Empower the next generation to think critically and creatively. Critical and creative thinking are essential life skills. We use critical thinking skills every day. They help us to make good decisions, understand the consequences of our actions and solve problems. Creative thinking is essential for innovation and to solve problems in a different way.

This workshop will guide you to enhance your practices to support these essential skills in early childhood.

Objectives
Participants will be able to:

• Have a deeper understanding about the importance of supporting critical thinking and creative skills in Early Childhood
• Identify current daily educational practices that support creative and critical thinking as they connect them to curricular activities.
• Initiate a plan of action to enhance environments and interactions to support creativity and critical thinking skills.

Outline 
Session 1: Fostering Critical Thinking in Early Childhood Education

• What is critical thinking? How does it look like in early childhood?
• Intentional Interactions, our role as facilitators.
• Planning implementation, what do I need? How to start?

Session 2: How to support young creative minds

• Understand the purpose of creativity in early education practices.
• How to support innovative thinking using routines and everyday materials.
• Planning implementation, what do I need? How to start?

Trainer’s Profile

Maria R. holds a Master of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies, a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, and a Child Development Graduate Certificate, enhancing her understanding and twenty-five years of practice in the field of early childhood education.

Maria has served in different capacities as an instructional Para-Professional and Lead Teacher for both Federal and State Preschool Programs. As a Child Development Specialist, she has supported professional development workshops disseminating evidenced-based research for high-quality program improvement. Some of the in-service workshops focused on intentional strategies supporting staff response to challenging behaviors; play-based approaches to language and literacy development, music and movement as an engaging developmental approach supporting curriculum outcomes for children with special needs, and the language acquisition of English and Dual Language Learners. For the last twelve years, she has been a CLASS™ reliable observer and worked with public agency mentoring educators. She is a certified STEM educator by the National Institute of STEM education (NISE).

And now as a consultant, Maria is dedicated to supporting educators in the continuous search of STEAM best practices in Early Childhood Education.

Methodology

This workshop will provide opportunities to reflect on current practices, to ask questions and engage in meaningful discussions, and to collaborate with other participants through hands-on activities.

Platform

Zoom
A Zoom account is not required if you are strictly joining Zoom Meetings as a participant. An email invite will be emailed to you prior to the live workshop. Before joining a Zoom meeting on a computer or mobile device, you can download the Zoom app from the Download Center. Otherwise, you will be prompted to download and install Zoom when you click a join link.

Download Zoom Mobile Apps for iPhone or Android
Download Zoom Client for Meetings

Target Audience

 Teachers, early childhood educators, and administrators of children 2-8 years old.

Fees
SGD350.00/person (~USD270.00) for all 2 sessions
E-certificate will be issued

Other Details
Duration: 2 days, 6 hours
Closing Date:  10 Jul 2022

See also Other Upcoming Workshops …