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ESC20 ONE Conference 2025 has ended
Registration is now open in Connect20 for the 2025 In Person ONE Conference! (Connect20 Session #100360) You must register in order to receive login information to create a personalized schedule. Invitations to join the Sched conference platform will be distributed beginning in January to registered attendees.

Registration fee is $125.

Location for event: 1314 Hines Avenue, San Antonio, TX 78208
Friday, February 21
 

7:30am CST

Registration and Breakfasat
Friday February 21, 2025 7:30am - 8:30am CST
Maple; Mesquite; Oak; Pecan
Light continental breakfast items will be available.  Welcome remarks will begin at 8:30 AM in Maple, Mesquite, Oak, and Pecan rooms. Information will be shared about 'Resource Give Aways' before keynote begins at 8:30 AM
Friday February 21, 2025 7:30am - 8:30am CST
Maple; Mesquite; Oak; Pecan

8:30am CST

Welcome to the Jungle!: ​Gorillas and Wolves, and Elephants, Oh My! ​
Friday February 21, 2025 8:30am - 9:45am CST
Maple; Mesquite; Oak; Pecan
Jungles are diverse havens, home to over half of Earth’s species, playing a vital role in regulating climate and inspiring awe and wonder. This session will set us on the path together toward celebrating the wondrous jungle that is your classroom . . . also full of diversity, regulation of little ones, awe and wonder for all. The interconnectedness of the jungle relies greatly on communication, collaboration and joy. Let’s learn together how to learn together!

Day 1 Session Evaluation: http://bit.ly/wildONE
Speakers
avatar for Lisa Rogers

Lisa Rogers

Director, Educating Diverse Learners
I am proud to be a part of the educator tribe with many, many, I mean many years of experience in classrooms.  I find great joy in learning and growing together with students, teachers, teaching assistants, administrators, and parents!  So please talk to me about inclusive education... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 8:30am - 9:45am CST
Maple; Mesquite; Oak; Pecan
  Keynote

9:45am CST

Break: Visit Our Vendors
Friday February 21, 2025 9:45am - 10:15am CST
Hickory, Laurel & Magnolia
Friday February 21, 2025 9:45am - 10:15am CST
Hickory, Laurel & Magnolia

10:15am CST

Increasing Language and Literacy Development Through Pictures
Friday February 21, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am CST
Pecan
A Picture is Worth A Thousand Words. There are multiple ways you can use a picture to enhance language and literacy development with our early learners. We will look at the Picture Word Induction Model (Calhoun, 1998) as a framework for utilizing pictures as a primary strategy to develop language and literacy skills for young students.

Day 1 Session Evaluation: http://bit.ly/wildONE
Speakers
avatar for Shelly Bybee

Shelly Bybee

Deaf Education Consultant, Education Service Center, Region 20
For 29 years, Shelly Bybee, M.A. has provided support to students who receive special education services as well as the teachers, staff, and families who support these students. Her experience includes working in homes with families and in schools (early childhood, elementary, and... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am CST
Pecan
  Adapting, Literacy

10:15am CST

Literacy Launchpad: Enhancing Language & Literacy with Assistive Technology
Friday February 21, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am CST
Mesquite
Join us for an engaging training session focused on making reading accessible, fun, and playful for children with disabilities aged 3-5. Discover how assistive technology can transform the reading experience, fostering a love for books and stories. Learn practical strategies and explore interactive tools designed to support early literacy development in a playful, inclusive, and engaging way. Whether you're an educator, caregiver, or parent, this session will equip you with the knowledge and resources to create a joyful reading environment for every child.

Day 1 Session Evaluation: http://bit.ly/wildONE
Speakers
avatar for Jennifer Pesina

Jennifer Pesina

ECSE Specialist, Region One ESC
Jennifer Pesina has had a multifaceted career in special education. She has worked with students served through special education as a paraprofessional, teacher, educational diagnostician, and special education coordinator. At the heart of each of Jennifer's roles, is that of an advocate... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am CST
Mesquite
  Adapting, Literacy

10:15am CST

Alphabet Knowledge: Too much too soon, too fast won’t last
Friday February 21, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am CST
Oak
Too much too soon, too fast won’t last - Forget the
letter of the day or week! Learn how to teach alphabet knowledge at a
slow, but steady pace to foster joy, excitement, and long-lasting
learning. In this session, explore a variety of approaches that
encourage understanding, rather than rote learning of letter names and
sounds. Plus, discover how to use children's names, songs, and hands-on
activities to build alphabet knowledge that sticks.

