Paradigm Project Fifth Annual Conference: Full Schedule

Explore light, shadow, and motion immersed in a space that invites both independent as well as collaborative experiential inquiry. Bring your light game up a level with old favorites relaunched in new ways.

Sunday May 5, 2019 8:15pm - 9:30pm CDT
10th Floor Atrium

Atelier Exploration

8:15pm CDT

Becoming a Soulful Parent, Where Do I Begin?

So many parents today feel they’re starting at a deficit. There must be some right way of being a great parent, and they must have just missed the memo! In this session educators will learn how to help parents become attuned to their inner soul voice that will guide them to become the parents their children need them to be.

Presenters

Dasee Berkowitz

Director, Ayeka’s Becoming a Soulful Parent

Dasee Berkowitz is a Boston native and currently lives in Jerusalem with her husband, Leon and three children. She initiated Ayeka’s Becoming a Soulful Parent program to help parents and Jewish institutions change the conversation around parenting – from a doing mindset to a becoming... Read More →

Sunday May 5, 2019 8:15pm - 9:30pm CDT
Room 314

Sunday

8:15pm CDT

Classical Music Appreciation Through Art : Classical MATTARS

We start out with the premise there are many ways of listening to music and appreciating music. There is no right or wrong way to engage in music listening.

In this workshop, I will describe how I came to develop a method of teaching very young children classical music listening and response through [process-oriented] art. I will talk about the evolution of and theory behind such a course. I will describe the tools and techniques I have used to come up with these exercises in listening and response.

The course is of a highly individualized nature as it is born from my own listening and response to the music. I introduce a story line, and through guided imagery, give the listener a focus. Then through the use of art materials, participants are guided to make strokes/lines/shapes/movements and choose colors as they listen and as they respond.

The guided imagery, storylines and subsequent directives come out of my own unique response to the music – but the workshop will be valuable as it grants permission to use the materials and information gleaned in whatever ways are best suited to the participant.

Participants will be invited to play and explore their own responses to classical music through art using the methods discussed. Art materials will be provided.

Presenters

Ethyl Treatman

Early Childhood Educator, Main Line Reform Temple ECE

Ethyl has an undergraduate degree in Psychology with a minor in Fine Art. Her masters in in Education, and she has been teaching in the Jewish preschool setting since 2004. A life-long dabbler in the Arts, Ethyl hungrily paints/draws or makes cut-outs whenever the opportunity aff... Read More →

Sunday May 5, 2019 8:15pm - 9:30pm CDT
Room 707

Sunday

8:15pm CDT

Constructing Meaning in Jewish Learning Environments While Connecting Home Learning Experiences

How can we introduce the customs, values, rituals and beliefs of Judaism to our youngest students, allowing them to construct their own Jewish meaning, and to build on their home learning experiences of Judaism? How do we use the prepared classroom environment to stimulate this learning? How can schools create the conditions that support teachers to design meaningful Jewish learning environments for children that connect to their home learning experiences? Through a close look at research and documentation from several Early Childhood classrooms conducted in progressive Jewish education settings, including Reggio and Montessori based environments, participants will explore how to use the classroom environment to plan rich Jewish learning experiences for young children and connect families to these learning experiences. We offer real and practical experiences of how to incorporate developmentally appropriate and child-led teaching practices while being held by the realities of the Jewish calendar. This session is intended for teachers and program directors interested in enhancing the Jewish learning experiences of young children and supporting families in their Jewish learning journeys.

Presenters

Laura Weisblatt

Director of the Primary School, Luria Academy of Brooklyn

Laura Weisblatt is the Director of the Primary School at the Luria Academy of Brooklyn, where she has worked for six years. She is a graduate of the YOU Lead initiative of Prizmah, is a trained teacher mentor with the Jewish New Teacher Project, and has served as a leadership member... Read More →

Carol Green

South Campus Coordinator, Netivot HaTorah Day School

Carol Green is the South Campus Coordinator of Netivot HaTorah Day School on Toronto, where she has worked in several different positions including administration and teaching early childhood and First Grade Hebrew and Judaic Studies for the past 30 years. She has her Principal’s... Read More →

Sunday May 5, 2019 8:15pm - 9:30pm CDT
Room 722

Sunday

8:15pm CDT

Creating Family Rituals Around Making and Using a Tallit

Why a tallit? Join us to discuss ways in which a tallit can be used in a family ritual. Learn how to tie tzitzit onto a corner that you will then have the opportunity to beautify using print making and embroidery techniques. Help create a communal tallit that we will use as part of our practice at the end of the workshop.

Presenters

Malka Wolman

Sunday May 5, 2019 8:15pm - 9:30pm CDT
The Jewish Depot (9th Floor)

Sunday

8:15pm CDT

Getting on the Same Page: Bonding Schools and Families through Jewish Literacy

Snuggly storytimes have long been a staple in Jewish homes and preschools. When PJ Library began sending Jewish books to homes almost 15 years ago, those special bedtime moments between parents and children became Jewish moments as well. As part of PJ Library, PJ Goes to School offers a holistic approach to family engagement and Jewish education, initiating conversations about Jewish values in schools in the same way PJ Library inspires dialogue in the home.

Join PJ Goes to School educators Sarah and Alison as we explore strengthening the family-school relationship through Jewish literacy. Together we will examine how to integrate books into your classrooms, explore the Jewish values in all books and learn how you can confidently create book-related experiences that bring parents into the conversation – and into the classroom.

Presenters

Alison Zimbalist

School consultant, PJ Goes to School

Alison Zimbalist is the PJ Goes to School consultant for the grades K-2 program. Prior to her family’s relocation to suburban Chicago last June, Alison served for three years as the Director of Early Childhood Services at the Macks Center for Jewish Education in Baltimore. There... Read More →

Sarah Ruderman Wilensky

Educational Initiatives team at PJ Library, PJ Library

Sarah Ruderman Wilensky works on the Educational Initiatives team at PJ Library, a program of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation. PJ Library distributes more than 500,000 books a month to children ages 6 month through 11 years old; a total of more than 29 million books since inception... Read More →

Sunday May 5, 2019 8:15pm - 9:30pm CDT
Room 711B

Sunday

NOTES Did you know your school can receive the gift of PJ Library books and resource materials? For information go to https://pjlibrary.org/beyond-books/pj-goes-to-school

8:15pm CDT

L’hitraot : Early Childhood Introduction to Death

Many adults feel uncomfortable discussing death with children. As caregivers we hope they
avoid the experience of losing a loved one for as long as possible. However, if a time of loss
occurs, we must be honest and empathetic resources in their corner. When a child is dealing
with this profound challenge, they often have questions and need support in exploring their
feelings. This session will give participants a space to learn and delve into appropriate and respectful ways to guide students through their personal experiences with death.

