*Registration Opens September 5, 2017 at 10:00 am!*
Manitoba Association of Multi-age Educators is proud to present MTS PD DAY 2017:
Branching Out and Growing Strong!
Victor H.L. Wyatt School, 485 Meadowood Drive, Winnipeg, MB. R2M 5C1
Friday, October 20, 2017
Program: 8:00 – 9:00 Coffee/Conference Package Pick-Up/Registration/ Publishers Displays
9:00- 11:30 AM Sessions (Break Included; time at presenters’ discretion)
11:30-1:00 Lunch and Displays
1:00-3:30 PM Sessions (Break included; time at presenters’ discretion)
MA-100 Sessions (Morning Sessions)
MA-101 Cultivating Educators’ Wellbeing, Resilience and Compassion – K-6
Dr. Wayne Serebrin, University of Manitoba
The morning workshop will introduce elementary-school educators to the concepts of “mindful self-compassion/compassion,” and support them in developing a felt-sense of these concepts through participation in informal and formal practices. The morning workshop will invite educators to explore (with curiosity, kindness and non-judgment): their “compassionate voice” versus their “self-critical voice”; their responses to difficult emotions (including caregiver fatigue) and to challenging relationships; and their cultivation of personal/professional happiness.
MA-102 Yoga in the Classroom
Della Takeuchi, Louis Riel School Division
Yoga practiced in the classroom can provide an avenue that promotes positive self-esteem, a healthy body, and a calm and confident mind in children. This workshop will introduce you to the fundamentals of yoga practice and how it can be applied in a variety of ways throughout the teaching day. You will learn various exercises that help to increase flexibility, develop balance, build strength and increase body and mind awareness through breathing and movement. Learn how poses can be incorporated into fun sequences and cooperative games with the support of music, visual cards and children’s literature. Participants will need a yoga mat and should wear comfortable clothing.
MA-103 Let’s Get Moving! Ways to Increase Activity in the Classroom and Around Your School (K-8)
Tracie Decker and Diane Nichols, Louis Riel School Division
This session will look at research-based reasons as to why it is important to increase activity throughout the school day. We will provide numerous examples of how to do so in the classroom and around the school, and we will end with a group discussion about what schools currently do to increase activity. The focus is on early years but it can easily be used with middle years.
MA-104 “Robots, Coding and Green Screens” (Or, Why Collaborating with a Teacher-Librarian is Awesome)
Mike Heilmann and Kevin Osachuk, Louis Riel School Division
Teacher-Librarians Mike Heilmann and Kevin Osachuk offer a session that will demonstrate how easy it is to use some highly-engaging technologies;
- Creating Green Screen videos with TouchCast
- Try “coding” by accessing the “Hour of Code” online block-coding tutorials and apply the learning to robots in your classroom.
Participants are encourage to come with an iPad and/or laptop if they have one, but will have opportunities for hands-on learning with iPads and robots provided by the presenters.
MA-105 Facts, Fluency and Fun! Grade 1/2
Amber Duff and Holly Armstrong, Louis Riel School Division
Holly and Amber will be presenting suggestions and teaching methods for building mathematical understanding of math facts in grade 1/2. The focus will be on building computational fluency in addition and subtraction through the use of manipulatives, iPads, games and math centers. The presentation will address current research and practical application in the classroom.
MA-106 Using Drama in the K-8 Classroom 2: Connecting to Diverse Learners
Kent Suss, Manitoba Theatre for Young People
Educators generally recognize that drama is a unique and valuable subject, but besides being a gateway to literature and an art form in itself, drama is also a method. It is a way of learning, relating, and remembering. Drama is also intrinsically fun and interesting, and can be used as a teaching and learning tool across the curriculum. History and literature are an easy fit, but there are also surprising connections to math and science. Drama can help you create a diversity of learning opportunities that respect individual differences. We will explore different learning styles with an emphasis on kinesthetic (physical) learning and communication. There are lots of kids who excel at sports or dance, or just want to be on the move, but who hate to sit still when they’re in your classroom. Drama is a way to get your class on its feet, having more fun while showing their learning.
