annual R.T. Garcia Early Childhood Winter Conference

Featured Speakers

Neurodevelopment and Early Childhood Trauma Diane Vines, ChildTrauma Academy The focus of this session will be on defining childhood trauma, how trauma impacts neurodevelopment, and how that impact affects behavior, and discussion of behavioral indicators of trauma.

Treatment options will be discussed.

SESSION NO.

SE03 | Social/Emotional AUDIENCE

PPCD, PK, K, 1, 2 TIME

12:45 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.

ROOM

2111

Creative Writing: How to Inspire Children to use their Imagination Melissa M. Williams, Read3zero Literacy Foundation In a world full of technology, it can be hard to encourage children to proactively use their imagination on paper.

Learn specific creative techniques to get on a child’s psychological level in order to break through boredom, open up visual awareness and inspire brainstorming skills and story/character development, all while building self-esteem through reading and writing.

SESSION NO.

LL03 | Language and Literacy AUDIENCE

1, 2 TIME

10:15 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

ROOM

Hang Time High School

28th Annual R.T. Garcia Early Childhood Winter Conference

7 | Featured Speakers

Breakout Sessions Breakout Sessions Key

Be – Behavior / Classroom Management FM – Fine Arts / Motor IC – Integrated Curriculum IS – Instructional Strategies LL – Language / Literacy

KN - Keynote SS – Social Studies Ma – Mathematics Te – Technology SE – Social / Emotional Development PI - Parent Involvement SH – Science / Health SN - Special Needs

KN01 Making Connections: Language and Vocabulary Development for Dual Language Learners

The population of dual language learners continues to increase in communities across our nation. Educators must be prepared to meet their language and learning needs. Making connections within and across languages in an efficient and effective manner to support language and vocabulary development will be discussed in this session by one of the state’s best known experts in second language acquisition. Participants will understand the research and evidence-based strategies for helping these students to achieve excellence in the early years.

Dr. Elsa Cárdenas-Hagan, Valley Speech Language and Learning Center

Featured Speaker

Audience: Time:

Language / Literacy Promenade Room

PK, K, 1, 2 Bilingual / Dual Language 10:15 a.m.

Be01 Attention Differences in the Early Childhood Setting

Come and explore this developmental disorder of self-control called ADHD and brainstorm effective classroom management strategies. Learn how to make curriculum adjustments, increase incentives, maintain a strong relationship with parents and develop problem-solving techniques for young children. Receive resource information that will become an invaluable tool for your continuing educational journey.

Susan MacHugh, The Singing Bag Solution

Featured Speaker

Audience: Time:

Behavior Management Room 1420

PPCD, PK, K, 1, 2 10:15 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

Be02 How to Create a Well-Managed Classroom

In this session, participants will be exposed to the four functions of human behavior in order to identify the functions related to the student’s behavior so they can create a well-managed classroom for learning opportunities to occur for all students.

Jennifer Crawford, Crawford Strategies

Audience: Time:

PPCD, PK, K, 1, 2 10:15 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

Behavior Management Room 1113

Be03 How to Handle Hard-to-Handle Children

When you attend this lively and energetic session with Dr. Maryln Appelbaum, you walk away motivated with successful proven strategies for the toughest children in your classroom. You receive strategies to improve classroom behavior, handle emotional issues like anger and help those students you teach who have ADHD, ASD, ODD, and more in this jam-packed session.

Dr. Maryln Appelbaum, Appelbaum Training Institute

Featured Speaker

Audience: Time:

Behavior Management Promenade Room

PPCD, PK, K, 1, 2 11:30 a.m. and 12:45 p.m.

Be04 Love and Logic Teaching for Early Childhood and Beyond

Want to learn how to stay in control of your classroom, teach your students to be responsible and enjoy teaching with energy left over at the end of the day? Join us for an overview of the Love and Logic way.

Pam Newman, HCDE Special Schools

Audience: Time:

PK, K, 1, 2 10:15 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

8 | Breakout Sessions

Behavior Management Room 2115

28th Annual R.T. Garcia Early Childhood Winter Conference

Breakout Sessions Be05 Striving for High Quality Environments through Best Practices

Come and learn best practices in the creation of high quality learning environments for young children. The presentation provides implementation strategies for effective space and furnishing, program structure, teacher-child interactions and classroom activities.

