Learning Inside and OUTSIDE

May 23rd & 24th, 2017

The Battlefords Western Development Museum,

Battlefords River Valley Visitors Centre,

Finlayson Island

Featuring Early Learning & Nature Educators:

Dr. Beverlie Dietze

Dr. Diane Kashin

Cindy Green

Sherron Burns

Sylvia Weenie

Kjelti Anderson

Sophia Yannitsos

HOTEL INFORMATION:

Hotel rooms are available at Gold Eagle Lodge located at 12004 Railway Ave. East

North Battleford, Saskatchewan

A block of rooms will be held until May 5, 2017. Please inform the hotel that you are with the Early Years Summit when

booking to receive the group rate. Double Queen Room @ $145 + taxes – includes continental breakfast

Toll Free: 1-866-446-8877

Email: reservations@goldeaglelodge.com

http://www.goldeaglelodge.com/

VENUES

Western Development Museum (WDM) Located at the Junction of Highways 16 & 40 on the south side of North Battleford.

All daytime events on Tuesday will be held at the Western Development Museum.

There will be an Outdoor Family Event held at the Battlefords River Valley Visitors Centre which is adjacent to Hwy 16, base of King Hill on Tuesday from 5:00p – 7:00p in which you are invited to attend and participate. Some Wednesday sessions will be held outdoors at the Battlefords River Valley Visitor Centre and Finlayson Island - others will be at the Western Development Museum.

• Transportation will be provided for breakout session locations on Wednesday • There is free and ample parking at all locations

ATTIRE Please keep in mind that some of the sessions are outdoors and will involve being active, possibly dirty and maybe even wet! The weather might also be cool. The average temperatures in North Battleford in May are a high of 17C and low of 4C.

Dr. BEVERLIE DIETZE began exploring

many facets of outdoor play in the late 1990s. She is

currently the Director of Learning and Teaching at

Okanagan College, Kelowna, BC and in her leisure

time continues to engage in research and education

on outdoor play. Her other research focus is staff

development. Beverlie has been the lead researcher

on outdoor play projects for the Province of Nova Scotia and is currently co-leading a

national research project on outdoor play training funded by the Lawson Foundation. She

is an author of number of articles on outdoor play and early learning topics as well as co-

author of two texts and articles with Dr. Diane Kashin.

Dr. DIANE KASHIN is currently teaching early

childhood studies at Ryerson University in Toronto, Ontario and

working as a consultant and researcher in the areas of pedagogy,

curriculum and outdoor play. Diane is the volunteer chair of the

York Region Nature Collaborative. In that capacity Diane has

organized and delivered multiple workshops and conferences

focused on reconnecting children to nature. Diane is working with

Beverlie on the Lawson Foundation funded research project. Diane

is also an advocate of the forest school movement and is inspired

by many educators and theories including the Reggio Emilia

Approach. She is active on Twitter @DianeKashin1 and her blog Technology Rich

Inquiry Based Research can be found at https://tecribresearch.wordpress.com/ D

Cindy Green is a registered early childhood educator in the

province of Ontario. Cindy has been an active member of the York

Region early learning community for many decades. She taught at

Seneca College in the School of Early Childhood Education and has

recently retired from the college. Cindy was devoted to working

closely with the community during her tenure at Seneca. She sat on

various committees advocating for children, their families, educators

and the field in general. In her current role as an early learning

consultant, Cindy’s passion and enthusiasm about learning through

emergent, playful and nature-based inquiry keeps her busy

facilitating numerous sessions for educators and families.

Sylvia Weenie was the 9th

child born to the parents of Ben

and Bernadette Atcheynum. She spent her life assisting her

parents on the farm in Sweetgrass First Nation. For 2 years, Sylvia

attended residential School in Onion Lake, Sk. This ordeal had

motivated her to become a teacher. After marrying her first love

Ben Weenie, she began her teaching career as a Nursery Teacher.

After having 7 children, she decided to go back to school to finish

her degree, graduating from I.T.E.P in 1996. Sylvia has been

teaching for 40+ years. Over the years, and with great

consideration of her experience with going to school through the

Residential School, On-Reserve and Provincial School Systems,

Sylvia has dedicated her career to implementing a strong bond between Indigenous

Knowledge and Western Knowledge. She is currently a T.L.C (Treaty, Language &

Culture) Coordinator at the Treaty Six Education Council (T.S.E.C) in North Battleford,

SK. She strives on revitalizing the Plains Cree Language and Worldview. Sylvia is active

in both the Indigenous community, through attending ceremonies and the Western

community, through acknowledging the Indigenous Worldview in the miyonikewin

Curriculum. Sylvia has recently graduated with her Master’s Degree in Education,

specializing in Curriculum and Instruction at the U of R. Through her dedication and hard

work, she hopes one day to see all people sharing knowledge of both worlds in the

provincial curriculum, enabling children to grow up understanding and accepting each

other.