Day 1 Session Evaluation: http://bit.ly/wildONE
Speakers
avatar for MaríaMercedes Champion

MaríaMercedes Champion

Pre-K Teacher, Alamo Heights Independent School District
¡Hola! My name is MaríaMercedes Champion, an early childhood teacher and consultant educated in Colombia, Spain and the USA, with over 19 years in the Pre-k classroom. I love creating songs, activities, and a playful rich language environment for my students. I am passionate about... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am CST
Oak
  Play, Literacy

10:15am CST

Supporting Foundational Literacy Skills in Pre-K and Kindergarten
Friday February 21, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am CST
Pine
In this professional development session, participants will gain critical insights into early indicators of dyslexia and discover practical, evidence-based multisensory activities designed to support foundational literacy skills for pre-kindergarten and kindergarten students.

Day 1 Session Evaluation: http://bit.ly/wildONE
Speakers
avatar for Megan Lozano

Megan Lozano

Dyslexia Consultant, Education Service Center, Region 20
Megan Lozano is a Dyslexia and Related Disorders Consultant at ESC Region 20. She is a Certified Academic Language Therapist-Qualified Instructor, Licensed Dyslexia Therapist, and Educational Diagnostician. Before joining the team at Region 20, Megan has experience as a 7th grade... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am CST
Pine
  Play, PK-K

10:15am CST

The Bare Necessities for Better Behavior and Better Days
Friday February 21, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am CST
Maple
The bare necessities for young children to thrive and show us their best selves include positive relationships, safe and loving environments, and being heard. This session will focus on wild and wonderful ways to provide the bare necessities for children throughout the day for more joy, stronger connections, and better behaviors for life.​

Day 1 Session Evaluation: http://bit.ly/wildONE
Speakers
avatar for Lisa Rogers

Lisa Rogers

Director, Educating Diverse Learners
I am proud to be a part of the educator tribe with many, many, I mean many years of experience in classrooms.  I find great joy in learning and growing together with students, teachers, teaching assistants, administrators, and parents!  So please talk to me about inclusive education... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am CST
Maple
  Social Emotional Learning

11:15am CST

Lunch Provided by H-E-B
Friday February 21, 2025 11:15am - 12:30pm CST
Hickory, Laurel & Magnolia
Friday February 21, 2025 11:15am - 12:30pm CST
Hickory, Laurel & Magnolia
  Food

12:30pm CST

Literacy for Everyone: Building Inclusive Large Group Experiences: Part 1 (Must stay for Part 2, this is a 2 hour session with a break)
Friday February 21, 2025 12:30pm - 1:45pm CST
Pecan
Literacy for Everyone: Building Inclusive Large Group Experiences covers strategies for engaging learners during Large Group time with shared control between adults and children. The session explores literacy development through engaging activities and fosters active learning experiences tailored to children with diverse needs.

Day 1 Session Evaluation: http://bit.ly/wildONE
Speakers
avatar for Annette Jackson

Annette Jackson

Instructional Support Teacher- Early Childhood Special Education, Northside ISD- ECSE
 
avatar for Lindsay Thurmond

Lindsay Thurmond

Instructional Support Teacher- Early Childhood Special Education, Northside ISD
Friday February 21, 2025 12:30pm - 1:45pm CST
Pecan
  Adapting, Literacy

12:30pm CST

The FAB 5 Bring Books Alive
Friday February 21, 2025 12:30pm - 1:45pm CST
Mesquite
Yes, we all are capable of reading- what we need is practice bringing the JOY and WONDER of books to LIFE!! The rewards of taking a children’s book readings up a notch (or 2  or 3 ) are educational, entertaining and exciting and develop a love of reading -resulting in SPARKS of pure JOY!! Miss Anastasia Joy of The Twig Book Shop shares her knowledge of 25 years of storytelling and 10,000+ storytimes in her Fab 5 storytelling techniques, practice bringing books to life with real children’s books.

