Workshop Description:
Researchers, educators and clinicians have found in the past decade with the advent of technology, increase in screen time and decrease in outside and sensory play, that children are missing key motor development skills. This workshop will focus on the importance of key motor milestones embedded within play and art education. It will focus on the link of motor skills through Arts education and play to learning, school readiness and emotional self-regulation. In this collaborative session, early childhood educators will engage in interactive discussions as well as break out sessions and will leave with ideas, tools and a self-developed action plan to easily incorporate key motor skills into their early learning programs using the Arts. Everyone is encouraged to come to the workshop with questions, ideas and a willingness to share. It is recommended comfortable clothing be worn for active participation in the workshop.
Facilitator(s) Bio: Vicki Allen Cook & Yvonne Thompson, Melissa Myers & Jenn Neill (bio's to come)
Vicki AllenCook has been an educator for thirty-eight years. Her educational adventures have allowed her to become a Teacher in Classrooms and Universities/Colleges, Curriculum Developer, Consultant, Gallery Education Curator, Writer/ Author, Cultural Organizer, Conference Presenter, Resource Designer, Artist/ Sculptural Gold Smith, Personnel Officer, Actor, Director, Dancer, and participating member on Cultural Boards. Her work on Narratives of Nationhood has been recognized regionally, nationally and internationally. She is an active community volunteer and believes strongly in a community working together. Vicki is a wife, a mother/ mother- in- law, and grandmother to four children, two daughters-in-law and two beautiful baby grandsons… And yes one dog and one cat. In her spare time she likes to sing, dance, garden, cook, sail, read, exercise, travel, go to movies and be with her friends. Vicki greatest pride and joy are her family, friends, and students.
Yvonne Thompson, OT Reg(PEI) is an Occupational Therapist working in the schools with the School Therapy OT program. She graduated from Dalhousie University, School of Occupational Therapy in 1993 and began working with children 23 years ago. She has worked with children of all ages and enjoys working collaboratively as part of a team with members such as the: child, family, early child development educators, teachers and other health care professionals to support the whole child. She values active inclusion and believes in opportunities for health promotion (physical and mental) to support a child's development.
Jennifer Neill OTReg (PEI) graduated from McMaster University as an Occupational Therapist in 2006. She began her career as a community and school-based therapist in Fredericton, New Brunswick. Following her second maternity leave in 2014 she moved back home to PEI and began working with the pre-school population for the Queen's Region. She enjoys working with children and youth with a variety of special needs and she values the importance of supporting children and their families at home, in school and in their communities.
Melissa Myers, OT Reg(PEI) is an occupational therapist working in the pre-school program in Queens Region. She graduated from Dalhousie University in 1999 and has been working with children since 2000 in various settings including hospital, school, daycare and home settings. Her early career began in adolescent mental health and from there she moved to working with children in the school system in Calgary, Alberta. She moved back to PEI in 2011 and started working in the pre-school program. Having worked with children from birth to adolescence, she is a strong supporter of early child development and the importance of building strong sensory and motor foundation skills in early childhood to support future development.
May 4, 2018
9:00 AM
Slemon Park Conference Centre | Summerside, PEI