Arizona Division for Early Childhood AzDEC Spring Conference 2018 

Three Great Presentations!

All the Classroom's a Stage: Incorporating the Performing Arts into Early Childhood Curricula by Ben Collinsworth, EC Teacher, Flowing Wells USD  - In this engaging session, learn and share some engaging methods for blending drama, dance, music, and more into a literacy and STEM curriculum using Ben's favorite tried and true puppets, songs, and storytelling methods to enhance learning through the dynamic use of performing arts.

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) in Preschool by Tracey Antista, Elementary SPED Teacher, Flowing Wells USD  - Many early childhood teachers have adopted the principles of universal design for learning, but they need information and support. This session will use The Early Childhood Building Blocks brief "Helping Children with Disabilities Access the Early Childhood Curriculum" and will outline some UDL basics in an attempt to address those feelings and provide access to tools that teachers can use to meet children's needs in the classsroom so that they can learn successfully.

Notice, Wonder, Play – STEM for Our Youngest Learners by DaNel Hogan, Director of the STEMAZing Project, Pima County Superintendent Office - "What do you notice?" and "What do you wonder?" Through all forms of play, these questions begin to build the observation and compairson skills which support the science, engineering, and math practices parents and other educators will build on laters. Participants will experience the ability to notice and wonder firsthand and take ideas back to the classroom to be put into practice immediately.