Session Evaluation: http://bit.ly/wildONE
Speakers
avatar for Miss Anastasia

Miss Anastasia

Children's StoryTeller and Events, The Twig Bookshop
Miss Anastasia, The Twig Book Shop's resident & traveling storyteller, shares her love of wild and wacky storytime, books, & children. 2020 will be her 20th year storytelling here in San Antonio!
Friday February 21, 2025 12:30pm - 1:45pm CST
Mesquite
  Play, Literacy

12:30pm CST

Characters and Puppets as a MAGICAL Teaching Tool
Friday February 21, 2025 12:30pm - 1:45pm CST
Oak
Puppets and characters are the perfect tools for capturing the attention of pre-kindergartners and building their social-emotional, math, and even
writing skills. Come find the perfect puppet or character for teaching difficult concepts, creating strong home-school connections, and growing your children's language and communication skills.

Day 1 Session Evaluation: http://bit.ly/wildONE
Speakers
avatar for MaríaMercedes Champion

MaríaMercedes Champion

Pre-K Teacher, Alamo Heights Independent School District
¡Hola! My name is MaríaMercedes Champion, an early childhood teacher and consultant educated in Colombia, Spain and the USA, with over 19 years in the Pre-k classroom. I love creating songs, activities, and a playful rich language environment for my students. I am passionate about... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 12:30pm - 1:45pm CST
Oak
  Social Emotional Learning, Literacy

12:30pm CST

The Bare Necessities for Better Behavior and Better Days
Friday February 21, 2025 12:30pm - 1:45pm CST
Maple
The bare necessities for young children to thrive and show us their best selves include positive relationships, safe and loving environments, and being heard. This session will focus on wild and wonderful ways to provide the bare necessities for children throughout the day for more joy, stronger connections, and better behaviors for life.​

Day 1 Session Evaluation: http://bit.ly/wildONE
Speakers
avatar for Lisa Rogers

Lisa Rogers

Director, Educating Diverse Learners
I am proud to be a part of the educator tribe with many, many, I mean many years of experience in classrooms.  I find great joy in learning and growing together with students, teachers, teaching assistants, administrators, and parents!  So please talk to me about inclusive education... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 12:30pm - 1:45pm CST
Maple
  Social Emotional Learning

12:30pm CST

Symbolic Representation - Bring Writing Alive: Part 1 (Must attend Part 2, this is a 2 hour session with a break)
Friday February 21, 2025 12:30pm - 1:45pm CST
Pine
In this session we will cover the developmental stages of writing, the physical skills needed to support writing development, the development of symbolic representation and provide techniques on how to support the various skills and stages of development through play.

Day 1 Session Evaluation: http://bit.ly/wildONE
Speakers
avatar for Sarah Heinrich

Sarah Heinrich

Innovation Coordinator, PreK 4 SA
Sarah Heinrich is a steadfast advocate of inclusive education and interdisciplinary early learning, devoted to child development, neuroscience and the belief that society is better when we embrace our differences as a strength. With 20 years of experience teaching, coaching, and training... Read More →
TH

Tonya Hibbler-Theard

Pre-K 4SA Curriculum & Instruction Coordinator, PreK4SA
Meet Tonya Hibbler-Theard, a passionate early childhood curriculum and instruction coordinator with extensive experience in education. Tonya coaches educators and instructional specialists to implement research-based practices that create high-quality learning experiences for young... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 12:30pm - 1:45pm CST
Pine
  Writing

1:45pm CST

Snack and Visit our Vendors
Friday February 21, 2025 1:45pm - 2:00pm CST
Hickory, Laurel & Magnolia
Pick up one snack per person and peruse our vendors!
Friday February 21, 2025 1:45pm - 2:00pm CST
Hickory, Laurel & Magnolia
  Food

2:15pm CST

Literacy for Everyone: Building Inclusive Large Group Experiences: Part 2 (Must have attended Part 1 to attend)
Friday February 21, 2025 2:15pm - 3:30pm CST
Pecan
Literacy for Everyone: Building Inclusive Large Group Experiences covers strategies for engaging learners during Large Group time with shared control between adults and children. The session explores literacy development through engaging activities and fosters active learning experiences tailored to children with diverse needs.

