University of Wisconsin Stout | Wisconsin's Polytechnic University

2013 Conference Schedule

Conference Workshops have been approved for .5 CEUs per day of conference

Please click for session grid with classroom assignments.

Full Day Friday Workshops

These sessions are included in your registration fee but do require pre-registration:

FD1 Resiliency Training - Working in your Classroom with ADHD, LD, and Asperger's Students
Ruth Harris, Director, Northwest Reading Clinic, Ltd.
This workshop will present insights, methods, materials, accommodations, and specific language that enhance self-concept and promote strategies thinking. Resiliency will be presented as a crucial element for emotionally health children and a healthy learning community.
5 hours
Memorial Student Center Ballroom A

FD2 Enlighten your Curriculum
Amber Osterman, Kindergarten Teacher, Osseo-Fairchild School District
Are you an early childhood teacher who needs some fresh ideas to enlighten your day with creative curriculum ideas, awesome activities, motivating management, and terrific environmental tips?  Then this workshop is designed especially for you by one of our top rated conference presenters!   It will help you transform your classroom into a place where all children develop confidence, curiosity, self-regulations and a desire to learn." By participating, you will glean a multitude of teacher-tested activities that include phonemic awareness, writing, math, cooking, songs, games, centers, and much more.  This informational-packed session will also address differentiated instruction and the common core standards  that will create the perfect learning environment for young learners.  Bring your camera!  Record new creative ideas that you can use on Monday morning in your classroom.
5 hours
Heritage Hall 208
Handout 1 [pdf]

FD3 Nurturing the Nurturer - As We Support Children and Families
Maggie Machesky, Instructor, University of Wisconsin-Stout
This session is directed at all of the caring professionals that work tirelessly supporting our young children and their families. They often forget just how much this important and compassionate work affects them physically, mentally and spiritually. This session is a time to spend supporting each other and exploring ways to keep the "well full".
5 hours
Memorial Student Center Ballroom C
Handout 1 [pdf]

Conference Workshops

These sessions are included in your registration fee and do not require pre-registration. 

Session I: 9:00 am to 10:15 am
Session II: 10:30 am to 11:45 am
Session III: 1:15 pm to 2:30 pm
Session IV: 2:45 pm to 4:00 pm

001 Supporting Family Science
Amy Montero, Instructor, Science Museum of Minnesota
Peter Hoh, Instructor, Science Museum of Minnesota
Sometimes our preconceived notions about science can be an obstacle to implementing an inquiry based approach to early childhood science education. Discover how early childhood educators can help parents see the value of process and its connection to the nature of science. Participate in a model family class that establishes roles for all participants, models open-ended questions, supports family learning, and ends with a group sharing time.
Preschool
Science, Family Involvement
75 Min
Friday III, IV: Memorial Student Center Cedarwood
Handout 1 [pdf]

002 Sensory Wisdom
Dawn Lees, Infant Teacher, Mount Olivet Day Services
Participants will consider babies natural use of their senses to explore and internalize the world around them. Participants will revisit their own sense perceptions and explore sensory materials. A variety of encounters and discussion will invite further reflection and analysis, including the influence of developing muscles to extend the learning reach of infants and toddlers to co-construct knowledge. Children and adults make meaning with competence.
Infants and Toddlers
Cognitive Development, Physical Development
2.5 hour
Friday III & IV: Memorial Student Center Maplewood

003 Overview of Reggio Emilia, Italy
Kate Arbon, Teacher/Coordinator
Kate has experience working in both elementary and preschool settings in Australia, where staff were inspired, challenged and provoked by the work of the Reggio Emilia educators and children.
Kate has participated in two study tours to Reggio Emilia and is currently a member of the RINM board.  During her presentation, participants will have the opportunity to broaden their knowledge and understanding of Reggio Emilia the city and the historical construct of the educational project, including the principles of the project that have helped to make it so notable.
Preschool
Professional Development
75 min
Friday II: Memorial Student Center Maplewood

CANCEL-004 The Teacher and Child: Building Curriculum Together
Joey Schoen, Teacher, Dodge Nature Preschool

005 Paint Me A Story; Color Me A Rhyme
Sandra Burwell, Independent Consultant
How can we integrate Children's Literature and creative expression?  Explore the wealth of books that  could inspire writing, storytelling, painting, collage, mixed media, photography, imagination, weaving, dance, color mixing, 3-D construction, drawing, found objects, poetry, math, science, watercolors, singing...
Explore some of these experiences yourself and generate ideas for your interactions with children in the classroom.
Preschool and Kindergarten
Children's Literacy, Creative expression
75 min
Saturday I: Memorial Student Center Ballroom A
Handout 1 [pdf]
Handout 2 [pdf]
Handout 3 [pdf]
Handout 4 [pdf]

