Early Childhood Parenting Webinars
For parents of typically developing children
0-8 years old
06:00 PM- 07:00 PM
Supporting brain development and executive function through play (in English)
Expert: Christine Snyder, Early Childhood educator, Author, Director, University of Michigan Health System Children’s Center, USA
A significant amount of brain development occurs early and is necessary for the development of executive function skills. This session includes playful ways to support brain development and executive function skills for future success.
05:00 PM - 06:00 PM
Printmaking from Home (in English)
Expert: Samantha Hansen, Visual Artist, New York, USA
In this webinar children will explore the magic of printmaking. Printmaking is the process of transferring an image from a matrix onto another surface and is traditionally done by woodcut, etching, engraving, and lithography. Children will learn how to make their own hand pressed prints from everyday objects they find in their homes. They will combine different patterns and textures to create completely unique works of art!
Parents your role in this project will be to help children pick which objects they would like to make prints and patterns out of!
Handout:
Printmaking Activity for parents after webinar: Printmakers Stamp Wheel!
05:00 PM - 06:00 PM
Fathers and babies: Getting to know each other (in English)
Expert: Dr. Joanna Hawthorne, Psychologist, former Director of Brazelton Centre UK, Master Trainer, NBO and NBAS, USA
Babies love being with their families. During pregnancy, the baby can hear the voices of their family around them, and after birth will recognize those voices. Research has shown how much fathers enjoy face to face conversations with their newborn babies. These conversations can be very helpful for the developing father – baby relationship. In the UK, a study showed that 84% of health visitors are using the Newborn Behavioral Observations (NBO) with both fathers and mothers when the baby is 2 weeks old. In this webinar, we will discuss cultural differences, as well as father’s wellbeing in the perinatal period.
Handout for parents: In the handout for this webinar, there will be a short summary of why it’s important to understand the needs of babies and fathers in the first 3 months. There will also be suggestions on ways fathers can play with their babies in these early days, so that fathers and babies gain mutual enjoyment from each other.
06:00 PM - 07:00 PM
Stop Motion Animation Stories: Finalizing our films! (in English)
Expert: Bridget Johnson, New York, USA
In this class we will go over the movie production process (idea, writing, pre-production, production, post-production, distribution) and talk about the journey we went through together. Lastly we will learn about animating with our bodies: pixelation. We will leave a lot of room in this class for answering questions about finalizing the films.
Materials needed: Animation station
Learning goal: Children will understand the movie production process and be able to define the 6 steps. Children will be empowered and excited to finish their films at home and make even more!
Role of parents: Parents should act as the “producer” for these films. It is a producer’s job to keep the production moving and on track with the story. Parents should also help with the more technical aspects such as adding audio and editing.
Handout: Putting it all together. Time to make your stop motion animation! Then send it to us; We will edit them all together and send out so everyone can watch!
07:30 PM - 08:30 PM
Is my baby ok? – Understanding your baby’s early development (in English)
Expert: Yvette Blanchard, PT, ScD, PCS Pediatric Physical Therapist, Professor of Physical Therapy, Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Connecticut, USA
Becoming a parent often includes worries about your baby’s development. Maybe the pregnancy or the delivery was difficult or maybe your baby had an event during or after birth that leads you to worry about the future. While no one has a crystal ball to predict your baby’s future, observing your baby’s early developmental skills will help you understand if he/she is meeting his developmental milestones. Missing one or two early skills is not cause for alarm, as every baby develops differently but if he/she is missing multiple skills or not showing the expected progress over time, you will know when to talk to your baby’s pediatrician and access early intervention services to help you support your baby’s development.
This talk will review early developmental skills of very young infant that you can observe at home to help him reach his optimal potential.
Handout: The handout will provide resources and practical guidance on early milestones in infant development to help parents determine whether their baby is doing what is expected of infants between the ages of 0-6 months of age. A parent would then be able to discuss with a pediatrician their concerns if the baby shows difficulty in attaining the early milestones described.
06:00 PM- 07:00 PM
Responding to Power Struggles with Toddlers (in English)
Expert: Christine Snyder, Early Childhood educator, Author, Director, University of Michigan Health System Children’s Center, USA
Young children are developing their communication skills as well as their independence and autonomy. This session helps adult find ways to foster independence in productive ways and minimize power struggles by acknowledging feelings, giving children clear limits, and opportunities to exert their power through acceptable choices.
06:00 PM - 07:00 PM
Talent in you child ( in Arabic )
Expert: Eman Gaad, Dean of the Faculty of Education, Professor of Special and Inclusive Education, British University in Dubai (BUiD), UAE
The session is designed to support parents to understand what is Talent and giftedness (G/T). What are the main signs and symptoms of G/T that they should look for and how to handle it. Some practical tips that support developing such talents in children will be offered.
05:00 PM - 06:00 PM
Stop Motion Animation Stories: Sets, Puppets, and Props! (in English)
Expert: Bridget Johnson, New York, USA
In this class we will learn how to make sets, props, and puppets for your film!
We will talk about what these terms mean. We will learn best practices and tips for creating a moveable character. We will also discuss and brainstorm different kinds of materials we can use. Children will create a simple puppet and practice simple animations with it.
Materials needed:
- Paper
- Scissors
- Writing utensil
- Any art making material you have (string, buttons, paint, markers, cotton balls, anything!)
- Your animation stations
Learning goal: Children will be able to create their own puppets, sets, and props with materials they find at home.
Role of parents: Parents should help children find materials to create their sets, puppets, and props with. They should support them in creating their materials.