Kenneth Lee Powers, Neelu Tajani, Quan Huang and Amanda Rutter, University of Houston Doc. Prgm.

Audience: Time:

PK, K 12:45 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.

Behavior Management Room 2116

Be06 Teach More and Discipline Less

Do you have a desire to teach more and discipline less? How do effective teachers prevent misbehaviors and increase the probability that learning-and-discipline will occur? Learn how exemplary teachers have a well-filled bag of tricks to draw from.

Spencer Hansen, Rio Bravo Ministries

Audience: Time:

PK, K, 1, 2 10:15 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

Behavior Management Room 1115

FM01 Lyrics to Literacy: Playful Connections between Singing & Early Literacy

Morph a song into a picture book: Voila! The bridge is built. Meet an award-winning author/illustrator on an upbeat romp with sign language, puppets, props, choreography and novelty. Cross the midline! Call and response! Patterns and sequence! Brain development! Laughter!

Debbie Clement, Rainbows Within Reach

Featured Speaker

Audience: Time:

Fine Arts/Motor Hang Time High School

PK, K, 1 12:45 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.

FM02 Songs & Activities for the Musically Hopeless

Feeling a little lost when it comes to using music as part of your curriculum? Are you uneasy about actually singing along with the kids? Join Stephen as he shares fun and exciting ideas that will make your time with music and movement in the classroom meaningful for your children, as well as you.

Stephen Fite, Melody House

Featured Speaker

Audience: Time:

Fine Arts/Motor Hang Time Mid-High

PPCD, PK, K, 1, 2 10:15 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

FM03 Teaching the Curriculum through Classical Music

Classical music offers a wide variety of opportunities to teach the curriculum. Teachers will learn about ways to link classical music to the curriculum, research appropriate classical music pieces, and how to listen to music with purpose and enjoyment.

Dr. Carolyn Wade, University of Houston

Audience: Time: IC01

PPCD, PK, K, 1, 2 12:45 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.

Fine Arts/Motor Room 1145

Brain Smart: Strategies for Brain-Friendly Classrooms

Discuss and demonstrate the importance of play, laughter, senses and language in a brain-friendly classroom. Share brainfriendly ideas and activities.

Kristina Troutman, Francheska Robles, Rose Avalos, and Paula Campbell, Young Learners School

Audience: Time: IC02

PK 12:45 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.

Integrated Curriculum Room 1142

Encouraging Creative and Critical Thinking

This presentation is based on current research and Bloom’s Taxonomy with a modern perspective. This information is used as a springboard for helping children develop critical and creative thinking skills. Our job is providing the opportunity. This session is filled with suggestions.

Dr. Pam Schiller

Featured Speaker

Audience: Time:

Integrated Curriculum Room 1430 ELC

PK, K, 1, 2 12:45 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.

28th Annual R.T. Garcia Early Childhood Winter Conference

9 | Breakout Sessions

Breakout Sessions IC03

Energizing Your Early Childhood Curriculum

Join us for a hands-on workshop focusing on STEM activities. All teachers will gain access to the Offshore Energy Center’s Playing with Petroleum Kit with free “door-to-door” delivery. The kit contains an array of books with correlating activities aligned to the TEKS. Doris Tomas and Joy Sloan, Offshore Energy Center

Audience: Time:

PK, K, 1, 2 12:45 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.

Integrated Curriculum Room 1112

IC04 Igniting Student Investment

Frustrated with students falling short of their potential? Learn how to familiarize students and families with specific academic goals and cause achievement to sky rocket. Strategies, resources and prizes!

Ashleigh Franco, KIPP Explore Academy/UH

Audience: Time: IC05

PPCD, PK, K, 1, 2 12:45 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.

Integrated Curriculum Room 1143

Pack Your Bags and Passport! Explore the World with Us!

In this session, participants will be shown examples of how to incorporate continents into their lessons and classroom centers.

Examples of ways to enrich and integrate world studies into math, writing, dramatic play and science will be included.

Kathy Flores and Jill Charrier, Aldine ISD

Featured Speakers

Audience: Time:

Integrated Curriculum Room 2117

IC06

PK, K, 1 10:15 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

Teaching is My Bag

During this session, participants will be introduced to instructional ideas, suggestions and activities using “bags.”

The participants will take an active part in a number of activities to promote critical thinking in mathematics, language, spelling, and other content areas through the use of bags. How many different kinds of bags can you name?