MA-107 Wildlife Investigation: Tracking for Teachers
Barret Miller, FortWhyte Alive
What animal left those tracks? Who put prints on your pavement? What way did that rabbit run? Learn a few hands-on fundamentals of tracking to share with your students. Come away with games and lessons ready to enrich any outdoor experience!
MA-108 ART JOURNALS: The ART of Creative Good Habits
Glenna Evans Mulvihill, GEM Art
Take away a variety of 15-minute art activities with several mediums that promote risk-taking, independent thinking, fine motor skills and abstract thinking while engaging descriptive language of art. Learn HOW to use a cross-curricular integrated art journal with meaning and the purpose of Process vs. Mistakes. Learn the importance to promote these creative habits regardless of ability or age, and the reasoning for giving students the gift of facilitated creative time. GEM is an experienced multi-age educator & professional artist.
MA-109 How to Use Furniture as a Learning Tool
Russell Evans, Accent Furniture
We will be exploring how to use furniture as a teaching and learning tool. Research shows us that the environment greatly impacts the many types of learners in every classroom. Learn how to use existing supports to create an environment which is both engaging and inclusive.
MA-110 Making Sense of Mindfulness
Keith MacPherson, Life Coach, Yoga Instructor, Wellness Expert
In this dynamic workshop, Keith demystifies the meaning and practice of mindfulness and offers concrete and practical tools and strategies to apply mindfulness to one’s everyday life. One can expect to gain a deeper awareness into how to de-stress, reclaim a proper work-life balance and live the life they are imagining through Keith’s five step framework towards a more mindful and fulfilling life. Keith integrates music, movement and group interaction into his presentations to ensure a dynamic learning environment that will support the projected outcomes and assist the participants in experiencing personal growth.
MA-111 Using Assessment to Target Effective Reading and Writing Instruction (all grades)
Christine van de Vijsel, Jeanne Remillard, Valdine Bjornson, Reading Clinicians and members of the Dyslexia Champions of Manitoba
Using the response to intervention (RTI) model, presenters will outline an assessment approach to target instruction. Our goal is to help educators in all capacities – classroom teachers and specialists, to identify students who require specific Tier 2 or 3 intervention. A model for screening and progress monitoring for those who struggle with reading and writing will be provided. The presentation is based upon current practice in a Manitoba public school division.
MA-112 The Power of Project Based Learning
Lisa Albrecht and Thaddeus Bourassa, Louis Riel School Division
Before teaching in Propel, a Project Based Learning program at Nelson McIntyre Collegiate, both Thaddeus and Lisa used components of PBL across the curriculum. As a proven pedagogical model at both the elementary and high school levels, PBL is very effective when the key components are incorporated. PBL provides limitless opportunities for technology integration through both teacher-directed lessons and student projects. The presentation will include the basic components of PBL along with handouts to start your first project. Bring a digital device and be ready to work through some example inquiry questions. The presentation will leave you with a basic understanding of Project Based Learning as a model, tips on how to get started, and how to integrate technology.
MA – 113 Creating in the Classroom Using Technology
Leah Obach, Park West School Division
Support learners in using technology to create, rather than just “consume”. Engage learners in publishing books, filming videos and coding characters with these ideas for creating in the classroom. Explore tools to share your students’ work with a real audience and connect your classroom to the world. Bring a device to explore resources and tools for creating in your classroom.
MA-114 Responding to Stress Behaviour
Krista Labossiere, Louis Riel School Division
We will explore a different way to think about students’ (mis)behavior; looking at the behavior as a child’s response to stress or trauma. We will discuss ways to respond to behavior and create caring, trauma-sensitive classrooms.
