Session A Workshops
A1.
The Wonders of the Talking Table
The Talking Table approach was created by Fleur Griffiths in early years settings in North East England to
improve play and conversation. The Talking Table gives adults a more imaginative role. Rather than deliver
a static language curriculum, they can listen to the concerns of children and help transform them into
shared stories. This approach is based on the premise that children reach greater excellence if they are in
their comfort zone but with careful challenge from a sensitive adult. Learn about practical strategies of
creating a locus for the social construction of shared meanings with the help of wonder, language, and
divergent thinking capacities of young children.
Children can choose to play with an adult around a table with four places. Fleur wears a special blue tunic
and enticing objects peep from the pockets. These toys are passed around to open the conversation.
Children can take the initiative by bringing their pocket-size treasures from home. Gradually, shared
narratives develop, with the children gaining confidence as storytellers. They learn to listen as well as to talk.
This morning session will consist of a theoretical presentation of the design and emergence of the Talking
Table. The afternoon is a track session (B1/C1) that will be a hands-on, case-study based workshop where
participants will experience the pedagogical wonders of the method.
Presenters: Fleur Griffiths is a retired nursery teacher/ educational psychologist/ senior lecturer in Early Childhood Studies
(Sunderland University). She devised The Talking Table as a creative context for conversation. Her chief interest has always
been language development. Her initial degree was in English Literature (London University, 1961-64) and her first teaching
post involved her in team-teaching of topics, using story, art, dance and drama. She focussed on children with special needs and
trained as an educational psychologist at Queen’s University of Belfast in1979. She has published several articles and books
including: Communication Counts-Speech and language in the early years (2002)- a key text for her method and Supporting
Children's Creativity through Music, Dance, Drama and Art- Creative conversations in the Early Years (2010) – a collaborative
book that brings together the themes and approaches that have characterized her educational career.
Annabella Cant is an instructor at Capilano University and the Associate Director of the Imaginative Education Research
Group of Simon Fraser University.
A2.
Nature’s Touch – a Grandma’s Tale
As urban design encroaches more and more into the natural environment, children have fewer
opportunities to play freely in natural areas. For children, playing and learning are inseparable. In this
workshop we take a look at the history of outdoor playgrounds, the design and essential components of a
natural outdoor play-space, and review recent science on nature’s impact on human health.
Presenter: Eve Adams is a recent graduate from the University of British Columbia’s Garden/Landscaping design programme,
an early Childhood Educator with past experience in adult education and outreach with the Child Care Support Programme.
Eve is currently a Child Care Licensing Officer with Vancouver Coastal Health. Her latest venture focuses on the how the
design of natural outdoor play spaces and the presence of trees, grass and other natural elements can support healthy human
functioning in children and communities.
A3.
Finding Nature in the City: A Hand’s-On Approach
This interactive session will give ideas and examples of how we connect children from 2-12 years old to
nature in any environment. Through table set ups, group activities, and conversation, the group will be
supported and inspired to go to the next level of bringing children and nature together.
Participants will receive Ivings’ original compilation, “101 Concrete Ideas for Outdoor Play”. Ivings
encourages the group to participate in activities as well as contribute ideas and experiences of children
and nature. Remember, “The world is our playground”. Please note this is part one of a two track session
workshop. Registration in both sessions is mandatory. Please sign up for B3 also.
Presenter: Jenifer Ivings “grew up” outdoors. Working with young people has always been an important part of her life. In high
school she began coaching sports, tutoring and running after-school kids programs. Her love for the outdoors led her to an
Outdoor Recreation Leadership Diploma. Later, she received a Certificate in ECE from Capilano U. Ivings works for North
Shore Child Care in Deep Cove running outdoor-focused before & after school care, and a 4 hour preschool. Her value of
nature and love for children inspire outdoor-focused programs for all ages.
A4.
Science Smorgasbord
A5.
Messy Art
A6.
Key Elements of School Age Childcare
A7.
The Play Diet
A8.
Managing Transitions
Everyone becomes "scientists" along with our team of professionals, as we guide them in the learning
process. Our goal is to stimulate minds, activate curiosity, nurture imaginations and create a lifelong love of
science. This is a great workshop for anyone needing ideas on how to bring hands-on science into their
preschool. This is a hands-on workshop so you will have an opportunity to become a scientist and try a
variety of experiments dealing with plants, fossils, colors, magnets, chemical reactions and much more!!!
Presenter: HT-Science Made Fun has developed a reputation for excellence with children, parents, school administrators,
preschool and camp directors alike who have recognized the positive impact our programs have in the scientific learning
process. All HT-Science Made Fun programs incorporate hands-on activities that relate directly to a particular scientific
concept. Everyone participates in experiments that help bring that concept "to life".
Celebrate creativity by exposing children to a variety of mediums, tools and materials through open ended
art activities. Providing children with experiences that support inclusion, meet diverse developmnetal
needs and fostering mentoring opportunities can all be possible through hands-on art situations. Disover the
important role that documentation and display play in our programs for children and families when
showcasing art experiences in our programs.
Presenter: Julie Hansen became an Early Childhood Educator in 2000 and has gained experience in a variety of areas within
