We are delighted to present a public conference on literacy, the first of a three-part series
Friday, April 20, 7:30-9:00 pm and Saturday, April 21, 8:15 am – 1:00 pm, 2012
At the Rudolf Steiner School of Ann Arbor, Lower School, 2775 Newport Rd
Link to Register Online
Registration is possible at the door, however enrollment in workshop sessions will be subject to availability.
Join us for this 2012 literacy conference focusing on joyful and effective methods of increasing phonemic awareness as a necessary foundation for reading. Learn how cultivating children’s sense of language with singing, movement and music has a direct correlation with the ability to read as they get older. Children live into these skills totally unaware they are developing important capacities needed for reading comprehension, for reading with understanding. They learn naturally and joyfully using the powerful tools of imagination and artistic activity that are the natural avenues of learning for young school children!
Our presenters include:
Linda Williams, Associate Professor of Education at Eastern Michigan University, former Director of WISM and former class teacher at the Detroit Waldorf School, will share her perspectives on “rhyming, rapping, recitation, and reading.”
Anna Rainville, Outstanding California Kindergarten Teacher of the Year 2002, former Waldorf class teacher and an expert on singing games.
WISM alumna Lorrie Heagy, Alaska Teacher of the Year for 2011, will speak about how public school violin lessons using the El-Sistema Method raised literacy rates in Juneau schools.
Tammi Brandon, Consultant with RLAC, Master Teacher with expertise in phonics and the involvement of multisensory pathways for learning.
Margot Amrine, current WISM Director and teacher of literacy skills to children from preschool to grade 12 since 1976.
Conference Schedule
Friday evening, April 20
Registration begins at 7:00 pm
7:30 to 9:00 pm Anna Rainville & Margot Amrine, How Rhythm and Rhyme are the Foundations of Reading. The importance of singing and movement in developing the young child’s phonemic awareness, reflections on the history of reading, challenges today’s children face and a chance to practice traditional singing games.
Saturday, April 21
Doors open at 8:15 am, please join us for coffee, snacks and conversation
8:45 to 10:00 am – Linda Williams, What is More Precious Than Gold? The Role of Oral Language in Literacy Development. During this talk, Dr. Williams will talk about current research on how oral language is the foundation for all literacy development. She will share some ideas for teachers, parents, and all caregivers of children to help develop, deepen and extend oral language through various registers.
10:00 to 11:15 am – Lorrie Heagy, Why Violin Lessons Raise Reading Test Scores. Using the Venezuelan method, El-Sistema violin instruction in her public school in Juneau, Alaska to teach more than music.
11:15 to 11:45 am Snack Break
11:45 to 1:00 pm – Participants will choose one workshop
Option 1: Rhymin’, Rappin, Recitin’ with Linda Williams. Dr.Williams will share some ideas for recitation and movement that take into account the genres of rap and hip-hop. Be prepared to lay down some beats!
Option 2: Nursery Rhymes and Singing Games with Anna Rainville. Examples of singing games for all ages and every season of the year.
Option 3: El-Sistema Violin Instruction and Program Development with Lorrie Heagy. How to set up a classroom program, who will benefit and why. Tools to find the necessary support to sustain the program amid school budget limitations.
Option 4: Benefits of Orton-Gillingham Approach to Phonics with Tammi Brandon. Multi-sensory, sequential, structured.
Conference Cost: $50.00
(WISM students and faculty/staff of the Rudolf Steiner School of Ann Arbor, Oakland Steiner School and Detroit Waldorf School, may attend for no additional tuition as part of the WISM arrangements with your school)
For Information and to Register:
Call us at 734 635-4143
Email: info@waldorfsemi.org or use the contact us link
