I am just back from the Upper Peninsula, Michigan, where I provided the keynote and closing session for a wonderful early childhood conference – IMPACT: Instilling More Play and Creative Thinking – held at Bay College in Escanaba.  Lake Michigan was frozen but the early childhood educators at the conference were so warm and welcoming to me! The morning of my keynote we experienced an April snow – but these MI folks did not let the snow stop them!  They came, participated, collaborated, and were inspired by the excellent sessions they attended.

This conference was organized and implemented by a seven-person board. It is truly amazing what a small group of people can accomplish when they are hardworking and dedicated.  This was clearly demonstrated as these professionals shared a mission of supporting young children, their teachers, and quality programs through professional development.

One of my favorite things at conferences is chatting with the early childhood educators during the day, at lunch, and after sessions. They share their interesting stories with me about their work and ways they interact with young children.  I learned about infant teachers who respect the preferences of babies, preschool teachers who recognized the creative potential of their children, a director who strives to hold all the pieces together, and a Children’s Museum director with fascinating ideas. What a wonderful profession I am in, with so many creative and dedicated people!

I am thankful that I had the opportunity to communicate and collaborate with such special people.

A frequent suggestion for strengthening your creativity is to “do something you have never done before.”

So, inspired by the quote, I have decided to do something new and different – something I have never done before! I am participating in an ALL ONLINE Conference, “Transform Challenging Behavior” developed by Barb O’Neil.

Barb interviewed me and videotaped our conversation which will be shown during the April 3-9, 2019 conference. We discussed the importance of the development of creativity in today’s young children as well as few other topics including storytelling to young listeners.

It was an interesting experience, but the knowledge that the video would be seen by thousands was daunting. It is indeed challenging to try something new, but we benefit from the challenge and the experience.

Here’s a preview from my video:

Watch me on my very first online conference and let me know what you think and the questions you want to discuss. The conference is free, and it is just a click away!

Let’s grow more creatively every day and see you in “cyberspace!”

Join us at an exciting meeting for Early Childhood Professionals where we can reconnect with friends, gain new information, collect amazing creative ideas, and have time to play!

We would like to invite you to our session:

Thursday Nov. 15 at 3:00-4:30 in the Marriott Marquis.  We will be in Marquis Salon 9/10!

“What the World Needs Now: Creative Young Children who can Communicate, Collaborate, and Problem Solve.”

Sonia Yoshizawa and I will be sharing the skills that are essential for our Young Children to thrive in the 21st Century.  It will a lively time with wonderful visuals, real stories, and lots of laughter.  We will also be sharing some unique ideas that can be used in your classroom to spark creative thinking in your children.

New studies have identified a frightening decline in young children’s creativity. The challenge is that young children in our classroom today will be living in a very different world with expanded knowledge, new jobs, and challenging issues. We want to nurture our creative thinkers so they will be able to be successful in this changing environment.  An essential element in this process is creative teachers who can inspire and value innovative ideas, encourage their communication, and provide opportunities to collaborate.  Together we can build on the positive abilities of young children and design a fascinating environment that will support and challenge their creative thinking.

Come join us to be inspired and ready for the challenge of “What the World Needs Now.”  

Let’s connect and find ways to build creative thinkers!

 

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