05:00 PM- 06:00 PM
Life changes after baby arrives (in English)
Expert: Aditi Subramaniam, Infant & Early Childhood Mental Health Clinical Mentor, Massachusetts Association for Infant Mental Health, USA
Congratulations! to you and your family as your little one has arrived.
Transitioning to parenthood brings with it joy, tiredness, confusion, love, happiness and so many more feelings. Parenting your baby includes not only the primary caregivers (parents) but also the ‘village’ including grandparents, extended family and community to provide support for the baby and new parents. This talk is for you as new parents and other caregivers who help take care of your baby. We will look together at the emotional aspects of becoming a parent, a mother and a father. We will also look together at how your baby brings their own competencies and personality into the world that can also contribute to the earliest experiences of parenting and bonding. This talk will also create space for some of the challenges that we might feel as parents in this transition to parenthood. You will have the chance to be with other parents during this talk who are also wondering the same things about their babies, and together we will all create space to learn together from each other the journey of transitioning into parenthood.
06:00 PM- 07:00 PM
Supporting Emotions Through Play (in English)
Expert: Christine Snyder, Early Childhood educator, Author, Director, University of Michigan Health System Children’s Center, USA
Children naturally experience a wide range of emotions but have limited ability to communicate and manage big feelings. This session will build adult understanding of typical behaviors, appropriate adult responses, and strategies for helping children develop emotional regulation.
05:00 PM - 06:00 PM
Everyday screen-free play the easy way with Can-Do Child® (in English)
Expert: Lorraine Allman, Founder & CEO, Writer, Educator & International Consultant, Can-Do Child, UK
Whether during a lockdown or school holidays, it’s important to find a way to balance children’s screen-time with other activities, but finding screen-free ideas they will enjoy can be a challenge. Join Lorraine, author of ‘A Parent’s Guide to Easy, Screen-Free Activities Children Will Love’ to discover screen-free play ideas you can use straight away. Encourage your child’s imaginative and creative skills with activities such as ‘Box the Dots’ and ‘How Many Hands?’. Be inspired by how quick and easy the activities can be set up using everyday materials and objects from around the home, plus learn how to spot learning opportunities in everyday situations. There will also be an opportunity to ask questions to the presenter.
Handouts for parents:
- Get Smart with Screen Time Top Tips
- ‘Pick a Story’ Cards
- 10 easy screen-free activities children will love
05:00 PM - 06:00 PM
Stop Motion Animation Stories: Story Writing (in English)
Expert: Bridget Johnson, New York, USA
In this class we will apply everything we learned about stop motion to create our own stories. First we will watch a very short film and talk about what choices the filmmaker makes to convey the story. We will go through the story writing process, taking into account the limitations of materials and time. Then we will do some story writing activities together.
Materials needed: Paper – Writing utensils
Learning goal: At the end of this class, children and parents will understand the basics of story writing for an animation and be able to create their own story.
Role of parents: Parents should be the ones reigning in children’s ideas. They should be aware of available materials and how much time you have available and direct the child accordingly.
05:00 PM - 06:00 PM
Your Baby's Growth From Conception to Birth (in English)
Expert: Beril Bayrak Bulucu, Pediatrician specializing in infant mental health, NBO trainer, clinical and refective mentor, Lowell Community Health Center, Boston, USA
Whether you are a prospective parent, grandparent, caretaker, educator or someone curious about babies, I would like to invite you to embark on a journey with me as we explore babies growth from conception to birth.
- What have learnt about this incredible process in the last decades?
- How do babies emerging capacities make it possible for them to sense the world and connect to parents?
- How does the baby also grow in the parents mind, emotions, imagination?
- How about the larger family, and community?
- Could all these questions help us to hear the unique voice of your baby and figure out who she/he really is?
Let’s wonder together.
06:00 PM - 07:00 PM
Active listening and the art of dialogue with children (in Arabic)
Expert: Manal Sedar, Ph.D. in Educational Psychology, Director, Arabian Child, UAE
The description of the webinar will be available soon.
06:00 PM- 07:00 PM
Talking to Children about the Pandemic (in English)
Expert: Christine Snyder, Early Childhood educator, Author, Director, University of Michigan Health System Children’s Center, USA
This session focuses on using language and concepts children understand, acknowledging children’s feelings, creating simple opportunities for stability and control, distinguishing between adult needs and child needs.
05:00 PM- 06:00 PM
Sibling Rivalry & Fighting (in Arabic)
Expert: Tanya El Achkar Fakhoury, Parental Coach and creator of the Paradigm for Peaceful Parenting Online Programme
10:00 AM- 11:00 AM
Artists At Home: Can I Do More Than Just Hang It On the Fridge? (in English)
Expert: Ian Brown , Professor, Honorary, University of Wollongong, NSW Australia
The final parent Webinar will look at the importance of space and display using Reggio Emilia inspired principles to create areas in your home for your child to continue their creative journey. Again using an artist to inspire the creative activity instructions will be provided to undertake a fun and playful art experience to get great results. Simple find at home resources will be used.
The final upload for the Voices of Children Project will culminate in a display of images relating to what makes your child special or different.
The theme will be “What makes me Me in…” (wherever they live!)
Can I Do More Than Just Hang It On the Fridge?
Art inspired by artists:
a. Mondrian
05:00 PM - 06:00 PM
Active Number and Word Play (in English)
Expert: Lorraine Allman, Founder & CEO, Writer, Educator & International Consultant, Can-Do Child, UK
Words and numbers are all around us, and this session will show you just how easy it is to get your child learning and developing their literacy and numeracy skills through active play. From ‘Spot the Dots’ to ‘Star Reader’ discover the joy of learning words and numbers with your child. There will also be an opportunity to ask questions to the presenter.