Or do you call them “sacks”?

Al Sewart, A. Stewart Consulting

Featured Speaker

Audience: Time:

Integrated Curriculum Hang Time Mid-High

IC07

PK, K, 1, 2 12:45 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.

Pretending Can be More than Just Playing House!

Pretending can be more than just playing house! Join us to learn ways to transform your pretend and learn centers to match your themes. Learn ways to engage students in areas of curriculum such as: vocabulary, social skills, fine motor, math and more.

Trang Vo and Diane Offord, Garland ISD

Audience: Time: IC08

PK 10:15 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

Integrated Curriculum Room 1112

Tips and Tricks for Everyday Teaching

Come and see new tips and tricks to implement in your classroom. The K-Crew will cover daily routines, smooth transitions, making math really “count”, technology tips and lots more! Teachers will leave this session excited and ready to put these ideas into practice. Participants are encouraged to bring their iPads, iPhones and other “Smart” devices.

Bonnie Jackson and Shelley Vaughn, The K-Crew

Audience: Time: IC09

PK, K, 1 10:15 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

Integrated Curriculum Room 2111

Using Science Themes to Teach Math, Literacy and Science Objectives

This workshop demonstrates the connections that can be made between science, math and literacy objectives using developmentally appropriate science themes and hands-on purposeful activities.

Kathy Heath and Kay Houston, Kaplan

Audience: Time:

PK 10:15 a.m.

10 | Breakout Sessions

Integrated Curriculum Connection Center 28th Annual R.T. Garcia Early Childhood Winter Conference

Breakout Sessions IC10

Workstations in the Early Childhood Classroom

This session introduces participants to ways to implement effective workstations in the classroom. ELA and math stations are discussed. Classroom setup, station management, differentiation, and student work products will also be addressed.

Laura Vedas, Houston ISD

Audience: Time: IS01

PK, K 12:45 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.

Integrated Curriculum Room 1113

Effective Co-Teaching Strategies in the Prekindergarten Classroom

Co-teaching is a common practice used in different educational settings; two examples are special education and prekindergarten classrooms. This session is a research-based approach demonstrating the different models of co-teaching.

It will provide educators with different co-teaching techniques as well as behavior management techniques.

Luz Acosta and Adriana Luque, Young Learners School

Audience: Time: IS02

PPCD, PK and Special Needs 10:15 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

Instructional Strategies Room 1135

Errorless Learning…Who Knew?

This session by our keynote speaker, involves significant self-reflection and interaction using a strategy for reflective learning called Errorless Learning. The session engages learners in a meta-cognitive approach to assessing their own teaching strategies and shares a new way to evoke children’s esteem during the process of acquiring academic mastery.

Like no other, this session is full of surprises for you about you!

Dr. Marianne Gibbs, OTR/L, Write Out of the Box

Featured Speaker

Audience: Time:

Instructional Strategies Connection Center

PPCD, PK, K, 1, 2 11:30 a.m. only

LL01 Building a Reading Foundation in Spanish for ELL and SLL Students

Estrellita is a supplemental, phonics-based, accelerated Spanish reading program. An overview of the Estrellita programs will include K-1, Pre-Kinder, and Games and Activities components. Participants will gain step-by-step awareness of how to teach Spanish reading to students in pre-k through first grade using auditory, visual and kinesthetic modalities.

Diana Garcia Marion, Estrellita, Inc.

Audience: Time:

PK, K, 1, 2 and Bilingual/Dual Language 12:45 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.

Language / Literacy Room 1134

LL02 Building a Strong Literacy Foundation

As the gateway to success in every subject area, literacy is the single most critical step on the path to college and career readiness. The ability to read and interpret increasingly complex texts across all subject areas is essential for all students.

The presenter will share his expertise on the importance of building a solid foundation in literacy as the ultimate strategy for assuring sustainable school improvement.

Ernesto Rodriguez, Scholastic Education

Audience: Time:

K, 1, 2 12:45 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.

Language / Literacy Room 1421

LL03 Creative Writing: How to Inspire Young Children to Use Their Imagination

In a world full of creative technology, it can be hard to encourage children to proactively use their imagination on paper. Learn specific creative techniques to get on a child’s psychological level in order to break through boredom, open up visual awareness and inspire brainstorming skills and story/character development, all while building self-esteem through reading and writing.