006 Teaching With Intention To Create Powerful Connections: How we transformed the way we organize our day to include a regular pattern of small group work.
Barb Murphy, Director, Shirley G. Moore Laboratory School, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
Amy Vavricka, Ayuko Boomer, Elizabeth Criswell, Marie Lister, Ross Thompson
Lead Teachers, Shirley G. Moore Laboratory School, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
After visiting Reggio Emilia in spring of 2010 the staff of the Lab School implemented some changes in the way we approach "free play." We were captivated by the way the teachers in Reggio thoughtfully planned where each child would begin the morning after the large group meeting. We saw children absorbed and collaborating, with and without teacher facilitation, for lengthy periods of time, resisting the temptation to go "window shopping" around the room, which is what the beginning of free play often felt like to us. We invite you to hear our story, view our documentation and have the opportunity to exchange ideas about transforming your own teaching practices.
Preschool
2.5 hr
Saturday III & IV: Memorial Student Center Ballroom A

007 Freedom of Movement (MNCPD)
Phyllis Porter, Early Childhood  Trainer, Educarer, Inc.
This workshop helps us understand the benefits to infants of allowing complete freedom of movement during their first year. It will provide an alternate to "tummy time"
Infant/Toddler
75 Min
Friday IV: Heritage Hall 131

008 Creating Stimulating Environments using Teacher Made Materials
Angela Hellendrung, Instructional Specialist, Child and Family Study Center, UW-Stout
Come and enjoy this creative session to make your classroom come alive.  Learn how to make inviting teacher-made materials to enhance the learning process.  This session is a must since studies show the importance of novelty in he classroom to enhance brain development. 
Toddler, Preschool
75 min
Friday I: Heritage Hall 336
Saturday II, III, IV: Memorial Student Center Oakwood

009 Read that Again!  Choosing Developmentally Appropriate Storybooks for Young Children
Kate Kramschuster, Educational Materials Center Librarian, University of Wisconsin-Stout
Children's books can be used to support the curriculum, enhance language development and critical thinking skills, and for pure enjoyment. This session will provide attendees with the opportunity to view and explore some of the best new children's literature, and provide tips for selecting and using developmentally appropriate books for infants through age 5.
Infant/Toddler, Preschool, Kindergarten, Primary, New Teachers
Children's Literacy, Professional Development
75 min
Friday I: Heritage Hall 244
Handout

010 Lyrics, Language and Laughs:  A Special Session for Students of Early Childhood Education Programs
Jill Klefstad, Associate Professor, University of Wisconsin-Stout
Come and join the early childhood program director, Dr. Jill and Friends, along with students from UW-Stout and other post-secondary institutions for a potpourri of lyrics, language and laughs.  This session will be followed by a student reception including refreshments and a gallery walk featuring teaching materials prepared by University of Wisconsin-Stout early childhood majors.  Bring your camera or smartphones to photograph creative teaching materials that can be added to your teaching files.
Current ECE Students
75 min+ reception
Friday IV: Jarvis Hall 112

CANCEL-011 Gift Giving Activities for Young Children
Alyssa Duffy, Third Grade Teacher, Eau Claire School District

012 Bringing STEM to Life
Holly Larson, Kindergarten Teacher, Sparta Area School District
Kyla Manske, First Grade Teacher, Sparta Area School District
Wondering how to get your students excited about math and science, or are you just looking for some innovative projects in the physical and life science areas? In "Bringing STEM to Life", participants will learn about integrating science, technology, engineering and math into a primary (K-3) classroom using hands-on, meaningful and memorable lessons with their students.
Primary
Science, Math
75 min
Friday III, IV: Heritage Hall 103

013 Ignite Your Themes!
Lisa Krom, Preschool Educator, M. Ed., UMD Children's Place
Fire up your thematic units with creative teacher-made materials! Come for ideas and examples of powerful teaching tools on a budget. Materials to support several units such as Mittens, Nursery Rhymes, Fire Safety, Butterflies, and Apples will be shared. Come and spark your creativity and don't forget your camera!
Preschool
75 min
Friday III, IV: Memorial Student Center Ballroom B
Saturday III, IV: Memorial Student Center Ballroom B