If you want to try some of the activities in real-time, you may need: a small selection of your child’s favourite toys which will fit in a bag
Handouts for parents:
- Star Reader printout – this can be edited to suit your child’s interests and age(s)
- Spot the Dots template (editable according to child’s age and ability)
- Scenario sequencing cards
05:00 PM - 06:00 PM
Stop Motion Animation Stories: Introduction to Stop Motion Animation at Home (in English)
Expert: Bridget Johnson, New York, USA
Stop Motion Animation Stories: At the end of the 4 webinars children and parents will have the tools and materials to create a complete short film using stop motion animation.
We will screen professional short animations, learn animation techniques, create stories, and make sets, puppets, and props. We will also learn how to use materials at home to create the perfect stop motion animation set up! Introduction to Stop Motion Animation at Home In our introductory class we learn what stop motion is and how it can be a positive form of expression. We will learn the basics of stop motion and a few easy techniques for making beautiful animations from your own home. We will watch some examples of stop motion animation from the pros. During the last part of class we will try out a simple animation with our phones!
Materials needed:
- Smart device (phone or tablet)
- Download the app: Stop Motion Studio. The free version is fine!
- 2 stacks of books OR a phone/tablet stand. If you are using books, also grab 2 rulers – Small objects to animate!
- Pom poms, button, coins, rocks, leafs, anything that is smaller than your hand
Learning goal: At the end of this class, children and parents will understand the basics of animation and be able to create a short animation with a phone.
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
How do I respond to my child's questions about life and death (in Arabic)
Expert: Manal Sedar, Ph.D. in Educational Psychology, Director, Arabian Child, UAE
The description of the webinar will be available soon.
05:00 PM- 06:00 PM
Your Baby is Speaking to You - Communicating with your baby (in English)
Expert: Jayne Singer, Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Clinical Mentor, Clinical Psychologist Director, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, USA
Congratulations! If you are interested in this talk, you might be expecting or have just had a baby!
This is such an exciting time for you and your family, yet it can also be puzzling and tiring. Please know that your baby is your partner to help you figure out what he or she needs, wants, and loves. This talk is for you as new parents and other adults who help take care of your baby. We will look together at newborn babies and explore how they show us with their actions and reactions how they are communicating to you. Babies come into the world with competencies that we can understand. This talk will explore how you can learn from your baby, along with your own instincts as parents, to respond and communicate with them. You will have the chance to be with other parents during this talk who are also wondering the same things about their babies, and together we will all discover some of the wondrous ways that babies have to express themselves!
06:00 PM- 07:00 PM
Early signs of behavioral issues (in Arabic)
Expert: Eman Gaad, Dean of the Faculty of Education, Professor of Special and Inclusive Education, British University in Dubai (BUiD), UAE
The session is designed to support parents to understand the early signs of behavioral issues such as non compliance, conduct disorders and reluctance. Some practical tips that support parents will be offered. It will end with a question and answer session.
05:00 PM- 06:00 PM
How to empower your child to keep him safe from bullying (in Arabic)
Expert: Manal Sedar, Ph.D. in Educational Psychology, Director, Arabian Child, UAE
The description of the webinar will be available soon.
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Active kids At Home - How to make academic learning active (in English)
Expert: Lesley Minervini, International tutor, Teach Active, UK
This session will focus on: How to make academic learning active.
Activities will involve Maths and English taught in a physical way.
Parents will be given a handout with 4 Maths and 4 English activities for different age groups
05:00 PM- 06:00 PM
How to help anxious kids? (in Arabic)
Expert: Tanya El Achkar Fakhoury, Parental Coach and creator of the Paradigm for Peaceful Parenting Online Programme
When kids are anxious they tend to see the world as a threatening and dangerous place. As parents we can do a lot to help them. In this webinar, we will identify the signs of Anxiety in children then will explore how to help your child challenge his anxious thoughts through 9 empowering questions. I.C.MR.SPOOKE.
10:00 AM- 11:00 AM
Artists At Home: Let Picture Books Inspire Us to be Creative (in English)
Expert: Ian Brown , Professor, Honorary, University of Wollongong, NSW Australia
This Webinar will use media such as picture books and artworks to inspire and make art. Instructions will be provided on how to discuss and use different simple media to develop creativity. The children will love these simple activities to immerse themselves in art in informal situations such as the bath!
Let Picture Books Inspire Us to be Creative
Art inspired by artists & books:
a. Van Gogh
b. Matisse
c. The Hungry Caterpillar
05:00 PM - 06:00 PM
Hand-washing games and activities (in English)
Expert: Lorraine Allman, Founder & CEO, Writer, Educator & International Consultant, Can-Do Child, UK
We know how important hand washing is as part of a daily routine, but during a pandemic this becomes even more important. Unfortunately, hand washing can be one of those tricky areas with young children which can quickly turn in to a battle ground.Come along with your child and learn top tips, games and songs that will not just get them washing their hands properly, but wanting to do it. There will also be an opportunity to ask the presenter any questions you may have.
If you want to try some of the activities in real-time, you may need: glitter, a paper plate, bowl of warm water, soap
Handouts for parents:
- A hand-washing sticker chart to personalise for your own child
- A poster to help your child remember when they should wash their hands
- A list of hand-washing songs with video links
- Magic milk activity sheet
05:00 PM - 06:00 PM
Story Windows (in English)
Expert: Samantha Hansen, Visual Artist, New York, USA
In this webinar children will explore the world of visual storytelling.
By combining both 2 dimensional and 3 dimensional media, we will create windows into our own colorful worlds. Each child will create a character and a setting or environment to display on their window. We will explore assemblage and upcycling by taking small objects like bottles, bottle caps, and string and transform them into mountains, cities, and figures.