Melissa Williams, Read3Zero Literacy Foundation

Featured Speaker

Audience: Time:

Language / Literacy Hang Time High School

1, 2 10:15 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

28th Annual R.T. Garcia Early Childhood Winter Conference

11 | Breakout Sessions

Breakout Sessions LL04 Delay May Not Equal Disability

This session will focus on what to look for before you make a referral for special education testing. Is it a delay or a disability?

Learn effective early intervention strategies for struggling students and improve your Tier 1 and 2 RtI efforts.

Rebecca Mendoza, Garland ISD

Audience: Time:

PPCD, PK, K, 1, 2 and Special Education 10:15 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

Language / Literacy and Special Needs Room 1136

LL05 It’s in Your Hand! Creating Strong Readers in Young Children

Participants will explore hands-on, engaging instructional strategies that promote literacy in young readers, including second language learners. During this interactive workshop, educators will participate in an examination of: young children’s language acquisition, factors influencing beginning literacy skills, developmentally appropriate reading intervention strategies and how to create inviting reading centers.

Eleanor Rem, It’s in Your Hand: A Seven Step Method to Teach Fundamentals of Reading and Writing

Audience: Time:

K, 1, 2 10:15 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

Language / Literacy Room 2114

LL06 Jump into Literacy with Hopscotch Dual Language Instruction

Hopscotch is two delightful programs to develop literacy and language – SIL in Spanish, LIS in English. It includes engaging books that are culturally relevant and reflect the everyday lives of young children (written by Texas teachers!), language-appropriate instructional sequence, follow-up practice activities and writing.

Rebecca Carranza, Pacific Learning

Audience: Time:

K, 1, 2 and Bilingual/Dual Language 12:45 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.

Language / Literacy Room 1144

LL07 Making Connections: Language and Vocabulary Development for Dual Language Learners – Continuing the Discussion

The population of dual language learners continues to increase in communities across our nation. Educators must be prepared to meet their language and learning needs. Making connections within and across languages in an efficient and effective manner to support language and vocabulary development will be discussed in-depth in this continuation of the morning bilingual keynote session by one of the state’s best known experts in second language acquisition. Participants will receive more information on evidence-based strategies for helping these students in primary grades.

Dr. Elsa Cárdenas-Hagan, Valley Speech Language and Learning Center

Featured Speaker

Audience: Time:

Language / Literacy Room 2113

PK, K, 1, 2 Bilingual/Dual Language 12:45 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.

LL08 Que Divertido es el Lenguage! How Fun is the Language!

In this session you learn fun and innovative Spanish Language Arts activities to implement in your language arts work stations.

These activities will supplement your exciting bilingual programs.

Cinthya Bustamante Ramirez, Yvette Lopez and Lili Batiz, Aldine ISD

Audience: Time:

PK, K and Bilingual/Dual Language 12:45 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.

Language / Literacy Room 1115

LL09 Starting Out the ”Write” Way

Use your favorite theme to introduce beginning writers to research and the conventions of print. This guided writing activity will be modeled step-by-step, and will motivate your students while assisting with paragraph format, spacing, revising and editing.

Deborah Flowers and Rebecca Yearout, Creative Curriculum Solutions

Audience: Time:

K, 1 10:15 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

12 | Breakout Sessions

Language / Literacy Room 1145

28th Annual R.T. Garcia Early Childhood Winter Conference

Breakout Sessions LL10 Think Literacy

Using techniques from Guided Reading, presenters will tell you how to read-aloud with high level questions and improve comprehension. You’ll also learn how to signal students to speak in discussions and sentence cues teachers can use to model thoughtful discussion.

Monique Ellisor and Nichole Trahan, Houston ISD

Audience: Time:

K, 1, 2 10:15 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

Language / Literacy Room 1144

Ma01 Early Money Matters: Hands-On Financial Literacy for Learners

Uncover the secrets of how to help your students become a financial whiz. The new financial literacy TEKS will be taught through exciting, hands-on activities and real world application. Learn how to make spending, savings, and sharing financial concepts that are easy for anyone to understand and use.

Allison MacDonald, Children’s Museum of Houston

Audience: Time:

PK, K, 1, 2 12:45 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.

Mathematics Room 2112

Ma02 Fifty Fun Math Activities

Come and explore 50 different activities that celebrate numbers, graphing, shapes, estimation, sorting, probability and more. It will be a session full of fun ideas that can be implemented on Monday.