014 Ethics and Moral Development in the Digital Age
Elizabeth Buchanan, Endowed Chair in Ethics, University of Wisconsin-Stout
This session will introduce principles of ethics and ethical frameworks as they pertain to the educational setting. Moral development and the complexities of the digital age ground the discussion, which will provide participants with an understanding of challenges facing their students and themselves as professionals.
Primary
Ethics and Moral Development
75 min
Friday I, II: Memorial Student Center Badger
Handout 1 [pdf]

CANCEL-015 One Whole Month of Ideas!
Julie Hume, Owner, Kind Hearts Day Care
Tammy Bruns, Music Teacher, Kind Hearts Day Care

016 Shake, Rattle, and Roll
Candy Peck, Infant and Toddler Teacher, Little Learners Preschool
Sue Smith, Infant Teacher, Especially for Children
We will demonstrate how toys and activities made from simple household items promote children's development through creativity and exploration. This how-to seminar covers more than 30 toys and activities teachers can do with infants and toddlers and young preschoolers.
Infant/Toddler, Preschool
75 min
Friday III, IV: Memorial Student Center Birch

017 Bringing Out the Best in Children and Families
Paula Smith, School Psychologist, Eau Claire Area School District
Lucy Weidner, Retired School Nurse, Resilience/Health Realization Consultant
We bring a hopeful message for teachers, students and families that every person has natural resilience, common sense and innate mental health. Personal stories of growth and road-tested curriculum within the Menomonie School District with be shared.
Infant/Toddler, Preschool, Kindergarten, Primary, Administrators
75 min
Friday I, II: Memorial Student Center Cedarwood
Handout 1 [pdf]

018 Fe, Fi, Fo, Fun with Phonemic Awareness
Amber Osterman, Kindergarten Teacher, Osseo-Fairchild School District
LuAnn Neuenschwander, Kindergarten Teacher, Gillett Elementary
Come and explore new ways to teach phonemic awareness – the best predictor of reading success.  Phonemic awareness can be dancing, singing, games, and a whole lot more!  We will send you home with fun, hands-on, and meaningful ideas you can integrate into your instruction immediately.
Kindergarten
Language Arts, Writing
75 min
Saturday I: Heritage Hall 208
Handout 1 [pdf]

019 Boom, Fizzle, Kablooey, & WOW!
Amber Osterman, Kindergarten Teacher, Osseo-Fairchild School District
LuAnn Neuenschwander, Kindergarten Teacher, Gillett Elementary
Discover how to create an engaging science center for your classroom.   Join Amber and LuAnn as they share fun, hands-on activities that will tap into your children's natural curiosity.  Learn how to teach literacy, math, and science concepts every day while students play and explore the world around them!
Kindergarten
Science, Teacher Created Materials
75 min
Saturday II: Heritage Hall 208
Handout 1 [pdf]

020 Cooking with Kids ~ Recipes for Cooking
Amber Osterman, Kindergarten Teacher, Osseo-Fairchild School District
LuAnn Neuenschwander, Kindergarten Teacher, Gillett Elementary
Cooking together in the classroom can be a delicious learning experience.  We will demonstrate how to sprinkle key academic ingredients like reading and math into a successful integrated plan to easily fit cooking into your classroom. Come and enjoy what we've whipped up!
Kindergarten
Cooking, Teacher created Materials
75 min
Saturday III: Heritage Hall 208
Handout 1 [pdf]

021 Children's Memories From Past Lives
Robert Salt, Professor and Department Chair, College of Education, Health and Human Sciences, UW-Stout
Review of research on children's memories of other lifetimes, how these memories affect them in the present, and how early childhood staff and parents can respond to these memories.
Infant/Toddler,  Preschool
75 min
Friday II, III: Heritage Hall 313

022 Developing Self-Regulation Through Play
Karen Zimmerman, Professor Emeritus, University of Wisconsin-Stout
Recent research related to self-regulation, delay of gratification, make-believe play and outdoor play will be addressed. This presentation is designed for ECE teachers, directors and parent educators.
Preschool, Kindergarten, Administrators
75 min
Friday II: Heritage Hall 244
Saturday II: Memorial Student Center Maplewood

023 Understanding Family Dynamics and the Impact of the New Baby
Karen Zimmerman, Professor Emeritus, University of Wisconsin-Stout
Come and learn the effects of infants on relationships and how it changes them. Research studies show that after the first baby is born, two-thirds of couples experience a significant drop in relationship satisfaction. Navigating the transition to parenthood and strategies used to improve relationship quality of the couple and baby will be shared, including warm fathering.
Infant/Toddler
75 min
Friday III: Heritage Hall 244
Saturday III: Memorial Student Center Maplewood