Day 1 Session Evaluation: http://bit.ly/wildONE
Speakers
avatar for Annette Jackson

Annette Jackson

Instructional Support Teacher- Early Childhood Special Education, Northside ISD- ECSE
 
avatar for Lindsay Thurmond

Lindsay Thurmond

Instructional Support Teacher- Early Childhood Special Education, Northside ISD
Friday February 21, 2025 2:15pm - 3:30pm CST
Pecan
  Adapting, Literacy

2:15pm CST

Thriving Together: Creating Inclusive Early Childhood Environments for Children with Autism
Friday February 21, 2025 2:15pm - 3:30pm CST
Maple
Explore the unique challenges and strengths of children with Autism, and learn how to build a bright future for all children by creating an inclusive and effective learning environment.

Day 1 Session Evaluation: http://bit.ly/wildONE
Speakers
avatar for Oralia Lara-Vargas

Oralia Lara-Vargas

Director, Managing Specialized Instruction
I enjoy sharing my love of Special Education through professional development. The interaction is great and I always keep learning from my audience! Consulting is also a great way to share strategies to ensure that our wonderful students are successful!
Friday February 21, 2025 2:15pm - 3:30pm CST
Maple
  Adapting, Adapting

2:15pm CST

¡Cantando Aprendo: Habilidades Socioemocionales y académicas!
Friday February 21, 2025 2:15pm - 3:30pm CST
Oak
La música es una manera lúdica y divertida de aprender conceptos que a
veces son difíciles de enseñar. Esta sesión estará llena de canciones
que le ayudarán a tus estudiantes a expresar e identificar sus
sentimientos, a resolver problemas y a divertirse mientras aprenden
cantando.

Day 1 Session Evaluation: http://bit.ly/wildONE
Speakers
avatar for MaríaMercedes Champion

MaríaMercedes Champion

Pre-K Teacher, Alamo Heights Independent School District
¡Hola! My name is MaríaMercedes Champion, an early childhood teacher and consultant educated in Colombia, Spain and the USA, with over 19 years in the Pre-k classroom. I love creating songs, activities, and a playful rich language environment for my students. I am passionate about... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 2:15pm - 3:30pm CST
Oak
  Bilingual, Literacy

2:15pm CST

The FAB 5 Bring Books Alive
Friday February 21, 2025 2:15pm - 3:30pm CST
Mesquite
Yes, we all are capable of reading- what we need is practice bringing the JOY and WONDER of books to LIFE!! The rewards of taking a children’s book readings up a notch (or 2  or 3 ) are educational, entertaining and exciting and develop a love of reading -resulting in SPARKS of pure JOY!! Miss Anastasia Joy of The Twig Book Shop shares her knowledge of 25 years of storytelling and 10,000+ storytimes in her Fab 5 storytelling techniques, practice bringing books to life with real children’s books.
Speakers
avatar for Miss Anastasia

Miss Anastasia

Children's StoryTeller and Events, The Twig Bookshop
Miss Anastasia, The Twig Book Shop's resident & traveling storyteller, shares her love of wild and wacky storytime, books, & children. 2020 will be her 20th year storytelling here in San Antonio!
Friday February 21, 2025 2:15pm - 3:30pm CST
Mesquite
  Play, Literacy

2:15pm CST

Symbolic Representation - Bring Writing Alive: Part 2 (Must have attended Part 1 to attend)
Friday February 21, 2025 2:15pm - 3:30pm CST
Pine
In this session we will cover the developmental stages of writing, the physical skills needed to support writing development, the development of symbolic representation and provide techniques on how to support the various skills and stages of development through play.

Day 1 Session Evaluation: http://bit.ly/wildONE
Speakers
avatar for Sarah Heinrich

Sarah Heinrich

Innovation Coordinator, PreK 4 SA
Sarah Heinrich is a steadfast advocate of inclusive education and interdisciplinary early learning, devoted to child development, neuroscience and the belief that society is better when we embrace our differences as a strength. With 20 years of experience teaching, coaching, and training... Read More →
TH

Tonya Hibbler-Theard

Pre-K 4SA Curriculum & Instruction Coordinator, PreK4SA
Meet Tonya Hibbler-Theard, a passionate early childhood curriculum and instruction coordinator with extensive experience in education. Tonya coaches educators and instructional specialists to implement research-based practices that create high-quality learning experiences for young... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 2:15pm - 3:30pm CST
Pine
  Writing
 