Dr. Bonnie Barrett, Garland ISD

Audience: Time:

PK, K 12:45 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.

Mathematics Room 1133

Ma03 Moving Forward with Math TEKS

Confused about how to implement the math TEKS in your pre-k classroom? Join us as we connect the dots to show the alignment of the TEKS to PreK using appropriate hands-on manipulatives and effective strategies for implementation. Math becomes relevant, yet fun for your students.

Kay Houston and Kathy Heath, Kaplan

Audience: PK Time: 12:45 p.m.

Mathematics Connection Center

Ma04 10 Centers to Compose and Decompose to 10

Composing and decomposing is an important concept in the new TEKS for kindergarten and first grade. Participants will experience ten centers that enable independent practice so students can master these skills. Other grade levels are also welcome to attend and explore these centers as ideas that can be adapted or used as-is for differentiation.

Kristen Allen and Nicole Shanahan, HCDE

Featured Speaker

Audience: Time:

Mathematics Room 2112

PI01

K, 1 10:15 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

Parent Involvement: Honoring Cultural Differences

This session challenges us to accept that there are many right ways to raise children. We will discuss: a framework for understanding differences, ways to communicate across cultures, and diversity issues. Let’s appreciate and respect our differing perspectives, attitudes, and beliefs as we work with parents! !

Diane Goyette, Early Childhood Specialties

Audience: Time:

PPCD, PK, K, 1, 2 10:15 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

28th Annual R.T. Garcia Early Childhood Winter Conference

Parent Involvement Room 1134

13 | Breakout Sessions

Breakout Sessions SE01 Boost Brain Potential with I Love You Rituals

Interactive connections strategies that boost brain potential, encourage cooperation and caring, promote learning and literacy, increase attention, decrease power struggles and build bonds of unconditional love will be shared.

Jillian Schertle and Jeanette Arndt, Briarmeadow Charter School

Audience: Time:

PPCD, PK, K, 1 10:15 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

Social/Emotional Development Room 1430 ELC

SE02 Collaborative Teaming for Professional Development

Are you struggling with adapting what you learned in teacher training to your particular classroom?

Do you find yourself alone, isolated, and overwhelmed in professional development? Learn how to form a collaborative teacher team that will create a ripple effect in your school to generate professional dialogue and enhance teacher morale.

Tzu-Ying Ho, University of Houston

Audience: Time:

K, 1, 2 10:15 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

Social / Emotional Development Room 1142

SE03 Neurodevelopment and Early Childhood Trauma

The focus of the session will be on defining childhood trauma, how trauma impacts neurodevelopment, and how that impact affects behavior as well as discussion of behavioral indicators of trauma and treatment options.

Diane Vines, The ChildTrauma Academy

Featured Speaker

Audience: Time:

Social / Emotional Development Room 2111

PPCD, PK, K, 1, 2 12:45 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.

SH01 “Brain Matters”

Brain matters have boggled the human brain for a long time. This session will provide new scientific information about brain development as well as brain-smart classroom strategies that early childhood professionals can use in classrooms right away!

Mushira Shamsi, Wharton County Junior College

Audience: Time:

PPCD, PK, K, 1, 2 10:15 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

Science / Health Room 2113

SH02 Earth Science for Preschool

Have you observed students examining rocks, watching clouds or being fascinated by the wind? Children are naturally curious about the earth. Come learn how to build upon spontaneous experiences and lay the foundation for success in science classes.

Leave with more than 25 activities to share immediately.

Kendolyn Cooper Pope, Faith Lutheran Day School

Audience: Time:

PK, K 10:15 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

Science / Health Room 1114

SH03 Easy Magical Science IV

Fun, entertaining and above all easy science experiments that capture your students’ imagination and best of all attention.

Mark Shepherd, Song Solutions

Audience: Time:

PPCD, PK, K, 1, 2 10:15 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

Science / Health Room 1133

SH04 Help Your Students Become Citizen Scientists!

Come and learn about citizen science projects that allow your students to participate in authentic scientific research.

All you need for most projects is a digital camera and an internet connection; and many have apps for a smartphone. Example projects include: Bug Guide, Project Squirrel, Creek Watch and BudBurst Buddies.

