Over 60 Early Childhood educators in Jewish settings attended the Bucks County Early Childhood Yom Limmud (Day of Learning) on Thursday, March 12, 2015.
Enthusiasm rocked at Shir Ami as teachers learned new music with Peter Moses, director of The Music Experience for Young Children. Literacy was also a focus as Lori Borman, Director of Child Development Specialties, taught participants new ways to integrate pre-reading skills into the curriculum with fun skill builders. Carrie Shames Walinsky, Education Director at Kol Emet, demonstrated to teachers how art materials can be used to promote process rather than product in their classrooms. An afternoon session with Ellen Walters, Director of Education Initiatives in Early Childhood at Jewish Learning Venture, encouraged participants to think about Passover in new ways.
All sessions were interactive and well-received. Teachers look forward to trying new songs and art ideas. They also have new methods to develop critical thinking skills with the children in their classroom. The day promoted much sharing among the schools and within age levels, as teachers were grouped by age level taught. We look forward to hearing about ideas tried in the classroom and new successes!