Educators, program administrators, school supervisors, university students, researchers, social workers, psychologists, counselors, developmental pediatricians, and parents will be tackling the latest information on early childhood learning at the 1st Philippine Summit on Early Childhood Education sponsored by Wyeth Progress Pre-School Gold which will be held at Every Nation Fort Bonifacio Global City today, November 5, 2009. This is a two-day seminar aimed to promote the importance of early childhood education in the Philippines.
Early learning expert Dr. George Morrison and literacy specialist Laura Benson will be there to help parents along as the key speakers during the seminar.
Dr. Morisson, professor and director of the Success for Life Programs at the University of North Texas will be sharing his knowledge on the current Trends and Best Practices in Early Childhood Education. Being the author of several books on early childhood development, Dr. Morisson is constantly sought to speak and present on the future of early childhood education, changing roles of early childhood teachers, the influence of contemporary educational reforms, as well as research and legislation on teaching and learning.
“When children go through preschool, they experience skills or concepts in meaningful contexts as learning is easier and more likely to transfer in new situations. Thus, children with solid early childhood education experiences become flexible and consistent learners and truly develop a love for learning,” Dr. Morrison said.
He will also talk about developments in the areas of readiness for learning school, increased use of technology, early literacy learning, and the politicization of early childhood education.
Benson will discus Launching Readers: Developmentally Responsive Reading Instruction and Assessment for Children 2-6, providing tips in facilitating reading activities as well as practical assessment tools. She brings over two decades of experience teaching reading to children. A literacy consultant and education writer, she is a professional development associate in the Leadership and Learning Center in Colorado; and a senior consultant and coordinator of Coaching Programs at The National Urban Alliance for Effective Education. She is also a professor at Regis University, the University of Colorado, and other schools.
“In preparing children for literacy, it is important to nurture curiosity. When children are curious, learning is more compelling and more fulfilling… Questions are also powerful in energizing children’s writing. When a child writes about something he or she is curious about, the writing work is compelling. It also encourages them to read more to inform their own writing,” she explained.
She will also share her recommended list of children’s literature for reading proficiency.
By the end of the two-day event, participants—parents and educators alike—discovered new and more effective ways to set achievable but challenging learning goals for kids, provide the proper support, and monitor children’s optimal development.
An intimate dinner with the education experts:
Dr. Morrison and Prof Benson
Thanks to Jennie of Marriage and Beyond for the photos.
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