MA-115 No Stone Unturned: Alternative Reading and Writing Strategies for Students with Complex Communication Needs for Students K- Age 21
Nancy Clarke Shippam, Winnipeg School Division
Do you have a student with complex communication needs for whom “traditional” reading and writing programs are just not working? Join this session as we delve into TWO fun and effective strategies that can promote early literacy skills! For reading, we will explore the Accessible Literacy Learning program and for writing, we will try our hand at using alternative pencils. Both non-tech and tech options will be shared. During this workshop, participants will have the opportunity to practice the reading and writing strategies presented. The workshop will end with a make-and-take that can help you get started with your student(s) right away!
MA – 116 Integrating Art in the Early Years Classroom (K-4)
Brynne Takeuchi, Louis Riel School Division
Come learn explore new ways to incorporate art into lessons and activities! A variety of art projects using different mediums and inspired by different subject areas will be shared. You will get an opportunity to make samples to take back to your classrooms and be given quick art inspired activities you can try with your students the very next day. Please bring a USB if you are interested in a copy of the presentation.
*This session will feature similar content from MTS Day 2016*
MA – 117 – Inclusive Education and the Multi-age Classroom (K-8)
Joanna Blais, Consultant
Manitoba has a long history of an inclusive public school system. As we continue this journey we need to take the opportunity to move towards a more strength-based approach to planning and programming for inclusive education. This session will review the history of inclusion and move toward a frank conversation about beliefs and how they shape our practice, how we talk about students and how we plan for students who have additional needs. It’s better to plan for success. Participants will also have an opportunity to explore communication strategies that build learning-focused relationships with parents and colleagues.
MA-200 Sessions (Afternoon Sessions)
MA-201 Educating Mindful, Compassionate Children (grades K-6)
Dr. Wayne Serebrin, University of Manitoba
This afternoon workshop will build on and extend the conceptual foundations and experiential practices developed in the morning workshop (focused on educators themselves). But, in the afternoon workshop the focus will be on developing a pedagogical framework and mindful, compassionate practices with elementary-aged children. In this “minds-on/hearts-on/hands-on” workshop, educators will explore the cultivation of awareness, gratitude, joy (in sometimes difficult times), integrity, kindness and caring through integrated and justice-oriented practices in the classroom.
MA-202 Yoga in the Classroom
Della Takeuchi, Louis Riel School Division
Yoga practiced in the classroom can provide an avenue that promotes positive self-esteem, a healthy body, and a calm and confident mind in children. This workshop will introduce you to the fundamentals of yoga practice and how it can be applied in a variety of ways throughout the teaching day. You will learn various exercises that help to increase flexibility, develop balance, build strength and increase body and mind awareness through breathing and movement. Learn how poses can be incorporated into fun sequences and cooperative games with the support of music, visual cards and children’s literature. Participants will need a yoga mat and should wear comfortable clothing.
MA-203 Let’s Get Moving! Ways to Increase Activity in the Classroom and Around Your School (K-8)
Tracie Decker and Diane Nichols, Louis Riel School Division
This session will look at research-based reasons as to why it is important to increase activity throughout the school day. We will provide numerous examples of how to do so in the classroom and around the school, and we will end with a group discussion about what schools currently do to increase activity. The focus is on early years but it can easily be used with middle years.
MA-204 “Robots, Coding and Green Screens” (Or, Why Collaborating with a Teacher-Librarian is Awesome)
Mike Heilmann and Kevin Osachuk, Louis Riel School Division
Teacher-Librarians Mike Heilmann and Kevin Osachuk offer a session that will demonstrate how easy it is to use some highly-engaging technologies;
- Creating Green Screen videos with TouchCast
- Try “coding” by accessing the “Hour of Code” online block-coding tutorials and apply the learning to robots in your classroom.
Participants are encourage to come with an iPad and/or laptop if they have one, but will have opportunities for hands-on learning with iPads and robots provided by the presenters.
MA-205 Facts, Fluency and Fun! Grade 1/2
Amber Duff and Holly Armstrong, Louis Riel School Division
Holly and Amber will be presenting suggestions and teaching methods for building mathematical understanding of math facts in grade 1/2. The focus will be on building computational fluency in addition and subtraction through the use of manipulatives, iPads, games and math centers. The presentation will address current research and practical application in the classroom.