024 Promoting Focus, Self-Control and Perspective Taking in Children
Karen Zimmerman, Professor Emeritus, University of Wisconsin-Stout
Child development researchers have found that the executive functions of the brain begin developing in young children and don't fully mature until early adulthood. These executive functions affect school and life success. Ways to promote focus, self-control and perspective-taking in children will be described.
75 min
Friday IV: Heritage Hall 244
Saturday IV: Memorial Student Center Maplewood

025 Embrace the Outdoors
Molly Gerrish, Assistant Professor, University of Wisconsin-River Falls
This workshop is designed to discuss the importance of connecting children, their teachers and parents, with nature and its benefits. In this interactive workshop, participants will explore nature and experience many ways of bringing the outdoors in and the indoors out. We will do activities outdoors, weather permitting, and then come back inside for the application and discussion on how to connect nature throughout our curriculum, routines and activities.
Preschool
75 min
Friday I: Memorial Student Center Maplewood
Handout 1 [pdf]

026 Making Charts with Preschoolers
Melissa Seehaver, 4-year-old Kindergarten Teacher, New Auburn Elementary
This session has some fabulous ideas for making charts with preschool-aged children. These charts foster language development and give children the opportunity to see their ideas expressed on paper. A handout will be provided and numerous examples will be shared. (Preschool)
Preschool
75 min
Saturday II, III, IV: Memorial Student Center Northwoods

027 Getting the Picture: Tips for Using the Digital Camera
William Wikrent, Senior Media Specialist, Learning Technology Services, UW-Stout
Every classroom teacher and director needs this session!  Pictures from the digital camera can be used for parent letters, teacher-made materials, identifying cubbies, parent conferences, bulletin boards, documentation boards, self-made books, end of the year portfolios, etc.  Classroom pictures support reflective practice and responsive care.  Come and learn tips for using the digital camera from the campus expert.
75 min
Friday I, II: Memorial Student Center Walnut

CANCEL-028 Having Fun with the Alphabet
Michelle Espelien, Director, Crossroad Preschool

CANCEL-029 Creative Ideas and Activities to Use Everyday
Michelle Espelien, Director, Crossroad Preschool

CANCEL-030 The Effects of Children's Representation Capacity between Pretense and Theory of Mind based on  TV Fairy-Tale
Sook-Yi Kim, Professor, Howon University

031 Choose to Reuse:  Enhancing Your Environment with a Limited Budget
Jayne Montgomery, Assistant Teacher, Head Start
Ideas and projects to enrich your learning environment while using trash instead of cash. (Preschool)
Preschool
75 min
Friday II, III, IV: Moved to Memorial Student Center Ballroom A

032 Happiest Toddler on the Block
Erin Bluhm, Early Childhood Trainer, Bluhm & Grow Childcare Consulting
This training will explore Dr. Harvey Karp's innovative approach to working with "uncivilized" toddlers. By learning Dr. Karp's "The Ten Basics for Raising a Happy Toddler" we will discover techniques to help calm outbursts, stop tantrums before they start, and build loving and respectful relationships with the toddler in your care.
Infant/Toddler
75 min
Friday I, II: Heritage Hall 230
Saturday III, IV: Heritage Hall 230

CANCEL-033 And How Are the Children?
Linda DeMoe, Retired Early Childhood Instructor, Chippewa Valley Technical College

CANCEL-034 So What Am I Waiting For?
Linda DeMoe, Retired Early Childhood Instructor, Chippewa Valley Technical College

035 Communicating with Parents:  Keeping the Lines Open
Gregory Cleveland, Parent
Ever suspect a child has a disability? How do you share your thoughts with a parent so they don't overreact and take it the wrong way — or worse? In this workshop, the presenter, a parent of children with special needs, will share his experiences and those of other parents in the area of communicating with parents when you suspect a child may have a disability.
75 min
Friday III, IV: Memorial Student Center Walnut

036 Making Magic Happen with Teacher-Made Books
Jamie Lynch, Instructional Specialist, Child and Family Study Center-University of Wisconsin-Stout
Learn how to design and create appropriate books that support and enhance your toddler curriculum. Many ideas will be presented to help you incorporate familiar experiences, people and environments into creative and meaningful literature designed specifically for your classroom. (*More than thirty teacher made books will be available for viewing).
Toddler
75 min
Friday I: Memorial Student Center Birch
Saturday I: Heritage Hall 105