Parents help your children to glue on found objects like buttons, sequins, bottle caps, yarn, and string.
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
The Thinking Child: Building the child's cognitive and critical thinking skills (in Arabic)
Expert: Manal Sedar, Ph.D. in educational psychology, Director, Arabian Child, UAE
The description of the webinar will be available soon.
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Active kids At Home - How to develop physically literate children (in English)
Expert: Lesley Minervini, International tutor, Teach Active, UK
This session will focus on: How to develop physically literate children.
The skills of stability, object control and locomotion.
Activities will be movement games to develop stability, object control and locomotion.
Parents will be given a handout with activities to practice at home.
05:00 PM - 06:00 PM
Kids not listening? (in Arabic)
Expert: Tanya El Achkar Fakhoury, Parental Coach and creator of the Paradigm for Peaceful Parenting Online Programme
If you are tired from yelling at the people you love the most this webinar is for you. We will understand why kids misbehave, why timeouts and punishments don’t work and then you will learn an effective framework to replace punishments.
10:00 AM- 11:00 AM
Artists At Home: Is My Child the Same or Different to Others? (in English)
Expert: Ian Brown , Professor, Honorary, University of Wollongong, NSW Australia
This Webinar will help parents understand the stages of development children naturally work through from birth to age 12 in relation to creative development. This important theory will enable parents to recognise and understand this natural unfolding. It will also provide instructions for a practical activity that can be shared with their children to understand pattern and texture. The activity is supported by an introduction to the artist Paul Klee, which will motivate and inspire the children when developing their artworks.
Stages of development in drawing:
• Looking at Texture
• International developmental differences in artistic development
• Recognising differences and building upon them
05:00 PM- 06:00 PM
Attention Deficit Disorder (in Arabic)
Expert: Eman Gaad, Dean of the Faculty of Education, Professor of Special and Inclusive Education, British University in Dubai (BUiD), UAE
This session is designed to support parents to understand what is Attention Deficit Disorder (Add) and the differentiation between hyperactivity and general shyness in children. What are are the main signs and symptoms of ADD that you should look for and how to handle it. Some practical tips that support parents will be offered.
10:00 AM- 11:00 AM
No more screens? Technology as an inquiry based tool for play (in English)
Expert: Jo Grimmond, Community Engagement Coordinator, Lecturer/Tutor – The Early Years, Early Start, University of Wollongong, Australia
In this webinar we will explore simple ways to use technology as a tool for exploration, investigation and inquiry in STEM areas. We will learn ways to play with technology and enhance STEM learning.
Handout:
The handout for this session will support families to think about how to use digital technologies to extend inquiry-based learning. It will include suggestions of ways to use technology as a tool to enhance learning through play in the home.
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Story Building: Creating your own story with your child/ren (in English)
Expert: Natasha Holmes, Artistic Director, Tell Tale Hearts, UK
Story Building: Creating your own story with your child/ren
A step by step guide to help build a story from scratch, starting with character, developing a setting and solving a problem. These simple steps will help you to map out and sequence events to enable your child to invent their own story.
Task: Can you notate/write down your child’s story as they create it so that you can both re-enact it together?
Handout for parents:
- A full workshop sheet with all exercises and links to videos provided
- A list of suggested open-ended resources to use at home
- A list of suggested stories and book titles to enjoy with your children
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Dr Yum: FAMILY MEALTIME (in English)
Experts: Nimali Fernando, MD, MPH, Founder of The Dr Yum Project, Pediatrician, Yum Pediatrics, USA – Sarah Moran, Registered dietitian, The Dr. Yum Project, USA – Wendy Cannon, Early childhood educator and preschool program director, The Dr. Yum Project, USA
FAMILY MEALTIME – Parenting bravely and compassionately
Sharing food together is a universal experience for families everywhere. Learn how to have family meals that help your child eat well and build strong families.
Handout for parents:
Mealtime Tips from Dr. Yum’s Registered Dietitian
05:00 PM - 06:00 PM
Common parenting mistakes in handling tantrums (in Arabic)
Expert: Tanya El Achkar Fakhoury, Parental Coach and creator of the Paradigm for Peaceful Parenting Online Programme
In this webinar we will identify the 3 mistakes parents do while handling a tantrum and then you will learn 4 tips to help your child calm down.
10:00 AM- 11:00 AM
Artists At Home: What Do All Those Art Words Mean? (in English)
Expert: Ian Brown , Professor, Honorary, University of Wollongong, NSW Australia
Do you understand the jargon and concepts of art?
This Webinar will provide parents with an understanding of the basics of art education, that is the elements and principles of design. This will support you and your child to work easily from home on a shared creative experience that explores colour, line, and texture. There will be discussion about how creative your child might be and what can be done to build upon this area of development. The Voices of Children project will continue with further uploading or creative images from these activities taken by your children.
Exploring the elements and principles of design around the home
a. Shape (mirror)
b. Artist inspiration: Paul Klee
c. Exploring patterns
05:00 PM - 06:00 PM
Hyperactive Behavior you might be seeing in your child. What is Hyperactivity? (in Arabic)
Expert: Eman Gaad, Dean of the Faculty of Education, Professor of Special and Inclusive Education, British University in Dubai (BUiD), UAE
The session is designed to support parents to understand what is hyperactivity, and the differentiation between hyperactivity and general naughtiness in children. What are are the main signs and symptoms of hyperactivity that they should look for and how to handle it.