MA-206 Using Drama in the K-8 Classroom 1: Building a Culture of Community through Drama
Kent Suss, Theatre School Director at Manitoba Theatre for Young People
Drama can serve multiple purposes in the classroom. Even if you haven’t acted professionally or majored in theatre at university, you can use the practice of drama in your classroom to encourage self-expression, build personal confidence, establish trust, learn about one another, and create a positive classroom culture. This workshop takes participants through foundational and fun drama games that can be played with any age, to exercises in improvisation and creative play that introduce theatre skills in a manner that is low-risk and high-reward. These games and approaches can transform your classroom atmosphere and enhance your students’ learning of any subject.
MA-207 Weather or Not: Practical Safety and Skills
Barret Miller, FortWhyte Alive
This session will better inform you about severe Manitoba weather and give practical tips on preparing yourself and your students for cold, wind, precipitation, sun, and heat. Learn to read between the lines of formal forecasts, do your own forecasting, and to take these skills back to your students. “Weather” or not you teach weather – the forecast is for fun!
MA-208 The Feldman Approach to Art Appreciation & Critical Analysis
Glenna Evans Mulvihill, GEM Art
Interactive & applicable for any age group and ability, including ESL, this process is great for integrating cross-curricular & collaborative group experiences. The Feldman Approach is a highly specific method for engaging art observation, sharing opinions, breakdown of visual information & meaningful reproduction. GEM is an experienced multi-age educator & professional artist.
MA-209 How to Use Furniture as a Learning Tool
Russell Evans, Accent Furniture
We will be exploring how to use furniture as a teaching and learning tool. Research shows us that the environment greatly impacts the many types of learners in every classroom. Learn how to use existing supports to create an environment, which is both engaging and inclusive.
MA-210 Making Sense of Mindfulness
Keith MacPherson, Life Coach, Yoga Instructor, Wellness Expert
In this dynamic workshop, Keith demystifies the meaning and practice of mindfulness and offers concrete and practical tools and strategies to apply mindfulness to one’s everyday life. One can expect to gain a deeper awareness into how to de-stress, reclaim a proper work-life balance and live the life they are imagining through Keith’s five step framework towards a more mindful and fulfilling life. Keith integrates music, movement and group interaction into his presentations to ensure a dynamic learning environment that will support the projected outcomes and assist the participants in experiencing personal growth.
MA-211 Appropriate Intervention Approaches for Developing and Poor Readers/Writers (all grades)
Christine van de Vijsel, Jeanne Remillard and Valdine Bjornson, Reading Clinicians and members of the Dyslexia Champions of Manitoba
As an advocacy group for parents and professionals, The Dyslexia Champions of Manitoba Inc. has as its goals:
- to raise awareness of dyslexia
- to promote and provide teacher training.
Each presenter has had Orton-Gillingham accredited training and intense, supervised practice. As such, we are advocates for Orton-Gillingham as it is based upon a multisensory, direct and diagnostic instructional approach. Orton Gillingham utilizes applied linguistics and systematic phonics, which is diagnostic, sequential, incremental and cumulative. The instructional approach is intended to facilitate learning with persons who have difficulty with reading, spelling, and writing of the sort associated with dyslexia. The Orton-Gillingham Approach can be used effectively with whole class, small group and/or as 1:1 intervention. It is properly understood and practiced as an approach, not a method, program, system or technique. In the hands of a well-trained and experienced instructor, it is a powerful tool of exceptional breadth, depth, and flexibility. Presenters will include information about practical resources and activities for classroom and special education teachers as well as literacy specialists.
MA -212 – Making French Class A Meaningful and Routine Part of Our Day
Carole Bonin, French Consultant with the Manitoba Department of Education
Participants will discover literacy-based routines and strategies that allow French language learning to become a meaningful part of the school day. In addition, participants will identify opportunities that allow students and teacher to hear and use French throughout the day by making connections with other curricular areas.