In Hebrew, L’hitraot is used to say “until we meet again.” The life cycle is a natural part of the
human experience, and is celebrated throughout Judaism. We will explore important
conversations about death through a Jewish lens during our time together. This session is
designed for all educators, with the intention that knowledge and execution of these meaningful
strategies can be attainable for an educator in many settings or roles.

Presenters

Erin Weisman

Early Childhood Educator

Erin Weisman is an early childhood educator in Washington, D.C. Previously, she has worked inclassrooms in Los Angeles, New Orleans, and Copenhagen in private schools, charters, andpublic programs. She is constantly inspired by Reggio Emilia philosophy and believes that whentrusted... Read More →

Sunday May 5, 2019 8:15pm - 9:30pm CDT
Room 313

Sunday

8:15pm CDT

Mind Over Matter

Recognizing the child as competent and capable includes not just cognitive capability, but his social emotional wellbeing as well. In this session, we will learn to view the child's behaviors from a new lens so we can be more helpful to their needs. Studying the Conscious Discipline Brain Model will help us understand the brain-body states that produce behaviors in children and in ourselves. We will explore ways to be conscious of our own thoughts and emotions so we can help children learn to do the same. These strategies can be used both in the classroom and shared with families as you partner with them in supporting their children's and their own social emotional wellbeing at home.

Presenters

Chanie Kaller

Director, The Gan Early Childhood Center

Morah Chanie has been teaching in early childhood programs for 20 years. She had the opportunity to teach in schools abroad and in several states allowing her to experience a variety of teaching tools and discipline methods. After starting her own school, in 2007, she began her search... Read More →

Tanya Levy

Teacher, The Gan Early Childhood Center

Morah Tanya joined The Gan family in 2012 and has partnered with Morah Chanie in her quest to share the amazing benefits of using CD practices in both schools and homes. She has 10 years of experience teaching in early childhood setting and is passionate about building positive connections... Read More →

Sunday May 5, 2019 8:15pm - 9:30pm CDT
Room 711C

Sunday

8:15pm CDT

Parents as Partners: How Teachers Can Empower Parents as Jewish Educators

How can we deepen our partnerships with parents to extend Jewish learning beyond the
classroom? In this session, we will explore how teachers can support parents in their role as
Jewish educators. Using a story from Honeycake magazine (a new Jewish magazine for young
children) as a case study, we will consider how teachers might design experiences that facilitate a
connection between classroom and home. Participants will discuss what teachers can do to
engage parents as Jewish educators, and they will walk away with new ideas about strengthening
teacher-parent partnerships.

Presenters

Anna Caplan

Editor in Chief of Honeycake Magazine,, Honeycake magazine

Anna Caplan holds a BA in comparative literature from Harvard College. She is the editor inchief of Honeycake magazine, a new Jewish literary magazine for young children. Founded onthe principle that Jewish kids need great Jewish stories, Honeycake ’s mission is to serve Jewishchildren... Read More →

Sunday May 5, 2019 8:15pm - 9:30pm CDT
Room 721

Sunday

8:15pm CDT

Teaching as Love: Unpacking the Anatomy of Contextual Curriculum

This session will present examples of contextual curriculum development through open-ended inquiry, based on the interests of students, teachers, families, and communities. One example will be shared in-depth, to tell the story of how children’s inquiry into their neighborhood served as a catalyst for bridging separations between faith communities, and deeply engaging families in curriculum. All examples were developed in various schools, both public and private, in Boulder and Denver, Colorado, in partnership with the Boulder Journey School Teacher Education Program. Inspired by the Infant-Toddler Centers and Preschools in Reggio Emilia, Italy, this workshop will employ “teacher as researcher” as a lens through which to share stories, resources, and time for interactive discussion and reflection. The presentation and discussion will focus on developing sustainable 21st century practices around family engagement, community connection, and intercultural exploration.

Presenters

Stephanie Leen

Judaic Specialist, Learning School at the Denver Staenberg-Loup Jewish Community Center

Stephanie Leen is the Judaic Specialist at the Early Learning School at the Denver Staenberg-Loup Jewish Community Center. Stephanie teaches 150 children of all age groups, which gives her unique opportunities to incorporate the universal values embedded in Judaism into their Reggio... Read More →

Lauren Weatherly

Partner School Program Director, Boulder Journey School Teacher Education Program

Lauren Weatherly is the Partner School Program Director for the Boulder Journey School Teacher Education Program. In this role, she develops and supports administrative relationships with various schools in the Denver/Boulder Metro Area, and also provides coaching and support to Student... Read More →

Sunday May 5, 2019 8:15pm - 9:30pm CDT
Room 711A

Sunday

9:30pm CDT

Dessert Reception

Sunday May 5, 2019 9:30pm - 10:15pm CDT
Landing on 2nd Floor

Sunday

6:30am CDT

Klezmer Aerobics

What is Klezmer Aerobics?
Klezmer Aerobics is a touring cultural performance that is best described as
a family-friendly interactive dance/storytelling workout where “the 1880s meets the 1980s.”
The show’s creator, Rabbi Daniel Brenner, plays an aerobics instructor and leads an audience participation workout as he tells the original story SHVITZ! about Levi and the Old Badchen – a coming-of-age tale about a dancer and his apprentice in a Polish shtetl. The audience learns the traditional dances of the Old Badchen and the dances that Levi learns and creates when he runs off to Warsaw. The show – which has toured to JCCs, synagogues, schools, retirement communities, conferences, and art festivals – is a one-hour joyride packed with Jewish cultural history and delightful klezmer music.

Session will be held outdoors.

Presenters

Rabbi Daniel Brenner

Chief of Education and Program, Moving Traditions

Rabbi Daniel Brenner, Chief of Education and Program, helps Jewish communities address the spiritual and developmental needs of pre-teens and teens through his work at Moving Traditions. Prior to Moving Traditions, Daniel served in leadership positions at CLAL-The National Jewish Center of Learning... Read More →

Monday May 6, 2019 6:30am - 7:30am CDT
In Front of Spertus Institute

Move it Move it

6:30am CDT

Power Walk

Join volunticipant, Mollie Bass, in a power walk around the neighborhood!

Session will be held outdoors.

Monday May 6, 2019 6:30am - 7:30am CDT
In Front of Spertus Institute

Move it Move it

7:45am CDT

Breakfast

Breakfast will be served for the full hour! Join us when you are hungry!

Feel free to take breakfast into your first session!
(Exception: Feinberg Theater does not allow food/beverage)

Monday May 6, 2019 7:45am - 8:45am CDT
Landing on 2nd Floor

Meals

9:00am CDT

Building the School Family

In this session, we will dip our feet into some of the structures we bring into our classrooms to help create a safe and connected environment. We will be creating some of these structures together for you to bring back and use in your own spaces and that you can share with families.