037 Inspiring Environments for Toddlers
Jamie Lynch, Instructional Specialist, Child and Family Study Center-University of Wisconsin-Stout
Discover practical ways to transform your classroom into a meaningful space that will enrich and support the children in your care. A variety of ideas will be shared to help you create a calming and welcoming environment including tips on appropriate room arrangement, furnishings, lighting, sound, color and more!
Toddler
75 min
Friday II: Memorial Student Center Birch
Saturday II: Heritage Hall 105

038 Early Literacy, Language and Math Learning through Music and Books
Fran McKinney, Early Childhood Music Specialist/Songwriter/Author, Screen Porch Music
Energize your curriculum when you pair music with books, visual materials and movement activities. Learn songs, finger-plays and activities to develop language and emergent literacy skills. Published and original books will be demonstrated with accompanying songs to engage your children with a variety of learning styles.
Infant/Toddler, Preschool, Kindergarten
75 min
Friday III, IV: Heritage Hall 105
Saturday III, IV: Heritage Hall 103
Handout 1 [pdf]

CANCEL 039 Developmentally Appropriate Classroom Management: Indirect Guidance
Bethanne Shriner, Assistant Professor, University of Wisconsin-Stout
Handout 1 [pdf]

040 Lyrics to Literacy: Read a Song and Sing a Book
Debbie Clement, Arts Enrichment Specialist: Author/Illustrator, Rainbows Within Reach
Join a national award willing author-illustrator in an upbeat exploration of her work. The text of the books are based on her original songs. Sing. Learn the sign language. Based on brain research and multiple intelligence theory. Self-esteem, earth science and civics for children. Crossing the midline. Puppets, props and costumes. See children's art projects that extend the illustrative style in open-ended projects that instill a love of literacy- all on a budget with materials on hand. You're invited to be delighted!
Preschool, Kindergarten, Primary
Creative Activities, Children's Literature
75 min
Friday III: Heritage Hall 176
Saturday II: Heritage Hall 176
Handout 1 [pdf]

041 Are They Here Yet? Overcoming Barriers in Family Engagement
Amanda Keys, Director of Field Education, Southwest Baptist University
New research has shown developing positive and trusting relationships between early childhood educators and parents contribute to the overall success of the child's classroom experience. However, because of the unique characteristics found in each family, family engagement can be difficult for staff and volunteers trained to empower families towards achievement of their personal goals. The purpose of this seminar is to enrich educators understanding of family engagement barriers by looking at how the family's community can deter the family engagement process. Additionally, the planned change process will be introduced as a tool to help educators in successful family engagement.
Infant/Toddler
Family Involvement, Professional Development
75 min
Friday III, IV: Heritage Hall 182
Saturday III, IV: Memorial Student Center Badger

042 Art and the Young Child
Cheryl Bevins, Altoona Early Education Center
This presentation will include curriculum areas, learned or developed through art, activities focusing on the process, ideas for inspiring creativity of the young child, and hands-on experimenting, as time allows.
Preschool, Kindergarten
75 min
Saturday I, II: Moved to Heritage Hall 313

043 Infant Toddler Lab
Marcia Wolf, Instructional Specialist, Child and Family Study Center, University of Wisconsin-Stout
Jamie Lynch, Instructional Specialist, Child and Family Study Center-University of Wisconsin-Stout
Allison Feller, Child and Family Study Center-University of Wisconsin-Stout
Join us for a tour of the UW-Stout Infant and Toddler Lab. There will be a short information session and then the rooms will be open for exploring and picture taking. The head teachers will be available to answer any questions.
Infant/Toddler
75 min
Friday III: Heritage Hall 165
Saturday III: Heritage Hall 165

044 Developmental Exercises
Marcia Wolf, Senior Instructional Specialist, Child and Family Study Center, University of Wisconsin-Stout
This workshop outlines how to develop an individualized curriculum based on each child's needs, interests and abilities. A PowerPoint presentation will showcase examples of developmentally appropriate experiences for infants.
Infant
75 min
Saturday I, II: Heritage Hall 103
Handout 1 [pdf]

045 Fitness and Nutrition through Play
Tina Tharp, Community Education Coordinator, Mayo Clinic Health System
Come and learn great ideas to help foster and model healthy eating and physical fitness to the children in your care.
Infant/Toddler, Preschool, Administrators
75 min
Friday I: Heritage Hall 105

CANCEL-046 Challenging the Status Quo: Male Professionals in Early Childhood Education and Care
Charlotte Jones, Doctoral Student

047 Limits and Consequences
Brook Berg, Executive Director, Family Resource Center for Eau Claire County
This sessio