Saturday, February 22
 

7:30am CST

Registration and Breakfasat
Saturday February 22, 2025 7:30am - 8:15am CST
Maple; Mesquite; Oak; Pecan
Welcome and closing marks will begin at 8:15 AM in Maple, Mesquite, Oak, and Pecan rooms. Information will be shared about 'Resource Give Aways' before keynote begins at 8:30 AM
Saturday February 22, 2025 7:30am - 8:15am CST
Maple; Mesquite; Oak; Pecan

8:15am CST

Permission to Play: Supporting Children in Self-Directed Play
Saturday February 22, 2025 8:15am - 9:30am CST
Maple; Mesquite; Oak; Pecan
Children have lost opportunities to explore and discover in the communities where they live for numerous, compounding reasons, but Early Learning professionals can compensate by providing flexible and inclusive ‘yes-environments,’ where curiosity, wonder, and problem-solving thrive.

You will leave this session with a deeper understanding of why all children need time and space to direct their own play, and how to design and implement spaces that provide this powerful path to neurological, social-emotional and physical growth.

You will also have time to play! And to reflect using concepts from playwork, a profession initially developed on adventure playgrounds in the United Kingdom, but now used in a wide range of contexts from schools and parks to children's hospitals. Playwork provides a unique set of tools for observing self-directed play, while better understanding when and how to jump in with supports, using “the lightest touch possible.”

Day 2 Session Evaluation: http://bit.ly/wildONE2
Speakers
avatar for Jill Wood

Jill Wood

Director, Bayou City Play
Jill Wood founded and manages Adventure Play, an outdoor, child-directed after-school program at The Parish School in Houston Texas, where she also serves as school librarian.  Established in 2008, Adventure Play is modeled after adventure playgrounds in the United Kingdom and uses the professional approach of playwork to... Read More →
Saturday February 22, 2025 8:15am - 9:30am CST
Maple; Mesquite; Oak; Pecan
  Keynote

9:30am CST

Large Resource Give Away (Sand and Water Tables and Tricycles)
Saturday February 22, 2025 9:30am - 9:45am CST
Maple; Mesquite; Oak; Pecan
Large resources will be given away!
Saturday February 22, 2025 9:30am - 9:45am CST
Maple; Mesquite; Oak; Pecan

9:45am CST

Break and Snack: Visit Our Vendors
Saturday February 22, 2025 9:45am - 10:15am CST
Hickory, Laurel & Magnolia
Saturday February 22, 2025 9:45am - 10:15am CST
Hickory, Laurel & Magnolia
  Food

10:15am CST

Tinkle, Tinkle, Little Stars! Potty Training Tips and Tricks
Saturday February 22, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am CST
Oak
Toilet training a child can be challenging for educators and caregivers. Children may have communication deficits, maladaptive behaviors, motor challenges, and sensory issues that interfere with toileting progress and independence. In this session, participants will learn about 1) toileting readiness signs, 2) the importance of data collection before, during, and after the process, and 3) strategies to help troubleshoot specific toileting issues and longstanding challenges. With patience and persistence, a successfully potty-trained child is just a flush away!

Day 2 Session Evaluation: http://bit.ly/wildONE2
Speakers
avatar for Anissa Moore

Anissa Moore

National Presenter, Anissa Moore Educational Consulting
Anissa Moore is a national speaker in the field of early childhood education, special education, and the science of motivation. A certified teacher, former district administrator, and Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA/LBA) with over 30 years of public school experience, Anissa... Read More →
Saturday February 22, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am CST
Oak

10:15am CST

Making Read Aloud's Active
Saturday February 22, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am CST
Pine
Research emphasizes the importance of exposing children to books and the positive outcomes of reading on a daily basis. Do your preschoolers struggle to participate and stay engaged during Read Alouds? When experiences are purposefully planned and contain all five ingredients of Active Learning students are more likely to participate, stay engaged and gain knowledge. This presentation will provide interactive, hands-on examples that participants can take away with them and easily implement.

