I am reading a book on childbirth as part of my pet-interest in midwifery care and natural childbirth. In a portion of the book on the importance of early contact between mother and infant (including skin-to-skin, early breast feeding, kangaroo care and rooming in) the author cited an interesting study result. In a 1975 study from the Journal of Pediatrics looking at mother's and children allowed contact early and often immediately after birth showed - "[...] mothers who had experienced extra early contact with their babies spoke differently to their children at two years of age, asking more questions, adjectives, and words per proposition, along with fewer commands and content words"
Friday, December 9, 2011
Monday, April 18, 2011
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Rocky Mountain Early Childhood Conference - April 15-16, 2011
The Rocky Mountain Early Childhood Conference will be held at the Colorado Convention Center on April 15-16, 2011. Check out these particular sessions in the program. Descriptions copied from Conference Abstracts.
Leading for Change in Early Childhood Education: Leadership Development
by Carolyn Elverenli, Joann Dalton, Ginger Maloney, Lynn Andrews
Friday April 15, 2011 9:00a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Leadership development in the field of early childhood education is an idea whose time has come. As the field enters a new era of brain research, broad based interest on the part of funders, and recent initiatives for professional development systems, the need for effective leadership is paramount. The Buell Early Childhood Leadership Program (BECLP) has developed a set of standards for leadership learning and application that is resonating with early childhood education professionals from across the state and in many types of programs and systems. Leading from every chair is a key concept in the BECLP. Through reflecting about strengths, beliefs, and experiences in early childhood education, participants will develop a vision of leadership for themselves in individual programs and settings. The process of action research will be presented as a tool for promoting positive change in local settings. Previous action research conducted by BECLP alumni will be used as real life examples of the possibilities for promoting positive change that result from employing this methodology. The participants will leave the session with concrete “calls to action” for themselves as leaders.
An Explorations of Children’s Rights to Participation: Children as Citizens of the Present
by Ellen Hall and Andrea Sisbarro
Saturday April 16, 2011 10:15a.m. - 11:45a.m.
This presentation considers children’s rights in practice, as opposed to a primarily theoretical treatment; it focuses on young children’s rights, and it emphasizes children’s rights from the perspectives of children themselves. This presentation illustrates the value of viewing children as competent and capable citizens, highlights children’s understanding of their rights and the rights of others, and focuses attention on the tensions between children’s right to protection and their right to participation.
Responding to the Pressures from Above: Getting to Early Childhood Outcomes in the Accountability Age
by Amanda Moreno, PhD and Kim Hartnett-Edwards, PhD
Saturday April 16, 2011 1:45p.m. - 4:30p.m.
First, we will discuss the results of a literature review examining methods of tying “teacher effectiveness” to student scores on standardized tests, and why the lack of consideration of developmentally appropriate practice is a concern in these initiatives. Second, we will use literacy as an example of how to marry “developmentally appropriate” and “outcome- oriented”. Participants will view video examples and engage in small groups and share-out sessions to discuss their experiences with accountability, and innovative ideas for real-world solutions.
Colorado’s New P-3 Professional Development Plan
by Ginger Maloney, PhD
Saturday April 16, 2011 3:30p.m. - 4:30p.m.
This presentation will introduce participants to Colorado’s newly approved P-3 Professional Development Plan and outline steps the state will be taking to implement the Plan. Since this plan has the potential to introduce significant change into the professional development system for early learning professionals, learning about the Plan’s goals, objectives, and process for implementation is important for practitioners and leaders throughout Colorado.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Why I taped 200,000 hours of my son's childhood - CNN.com
Why I taped 200,000 hours of my son's childhood - CNN.com
Check out this interesting article on language acquisition.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Early Literacy Workshop Through ALA Editions
The ALA Editions is hosting an online workshop entitled "Supporting Early Literacy through Language-Rich Library Environments"
The cost to participate is $50
More details can be found here: http://www.alastore.ala.org/detail.aspx?ID=3280
The cost to participate is $50
More details can be found here: http://www.alastore.ala.org/detail.aspx?ID=3280
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Booklist Spring Webinars
Booklist Online is hosting several free webinars this spring, including one on terrific new titles for youth audiences. The complete listing for the webinars can be found HERE.
Registration is free, but registration is required to participate.
Registration is free, but registration is required to participate.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Reach Out and Read Colorado Literacy Event
The non-profit organization Reach Out and Read is partnering with area libraries to host a literacy event. Check out the Denver Public Library Website for more details.
Join us for . . . Read and Romp Denver
Saturday, February 26, 2011
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
PPA Event Center, 2105 Decatur Street, Denver
Admission $10, children under 2 are free. Includes lunch.
Check out the literacy line-up! Spend some time with Frog and Toad and The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Eat the Alphabet and play I Spy! You and your kids will be enriched by this massive exposure to literacy.