Presenters

Chanie Kaller

Director, The Gan Early Childhood Center

Tanya Levy

Teacher, The Gan Early Childhood Center

Monday May 6, 2019 9:00am - 10:30am CDT
Room 711C

Monday

9:00am CDT

Engaging Families in Supporting Social and Emotional Learning

In this workshop, we will explore the importance of partnering with families in supporting social emotional learning (SEL) within the school and home context. The workshop will examine how SEL is defined at your school and how SEL complements a family’s values, priorities, and goals for their child’s development. We will discuss tools to strengthen your current family engagement efforts on the topic of SEL utilizing a bidirectional approach. Techniques such as mindful communication will be introduced as well as strategies to create collaborative relationships between families and schools to best support and enhance a child’s social and emotional learning.

Presenters

Adenia Linker, MEd, SAYD, CYT

Project Coordinator, Erikson Institute’s SEL Initiative

Adenia Linker, MEd, SAYD, CYT, is the Project Coordinator for Erikson Institute’s SEL Initiative. She has nearly 20 years’ experience bringing wellness education to children, families and educators. During that time, Adenia has partnered with nearly 50 Chicago schools and community... Read More →

Maria Kontoudakis

Project Manager, SEL Initiative at Erikson

Maria Kontoudakis is a graduate of the Erikson Institute with a Master of Science in Child Development. She currently serves as the Project Manager for the SEL Initiative at Erikson and is pursuing her Master of Social Work degree. She also worked as a facilitator and field coordinator... Read More →

SFP Framework JPG

Reframe, Consider, Say Worksheet pdf

SEL Family Engagement in Action.docx pdf

HOPES AND DREAMS pdf

School Family Partnerships and Social and Emotional Learning pdf

Humanity and Belonging Poster pdf

Monday May 6, 2019 9:00am - 10:30am CDT
Room 711B

Monday

Company Pre Reading School-Family Partnerships to Promote Social and Emotional Learning (pgs. 246-252 & pg. 259)

9:00am CDT

Improv for Teachers: Bravely Navigating the Unknown

When it comes to early childhood education, we often cannot control what happens in the classroom, but we can control how we respond to the needs of our students. This fun and interactive workshop will help educators explore the ways in which the principles of improvisation can be utilized in being agile, resilient, and present in the classroom.

Presenters

Rebecca Barish

Teaching Improvisation/Head of Wellness Program, The Second City

Becca Barish has a passion for teaching improvisation, both as an art form, and as an effective professional and therapeutic intervention. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Masters in Social Service Administration from the University of Chicago, Becca has worked to apply... Read More →

Monday May 6, 2019 9:00am - 10:30am CDT
Feinberg Theater

Monday

9:00am CDT

Introduction to Needle Felting

Join Natasha Lehrer Lewis, of Esther’s Place, and learn all about fiber art and how to make sweet figurines for an engaging story time. Using locally grown and hand dyed wool, and needle felting techniques to make Shepherd David and a sheep. She will share her story as a shepherd, entrepreneur and educator as you enjoy this relaxing and creative art form.

Presenters

Natasha Lehrer Lewis

Artist

Interweaving the worlds of art, education and agriculture together are the passion of Natasha Lehrer’s life. As a shepherd, she strives to represent the beauty of creation in her work. She dyes, spins and felts the fibers, starting at the source while infusing depth and meaning... Read More →

Monday May 6, 2019 9:00am - 10:30am CDT
Landing on 2nd Floor

Monday

9:00am CDT

Jewish Every Day 20th Anniversary (almost) Celebration!

Join Maxine Segal Handelman, Jewish Early Childhood Educator and author of Jewish Everyday: The Complete Handbook for Early Childhood Teachers, to stroll through the pages of this resource that “should be found on the bookshelf of every director, teacher and specialist involved in Jewish early childhood education” (customer review, 5 stars). Discover what Max thinks about the cover photo, the goals and gems hidden in this tome, the story of how it came to be, what Max would change if she could do it all again (she can’t), and the treasures it holds for you. Share your stories of how Jewish Every Day has touched your life and changed your practice (if it has), take a guided tour of all those chapters that are NOT the oft-photocopied holiday chapters, and maybe, if you’re good, you’ll hear some stories about Sharon, Judy and Renatta, the three ladies gracing the dedication page.

Receive a copy of Jewish Every Day when you attend this session! Autographed, of course.

Presenters

Maxine Handelman

Director of Family Life & Learning, Anshe Emet Synagogue

I am the Director of Family Life & Learning at Anshe Emet Synagogue in Chicago, where I do my best to create pathways to Jewish life and community for families with young children. I bake a mean challah, and I am passionate about chocolate.I'm a graduate of the Rhea Hirsch School... Read More →

Monday May 6, 2019 9:00am - 10:30am CDT
Room 421

Monday

9:00am CDT

Rosh Chodesh with Wakefield Workshop

Join colleagues to study Rosh Chodesh through text and discussion. See how this monthly ritual can be incorporated into a family's custom and classroom experience.

Wakefield Workshops will engage participants in creating a painted wooden object to support the celebration of Rosh Chodesh.

Presenters

Wakefield Workshops

Two crafty mamas specializing in on-site paint parties for team building or a fun night with friends and family!

Monday May 6, 2019 9:00am - 10:30am CDT
The Jewish Depot (9th Floor)

Monday

9:00am CDT

Sukkahs for Sukkah City: An Experiential Family Program for Sukkot

Join us as we build an entire city of sukkahs for Sukkot. So much more than your mother’s diaroma, learn how to teach Hachnasat Orchim to our families and repurpose this program for other Jewish holidays and events.

Presenters

Brittany Ray

Teacher, B'nai Israel Community Day School

Brittany Ray is a teacher in the One-year-old class at B'nai Israel Community Day School in Gainesville, Florida. She has over 6 years of experience working with children and a national CDA. She has experience with all preschool age groups, but her heart is with one and two-year-olds... Read More →

Marie Trester

Teacher, B'nai Israel Community Day School

Marie Trester is a lead Three-year-old teacher at B’nai Israel Community Day School in Gainesville, Florida. She has over five years of experience working with preschool-aged children. She is passionate about providing a high-energy, multi-faceted learning environment in her classroom... Read More →

Sukkah City Handouts pdf

Monday May 6, 2019 9:00am - 10:30am CDT
Room 423A

Monday

9:00am CDT

Teaching as Love: Unpacking the Anatomy of Contextual Curriculum

Presenters

Lauren Weatherly

Partner School Program Director, Boulder Journey School Teacher Education Program

Stephanie Leen

Judaic Specialist, Learning School at the Denver Staenberg-Loup Jewish Community Center

Monday May 6, 2019 9:00am - 10:30am CDT
Room 711A

Monday

9:00am CDT

Using Jewish Learning Stories as a Curriculum Framework That Includes Families

“Curriculum” is a surprisingly rare word in current philosophical literature on the teaching/learning process that takes place in programs for young children. And yet, we still often use the words “curriculum” to describe what we offer in our Jewish programs, particularly around Judaic topics such as holidays. In this session, we will explore what the word means to each of us now, particularly in our understanding of emergent curriculum, and how we already are engaging in emergent JEWISH curriculum with children and families.
To prepare for this session: please bring a sequenced series of at least 4 PRINTED photos of ONE experience of ONE child that relates to Jewish life in some way from your perspective.