“I was lucky to have decided from a young age that I wanted to help our children to

develop a strong identity, and the skills to thrive in today’s world” - Sylvia Weenie

SHERRON BURNS is an educator and

artist who combines play, movement and curiosity

into all aspects of her life. Whether working with

puppets and shadows, dancing or learning from the

stories of our Elders, she looks for ways to overcome

barriers, create pathways to understanding between

cultures, build imagination and discover joy through

learning. Sherron is the Arts Education and Treaty

Education Consultant for Living Sky School Division

and has facilitated many workshops with teachers and students that encourage critical

thinking and creative expression.

KJELTI ANDERSON cultivates a

passionate relationship with Mother Earth as an

educator, permaculturalist, herbalist, and artist.

Kjelti’s experience spans diverse ways of

connecting children and adults to nature through art

and ecology. She has been involved as a facilitator,

guide, and teacher in multiple land-based

educational projects in Saskatchewan since 2011.

She lives in Battleford, Saskatchewan; Treaty Six

territory - a stone’s throw away from the confluence of the mighty Battle and North

Saskatchewan Rivers.

Sophia Yannitsos is an Arts Education

Consultant with Regina Catholic School Division with over

25 years of experience in the classroom, on stage and in

rehearsal halls. She is a certified ORFF instructor and applies

the concepts of integrating music, movement, text and image

into rich learning experiences at all ages.

Summit Events

TUESDAY, May 23@ Western Development Museum

8:00a Registration Table Open Coffee available

9:00a – 10:30a Opening blessing/prayer

KEYNOTE ADDRESS: Beverlie Dietze

Just imagine the possibilities: Triggering Children’s

Curiosity in Outdoor Play

10:30a – 10:45a Nutrition Break 10:45a – 11:45a First Nations Perspective in Outdoor Learning 11:45a – 12:15p Reflection Walk 12:15p – 1:00p Lunch (included) 1:00p – 3:00p BREAKOUT SESSION A:– Connecting inside and outside learning 5:00p – 7:00p OUTDOOR FAMILY EVENT @ River Valley Visitor Centre

WEDNESDAY, May 24@ various locations

8:00 AM Registration Table Open @ WDM Coffee available

*8:30 AM Shuttle departs from WDM to off-site venues

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM BREAKOUT SESSION B @ various locations 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM LUNCH (included)

*12:30 PM Shuttle departs to off-site venues

1:00 PM – 2:30 PM BREAKOUT SESSION C @ various locations *2:30PM Shuttle departs to WDM

3:00 PM – 3:30 PM CLOSING ACTIVITY: Moving Learning: Sherron Burns & Sophie Yannitsos @ WDM

3:30 PM – 4:00 PM Wrap Up & Evaluation @ WDM

Transportation is provided for off-site venues on Wednesday

Family Night Battlefords River Valley Visitor Centre

5:00 – 7:00 PM Free for Summit participants - pre-registration required

Transportation – on your own Meal provided

Opportunity to participate and observe

SESSIONS TUESDAY, MAY 23rd

9:00 – 10:30AM

Western Development Museum - inside Opening Blessing/Prayer

Keynote Address: Dr. Beverlie Dietze Just imagine the possibilities: Triggering Children’s Curiosity in Outdoor Play

When children’s curiosity is triggered and nourished, their explorations and learning becomes more in-depth, meaningful and intentional. Adults play a key role in creating environments that will activate inquiring young minds and stimulate inquiry. Understanding the curiosity cycle and how those levels

may be expressed by children will be explored.

10:45-11:45am

Western Development Museum - inside Group Learning Session

Exploring First Nations perspectives in early childhood environments – inside and

outside. Led by Sylvia Weenie Children’s connection to nature is primary, timeless, and sacred. Join us for a discussion exploring how to embed First Nations perspectives and elements from our communities into our work with young children to strengthen and stimulate children’s cognitive, physical and emotional growth both inside

and outside. As stated by Duncan, Martin & Kreth (2016), “It is our definitive responsibility to diligently and continually cultivate children’s personal relationships with the land, which will sustain their

energies, wonder, and memories for a lifetime.”