Reading to an infant, a toddler, a pre-schooler, or a young child affords a multitude of benefits to children, parents, families and communities alike. Over time, you'll see the time spent reading with children taking positive effect. Shared reading promotes:
Join us for . . . Read and Romp Denver
Saturday, February 26, 2011
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
PPA Event Center, 2105 Decatur Street, Denver
Admission $10, children under 2 are free. Includes lunch.
Check out the literacy line-up! Spend some time with Frog and Toad and The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Eat the Alphabet and play I Spy! You and your kids will be enriched by this massive exposure to literacy.
Reading to an infant, a toddler, a pre-schooler, or a young child affords a multitude of benefits to children, parents, families and communities alike. Over time, you'll see the time spent reading with children taking positive effect. Shared reading promotes:
- Early brain development
- Emotional bonding and the parent-child relationship
- Language development
- Regular bedtime routines
- Early literacy skills
Monday, January 31, 2011
Educator Survey
The Governor's Office is Undertaking a Survey of Colorado Educators
This survey includes literacy specialists and school librarians. For more details, check out the press release below:
. . .
Jan. 31, 2011
News Release
Gov. John Hickenlooper, Commissioner Robert Hammond Encourage Educators to “TELL Colorado;” Statewide Survey of Teaching and Learning Conditions Launches Today
Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper and Commissioner of Education Robert Hammond today urged all school-based educators to complete the statewide survey of teaching and learning conditions.
The TELL Colorado survey is available to all school-based educators beginning today (Monday, Jan. 31).
“We are committed to helping ensure that every educator in Colorado has what they need to do their best work with our children,” said Gov. Hickenlooper. “Through TELL Colorado, educators have the opportunity to anonymously report information about their school and the types of supports available to them. We are listening.”
Added Commissioner Hammond: "In 2009 feedback from the TELL Colorado Survey was a powerful catalyst to improvements in classrooms across our state. In 2011, we want to hear from every teacher and administrator in Colorado so every school has the data it needs to improve teaching and learning conditions.“
All principals, specialists, assistant principals, building-level administrators (such as deans), and charter school teachers (regardless of licensure status) should take the survey, as should full- or part-time licensed teachers including instructional coaches, mentor teachers, department heads, vocational teachers, literacy specialists, endorsed school librarians, itinerant teachers, long-term substitutes and other specialists such as special education teachers, speech therapists and audiologists, school psychologists, school psychiatrists, social workers and school nurses.
The survey was initiated by the Colorado Department of Education in response to House Bill 08-1384. An initial survey was created and conducted in May 2009. More than 23,000 educators (36 percent) responded to the survey. Key findings of the 2009 final report can be found at: http://www.tellcolorado.org/research2009
The 2011 survey is being launched in partnership with Gov. Hickenlooper, the Colorado Association of School Boards, the Colorado Education Association, the Colorado Association of School Executives, and the Colorado League of Charter Schools. Numerous other organizations have helped to develop and support the survey.
The TELL Colorado Survey will capture anonymously educators’ perceptions about teaching and learning conditions. Research supports that these conditions influence student achievement and teacher retention. Each Colorado school will receive its own data for ongoing improvement planning – if at least a 50 percent of their staff participates.
The TELL Colorado Survey will be online between Monday, Jan. 31, and Monday, Feb. 28. Responses will be anonymous and confidential.
Educators will receive a personal security code which allows them to go online and provide their perceptions on the critical issues of time, facilities and resources, community engagement and support, student conduct management, teacher leadership, school leadership, professional development, instructional practices and support and resources for new teachers.
The confidential survey can be completed in 20 to 30 minutes and can be completed from anywhere with Internet access. Educators with questions about the survey process may e-mail the Tell Colorado help desk at helpdesk@tellcolorado.org or phone 888-280-7903.
The initial data will be available by March for schools and districts to use in identifying strengths and recognizing areas in need of improvement. TELL Colorado Survey partners believe the results will help place educators' experiences and perceptions at the center of school, district and state efforts to improve Colorado education.
The Colorado Department of Education, through a competitive review process, selected the New Teacher Center (NTC) to conduct the survey. NTC is a nonpartisan group with a mission to support the development of an effective, dedicated and inspired teaching force. NTC also has vast experience conducting similar surveys across the country.
For more information about the survey, visit www.tellcolorado.org.
For more information, contact Mark Stevens, 303-866-3898, or Megan McDermott, 303-866-2334, in the CDE Office of Communications. To sign up for the CDE e-mail news service, please visit http://www.cde.state.co.us/Communications/index.html.
Follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/codepted
This survey includes literacy specialists and school librarians. For more details, check out the press release below:
. . .
Jan. 31, 2011
News Release
Gov. John Hickenlooper, Commissioner Robert Hammond Encourage Educators to “TELL Colorado;” Statewide Survey of Teaching and Learning Conditions Launches Today
Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper and Commissioner of Education Robert Hammond today urged all school-based educators to complete the statewide survey of teaching and learning conditions.