Presenters

Lyndall Miller

Director of the Jewish Early Childhood, Education Leadership Institute (JECELI)

Lyndall Miller, M.A.Ed., M.A.J.Ed., M.S.Ed., is the Director of the Jewish Early Childhood Education Leadership Institute (JECELI), which is an intensive professional development initiative for early-career directors and teacher leaders and is a partnership between JTS and HUC-JIR... Read More →

Monday May 6, 2019 9:00am - 10:30am CDT
Room 422

Monday

9:00am CDT

Sewing Circle

Whether you have experience with a sewing machine or you are a novice sewer, please join Sew Crafty Studios sewing circle.

Drop into our sewing circle in between your other workshops for a fun hands-on pop up that you can explore for as little or as long as you like.

Presenters

Turhan Karabey

Assistant Center Director, Jewish Council for Youth Services

After teaching at JCYS’s Lakeview center for 11 years, Turhan joined the leadership team at JCYS Wicker Park and played an integral role in opening the center in August 2016. Turhan passionately believes in a Reggio-inspired, emergent curriculum based on cooperative, play-based... Read More →

Monday May 6, 2019 9:00am - 11:00am CDT
Landing on 2nd Floor

Monday

9:00am CDT

Atelier Exploration

Monday May 6, 2019 9:00am - 5:15pm CDT
10th Floor Atrium

Atelier Exploration

10:30am CDT

Break

Monday May 6, 2019 10:30am - 11:00am CDT

Break

10:30am CDT

Networking: Family Buy-In

Bring families along as you shift the paradigm in Jewish early childhood.

Monday May 6, 2019 10:30am - 11:00am CDT
Landing on 2nd Floor

Networking

10:30am CDT

Networking: Infant and Toddler Educators Unite!

Connect with other infant and toddler educators! Share ideas and find time to network throughout the conference!

Monday May 6, 2019 10:30am - 11:00am CDT
Landing on 2nd Floor

Networking

11:00am CDT

A Morning with Wendy Mogel

Presenters

Wendy Mogel

Author

Monday May 6, 2019 11:00am - 12:15pm CDT
Feinberg Theater

Monday

12:15pm CDT

Networking: Chicago Teachers Project (A Laboratory for Jewish Early Childhood Education)

Join the Chicago Teachers Project Fellows to learn about their fellowship and journey into Jewish early childhood education. This initial gathering is to encourage on-going conversations throughout the conference.

Monday May 6, 2019 12:15pm - 12:45pm CDT
Landing on 2nd Floor

Networking

12:15pm CDT

Networking: JECELI (Jewish Early Childhood Education Leadership Institute

Have you been a member of a JECELI cohort? Do you want to find out more about JECELI? Come join us!

Monday May 6, 2019 12:15pm - 12:45pm CDT
Landing on 2nd Floor

Networking

12:30pm CDT

Break

Monday May 6, 2019 12:30pm - 12:45pm CDT

Break

12:45pm CDT

Lunch

Monday May 6, 2019 12:45pm - 1:45pm CDT
Crown Family Great Hall

Meals

1:00pm CDT

Sewing Circle

Presenters

Turhan Karabey

Assistant Center Director, Jewish Council for Youth Services

Monday May 6, 2019 1:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
Landing on 2nd Floor

Monday

2:00pm CDT

Developmental Discipline: An Individualized Approach to Classroom Management (Part 1)

This workshop provides an overview of Developmental Discipline, an approach articulated in the book, Guiding Children’s Behavior: Developmental Discipline in the Classroom. Developmental Discipline involves observing, self-reflecting, individualizing interventions, and building positive classroom communities to prevent or minimize conflicts and behavior challenges. Teachers partner with parents to observe children and develop collaborative responses to their behavior. Workshop participants will be asked to reflect on their practice and replace commonly used discipline techniques that do not work or are potentially harmful with those that are specifically targeted to the developmental needs of individual children. Effective strategies for responding to children’s behavior will be shared.

Presenters

Eileen Flicker

Early Childhood Education Specialist, USCJ

Dr. Eileen Flicker is USCJ’s early childhood education specialist. She has been an advocate for children and families for over 30 years in both Jewish and public school settings. Her experience includes work as a teacher, principal, curriculum coordinator, school improvement specialist... Read More →

Monday May 6, 2019 2:00pm - 3:30pm CDT
Room 711A

Monday

2:00pm CDT

Engaging Families in Supporting Social and Emotional Learning

Presenters

Adenia Linker, MEd, SAYD, CYT

Project Coordinator, Erikson Institute’s SEL Initiative

Maria Kontoudakis

Project Manager, SEL Initiative at Erikson

Reframe, Consider, Say Worksheet pdf

SFP Framework JPG

HOPES AND DREAMS pdf

SEL Family Engagement in Action.docx pdf

School Family Partnerships and Social and Emotional Learning pdf

Humanity and Belonging Poster pdf

Monday May 6, 2019 2:00pm - 3:30pm CDT
Room 711B

Monday

Company Pre Reading School-Family Partnerships to Promote Social and Emotional Learning (pgs. 246-252 & pg. 259)

2:00pm CDT

Family First! The Family as a Unit of Analysis and Engagement

This session draws on an unusual, even unprecedented, qualitative research study conducted with Jewish families over a 10-year period. Data from the study make vivid the influence over time of family systems and family dynamics on the outcomes of Jewish education. We’ll explore the implications of these findings for Jewish educators whatever the ages of the children with whom they work.

Presenters

Alex Pomson

Principal & Managing Director, Rosov Consulting Israel

Alex Pomson is Principal and Managing Director at Rosov Consulting. Living in Israel, he was raised and educated in London, England, where he served as founding Head of Jewish Studies at the King Solomon School. He served as Koschitzky Family Chair of Jewish Teacher Education at York... Read More →

Monday May 6, 2019 2:00pm - 3:30pm CDT
Room 423A

Monday

2:00pm CDT

Havdalah with Wakefield Workshops

Join colleagues to study Havdalah through text and discussion. See how this weekly celebration can be incorporated into a family's custom and classroom experience.

Wakefield Workshops will engage participants in creating a painted wooden object to support the celebration of Havdalah.

Presenters

Wakefield Workshops

Two crafty mamas specializing in on-site paint parties for team building or a fun night with friends and family!

Monday May 6, 2019 2:00pm - 3:30pm CDT
The Jewish Depot (9th Floor)

Monday

2:00pm CDT

How to move from Ego to Ecosystems

This workshop is for educators and leaders who would like to explore joyful, intentional, innovative, effective, and collaborative work. Different techniques will be presented to serve as magnifying lenses through which participants will be able to reconnect with their own source and passion, as well as their organizations’ mission. We will also explore the power of vulnerability in leadership and its endless connections to success. This unique workshop uses participatory methods that move concepts into action.