Lisa Felske, HCDE Instructional Support Services

Featured Speaker

Audience: Time:

Science / Health Room 2115

K, 1, 2 12:45 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.

14 | Breakout Sessions

28th Annual R.T. Garcia Early Childhood Winter Conference

Breakout Sessions SH05 Sensational Science!

Don’t mind getting a little messy? Join us to explore fun, age-appropriate, and simple science activities that can be done in a variety of settings. The activities will address multiple pre-k guidelines for novice and veteran teachers alike.

Jeanetta Denman, Maria Gonzales, and Diana Morales, Aldine ISD

Audience: Time:

PPCD, PK, K 12:45 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.

Science / Health Room 2117

SH06 Wizard Wednesday Science Fun!

Learn fun, exciting, hands-on science for kids of all ages. These weekly experiments for your class may seem like magic and wizardry, but are based on sound scientific principles. Your students will develop a love of science and begin learning many TEKS. Kalin McSweeney, Humble ISD

Featured Speaker

Audience: Time:

Science / Health Room 1420

SN01

PK, K, 1, 2 12:45 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.

Improving Visual-Motor Integration Skills to Improve Reading Achievement

Research has shown that optimal visual-motor integration skills are important in a child’s ability to become a successful reader.

Understanding a child’s visual-motor integration ability can assist educators in accurately determining reasons for a child’s decreased reading skills and provide appropriate intervention to address the specific problem area. In this session, learn more about visual-motor integration and intervention strategies to improve a student’s visual-motor integration ability in order to improve reading.

Dr. Turquessa Francis, OTR, Houston Community College

Audience: Time:

PPCD, PK, K, 1, 2 12:45 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.

Special Needs Room 1136

Te01 Aprende Aprenda: The Magic of Learning

Aprende Aprenda and The Magic of Learning are complete and easy to use, interactive software programs designed to develop the linguistic abilities of English and Spanish speaking students. The exercises are simple and aid students in developing their capacity to read and write. Lessons are focused on initial sound (including initial vowel sound), initial syllables, high frequency words, vocabulary, sentences and reading comprehension for both languages.

Graciela Figueroa, Aprende Aprenda LLC

Audience: Time:

PPCD, PK, K, 1, 2 and Bilingual/Dual Language 12:45 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

Technology Room 1135

Te02 Be SMART – Build Your Own Activities Using a Smart Board

Participants will be shown how to build self-checking activities for their SMART Board. We will also look at some lessons and activities available to download and use now.

Kristina DeBrock and David DeBrock, Leon ISD

Audience: Time:

PK, K, 1, 2 12:45 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.

Technology Room 2114

Te03 Digital Storytelling: A Powerful Tool for Learning across Subjects and Grade Levels

By fusing the age-old tradition of sharing stories with cutting-edge technological tools, digital storytelling holds the potential to enhance student engagement and learning in a variety of classroom settings, from kindergarten and beyond. Attend this session to learn more about this powerful classroom tool.

Katie Alaniz, University of Houston and River Oaks Baptist School

Audience: Time:

K, 1, 2 10:15 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

28th Annual R.T. Garcia Early Childhood Winter Conference

Technology Room 2116

15 | Breakout Sessions

Breakout Sessions Te04 How Handwriting and Technology Go “Hand-in-Hand”

Technology can be embraced and used to enhance handwriting skill development. This session identifies the importance and benefits explicit handwriting instruction, provides multisensory strategies to help children build handwriting skills, and provides hands-on, developmentally appropriate teaching strategies to enhance handwriting instruction with current technology.

Cindy Brill, COTA/L, Handwriting Without Tears

Audience: Time:

PK, K 12:45 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.

Technology and Fine Arts /Motor Room 1114

Te05 iPads for Early Learners

Young learners love to use iPads to play “games”, but how can they be used for instruction? You will be amazed at the things even your tots can do when given the chance to use iPads to create and learn. Walk away with ideas that can be used immediately.

Joan Gore and Janet Corder, J2 Training

Featured Speakers

Audience: Time:

Technology Hang Time College / 2233

K, 1, 2 12:45 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.

Te06 Pinterest: The Reinvention of Searching for Teaching Resources

Just imagine not constantly searching for materials because they are all at your fingertips and ready to go at the touch of a button. Pinterest now offers a stockpile of materials, untapped by the educational community. Pinterest and partner, Edutopia, are offering a wealth of teaching resources for all subjects. Accessing these items has never been easier. Let’s get ready to enhance productivity!