The TELL Colorado survey is available to all school-based educators beginning today (Monday, Jan. 31).
“We are committed to helping ensure that every educator in Colorado has what they need to do their best work with our children,” said Gov. Hickenlooper. “Through TELL Colorado, educators have the opportunity to anonymously report information about their school and the types of supports available to them. We are listening.”
Added Commissioner Hammond: "In 2009 feedback from the TELL Colorado Survey was a powerful catalyst to improvements in classrooms across our state. In 2011, we want to hear from every teacher and administrator in Colorado so every school has the data it needs to improve teaching and learning conditions.“
All principals, specialists, assistant principals, building-level administrators (such as deans), and charter school teachers (regardless of licensure status) should take the survey, as should full- or part-time licensed teachers including instructional coaches, mentor teachers, department heads, vocational teachers, literacy specialists, endorsed school librarians, itinerant teachers, long-term substitutes and other specialists such as special education teachers, speech therapists and audiologists, school psychologists, school psychiatrists, social workers and school nurses.
The survey was initiated by the Colorado Department of Education in response to House Bill 08-1384. An initial survey was created and conducted in May 2009. More than 23,000 educators (36 percent) responded to the survey. Key findings of the 2009 final report can be found at: http://www.tellcolorado.org/research2009
The 2011 survey is being launched in partnership with Gov. Hickenlooper, the Colorado Association of School Boards, the Colorado Education Association, the Colorado Association of School Executives, and the Colorado League of Charter Schools. Numerous other organizations have helped to develop and support the survey.
The TELL Colorado Survey will capture anonymously educators’ perceptions about teaching and learning conditions. Research supports that these conditions influence student achievement and teacher retention. Each Colorado school will receive its own data for ongoing improvement planning – if at least a 50 percent of their staff participates.
The TELL Colorado Survey will be online between Monday, Jan. 31, and Monday, Feb. 28. Responses will be anonymous and confidential.
Educators will receive a personal security code which allows them to go online and provide their perceptions on the critical issues of time, facilities and resources, community engagement and support, student conduct management, teacher leadership, school leadership, professional development, instructional practices and support and resources for new teachers.
The confidential survey can be completed in 20 to 30 minutes and can be completed from anywhere with Internet access. Educators with questions about the survey process may e-mail the Tell Colorado help desk at helpdesk@tellcolorado.org or phone 888-280-7903.
The initial data will be available by March for schools and districts to use in identifying strengths and recognizing areas in need of improvement. TELL Colorado Survey partners believe the results will help place educators' experiences and perceptions at the center of school, district and state efforts to improve Colorado education.
The Colorado Department of Education, through a competitive review process, selected the New Teacher Center (NTC) to conduct the survey. NTC is a nonpartisan group with a mission to support the development of an effective, dedicated and inspired teaching force. NTC also has vast experience conducting similar surveys across the country.
For more information about the survey, visit www.tellcolorado.org.
For more information, contact Mark Stevens, 303-866-3898, or Megan McDermott, 303-866-2334, in the CDE Office of Communications. To sign up for the CDE e-mail news service, please visit http://www.cde.state.co.us/Communications/index.html.
Follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/codepted
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
The Authors’ Festival on Feb 5th in Denver
The Authors' Festival will be held in conjunction with the 2011 Colorado Council International Reading Association CCIRA Literacy Conference on Feb 5th. Register by January 16th!
Marriott Denver Tech Center
Saturday, February 5
8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
View list of Featured Authors and Speakers/Storytellers
Especially for young people in grades 2-10
Meet nationally known authors
Book signings
Registration includes a ticket for the Young Writers Award Luncheon featuring Colorado’s own Janet Stevens and her sister Susan Stevens Crummel, who, according to Dodie Owens, MLS (LJ/SLJ Special Projects; editor, SLJTeen) "will have you laughing with their hilarious take on what it’s like to be sisters."
Registration includes a ticket for the Young Writers Award Luncheon featuring Colorado’s own Janet Stevens and her sister Susan Stevens Crummel, who, according to Dodie Owens, MLS (LJ/SLJ Special Projects; editor, SLJTeen) "will have you laughing with their hilarious take on what it’s like to be sisters."
Monday, January 10, 2011
ALSC Book and Media Awards
The Association for Library Service to Children has announced this year's book and media award winners, including the Newbery and Caldecott honors.
Check out the complete list of winners here.
ECL Fellow, Amy, also highlighted today's winners on The Kids' Stacks Blog.
Congratulations to all of this year's winners and honorees!
Check out the complete list of winners here.
ECL Fellow, Amy, also highlighted today's winners on The Kids' Stacks Blog.
Congratulations to all of this year's winners and honorees!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)