Presenters

Karina Zilberman

Group Facilitator, Mentor, Educator, Singer, and Puppeteer

Karina’s pioneering work as a group facilitator, mentor, educator, singer, and puppeteer is deeply sourced in the power of the “unexpected” to improve creative work, productivity, well being, and community-building. She currently heads “The Art Of Engaging Families” - Shababa... Read More →

Monday May 6, 2019 2:00pm - 3:30pm CDT
Landmark Room (10th Floor)

Monday

2:00pm CDT

Improv for Teachers: Bravely Navigating the Unknown

Presenters

Rebecca Barish

Teaching Improvisation/Head of Wellness Program, The Second City

Monday May 6, 2019 2:00pm - 3:30pm CDT
Feinberg Theater

Monday

2:00pm CDT

Introduction to Needle Felting

Presenters

Natasha Lehrer Lewis

Artist

Monday May 6, 2019 2:00pm - 3:30pm CDT
Landing on 2nd Floor

Monday

2:00pm CDT

Lessons from a Museum: Building Spaces and Experiences for Jewish families

The Contemporary Jewish Museum in San Francisco is steeped in both contemporary art and family engagement and education, exploring Judaism from the lenses of Jewish Culture, History, Art, and Ideas (CHAI). The Museum's work with engaging families has won multiple awards and recognitions and has been featured in a published monograph case study. Hear about The CJM’s methods and iterations, including the development of its Family ArtBash, the Zim Zoom Family Room, the Art Pushcart, and more, as well as its focus on evaluative practices.

Pre-Reading:
You are invited to read the following before the session.
Not required, of course, but helpful:

Presenters

Fraidy Aber

Director of Education and Civic Engagement, The Contemporary Jewish Museum

Fraidy Aber is the Constance Wolf Director of Education and Civic Engagement at The Contemporary Jewish Museum (The CJM) in San Francisco, where she manages a team who collectively produce a vibrant suite of offerings realizing the Museum's mission to engage people of all ages and... Read More →

Monday May 6, 2019 2:00pm - 3:30pm CDT
Room 722

Monday

2:00pm CDT

Receiving an Image, or Taking a Photograph? Photographic Inspiration and Provocation with Children

We live in a world where children and adults alike are being bombarded with photographic imagery. This workshop will provide the theoretical framework and concrete tools (based on practitioner research) that educators can take back to the classroom to begin projects, explore identity, and spur deep conversations.

Presenters

Sharon Goldman

Director of Communications, Ideal18

My journey to working with educators on documentation of educator and child research and action research, has been a winding one. As an educator and parent, I have marveled at the way intergenerational experiences enrich the lives of everyone it touches.In high school, while helping... Read More →

Monday May 6, 2019 2:00pm - 3:30pm CDT
Room 711C

Monday

3:30pm CDT

Break

Monday May 6, 2019 3:30pm - 4:00pm CDT

Break

3:30pm CDT

Networking: Building Leadership Capacity

Connect with other to share ideas around shared leadership and leadership sustainability.

Monday May 6, 2019 3:30pm - 4:00pm CDT
Landing on 2nd Floor

Networking

3:30pm CDT

Networking: USCJ-Affiliated Early Childhood Programs

Join the Eileen Flicker to connect with other USCJ affiliated early childhood programs. This initial gathering is to encourage on-going conversations throughout the conference.

Monday May 6, 2019 3:30pm - 4:00pm CDT
Landing on 2nd Floor

Networking

4:00pm CDT

Adaptive Leadership for a World in Flux

Change is constant. Brain research, technology, family needs, and other societal disruptions require leaders to adapt and explore new approaches in early childhood settings. How do we model and create cultures that enable all staff to flourish in changing times? In this session, we will explore and experience important elements of adaptive leadership proposed by Ron Heifetz and Marty Linsky in their groundbreaking book, Leadership on the Line. We will explore understanding and identifying adaptive versus technical challenges, and uncovering conflicting values that are part of the principal of “immunity to change”. The conference’s focus is on families, and participants will use examples of challenges regarding engaging families when we apply the adaptive leadership concepts.

Presenters

Shellie Dickstein

Managing Director of Early Childhood and Family Engagement, Jewish Education Project

Shellie Dickstein is Managing Director of Early Childhood and Family Engagement for the Jewish Education Project. Shellie leads a team to facilitate , professional development, and change initiatives that spark and spread innovative approaches and new models in Jewish early childhood... Read More →

Yael Kahn Pinto

Early Childhood Educational Consultant, The Jewish Education Project

Yael Kahn Pinto earned her MS E.d. in early childhood general and special education from Bank Street. She began her teaching career at a Jewish preschool where she became passionate about and developed expertise in the Reggio Emilia approach and constructivist education. Yael believes... Read More →

Monday May 6, 2019 4:00pm - 5:15pm CDT
Room 711C

Monday

4:00pm CDT

Board books, Not Bored books

Families of young children have a lot on their plate. Between carpool, karate lessons, naps, and, you know, full-time jobs, parents are multitasking more than ever before. And yet they are also spending more time with their kids. How do we as educators support them to make sure that time is as engaging as it can be. Hear how PJ Library thinks about parents, kids, and the content PJ Library provides. Join PJ Library staff for a mock book selection committee focused on the youngest ages groups it serves and get insight on how they select the titles that reach more than 225,000 children and their families each month.

Presenters

Meredith Lewis

Director of Content, Education, and Family Experience, PJ Library

Meredith Lewis currently serves as the Director of Content, Education, and Family Experience for PJ Library in North America. In that role, she manages the creation of books and other new content, oversees PJ Library's role in the field of Jewish education, and serves as the chief... Read More →

Monday May 6, 2019 4:00pm - 5:15pm CDT
Room 722

Monday

NOTES Did you know your school can receive the gift of PJ Library books and resource materials? For information go to https://pjlibrary.org/beyond-books/pj-goes-to-school

4:00pm CDT

Designing Successful Family Engagement Experiences

In 2017 alone, PJ Library communities across North America hosted approximately 3,000 family engagement programs. Through parent surveys, conversations with our program professionals, and research in the field, we’ve learned a lot about what makes a great family engagement program - especially from the perspective of the adults. How might we bring together PJ Library’s vast knowledge of family engagement, and shifters’ deep expertise in young children, to design truly amazing family programs? In this session, we’ll co-design family programs that build on both PJ Library and early childhood best practices to engage parents and children in Jewish life.