10:00 AM- 11:00 AM
Engaging young engineers: Using construction materials for learning (in English)
Expert: Jo Grimmond, Community Engagement Coordinator, Lecturer/Tutor – The Early Years, Early Start, University of Wollongong, Australia
In this webinar we will explore construction by using materials like lego and blocks to develop engineering skills. We will engage in constructive play, explore shape and use questions to extend learning. We will learn how to use loose parts to enhance construction skills, and learn to embed other STEM principles in building.
Handout: The handout for this session will support families to think about how to explore the engineering skills with construction materials in the home. It will include specific information about the importance of developing engineering skills, and ways to incorporate engineering challenges in the home.
05:00 PM - 06:00 PM
Shared Story – The Dragon of Krakow a tale from Poland (in English)
Expert: Natasha Holmes, Artistic Director, Tell Tale Hearts, UK
Visual and sensory aids to enhance stories
How to build the world of the story beyond the pages of a book by using simple materials and objects from the home.
Task: Can you make a habitat for a mythical creature out of things you have at home: cushions, fabric, boxes, scraps, pegs – photograph it and draw and name the creature that lives in it.
What does the creature want most of all?
Handouts:
- A full workshop sheet with all exercises and links to videos provided
- A list of suggested open-ended resources to use at home
- A list of suggested stories and book titles to enjoy with your children
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
How to Raise Your kids with High -and Healthy- Self Esteem (in Arabic)
Expert: Manal Sedar, Ph.D. in Educational Psychology, Director, Arabian Child, UAE
In this webinar, we will help parents to understand the importance of raising a child with high self-esteem, and will focus on the practical ways to help their children to develop positive self-esteem.
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Planning your child’s day to include learning, moving, mindfulness and joy (in English)
Expert: Lorraine Allman, Founder & CEO, Writer, Educator & International Consultant, Can-Do Child, UK
When normal routines are disrupted, it’s even more important for children to feel both safe and secure, so giving structure to the day with a range of positive play experiences can make a significant contribution towards this. Come along to discover a whole world of easy play ideas to include in your child’s day – from moving and mindfulness, to joyful experiential learning, within social distancing rules. We will discuss introducing and/or adapting to new routines, and ways to give your child (and you) just enough structure to stay happy, healthy, and learning throughout the pandemic and beyond.
Handout for parents:
• Top tips for a successful daily routine
• 10 easy play ideas for learning, moving, mindfulness and joy
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Discovering the World Around Us – Exploration and Imagination (in English)
Expert: Shamila Nazim, CreaKids ELC Manager
From birth, children are exploring their senses and processing information. Finding out about the world around them is what babies and young children do very effectively when they investigate by touching, holding or pressing things and by climbing on and jumping off things.
During this session we will discuss what skills babies and toddlers acquire when presented with opportunities to explore and use their imagination.
How can we support their inquisitive minds?
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Dr Yum: ENCOURAGING TASTING (in English)
Experts: Nimali Fernando, MD, MPH, Founder of The Dr Yum Project, Pediatrician, Yum Pediatrics, USA – Sarah Moran, Registered dietitian, The Dr. Yum Project, USA – Wendy Cannon, Early childhood educator and preschool program director, The Dr. Yum Project, USA
ENCOURAGING TASTING – Parenting patiently
Taking that first taste of a new food can be overwhelming for some kids. Learn how to take the pressure and fear out of trying a new food for the first time.
Handout for parents: Tasting Tips from a Pediatric Feeding Specialist
05:00 PM - 06:00 PM
Why children nag, fight, drag bedtime and interrupt? (in Arabic)
Expert: Tanya El Achkar Fakhoury, Parental Coach and creator of the Paradigm for Peaceful Parenting Online Programme
We all love our children and go out of our way to provide the best for them. We sacrifice a lot and expect kids to cooperate. In this webinar we will understand the main reason behind nagging, dragging bed time and sibling fighting then we will learn one of the most effective tools that will permanently change your child’s behavior and activates his desire to be receptive to our guidance.
10:00 AM- 11:00 AM
Artists At Home: How to Get Your Children to Understand Others Through Art (in English)
Expert: Ian Brown , Professor, Honorary, University of Wollongong, NSW Australia
What is the parent’s role when working with children at home? This Webinar will give some helpful advice on how to respond to children… how to open up conversations and talk about situations that they find themselves in, such as the pandemic. A fun activity with rocks and paint will provide the starting point for these important discussions. The activity will encourage children to be thoughtful, show empathy and be kind to others.
How to Get Your Children to Understand Others Through Art
a. Painting COVID stones
b. Collecting and sorting colours
05:00 PM - 06:00 PM
The Red Flags: what to look for as a parent (in Arabic)
Expert: Eman Gaad, Dean of the Faculty of Education, Professor of Special and Inclusive Education, British University in Dubai (BUiD), UAE
This session is designed to support parents to understand what are the main signs and symptoms that they should look for if they are in doubt about having a possible special needs or disability. Indicators of the main issues related, along with practical tips that support parents will be offered.
10:00 AM- 11:00 AM
Bringing maths to life in the home: Exploring measurement(in English)
Expert: Jo Grimmond, Community Engagement Coordinator, Lecturer/Tutor – The Early Years, Early Start, University of Wollongong, Australia
In this webinar we will further explore maths concepts in the home by engaging in measurement in the indoors and outdoors. We will learn how to use everyday items as measuring tools to engage in measurement including length and height, volume and capacity, weight and mass.
Handout: The handout for this session will support families to think about how to explore the mathematical concept of measurement in play in the home. It will include some suggestions for specific activities families can engage with measurement with everyday items and loose parts in the home.
05:00 PM - 06:00 PM
Shared Story: The Fisherman and the Ring from West Africa (in English)
Expert: Natasha Holmes, Artistic Director, Tell Tale Hearts, UK
Language development through gesture and repetition
How to enable your child to bring their own words to the story by giving them gestural prompts. We will also explore repetition and how it helps to build confidence in your child’s play.