the field, as the director of a preschool and supervisor of afterschool care and 3 to 5 programs. Writing has be come a favourite
pastime and in 1994 her first children’s book, Jack’s Magic Hat, was published. She has subsequently had an article reflecting
classroom situations published in provincial and national ECE journals. Creating inclusive environments that provide creative,
safe, nurturing learning opportunities for young children and families is her passion. That is what inspired her to begin teaching
workshops three years ago for Early Childhood Educators and Child Care Providers.
The Key Elements of School Age Child Care training course has been truly tested in the child care
community with very positive evaluations. Early childhood educators are aware that school age care
demands specialized staff training, activities and management skills for a successful program. This workshop
will include: an overview of child development on Power Point; discussion of issues unique to the school
age group; hands on activities including group games, art, sensory, literature and take away programming
ideas and examples; group management strategies for the specific age group. This workshop promises to
be both interactive and fun!
Presenters: Julie Anderson and Michelle Bean have both had the pleasure of teaching the Key Elements course created by
Christine Hibbert and Erin Scheepers and were instrumental in converting the 30 hour Key Elements of School Age Child Care
course into eight stand-alone workshops. This provided a flexible model for school age care training in the community with the
option of taking topic-specific units or completing all units and receiving a course certificate.
This workshop will provide the participants with a summary of children's developmental stages including
play experiences for each age. A handout will be provided which will include an outline of a "quality play
diet" needed for optimum development and an analysis of what today's children play experiences actually
look like. The impact of an unbalanced play diet will be discussed.
Presenter: Yvonne Adebar is the Program Manager for Early Childhood Development at Sources and a college instructor with a
degree in Early Childhood Education from Ryerson University in Toronto. She has been working with children and families for
over 30 years in preschools, daycares and has trained ECE students at colleges in Brampton, Oakville, Thunderbay and Langley.
She has presented at conferences and training sessions throughout BC and Ontario. Much of her work has been focused on
children's play and the impact of modern society on the quality of children's play experiences.
For both children and adults, transitions between activities or between home and childcare can be both
stressful and frustrating. During this session participants will be presented with strategies to use before,
during, and after both types of transitions to promote independence and set a positive tone. There will be
an opportunity for participants to reflect on current routines examining what works as well as what might be
changed.
Presenter: Carolyn Sullivan has been involved in Early Childhood Education for the last 29 years in daycare, preschool, worked
with children who have special needs, with Pacific Immigrant Resources Society working with preschool children and their
mothers learning English, and as a Supported Child Development consultant .
Session B Workshops
B1.
The Wonders of the Talking Table
This afternoon track session will be a hands-on, case-study based workshop where participants will
experience the pedagogical wonders of the Talking Table method. Please note this is part one of a two
track session workshop. Registration in both sessions is mandatory. Please sign up for C1 also.
Presenters: Fleur Griffiths is a retired nursery teacher/ educational psychologist/ senior lecturer in Early Childhood Studies
(Sunderland University). She devised The Talking Table as a creative context for conversation. Her chief interest has always
been language development. Her initial degree was in English Literature and her first teaching post involved her in teamteaching of topics, using story, art, dance and drama. She focused on children with special needs and trained as an educational
psychologist at Queen’s University of Belfast. She has published several articles and books including: Communication CountsSpeech and language in the early years (2002)- a key text for her method and Supporting Children's Creativity through Music,
Dance, Drama and Art-Creative conversations in the Early Years (2010)- a collaborative book that brings together the themes
and approaches that have characterized her educational career.
Annabella Cant is an instructor at Capilano University and the Associate Director of the Imaginative Education Research
Group of Simon Fraser University.
B2.
Borderless Learning: Relationships, Projects, and Materials with Infants and Toddlers
Join us for an opportunity to engage in dialogue as we reflect upon our experience of following an idea
with children under three. We are excited to share with you not only stories and day to day processes but
also how this journey and intentional work of ‘thinking with’ young children has deepened relationships
among children, teachers, and families, as well as reminding us of the incredible connections that can
occur when children of varied ages and experiences work with one another. Please note this is part one of
a two track session workshop. Registration in both sessions in mandatory. Please sign up for C2 also.
Presenters: The Educators from Capilano University Children's Centre will bring to the discussion many years of experience
working with young children and families in both the infant and toddler rooms. They are passionate about sharing with others
the experiences, ideas and questions that are relevant in their day to day relationships with one another and with children.
B3.
Finding Nature in the City: A Hand’s-On Approach
This is part two of a two part track session. See Session A3 for workshop details.
If you registered for A3 please register for this workshop also. Registration in both sessions is mandatory.
Presenter: Jenifer Ivings
B4.
Social Emotional Development in the Early Years
B5.
Ideas for How to Tell a Story
This presentation was developed by the B.C. Healthy Child Development Alliance. It is a combination of
slides and video footage intended to emphasize the following core concepts:

Healthy development occurs in the context of a relationship.

Experience shapes brain architecture by over-production of connections followed by pruning

Brains are built from the bottom up: Skills beget skills

Serve and return interaction builds healthy brain architecture

Cognitive, emotional and social development are connected: You can’t do one without the other

Toxic stress damages developing brain architecture

The ability to change brains and behaviour decreases over time.
The information is based on extensive research investigating how the public thinks about infant mental
health, common default positions adopted by the public in the absence of good information, and widely
shared cultural beliefs about the emotional world of the infant.
Presenter: Kitty Minions is a Licensing Officer on the North Shore and has been for the past 13 years. She has also worked in a
variety of early childhood setting since 1985 in both Ontario and British Columbia. These include; School Age, HeadStart
Preschool, and Infant Toddler Programs.
Research tells us that children need to hear stories over and over again in order to enhance their literacy
development. Barb Mathieson and a small group of ECCE students will present numerous ideas for taking
one story or book and presenting it to children in a myriad of ways. Participants are invited to bring a
camera so they can document the ideas for themselves. Various online resources for storytelling ideas will
also be shared with the group as well as tips for making quick and easy felt and magnet stories.
Presenter: Barb Mathieson teaches as faculty in the Early Childhood Care and Education Degree Program at Capilano
University. She is passionate about literacy in the early years and about sharing stories and books with children.
B6.
Embracing Multicultural Societies
B7.
Stop the Gossip
B8.
What We Did and What We Learned in Rural Rwandan Preschool Classrooms - An update
from the 2012 team
Social Studies is the study of human beings in their environment and of the concepts skills and attitudes that
are needed in order to become social beings. To become multicultural teachers we must look at how
diversity fits into our overall early childhood program. To begin with, it is important to understand the
meaning of "culture". Vancouver is an ever-changing city and because we are blessed with so many
cultures in our neighbourhoods it is therefore our duty as educators to embrace multiculturalism. We need
to enhance and educate ourselves, parents and children, that we share a beautiful world. This workshop is
geared towards adults who, once they have participated, will be able to go back to their centers and be
inspired to create a more diverse centre using an idea based on "The Peace Tree" concept. Bring scissors to
be inspired and create decorations typical of various cultures to demonstrate diversity!
Presenter: Kate Dwyer was qualified in Great Britain in 1976 with the ECE/ Infant Toddler diploma. She became an Elementary
school teacher –taught and ran a Nursery School in England before moving to Los Angeles where she taught and wrote childrens
plays. She later moved to Vancouver and opened her own family daycare. She has worked in an Infant /Toddler program, run a
pre-school in North Vancouver, and is now with the West Vancouver school district where she works with special needs students.
She also works at a Career College where she has the opportunity to mentor and teach new students to become Early Childhood
Educators. Since 1976 Kate has never wavered from working with children, each day she has been able to laugh, encourage and
play !
This is a lecture format where gossip is defined as well as the reasons it is often used. Direct communication
is provided as an alternative. Practical suggestions are given so anyone can ensure she/he is no longer
involved in gossip, as well as techniques to lead others to stop gossiping.
Presenter: Marc Lalonde has his ECE certification for Infant/Toddlers and Special Needs, as well as a B.A. in Child & Youth
Care. He has over 30 years experience in the field with 20 years in First Nations’ communities.
Presentation and discussion on the following topics:
•brief background on Rwanda, including their history, effect of the genocide and current directions
•what we saw in the classrooms, including teaching methods and materials, learning English, and most