Day 2 Session Evaluation: http://bit.ly/wildONE2
Speakers
LO

Laureen Owen

ECSE Program Coordinator, Northside ISD
Saturday February 22, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am CST
Pine
  Active Learning, Literacy

10:15am CST

Diverse Learners and Literacy: Engaging Early Learners Using a Multisensory Approach and AAC: Part 1 (Must attend Part 2, this is a 2 hour session with a break)
Saturday February 22, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am CST
Pecan
Participants will become familiar with ways AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) and Assistive Technology can support student access and participation in literacy development. Participants will identify ways in which they can provide a multisensory approach in order to build language and literacy skills.

Day 2 Session Evaluation: http://bit.ly/wildONE2
Speakers
LG

Laura Gomez

ECSE Instructional Support Teacher, Northside Independent School District
KN

Katelyn New

Instructional Support Teacher- Early Childhood Special Education, Northside ISD
I am currently an ECSE Instructional Support Teacher with Northside Independent School District (ISD) I grew up in a small town just north of Austin, Texas, and developed a passion for education at an early age.I graduated from Texas A&M University in College Station in 2006. Since... Read More →
Saturday February 22, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am CST
Pecan
  Adapting

10:15am CST

Empowering Every Voice: Strategies for Supporting Emergent Bilinguals in Inclusive Classrooms: Part 1 (Must attend Part 2, this is a 2 hour session with a break)
Saturday February 22, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am CST
Mesquite
Empowering Every Voice: Strategies for Supporting Emergent Bilinguals in Inclusive Classrooms aims to equip educators with effective techniques to foster an inclusive learning environment for students who are learning a second language. Participants will explore culturally responsive teaching practices, differentiation strategies, and collaborative learning approaches that cater to diverse linguistic backgrounds. The session will include hands-on learning, case studies, and discussions on leveraging students' native languages to enhance their academic engagement and language proficiency. Educators will leave with practical tools and strategies to support emergent bilinguals, ensuring that all students thrive in a supportive and inclusive classroom setting.
Speakers
VB

Violetta Barrientos

ECSE Dual Language Teacher, East Central ISD/ Salado Elementary
avatar for Rebeca Narvaez Espinoza

Rebeca Narvaez Espinoza

ECSE Dual Language Teacher, East Central ISD/ Salado Elementary
Saturday February 22, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am CST
Mesquite
  Adapting, Bilingual

10:15am CST

Out on a Limb: Risk and Conflict During Play
Saturday February 22, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am CST
Maple
Children have a drive towards novelty and will independently take on challenges when the environment is conducive to it. In play this can look like jumping from great heights, moving at a fast speed, getting lost, or doing most anything that is new and a bit scary. When play is child-directed, it will involve risk-taking. When play is child-directed in group settings it will involve conflict.

How do we as adults who work with children strike a balance between inviting risk-taking, both physical and emotional, and maintaining the overall safety of our environments? How do we support children and their caregivers through the bumps and bruises that accompany child-directed play? Jill will provide resources and tools to help you hold space for play that empowers.

Day 2 Session Evaluation: http://bit.ly/wildONE2
Speakers
avatar for Jill Wood

Jill Wood

Director, Bayou City Play
Jill Wood founded and manages Adventure Play, an outdoor, child-directed after-school program at The Parish School in Houston Texas, where she also serves as school librarian.  Established in 2008, Adventure Play is modeled after adventure playgrounds in the United Kingdom and uses the professional approach of playwork to... Read More →
Saturday February 22, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am CST
Maple
  Play

11:30am CST

Wild About Literacy! Interactive Books for Interactive Children
Saturday February 22, 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm CST
Oak
Early literacy skills are critical for a child’s educational success, for it lays the foundation for developing essential language skills such as vocabulary, comprehension, and phonological awareness. The research shows that reading to young children helps increase these skills, but what if you have a child that doesn’t show interest in books? The answer: get interactive! This breakout session will focus on activating and maintaining student interest by making stories more tangible, audible, and hands-on. Participants will walk away with simple yet effective strategies to enhance a child’s literacy through active participation, turn-taking, visual vocabulary, using props, and pre-teaching emotions and other abstract concepts.