1:00p -3:00PM

Western Development Museum – inside & outside Breakout Session A

Connecting Inside and Outside Learning Explore how our view of children is connected to our interactions and the indoor and outdoor

environments we provide for their learning. A1. Outdoor Play for 0-3 year olds – facilitated discussion with Beverlie Dietze

A2. - Outdoor Play for 3–6 year olds – facilitated discussion with Diane Kashin

WEDNESDAY, MAY 24th

9:00 – 12:00PM

Various Locations – inside & outside Breakout Session B

B1.Emergent Curriculum: A Journey – Cindy Green - Western Development Museum

Emergent Curriculum, at its best, is an exciting journey of inquiry for both children and adults. When we are keen observers and listeners, and understand how to respond to what we see and hear, we can create responses that engage children in further exploration and learning. During this workshop, we will examine a long-term project as well as some short moments from classrooms, in order to reflect together on what is happening within the play, and then create some possibilities for responding.

B2.Risk in Play (Part 1) - Diane Kashin - Western Development Museum

Risky Play is a hot topic in the world of early learning. While risk may be seen as something that is negative and should be avoided, it is extremely beneficial to children’s development. In this

interactive workshop you will experience the joys and benefits of risky play, engage in dialogue and recognize how our own attitudes may inhibit children’s opportunities for risk-taking and at the same

time learn how to manage risky play by engaging in a risk benefit assessment.

Note: This session will continue into Part 2 in the afternoon but can also be attended on it’s own

B3.The Pedagogy of Place and Nature - Beverlie Dietze - River Valley Visitor Centre

When pedagogy is born from place and nature, children develop emotional connections that support their learning and development. This session will explore the theories and practice of using

nature and place as the basis for pedagogy. This will be an interactive and hands on session.

B4. The Prairie Palette: Experiential Learning with Nature as our Canvas – Sherron Burns and Kjelti Anderson - Finlayson Island

How does learning come naturally when we are out amongst the elements? Join us on Finlayson Island as we experience nature through all of our senses. We will identify local flora and fauna, observe the environment, and document the questions that arise through our investigations. We will represent through transient art (with gathered materials), concepts of balance, pattern and harmony found in nature. Time for reflection is provided as we enjoy tea from our collected

medicinal plants.

Note: Maximum of 25 people

*OFFSITE SESSIONS WILL BE FROM 9:00-12:45 AM *

Both the River Valley Visitor Centre and Finlayson Island are a short drive from the WDM and

transportation will be provided via shuttle at 8:30AM, 12:45 PM & 2:30 PM

Lunch provided

Wednesday, May 24th

1:00 – 2:30PM

Various Locations – inside & outside Breakout Session C

C1.Pedagogical Documentation: A tool for Thinking – Cindy Green - WDM

Many of us are already using documentation to make children's thinking, ideas, and learning visible. When we also use documentation as a way to reflect upon our own practices, and to share our thinking with others, then it becomes pedagogical documentation. This can be a powerful support for teacher growth. In this workshop, we will watch video clips of play, think together, and practice describing in

writing what we see, think, and understand.

C2.Risk in Play (Part 2) - Diane Kashin – WDM

Children require environments that allow them to engage in risk-taking play. Risky play helps children learn about their world; test out what is and is not possible; learn about making mistakes; and discover new things about their space, place, and environment. Risk taking contributes to

children’s in-depth problem solving and critical thinking skills. Children in over-regulated environments have significantly fewer opportunities to master the challenges that are available in

active play spaces.

Note: This session is a continuation from the morning Part 1 session but can be attended on its own

C3.Loose Parts Outdoor Play - Beverlie Dietze -River Valley Visitor Centre

Loose parts outdoors provide children with so many benefits and opportunities for rich and adventurous play. Using natural found objects or bringing recycled materials into the outdoor

environment will support children’s deep engagement in their play. This will be an interactive and hands on session.

C4.The Prairie Palette: Experiential Learning with Nature as our Canvas (repeated session) – Sherron Burns and Kjelti Anderson - Finlayson Island

How does learning come naturally when we are out amongst the elements? Join us on Finlayson Island as we experience nature through all of our senses. We will identify local flora and fauna, observe the environment, and document the questions that arise through our investigations. We will represent through transient art (with gathered materials), concepts of balance, pattern and harmony found in nature. Time for reflection is provided as we enjoy tea from our collected

medicinal plants.

Maximum of 25 people

Note: This is a repeat session of B4

3:00 – 3:45PM

Western Development Museum – inside

“Moving Learning” What does my learning look like and sound like?

Orff inspired Closing Reflective Activity

With Sophie Yannitsos & Sherron Burns

The Orff Approach, is a developmental approach that combines music, movement, drama, and voice into lessons that are similar to child's world of play. Imitation, experimentation and personal

expression are natural outlets of communicating our learning in low pressure and fun ways.

3:45 – 4:00 PM

Wrap Up/Evaluation/Farewell