For over twelve years, I have been working with two professors from Aarhus University in Copenhagen, Denmark.  We have visited each other several times, presented together at professional conferences, and written numerous articles and book chapters together.  It has been such a rewarding international collaboration for me!

This week, I had the wonderful opportunity to be a part of a Celebration for Dr. Grethe Kragh-Müller, recognizing her 40 years of writing in the area of early childhood development.  Mira Nymo Wessels, from Børneringen (the publishing company that gave the party), invited me to be the “surprise” speaker for the event. What a joy it was to be a part of this marvelous celebration and to be the guest lecturer!

I was able to discuss the international need for Creative Thinkers in the 21^st Century and referred to Grethe as a great example of a creative person.  Many of Grethe’s colleagues, area supervisors, early childhood teachers, and friends attended this afternoon event and joined me in honoring Grethe for her important work in our field.

Each time I visit Denmark I am touched by the wonderful people who live in this country.  I am always amazed how we share so many beliefs about young children and agree on effective approaches for nurturing their capabilities.

 

 

My work with Grethe and Dr. Charlotte Ringsmore have expanded my global understanding and helped me better understand young children.  Although we live thousands of miles apart, we share our beliefs about the potential of young children and our respect for the dedicated people who work with them in America and Denmark.

Together we can be a powerful positive voice for young children and those who work with them.

“Marhaba” – Hello in Arabic.

I have just returned from an exciting adventure in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Tatweer Co. for Educational Services, in collaboration with the Saudi government, sponsored the 6th International Exhibition and Forum on Early Childhood Education, “Teaching and Learning in Early Childhood Education, 2018.”  It was a great honor to be a part of this outstanding conference that demonstrated the Saudis’ commitment to the Mission of 2030 that includes strengthening the quality of programs for young children in their country.

For three days, government officials, administrators, professors, and early childhood educators from Saudi Arabia and around the world shared their expertise related to the importance of the early years in children’s lives, the critical need for quality programs, and the essential element for providing trained early childhood teachers in these environments.

My specific contributions were a workshop on “Investigating Early Childhood Education with an Eye Toward the 21^st Century” and serving on a panel discussion focused on the 21^st century skills that young children need to be successful in this rapidly changing world.

Saudi professionals designed and supported this conference, stimulating participants’ thinking, helping us make important global connections, and recognizing the country’s commitment to young children and their families.

I made many new friends and discovered that when we have a shared belief that young children’s learning is the foundation of education, we speak the same language and can work collaboratively for the benefit of all young children – regardless of our varied backgrounds.

Jenan M. Alahmed was a positive force at the conference and also the person who supported me throughout this amazing journey.  Leaders like Jenan will be instrumental in developing quality curriculum, training, and early childhood programs in this progressive and forward-thinking country.

Mabruk (Congratulations!) for having this impressive conference!  It was such a joy for me to be a small part of this International Conference on Early Childhood Education lead by Saudi Arabia.

Read more about the conference on Arab News 

I just returned from Minneapolis, Minnesota, where I provided the Keynote for the 38^th annual Conference for ELEA Region.  Their theme was “Inspiring Wonder and Curiosity,” so my topic, “Inspiring Young Children to be Creative Thinkers,” was a perfect match for their focus.

With all my travel and speaking, I have few trips where everything works. This was one of those times I want to celebrate and tell you where things worked. My flights were on time, my setting was a beautiful auditorium, my presentation and microphone worked, and the early childhood educators were so responsive. Heather and her diligent team made all the puzzle pieces fit together which made my experience great and provided the participants with a joyful day filled with learning.

My breakout sessions were designed specifically for Infant and Toddler teachers and the second for Preschool teachers.  After each of these sessions, the teachers shared with me some of the things they were doing in their programs with young children. I was so impressed with their dedication and creative ideas!

When everything works so well it allows me to enjoy the special people who are in the early childhood profession and the inspiring leaders who support quality programs for their young children.

May you have many opportunities when things work well for you.  Let’s celebrate these special moments!

I am just back from a wonderful NAEYC conference where I was able to reconnect with amazing colleagues and build new relationships with new friends. What a joy to be with educators who share my beliefs in young children and celebrate their amazing capabilities! Interacting with these hardworking and dedicated early childhood educators helps me recognize that together we can build a positive environment that will support all children during a critical time of their development.

Here are a few of the many of my inspiring moments at the Conference.

Our Friday morning session was “Weaving the 4C’s into Your Program: The essential skills needed to inspire young creative thinkers and confident innovators for future challenges!”.

In keeping with our theme of “weaving” we created twig looms for our hands-on activity at the conclusion of our session.  Using a variety of materials and the words symbolizing the 4C’s (Creativity, Communication, Collaboration, and Critical Thinking), partners worked together to create interesting patterns in their looms.  These amazing participants proved again that Early Childhood Teachers are creative, innovative problem solvers who serve as inspiring models for young children!

Turn your imagination loose as you integrate the 4C’s into your classroom. Be inspired by working with other creative people who share your vision!