Presenters

Amy Meltzer

Engagement Officer, PJ Library

Amy Meltzer has worked at PJ Library as an Engagement Officer since July of 2017. Before joining the team, Amy was a long-time kindergarten teacher at Lander Grinpsoon Academy, a Jewish day school in Northampton, MA. She also served as the director of young family engagement for... Read More →

Paradigm Project Conference Session One docx

PARADIGM PROJECT session 1 pdf

Monday May 6, 2019 4:00pm - 5:15pm CDT
Room 423A

Monday

NOTES Did you know your school can receive the gift of PJ Library books and resource materials? For information go to https://pjlibrary.org/beyond-books/pj-goes-to-school

4:00pm CDT

Developmental Discipline: An Individualized Approach to Classroom Management (Part 2)

Presenters

Eileen Flicker

Early Childhood Education Specialist, USCJ

Monday May 6, 2019 4:00pm - 5:15pm CDT
Room 711A

Monday

4:00pm CDT

Embracing Chaos and Cultivating Presence in your Family Life (Part 1)

Do you ever feel like things are spinning out of control at home or the classroom? Do you feel like the physical chaos of never being able to quite ‘contain’ the mess? Are you experiencing the emotional strain of each child going through ups and downs and never knowing quite how to respond? In the first of this two part series, we will be inspired by Jewish wisdom that will give us a new perspective on chaos. (Part 1 of a two part series, or stand alone session)

Presenters

Dasee Berkowitz

Director, Ayeka’s Becoming a Soulful Parent

Monday May 6, 2019 4:00pm - 5:15pm CDT
Room 711B

Monday

4:00pm CDT

IDEAL18: Grandfriends- Adopting and Being Adopted by Classrooms

Expanding on the vision of family and community, this experience will help programs conceptualize a win- win possibility. We will discuss the why and the how of this specific grandfriends program, and their vital importance in Jewish Early Childhood classrooms.

Presenters

Sharon Goldman

Director of Communications, Ideal18

Diana Ganger

Coach and Consultant in Organizational and Educational settings, DG1818Consultant

Diana Ganger, M.S.W., works as a coach and consultant in Organizational and Educational settings. A long-time Jewish educator, she was a graduate of the Wexner Heritage Foundation and is a recipient of the 2008 Covenant Award for Excellence in Jewish Education. She made aliyah to... Read More →

Monday May 6, 2019 4:00pm - 5:15pm CDT
Landmark Room (10th Floor)

Monday

4:00pm CDT

Improv for Wellness: A Discussion of the Uses of Improv for Therapeutic and Community Benefits

Becca Barish has a passion for teaching improvisation, both as an art form and as an effective professional and therapeutic intervention.

Presenters

Rebecca Barish

Teaching Improvisation/Head of Wellness Program, The Second City

Monday May 6, 2019 4:00pm - 5:15pm CDT
Feinberg Theater

Monday

4:00pm CDT

Lag B'Omer with Wakefield Workshops

Join colleagues to study Lag B'Omer through text and discussion. See how this spring time celebration can be incorporated into a family's custom and classroom experience.

Wakefield Workshops will engage participants in creating a painted wooden object to support the celebration of Lag B'Omer.

Presenters

Wakefield Workshops

Two crafty mamas specializing in on-site paint parties for team building or a fun night with friends and family!

Monday May 6, 2019 4:00pm - 5:15pm CDT
The Jewish Depot (9th Floor)

Monday

4:00pm CDT

Let’s Make Art Together! Collaborative Fiber Art for the Community

Explore the abounding creativity of making art together as Natasha Lehrer Lewis, of Esther’s Place, shares insights and walks participants through a hands-on experience. Working with groups from 15-700, Lewis has designed and carried out dozens of projects tailored to each group’s unique guidelines. She’ll share some examples and inspiration, and then walk participants through making a wet felted piece with a silk fabric “canvas” and wool as “paint”. We’ll be making a piece that features the conference theme of “Family” and it will be gifted to the organization.

Presenters

Natasha Lehrer Lewis

Artist

Monday May 6, 2019 4:00pm - 5:15pm CDT
Landing on 2nd Floor

Monday

5:15pm CDT

Break

Monday May 6, 2019 5:15pm - 5:30pm CDT

Break

5:30pm CDT

Dinner

Monday May 6, 2019 5:30pm - 6:45pm CDT
Crown Family Great Hall

Monday

6:45pm CDT

Transportation to Celebration and Dockside Experiences

Meet your fellow #shifters in the lobby of Spertus to depart for a wonderful celebratory journey.

Monday May 6, 2019 6:45pm - 7:30pm CDT
In Front of Spertus Institute

Monday

8:00pm CDT

5th Annual Paradigm Project Celebration on Lake Michigan

Join your colleagues to celebrate our work in Jewish early childhood education! This boat cruise on the Chicago River and Lake Michigan will be narrated by a guide, sharing the history and architecture of Chicago.
When you work hard, you need to play hard! Look for fun experiential opportunities to network, rejuvenate, and celebrate!

Monday May 6, 2019 8:00pm - 10:00pm CDT
Off-Site

Monday

6:30am CDT

Move It Move It

Join volunticipant, Erika Saiers, who will lead us with some dynamic stretches followed by a walk/run; approximately a 2 mile walk and 4 mile run.

Session will be held outdoors.

Tuesday May 7, 2019 6:30am - 7:30am CDT
In Front of Spertus Institute

Move it Move it

7:45am CDT

Breakfast

Breakfast will be served for the full hour! Join us when you are hungry!

Feel free to take breakfast into your first session!
(Exception: Feinberg Theater does not allow food/beverage)

Tuesday May 7, 2019 7:45am - 8:45am CDT
Landing on 2nd Floor

Meals

8:30am CDT

Art Institute

Meet at the entrance to Spertus and take the short walk to the Art Institute. A facilitator from the Art Institute will lead participants through the museum and provide an early childhood perspective on exhibits. The group will return to Spertus for lunch and the closing session.

Classroom Connect is the Art Institute's customized, three-hour professional development program for teacher and pre-service educator groups. Starting with works of art, educators increase their familiarity with inquiry-based teaching methods, including looking strategies, open-ended questioning, and object-based learning activities that can be conducted in both the museum and classroom. Educators also learn about programs and resources available at the museum.
Agenda
9:00 a.m. Introduction
9:30 a.m. Gallery sessions
11:40 a.m. Overview of School Programs division programs resources
11:55 a.m. Wrap-up
12:00 p.m. Adjournment

**PLEASE NOTE: This session has limited spots available. You will need to sign-up in person on Sunday, May 5th to secure your space.

Moderators

Turhan Karabey

Assistant Center Director, Jewish Council for Youth Services

Tuesday May 7, 2019 8:30am - 12:15pm CDT
Art Institute (Meet in the entrance vestibule for Spertus Institute)

Tuesday

9:00am CDT

Cutting Edge Intergenerational Experiences: A Year of Research and Practice

Do you have questions about intergenerational programming? Come find out about the program through the director, teacher, elder center, and elder perspective in the IDEAL18 Pilot Research Program. We will play, share stories, discuss the program, and answer your questions.