Task: If your child had a golden ring what would they wish for?
Can you find another story that has a wish in it and can you replace some of the words in the story with a physical gesture when reading it aloud?
Handouts:
- A full workshop sheet with all exercises and links to videos provided.
- A list of suggested open-ended resources to use at home.
- A list of suggested stories and book titles to enjoy with your children.
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Do you have concerns about your child's growth? (in Arabic)
Expert: Manal Sedar, Ph.D. in Educational Psychology, Director, Arabian Child, UAE
In this webinar, we will help parents to understand the Developmental monitoring , to know how their child grows and changes over time and whether child meets the typical developmental milestones in playing, learning, speaking, behaving, and moving. And what to do if you notice that your child is not meeting milestones.
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Creating an enjoyable home learning environment (in English)
Expert: Lorraine Allman, Founder & CEO, Writer, Educator & International Consultant, Can-Do Child, UK
The home learning environment in the early years of a child’s life can have a significant impact not just on their educational development, but also future life success. This is a big responsibility under normal circumstances, but during a pandemic when schools are closed, it may seem overwhelming. This session will give you the confidence to create a positive and enjoyable home learning environment for everyone. Whether your family is large or small, you can create the ideal environment for your child to learn and explore about themselves, and the world around them in a relaxed, positive way. This parent talk links to Session 7: Planning your child’s day to include learning, moving, mindfulness, and joy giving top tips for a successful daily routine. There will also be an opportunity to ask questions to the presenter.
Handout for parents:
• Top tips to create an enjoyable home learning environment
• Visual timetable template
06:00 PM - 07:00 PM
Reopening nurseries: what to expect as a parent (in Arabic)
Expert: Samia Kazi, Member of Board of Directors Ellis, Arabian Child, Consultant, Childhood Education International, USA
For some parents, going back to nursery feels risky. For others, reopening couldn’t come sooner.
There is no doubt that the UAE has in place strict procedures and comprehensive standards to protect our children, but what can I expect as a parent? How will my child play while still maintaining social distancing? How do I know that others in the nursery are not placing my child at risk? What about other children that are playing around my child?
Join us as we will discuss what we can do as parents to prepare ourselves and our children, both physically and mentally for safe return to nursery.
05:00 PM - 06:00 PM
The Most Effective Parenting Style for Parenting that works (in Arabic)
Expert: Manal Sedar, Ph.D. in Educational Psychology, Director, Arabian Child, UAE
In this webinar we will provide parents with the most effective strategy to raise a child in positive environment which concerned with several skills such as effectiveness in relationships, influence in life, self-discipline, the ability to control oneself and understand personal feelings, as well as urges everything that develops positive feelings in the child and puts aside negative feelings.
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Nurturing Healthy Brain Development, Attachments and Emotional Well-being (in English)
Expert: Shamila Nazim, CreaKids ELC Manager
The first years of a child life are the peak years of brain development. Everything your child experiences during these first few years of life will shape who they become and how they manage their childhood, teen years and their adult life. Basically, their future life’s experiences depend highly on how their brains have developed during their early years.
During this session we will be discussing how the brain develops and the ways in which we can help nurture healthy brain development by support positive life experiences to through relationships, attachments and sustained emotional well-being.
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Dr Yum: KEEP FOOD WHOLESOME (in English)
Experts: Nimali Fernando, MD, MPH, Founder of The Dr Yum Project, Pediatrician, Yum Pediatrics, USA – Sarah Moran, Registered dietitian, The Dr. Yum Project, USA – Wendy Cannon, Early childhood educator and preschool program director, The Dr. Yum Project, USA
KEEP FOOD WHOLESOME – Parenting proactively
The adults in a child’s life are the role models for healthy eating. Learn what you can do to set your child up for success!
Handout for parents: Satisfying meal or snack
05:00 PM - 06:00 PM
Back to school Routines (in Arabic)
Expert: Tanya El Achkar Fakhoury, Parental Coach and creator of the Paradigm for Peaceful Parenting Online Programme
Whether your child is attending school at home, in person or facing a combination of the two, in this webinar you will learn: a powerful tool to make your kid’s school year manageable, to motivate your kids to do schoolwork and even hold them accountable.
10:00 AM- 11:00 AM
Artists At Home: Making a Mess While Still Being Creative (in English)
Expert: Ian Brown , Professor, Honorary, University of Wollongong, NSW Australia
While children are at home parents need to work closely with them to develop their creative skills. This Webinar will provide parents with some fun yet educational experiences that will explore a variety of surfaces and textures. We will guide and support you to understand how you can respond in a positive way to nurture creative outcomes with your children. A fun painting activity that requires very little resources will be introduced. There will be discussion about why creativity is important for young children’s development.
10:00 AM- 11:00 AM
Bringing maths to life in the home: Exploring number (in English)
Expert: Jo Grimmond, Community Engagement Coordinator, Lecturer/Tutor – The Early Years, Early Start, University of Wollongong, Australia
In this webinar we will expand on more maths concepts and engage in simple activities with loose parts and everyday items. We will learn how to create simple number games to promote learning about number and learn simple ways to represent number in play.
Handout: The handout for this session will support families to think about how to explore the mathematical concept of number sense in play in the home. It will include some suggestions for specific activities families can engage with number with everyday items and loose parts, including some games to play to enhance learning about number.
05:00 PM - 06:00 PM
Shared Story - A Yorkshire Tale (in English)
Expert: Natasha Holmes, Artistic Director, Tell Tale Hearts, UK
An Introduction: How do you get children interested in stories?