MA-214 Indigenous Literature for Early Learners (K-6)
David A. Robertson, Author
How can we most effectively teach youth about important Indigenous topics including culture and history? David A. Robertson’s book has been used in classrooms from K-12 and most recently he has concentrated on writing books for young learners on Indigenous peoples, culture and history. This session will outline the need to teach youth about difficult subjects like the Residential School System, and how children’s literature and comics can be incredible tools for doing this.
MA – 216 Integrating Art in the Early Years Classroom (K-4)
Brynne Takeuchi, Louis Riel School Division
Come learn explore new ways to incorporate art into lessons and activities! A variety of art projects using different mediums and inspired by different subject areas will be shared. You will get an opportunity to make samples to take back to your classrooms and be given quick art inspired activities you can try with your students the very next day. Please bring a USB if you are interested in a copy of the presentation.
*This session will feature similar content from MTS Day 2016*
MA – 217 – Inclusive Education and the Multi-age Classroom (K-8)
Joanna Blais, Consultant
Manitoba has a long history of an inclusive public school system. As we continue this journey we need to take the opportunity to move towards a more strength-based approach to planning and programming for inclusive education. This session will review the history of inclusion and move toward a frank conversation about beliefs and how they shape our practice, how we talk about students and how we plan for students who have additional needs. It’s better to plan for success. Participants will also have an opportunity to explore communication strategies that build learning-focused relationships with parents and colleagues.
MA 300 Full Day Sessions
MA-301 Still Loving Math Stations (grades 2-6)
Lynn White, Student Support Teacher, Kelowna, BC
This all day sessions will focus on introducing the structure of Daily Math Stations to your students, the use of math journals to teach and reinforce students understanding of math competencies and explore many different math games used in a stations based approach. Participants will have the opportunity to develop several math games to take back to their classrooms. You will leave this session with many different resources and ideas to engage your students in differentiated math. Games will focus on Grades 2-6. Lynn will also share a link to her newly developed math website that is currently being used by teachers in the Central Okanagan School District as a support for math station implementation.
MA-302 Unpacking the Suitcase: Deepening Student Understanding of Remembrance Day (gr. 4-8)
Linda Tait and Tamara MacLellan, Sunrise School Division
Linda Tait is a K-5 Art and Talent Development Teacher and Tamara MacLellan is a K-5 Music Teacher. Both presenters work at École Beausejour Early Years School and frequently collaborate on projects, which integrate the arts into subject area learning. They have used The Suitcase Project in designing their school Remembrance Day Service.
Join us as we unpack our Remembrance Day suitcase of wartime artifacts, books and photographs. In this multi-disciplinary and hands-on approach, participants will activate their learning and acquire skills in literacy, music, drama and movement. The goal of this session is to experience a deepened engagement and understanding that may be applied to student learning and Remembrance Day in your own school.
Conferences and Membership Fees
Members will receive our newsletters, participate in social events, have access to professional development funds, and will receive advance information and competitive rates at workshops and activities throughout the year.
Registration for this conference can be completed through EventBright, which can be accessed from our website (listed below) or by clicking here. Register by September 30th, 2016 to be eligible for the early bird prize of a $40 registration rebate at the 2016 conference. Hurry! Spaces are limited in sessions.
Conference Registrations Costs:
MAME member – full day…$80.00
MAME member – ½ day…$40.00
Student member – full day. $80.00
Student member – ½ day…$40.00
*Membership to MAME is included in Registration Costs.
MAME Membership Feels without Conference Registration:
Full……………………………$20
Student………………………$20
Other Information:
Parking is limited but will be available on the street, at St. Vital Arena, and at St. Emile School. Please consider car-pooling or taking the bus. Please bring your own water bottle for water.
Please visit our website at http://multiagemanitoba.org for questions or to find the link for registration.
As a special treat, we have an on-site option for purchasing food! We will have two local food trucks stopping by and a room dedicated for packed lunches. We strongly suggest bringing a picnic blanket if the weather co-operates for a lovely hot lunch on the grass.