importantly, students’ enthusiasm
•focus of the Rwandan curriculum (indigenous knowledge system, active learning, integrated subjects)
and our sensitivity to Rwandan culture
•roles of teachers and volunteers
•making learning fun with up to 100 students in a class
Other team members who visited Rwanda will also be on hand to share their experiences.
Presenters: Hilary King and Dr. Joan Lee
Hilary King trained as a teacher in the UK and eventually moved into 20 years of Community Development focusing on health in
Canada. More recently she was leader for Community Engagement for Vancouver Coastal Health. She has visited Rwanda for
the last 7 years to develop maternal health and early childhood projects in rural communities. She is the founder and director of
Embrace Rwanda.
Dr Joan Lee received her PhD, with specialization in Special Education, from the University of Oregon and her Master’s in
Education, with specialization in Counselling, from the University of BC. She also did graduate work in Early Childhood
Education in Washington State University. For 35 years she worked in the Public Education system in BC in elementary and
secondary schools as well as for the Ministry of Education. In retirement, she continues her passion for encouraging educators
through projects both in BC and Rwanda.
Session C Workshops
C1.
The Wonders of the Talking Table
This is part two of a two part track session. See session B1 for workshop details.
If you registered for B1 please register for this workshop also. Registration in both sessions is mandatory.
Presenters: Fleur Griffiths and Annabella Cant
C2.
Borderless Learning: Relationships, Projects, and Materials with Infants and Toddlers
This is part two of a two part track session. See Session B2 for workshop details.
If you registered for B2 please register for this workshop also. Registration in both sessions is mandatory.
Presenters: Educators from Capilano University Children's Centre.
C3.
Create a Character for Circle Time!
C4.
Journey to the Curriculum Room
C5.
Time for Music
C6.
Art and Encouraging Children to the Table
Create a character, puppet and story for “Circle Time” to stimulate, engage and encourage young
children into literature and their own imagination. Here is an interactive workshop created by an animated,
energetic early childhood educator. Participants will enter into their own imaginations and learn or review
why story time is a valuable rewarding time in daycares and homes. This will be a fun, creative and
imaginative workshop, so bring scissors, a smile and a sense of humour!
Presenter: Kate Dwyer was qualified in Great Britain in 1976 with the ECE/ Infant Toddler diploma. She became an Elementary
school teacher –taught and ran a Nursery School in England before moving to Los Angeles where she taught and wrote childrens
plays. She later moved to Vancouver and opened her own family daycare. She has worked in an Infant /Toddler program, run a
pre-school in North Vancouver, and is now with the West Vancouver School District where she works with special needs students.
She also works at a Career College where she has the opportunity to mentor and teach new students to become Early Childhood
Educators. Since 1976 Kate has never wavered from working with children, each day she has been able to laugh, encourage and
play!
How do we communicate our ideas to children through the environment? Through exploration of concepts
from the Westcoast Curriculum Room and hands-on experiences, we will discover new ways to incorporate
materials that invite children’s exploration and knowledge building. We will present the Westcoast
Curriculum Room through a narrated photo gallery that demonstrates children’s discoveries through their
interactions with unusual materials. Early Childhood Educators will discover new language and tools to
enhance quality practice.
Presenter: Ana Vojnovic is the facilitator of Westcoast Child Care Resource Centre's Curricular Room. She holds an ECE
Diploma, a Certificate in Fine Arts from Emily Carr and is currently enrolled in the Early Childhood Care and Education
Degree program at Capilano University. She is an innovative textile designer and crafter.
This is a workshop where participants will learn different activities related to music (songs, rhythm,
movements, listening games). Participants will make their own games, music, felt stories and instruments.
Parts of workshop:

Overview of music benefits

Singing with props

Hands on activities - movement and music games

Make and take - music felt stories, games and instruments

Resources
All activities in this workshop will be set up to follow a school calendar (holidays, celebrations, season
related activities…) Participants should bring scissors, glue, stapler, and a creative open mind. Music
knowledge is not required, but willingness to participate is a must!
Presenter: Marika Kubinyi has been working with children of different ages for the past 25 years, and she has specialized in
early childhood education since the birth of her son who is now 11 years old. Marika came to Canada with a MA in music
education and pedagogy 18 years ago. She holds certificates in ECE, Montessori Teacher Training, Mother Goose Program and
Music for Young Children. She is the founder of Treble Clef Education - playful music learning for preschool age children.
Currently she is teaching music classes in preschools, rec-centres, and in her music studio. She is also one of the facilitators of
Strong Start program at Hollyburn Elementary. When she is not teaching, Marika is performing with North Shore Theatre for
Children, Pandora's Vox ensemble and Slovak folk dance group 'Slavik'.
Drawing in the reluctant artists, how can we incorporate their interests into an art experience???
Art is personal, others don’t have to love or even like it. It should be something the artist is connected to! It
can be open-ended and a wonderfully rich experience that combines our own emotions, sensory
awareness, communication, confidence and community. To participate in Art does not require any
specialized level of skill. It does require a desire to explore and the freedom to do so. There is a lot we can
do to facilitate this, it can be the beginning of a wonderful walk through the imagination and an awesome
opportunity to empower. Language we use with children while they are engaged in Art holds the potential
to inadvertently close their experience, or alternately give them permission to be free to grow. Projects,
individual and/or group, have a place and a function too. Every medium and every tool provides us with
the means for new adventures..... Let’s look at some unexpected and surprising Art supplies, old tea bags,
bubble wrap, yarn and string, plastic bags...
Presenter: Margot Leeson graduated as an Early Childhood Educator in Australia in 1981 and did not realize that 30 years
later she would still be so passionate about learning and being a facilitator. She has been fortunate to have worked in a wide
variety of settings: Hospital Nursery, Daycare, Professional Nanny, Montessori Preschool and Kindergarten, Preschool Camp
Director and Out of School Director. She is a Mother of two and ran her own home based daycare. Each experience has been
enlightening and provided countless opportunities to test and re invent her teaching concepts and skills. Currently, and for the
last 14 years, she is a Teacher/Manager of a busy non profit Preschool, Toddler and Out of School Care Facility. While in this
position, Margot has hosted many ECE students and has been a guest speaker for several classes on a variety of subjects
including “Why I prefer Play based over other styles of curriculum”. She is an Instructor for post basic Infant Toddler training
with VCC, Coquitlam Campus and currently holds a licence for 3-5yrs and Infant Toddlers.
C7.
Loving the Outdoors Through Literature
C8.
MishMash Circle Time
You don’t need to wonder Where the Wild Things Are; sometimes they’re in your classroom! In this
workshop connect stories about animals, plants and wild places to outdoor activities. Use literature to bring
your group of wild things outdoors to explore! Books can take us far away from our homes and schools, out
into the forests and mud puddles of our imagination. Whether you’re new to outdoor learning or a
seasoned outdoors person, get ideas for creating connections between books, songs, stories and outdoor
activities.
Presenter: Tricia Edgar loves slugs, mud, and rain. She's rather fond of children’s books too, although she wishes that more of
them were printed on waterproof paper!. Tricia is a science writer who writes about the beauty of slime molds and the delights of
mud puddles. She is also the education coordinator at the Lynn Canyon Ecology Centre, where she leads nature story times for
young children.
During our workshop we will be coaxing your inner child to come out and play! Enhance your circle time
ideas, abilities and animation along with exploring props, songs and movement. Make sure you are ready
to wiggle, giggle and shake!
Presenter: Michelle Pontini has spent most of her life trying to find out what she was going to do when she grew up. She has
decided it is just easier not to grow up at all! You will find Michelle surrounded by children of all ages, acting her shoe size and
not her age. After completing the Early Childhood Education Program at Capilano U, she found herself inspired to take the kid
biz in a new direction. She created MishMash, located in Squamish, a host to many interactive play group programs. MishMash
programs are designed to delight the hearts, minds and senses of children through arts & crafts, science, music, movement,
stories and other interactive play.