We will use the example of a magical folktale from Yorkshire to demonstrate how you can use a simple ritual or routine to help your child settle and anticipate a story. We will also explore different ways of using your voice to bring a story alive and how you can encourage meaningful participation with your child.
Task: Come up with your own ritual/routine for story time.
Can your child draw and name their own fairy, perhaps a sand fairy that lives in the desert?
Perhaps they can make or find a place for their fairy to hide?
Handouts:
- A full workshop sheet with all exercises and links to videos provided
- A list of suggested open-ended resources to use at home
- A list of suggested stories and book titles to enjoy with your children
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
How to support Your Child's Resilience in a time of crisis (in Arabic)
Expert: Manal Sedar, Ph.D. in Educational Psychology, Director, Arabian Child, UAE
During these pandemic times parents need to equip the basic skills to help their children to deal with the pressures and tension resulting from the changes and new situations so that the child can make decisions that help him to have a well-being life, so in this Webinar will provide parents with skills that parents can follow to promote resilience of their children.
06:00 PM - 07:00 PM
Successful Parenting Part 4: The Poverty of Wealth (in English)
Expert: Prof. Tamar Andrews, Early childhood education professor, UCLA Graduate School of Education, California, USA
Successful Parenting Part 4: The Poverty of Wealth
How can a family raise successful and happy children when they seem to already have everything they want?
Do they actually have everything they need?
02:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Supporting healthy minds and emotions (in English)
Expert: Tamsin Grimmer, Early childhood consultant, lecturer, author & trainer, UK
This session will cover why children behave the way they do and strategies that we can use to support their healthy emotional development. Emotions underpin all behaviour and can have a big impact on the way children act and react. If we can better understand and respond sensitively to children’s emotions, we can help them to regulate their behaviour more effectively. Linking with ideas from neuroscience, this session explores techniques such as emotion coaching and problem solving and helps us to understand our role as a parent in accepting and validating children’s emotions.
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Why early childhood education matters
Expert: Sharron Fogarty, Early Childhood Development and Education Consultant, Kinderly, UK
Research shows us that when children experience GOOD quality early education and care, their cognitive, physical, and social emotional development improves. In fact, there is a direct correlation between GOOD quality early childhood education and care for children under 4 years with improvement in exams results and significant societal gains. However, when and where to send your young child to nursery is often one of the biggest dilemmas a parent can face, as this is such an important decision, leaving your tiny loved ones in the care of others. Many factors may come in play in the decision-making process, as necessity, such as returning to work and financial considerations.
In the session, Sharron will guide you through the early education system in the UAE, touch on the different curricula used and outline some of the questions and aspects you should be looking out for when choosing a nursery for your child.
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Active kids At Home - Movement games (in English)
Expert: Lesley Minervini, International tutor, Teach Active, UK
This session will focus on: Why is movement important?
How movement impacts on brain development.
Activities will be:
Movement games to build up core stability and shoulder strength (important for sitting at a desk and handwriting)
Parents will be given a handout with activities to try at home.
10:00 AM- 11:00 AM
Artists At Home: How Become a Real Artist by Looking at a Real Artist!
Expert: Ian Brown , Professor, Honorary, University of Wollongong, NSW Australia
During these pandemic times it is difficult to visit a gallery so we will explore artworks in the home instead. After discussing and looking at the work of the sculptor Giacometti your children will twist and bend to make their own figures from foil found in your kitchen pantry. Taking a Reggio inspired event your children will invent, share and create. The Voices of Children project will continue with instructions on how to upload your children’s creative images.
10:00 AM- 11:00 AM
Bringing maths to life in the home: Exploring patterning and symmetry
Expert: Jo Grimmond, Community Engagement Coordinator, Lecturer/Tutor – The Early Years, Early Start, University of Wollongong, Australia
In this webinar we will start thinking about maths in play, and in particular how we can explore patterning with children in the home with everyday items and loose parts from the environment. We will play with materials and explore repeating patterns and symmetry.
Handout: The handout for this session will support families to think about how to explore the mathematical concepts of patterning and symmetry in play in the home. It will include some suggestions for specific activities families can engage with patterning and symmetry with everyday items and loose parts.
06:00 PM - 07:00 PM
"5 More Minutes" - Part 3
Performers: Leila Chebbi, Artistic Director, Theatre Company Travelled Companions & Joe Shipman, Performer and Theatre Maker, UK
In our final session we will share a lullaby. We will explore the importance of creating a space that can evoke rest and calm.We will create a darker space to play with lights and explore the night time sky. Our performers will guide you and your child in an adventure to space and back.
Please bring a sheet/blanket, comfy cushions, socks and a torch or two (A phone torch would work fine).
Hand Outs for parents to download:
- Link to lullaby and Lyrics
- Link to space music
- Create your own alien
04:00 PM - 05:00 PM
Story making and story sharing – A journey to the Sea – Out Onto The Waves - Part C
Expert: John Mee, Drama practitioner, Co-creative director, formerly senior lecturer at Leeds Beckett University, Alive And Kicking Theatre Company, UK
Using the picture of the sea and the soundscape you will have created together since last time we met, you will be helped to plan how to bring the adventure to a close but not before you have faced more challenges together. You will be helped to create a path down to the harbour where there’s only one boat. All the others will have already gone fishing. Fortunately that boat is just big enough for you together. When you get on board you’ll find a number of messages asking you to set sail out onto the waves. Of course you will not know how best to do this but the rest of your family will!