Shayla Joiner-Ford, University of Houston

Audience: Time:

PK, K, 1, 2 10:15 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

Technology Room 1143

Te07 Simple Technology Ideas for Teachers

Explore fun ways to enhance learning and foster creativity with technology. Come see real world technology lessons and how to easily incorporate tech tools and apps in your classroom to integrate curriculum. The presenter will also share how global connections lead to learning in his classroom.

Matt Gomez, Plano ISD

Featured Speaker

Audience: Time:

Technology Hang Time College / 2233

PK, K, 1, 2 10:15 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

Te08 Supporting Digital Kids in the Early Childhood Years

The purpose of this session is to assess the very real risks and best practices in building digital citizenship skills in early childhood learners. The most modern research indicates that early exposure to digital and online resources can increase a student’s attitude and success towards educational technologies, but there are inherent risks involved.

David McGeary and Lynnice Hockaday, HCDE Technology

Audience: Time:

K, 1, 2 10:15 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

16 | Breakout Sessions

Technology Room 1421

28th Annual R.T. Garcia Early Childhood Winter Conference

Acknowledgements I

n a world full of technology, it can be hard to encourage children to proactively use their imagination on paper. Learn specific creative techniques to get on a child’s psychological level in order to break through boredom, open up visual awareness and inspire brainstorming skills and story/character development, all while building selfesteem through reading and writing.

Harris County Department of Education Staff

Debra Anderson, Early Childhood/Special Educ. Specialist, Winter Conference Coordinator Diane Wardlow, Early Childhood Assistant Dr. John Sawyer, Superintendent Dr. Linda Pitre, Celes Harris and Jesus Amezcua, Asst. Superintendents HCDE Communications and Public Information Division HCDE Facilities Division

2013 Conference Planning Committee Members

Catalyst Educational Initiatives Children’s Museum Houston Clear Creek ISD Fort Bend ISD/Ft. Bend Head Start (retired) Frog Street Press Galena Park ISD (retired)/Texas A&M Univ.

Houston ISD Houston ISD (retired)/HCDE Humble ISD (retired) La Porte ISD Ripley House Charter School Lee College

Anissa Robinson Mary Ellen Salas Dr. Dana Biddy Frances Schneider Maria Nevarez-Solis Sandra Sandoval Ali Oliver and Axina Zepeda Susan Gubitz Mary Peterson Vickie Gentile and Linda Hyde Stephen Gonzales Marlene Morgan

Special thanks to Ms. Toni Williams and the events staff of the Kingdom Builders’ Center and our conference sponsors.

28th Annual R.T. Garcia Early Childhood Winter Conference

17 | Acknowledgements

Facility Map

1421 1110

Main Parking

1130

THE PARTY ROOM

1140

VICTORY PREP ACADEMY

THE CONNECTION CENTER

PLAYTIME WITH NOAH

1420

GYMNASIUM/ MULTIPURPOSE AREA

18

THE ELC 1430

THE GREAT ROOM

28th Annual R.T. Garcia Early Childhood Winter Conference

Facility Map

HANG TIME COLLEGE 2233

HANG TIME (MID HIGH)

HANG TIME (HIGH SCHOOL)

DANCE STUDIO

THE PROMENADE ROOM

THE KBC

SECOND LEVEL

28th Annual R.T. Garcia Early Childhood Winter Conference

19

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28th Annual R.T. Garcia Early Childhood Winter Conference

Notes

28th Annual R.T. Garcia Early Childhood Winter Conference

21

Notes

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28th Annual R.T. Garcia Early Childhood Winter Conference

HCDE DEPARTMENT

OF

www.hcde-texas.org

COUNTY

EDUCATION

CEU Credits- 6.0 (Provider #10-10000)

PDAS Links: I, II, Ill, IV, V, VI, VIII

Winter Conference Coordinator

Debra Anderson

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Participant

January 25, 2014

28th Annual R. T. Garcia Early Childhood Winter Conference

CERTIFICATE OF ATTENDANCE

HARRIS

Silver Sponsor

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U N I O N

MEMBERSHIP EQUALS FREEDOM™ “Providing Superior Service For Over 75 Years”

Thank You!

Silver Sponsor

Featured Speaker Sponsor

www.hcde-texas.org 6300 Irvington Blvd.

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