Day 2 Session Evaluation: http://bit.ly/wildONE2
Speakers
avatar for Anissa Moore

Anissa Moore

National Presenter, Anissa Moore Educational Consulting
Anissa Moore is a national speaker in the field of early childhood education, special education, and the science of motivation. A certified teacher, former district administrator, and Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA/LBA) with over 30 years of public school experience, Anissa... Read More →
Saturday February 22, 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm CST
Oak

11:30am CST

Diverse Learners and Literacy: Engaging Early Learners Using a Multisensory Approach and AAC: Part 2 (Must have attended Part 1 to attend)
Saturday February 22, 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm CST
Pecan
Participants will become familiar with ways AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) and Assistive Technology can support student access and participation in literacy development. Participants will identify ways in which they can provide a multisensory approach in order to build language and literacy skills.

Day 2 Session Evaluation: http://bit.ly/wildONE2
Speakers
LG

Laura Gomez

ECSE Instructional Support Teacher, Northside Independent School District
KN

Katelyn New

Instructional Support Teacher- Early Childhood Special Education, Northside ISD
I am currently an ECSE Instructional Support Teacher with Northside Independent School District (ISD) I grew up in a small town just north of Austin, Texas, and developed a passion for education at an early age.I graduated from Texas A&M University in College Station in 2006. Since... Read More →
Saturday February 22, 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm CST
Pecan
  Adapting

11:30am CST

Empowering Every Voice: Strategies for Supporting Emergent Bilinguals in Inclusive Classrooms: Part 2 (Must have attended Part 1 to attend)
Saturday February 22, 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm CST
Mesquite
Empowering Every Voice: Strategies for Supporting Emergent Bilinguals in Inclusive Classrooms aims to equip educators with effective techniques to foster an inclusive learning environment for students who are learning a second language. Participants will explore culturally responsive teaching practices, differentiation strategies, and collaborative learning approaches that cater to diverse linguistic backgrounds. The session will include hands-on learning, case studies, and discussions on leveraging students' native languages to enhance their academic engagement and language proficiency. Educators will leave with practical tools and strategies to support emergent bilinguals, ensuring that all students thrive in a supportive and inclusive classroom setting.
Speakers
avatar for Rebeca Narvaez Espinoza

Rebeca Narvaez Espinoza

ECSE Dual Language Teacher, East Central ISD/ Salado Elementary
VB

Violetta Barrientos

ECSE Dual Language Teacher, East Central ISD/ Salado Elementary
Saturday February 22, 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm CST
Mesquite
  Adapting, Bilingual

11:30am CST

Champion Learning Through Play
Saturday February 22, 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm CST
Pine
Play is an engaging, developmentally appropriate approach to early childhood instruction. This session will show how developing play through play patterns will help guide student-led discovery and leverage our youngest learners toward standards-aligned learning. We will explore how SEL can be easily integrated with the school day using multi-modal activities and make learning through play fun!

Day 2 Session Evaluation: http://bit.ly/wildONE2
Speakers
avatar for Jennifer Burchfiel

Jennifer Burchfiel

Literacy and Math Specialist with Hand2Mind, Retired Educator - Hand2Mind
Jennifer Burchfiel has spent 35 years in education as a teacher, campus coach, both a Math and a Language Arts District Coordinator, and finally an Early Learning Instructional Strategy Director.  Jennifer was the recipient of the 2021 Texas Association for Literacy Educators (TALE... Read More →
Saturday February 22, 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm CST
Pine
  Play

11:30am CST

Out on a Limb: Risk and Conflict During Play
Saturday February 22, 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm CST
Maple
Children have a drive towards novelty and will independently take on challenges when the environment is conducive to it. In play this can look like jumping from great heights, moving at a fast speed, getting lost, or doing most anything that is new and a bit scary. When play is child-directed, it will involve risk-taking. When play is child-directed in group settings it will involve conflict.

How do we as adults who work with children strike a balance between inviting risk-taking, both physical and emotional, and maintaining the overall safety of our environments? How do we support children and their caregivers through the bumps and bruises that accompany child-directed play? Jill will provide resources and tools to help you hold space for play that empowers.

Day 2 Session Evaluation: http://bit.ly/wildONE2
Speakers
avatar for Jill Wood

Jill Wood

Director, Bayou City Play
Jill Wood founded and manages Adventure Play, an outdoor, child-directed after-school program at The Parish School in Houston Texas, where she also serves as school librarian.  Established in 2008, Adventure Play is modeled after adventure playgrounds in the United Kingdom and uses the professional approach of playwork to... Read More →
Saturday February 22, 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm CST
Maple
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