Presenters

Sharon Goldman

Director of Communications, Ideal18

Linda White

Imagination Play Project, Founder and Creator

Linda White, M.S.W., M.A.Ed., is the founder and creator of Imagination Play Project, and an experienced educator and clinician. As a Play Curator, her focus began with young children and has grown to working with people of all ages and abilities.Linda works directly in elder centers... Read More →

Diana Ganger

Coach and Consultant in Organizational and Educational settings, DG1818Consultant

Tuesday May 7, 2019 9:00am - 10:30am CDT
Landmark Room (10th Floor)

Tuesday

9:00am CDT

Embracing Chaos and Cultivating Presence in your Family Life (Part 2)

Cultivating presence in our multi-tasking world can be a struggle for many of us. In this session we will explore how Jewish wisdom inspires us to expand our notion of what can happen when we bring our full presence to the people whom we are closest to. We will learn simple mindfulness exercises that you can practice alone and with your children. (Part 2 of a two part series, or stand alone).

Presenters

Dasee Berkowitz

Director, Ayeka’s Becoming a Soulful Parent

Tuesday May 7, 2019 9:00am - 10:30am CDT
Room 711B

Tuesday

9:00am CDT

Improv for Leadership: Bravely Navigating the Unknown

As leaders, we are often thrown unexpected curveballs and must be present and confident in the ways we handle relationships with both colleagues and parents. Through the this interactive improv workshop, current and aspiring leaders will explore how to build self awareness, collaborate with others, listen fully, and take/support risks.

Presenters

Rebecca Barish

Teaching Improvisation/Head of Wellness Program, The Second City

Tuesday May 7, 2019 9:00am - 10:30am CDT
Feinberg Theater

Tuesday

9:00am CDT

Let’s Make Art Together! Collaborative Fiber Art for the Community

Presenters

Natasha Lehrer Lewis

Artist

Tuesday May 7, 2019 9:00am - 10:30am CDT
Landing on 2nd Floor

Tuesday

9:00am CDT

Parents as Partners: How Teachers Can Empower Parents as Jewish Educators

Presenters

Anna Caplan

Editor in Chief of Honeycake Magazine,, Honeycake magazine

Tuesday May 7, 2019 9:00am - 10:30am CDT
Room 722

Tuesday

9:00am CDT

Parent’s Perceptions and Experience of Jewish Early Enrichment

Beginning in 2016 The Jewish Education Project has been conducting a series of parent focus groups in New York with parents of children 0-2. The purpose was to first understand parent’s perceptions and decisions to participate in Jewish and secular early enrichment and then to understand their actual experience participating in the enrichment program Music Together: Sing Shalom. We will share the research findings and insights, and discuss broader implications for engagement of families with young children today.

Presenters

Shellie Dickstein

Managing Director of Early Childhood and Family Engagement, Jewish Education Project

Yael Kahn Pinto

Early Childhood Educational Consultant, The Jewish Education Project

Tuesday May 7, 2019 9:00am - 10:30am CDT
Room 711C

Tuesday

9:00am CDT

Rigorous and Developmentally Appropriate Learning (Part 1)

Prek educators face increasing pressure to be highly academic. Yet research informs us that a play-based, developmentally appropriate curriculum is best practice in early childhood education. This workshop helps preschool educators create learning environments that are simultaneously cognitively rigorous and developmentally appropriate. Participants will engage in reflection, small and whole group discussion, and will plan activities that promote children’s inquiry, exploration, and discovery.

Presenters

Eileen Flicker

Early Childhood Education Specialist, USCJ

Tuesday May 7, 2019 9:00am - 10:30am CDT
Room 711A

Tuesday

9:00am CDT

Stop, Look and Listen! Engaging Families Jewishly Wherever They Might Be

One of PJ Library’s Engagement Guiding Principles is to pause and challenge our assumptions about where families can have Jewish experiences. By observing where families gather outside of the home, and listening to what matters to them, we can engage families in Jewish life on farms, in soup kitchens, and in museums. In this session we will learn about a variety of successful family programs that integrate Jewish life with 21st century family life. We’ll begin designing model programs, and consider the many ways to make sure these program are welcoming, content rich and help build social connections.

Presenters

Amy Meltzer

Engagement Officer, PJ Library

Paradigm Project Conference Session Two docx

PARADIGM PROJECT session 2 pdf

Tuesday May 7, 2019 9:00am - 10:30am CDT
Room 423B

Tuesday

NOTES Did you know your school can receive the gift of PJ Library books and resource materials? For information go to https://pjlibrary.org/beyond-books/pj-goes-to-school

9:00am CDT

Tu B'Shevat with Wakefield Workshops

Join colleagues to study Tu B'Shevat through text and discussion. See how this holiday can be incorporated into a family's custom and classroom experience.

Wakefield Workshops will engage participants in creating a painted wooden object to support the celebration of Tu B'Shevat.

Presenters

Wakefield Workshops

Two crafty mamas specializing in on-site paint parties for team building or a fun night with friends and family!

Tuesday May 7, 2019 9:00am - 10:30am CDT
The Jewish Depot (9th Floor)

Tuesday

9:00am CDT

Using Jewish Learning Stories as a Curriculum Framework That Includes Families

Presenters

Lyndall Miller

Director of the Jewish Early Childhood, Education Leadership Institute (JECELI)

Tuesday May 7, 2019 9:00am - 10:30am CDT
Room 723

Tuesday

9:00am CDT

Atelier Exploration

Tuesday May 7, 2019 9:00am - 12:15pm CDT
10th Floor Atrium

Atelier Exploration

10:30am CDT

Break

Tuesday May 7, 2019 10:30am - 11:00am CDT

Break

10:30am CDT

Networking: Recruiting and On-boarding New Staff

Join EC leaders that are working on recruiting and on-boarding new staff into their programs. Share resources, ideas, and challenges! Let's fix the field!

Tuesday May 7, 2019 10:30am - 11:00am CDT
Landing on 2nd Floor

Networking

11:00am CDT

An In-depth Look at Intergenerational Experiences: Video Clips and Reflections

Across the globe, progressive schools and elder centers are beginning to pilot bringing the youngest and eldest together. Why?
Come experience the benefits of intergenerational programming, and how IDEAL18, a new organization, is bringing Jewish children and elders together in a meaningful way.

Presenters

Sharon Goldman

Director of Communications, Ideal18

Linda White

Imagination Play Project, Founder and Creator

Diana Ganger

Coach and Consultant in Organizational and Educational settings, DG1818Consultant

Tuesday May 7, 2019 11:00am - 12:15pm CDT
Landmark Room (10th Floor)

Tuesday

11:00am CDT

Beloved are People…Pirke Avot 3:14

This mishnah in Pirke Avot (Passages of the Fathers) focuses on the importance of the awareness of love. We will look together at how this awareness is developed in the text, and then consider how we help children and their families know how much we care about them.

Presenters

Lyndall Miller

Director of the Jewish Early Childhood, Education Leadership Institute (JECELI)

Tuesday May 7, 2019 11:00am - 12:15pm CDT
Landing on 2nd Floor

Tuesday

11:00am CDT

Classical Music Appreciation Through Art : Classical MATTARS

Presenters

Ethyl Treatman

Early Childhood Educator, Main Line Reform Temple ECE

Tuesday May 7, 2019 11:00am - 12:15pm CDT
The Jewish Depot (9th Floor)

Tuesday

11:00am CDT

Constructing Meaning in Jewish Learning Environments While Connecting Home Learning Experiences

Presenters

Laura Weisblatt

Director of the Primary School, Luria Academy of Brooklyn

Carol Green

South Campus Coordinator, Netivot HaTorah Day School

Tuesday May 7, 2019 11:00am - 12:15pm CDT
Room 722

Tuesday

11:00am CDT

Emergent Curriculum

In an emergent curriculum process teachers are continually listening to and observing children’s expressions of their interests, feelings and ideas and building on them to create and support learning opportunities for children. The presentation draws on twelve years of researching the Chicago Common’s Reggio-Based preschool network (years 1992-2003) to focus on two profoundly related applications of the emergent curriculum process: Long term projects lasting for weeks or months and moment-to-moment interactions with children during the course of a single day. The presentation analyzes several long term projects to show how they incorporate and integrate nine major Reggio principles and to examine the factors that make long term projects successful. The second part of the session focuses on the participants’ questions and thoughts about the episodes and ideas presented and how it all connects to their own experience.

Tuesday May 7, 2019 11:00am - 12:15pm CDT
Room 723

Tuesday

11:00am CDT

How Tot Shabbat can help you be a Family Ambassador

Today’s families are looking for friends, and for community. Early childhood teachers and directors are uniquely positioned to be “Family Ambassadors,” connecting families to
meaningful Jewish experiences that connect them to the core ideas and values of Jewish life, to other Jewish families, and to community. “Tot Shabbat” experiences have long been recognized as gateways for young Jewish families into Jewish life. The research of Emily Aronoff Teck reveals just how, and WHY, Tot Shabbat connects families to Jewish life, to other Jewish families, and to community. Join Maxine Segal Handelman, Jewish Early Childhood Educator, Young Family Educator and long time leader of Tot Shabbat to learn how to make Tot Shabbat part of your arsenal Family Ambassador tools.

Presenters

Maxine Handelman

Director of Family Life & Learning, Anshe Emet Synagogue

Maxine tot handout 3 PDF

Maxine Handelman Impact of Tot Shabbat Teck pdf

Maxine Handelman hand out 2 JECA December 2011 Becoming Jewish Ambassador pdf

Tuesday May 7, 2019 11:00am - 12:15pm CDT
Room 711C

Tuesday

11:00am CDT

L’hitraot : Early Childhood Introduction to Death

Many adults feel uncomfortable discussing Death with children. As caregivers we hope they
avoid the experience of losing a loved one for as long as possible. However, if a time of loss
occurs, we must be honest and empathetic resources in their corner. When a child is dealing
with this profound challenge, they often have questions and need support in exploring their
feelings. The early learning session, “L’hitraot: Early Childhood Introduction to Death,” will give
participants a space to learn and delve into appropriate and respectful ways to guide students
through their personal experiences with Death.
In Hebrew, L’hitraot is used to say “until we meet again”. The Life Cycle is a natural part of the
human experience, and is celebrated throughout Judaism. We will explore important
conversations about Death through a Jewish Lens during our time together. This session is
designed for all educators, with the intention that knowledge and execution of these meaningful
strategies can be attainable for professional caregivers at any level.

Presenters

Erin Weisman

Early Childhood Educator

Tuesday May 7, 2019 11:00am - 12:15pm CDT
Room 711B

Tuesday

11:00am CDT

Rigorous and Developmentally Appropriate Learning (Part 2)

Presenters

Eileen Flicker

Early Childhood Education Specialist, USCJ

Tuesday May 7, 2019 11:00am - 12:15pm CDT
Room 711A

Tuesday

11:00am CDT

The Role of Early Childhood Educators in Forging a True Partnership with Parents: An Interview with Parenting Expert and Family Physician Deborah Gilboa

Parent involvement has a causal relationship to greater academic achievement, fewer risky behaviors in teens, stronger parent-teacher/school relationships, improved child behavior, higher graduation rates, and increased postsecondary education. These benefits begin in preschool, by helping parents see and learn from the breath and depth of educators' expertise, and also by creating the habit of being engaged in their children's education from a young age. Parents and educators share the same goal: student success, but often find themselves on opposite sides of the fence. How do we get parents to see we’re on the same team? In this interactive session, participants will examine their current parent engagement efforts for indicators that demonstrate shared values, mutual respect, and a spirit of collaboration while maintaining the educators professional values and integrity.

Presenters

Dr. Deborah Gilboa

Parenting and Youth Development Expert, AskDoctorG.com

Internationally respected parenting and youth development expert, Deborah Gilboa, MD, is the founder of AskDoctorG.com. Popularly known as Dr. G, she is an industry leading speaker, author, social influencer, and media personality. She inspires audiences with relatable stories and... Read More →

Tuesday May 7, 2019 11:00am - 12:15pm CDT
Feinberg Theater

Tuesday

11:00am CDT

“We are Family”: Rethinking Family within an Anti-Bias Framework

The intention of anti-bias education is to foster the development of fair, empathetic, and inclusive communities. An anti-bias leader engages in critical thinking, dialogue, reflection, risk-taking, and problem-solving in a genuine and continuous effort to honor difference, challenge biases, and evaluate cultural beliefs, language, and behaviors. In this session, we will review the goals of anti-bias education and characteristics of supportive anti-bias environments.
Our personal and cultural notions about “family” play a vital role in our ability to partner with families in our programs and help children develop strong self-identities and family pride. During this session, we will deconstruct “family” and assess how stereotypical depictions of family inhibit our ability to uphold goals of anti-bias education as we will challenge ourselves to reconsider classroom and school-wide practices and culture.
Underlying this session is the assumption that many educators are uncomfortable discussing topics related to identity, diversity, justice, and activism as to not inadvertently offend others or teach prejudice. However, by recognizing that “children learn prejudice from prejudice,” this session requires educators to face potential discomfort or disequilibrium in order to construct new knowledge to implement effective anti-bias approaches.

Presenters

Ilana Dvorin Friedman

Teacher, MSECE Online program at Erikson Institute

Ilana Dvorin Friedman is passionate about Jewish early childhood education and rethinking the roles of inquiry, social justice, gender, and family partnerships within early childhood learning environments. Over the last nine years, she has been an adjunct instructor at a variety of... Read More →

Ilana Friedman We are Family AB presentation for Paradigm Friedman pptx

Tuesday May 7, 2019 11:00am - 12:15pm CDT
Room 423B

Tuesday