Hand Outs for parents to download:
- A guide to making the route down to the harbour ready to be used as part of session 3
- Examples of the messages that they will ‘find’ in the boat during session 3
- Ways of retelling the story and celebrating success as a finale to session thre
06:00 PM - 07:00 PM
Taking the challenge out of challenging behavior
Expert: Prof. Tamar Andrews, Early childhood education professor, UCLA Graduate School of Education, California, USA
Successful Parenting Part 3: Taking the challenge out of challenging behavior and learning to understand that each child has eight senses
What happens when our best laid plans don’t work and our children take us to the brink of insanity?
How can we get our families back on track?
Learn to understand what drives challenging behaviors and how to love being a parent again.
02:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Positive Parenting
Expert: Tamsin Grimmer, Early childhood consultant, lecturer, author & trainer, UK
During this session we will explore positive parenting strategies in order to gain confidence in our skills as a parent. Being a parent is often a very challenging role and one that doesn’t come with a manual. Sometimes it can be difficult to know how to respond to our children and remain positive.
In this session we will look at strategies that we can use to address common parenting challenges, for example, bedtime routines, fussy eaters and tantrums. We will also think about concepts such as teaching children to be respectful, helping them to make friends.
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Dr Yum: EATING WITH YOUR SENSES
Experts: Nimali Fernando, MD, MPH, Founder of The Dr Yum Project, Pediatrician, Yum Pediatrics, USA – Sarah Moran, Registered dietitian, The Dr. Yum Project, USA – Wendy Cannon, Early childhood educator and preschool program director, The Dr. Yum Project, USA
EATING WITH YOUR SENSES – Parenting joyfully
Eating isn’t just about tasting! All of the senses are involved. Learn how to engage your child’s senses to help them learn about food and have fun doing it!
Handout for parents: Sensory Exploration – Extension Activities for Engaging All 5 Senses
10:00 AM- 11:00 AM
Artists At Home: Why Is Creativity Important (some tips from Reggio Emilia)
Expert: Ian Brown , Professor, Honorary, University of Wollongong, NSW Australia
Join us in this Webinar to get some practical activities to share with your children. The international Reggio Emilia approach to art education will be discussed and the important components will be highlighted that will help parents to understand the importance of creativity and play. Found objects such as sponges in the kitchen will form the basis for some fun and educational activities.
10:00 AM- 11:00 AM
The wonder of discovery: Exploring science in the outdoor environment
Expert: Jo Grimmond, Community Engagement Coordinator, Lecturer/Tutor – The Early Years, Early Start, University of Wollongong, Australia
This webinar builds upon the previous session but looks at opportunities for discovery in the outdoor environment. How can we use the natural environment as an opportunity for scientific discovery through play?
Handout: The handout for this session will focus on specific ideas to explore science discovery in the outdoor environment. It will include some ideas and possible activities to include the natural environment in science learning
05:00 PM - 06:00 PM
Story making and story sharing – A Journey to the Sea – On the Way!
Part B
Expert: John Mee, Drama practitioner, Co-creative director, formerly senior lecturer at Leeds Beckett University, Alive And Kicking Theatre Company, UK
There’s lots to do before we get to the sea in this imaginary world of ours and lots of places to explore. Using drama and playmaking we’ll examine ways of encouraging children to invent, describe and play their way through adventures that you create together. And just as the last adventure finishes you will see the sea in the distance. You will see just enough to be able to create a picture of the sea together and to make a soundscape of the waves, the seabirds and the fishing fleet setting out on their voyage.
Hand Outs for parents to download:
- An explanation of some of the drama conventions that could be used as the journey is made during session 2: soundscaping; mime; song-making; shared story telling; dance; marking the space; landscaping and more,
- A guide to recording moments of the journey through freeze-framing and thought- tracking during session 2,
- A guide to working in role as you meet different people on your journey during session 2,
- Ways of capturing a distant picture of the sea after session 2
06:00 PM - 07:00 PM
"5 More Minutes" - Part 2
Performers: Leila Chebbi, Artistic Director, Theatre Company Travelled Companions & Joe Shipman, Performer and Theatre Maker, UK
In Session 2 we will be continuing our exploration of the bedtime routine. This time we will be building our very own sock monster puppet to play with using objects that we can find around the house. We will find games in tidying up and perhaps witness what happens when we don’t want to/or refuse to go to bed.
We will calm things down with some beautiful breathing and relaxation techniques using a sheet or a blanket.
Hand Outs for parents to download:
- Using objects to tell stories and explore emotions
- Sensory activities using a sheet or blanket
- Make a dream catcher
06:00 PM - 07:00 PM
Raising Healthy Children in the Digital Age:
Guidance for Parents and Families as Media Mentors
Expert: Chip Donohue, PHD, Founding Director, Technology in Early Childhood Center (TEC), Erikson Institute, USA
Reflect on how digital tools, so ubiquitous in the lives of caregivers, parents and families, have quickly become integrated into the lives of young children. This session will help you to:
- Learn about what we know about young children, technology and digital media in homes,
- Understand what you need to know and be able to do to be a media mentor who guides your child to safely navigate the digital age,
- Reimagine screens as beneficial tools that can empower parents and engage families,
- Establish a healthy media diet for young children and adults and create a positive media ecology in the home that supports digital age “wellness” for children, parents, and families
Hand Outs for parents to download:
- Tips for parents about raising healthy children in the digital age.
02:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Terrific Twos
Expert: Tamsin Grimmer, Early childhood consultant, lecturer, author & trainer, UK
During this session we will think about two year olds in terms of their development and how we can support them at this exciting stage. You may have heard of the phrase‘Terrible Twos’ relating to when our toddlers push boundaries and explore their independence.
In this session Tamsin will re-frame this as ‘Terrific Twos’ as we explore this exciting, yet challenging age and stage of development. We will think about typical behaviour at this age and share some strategies of how to respond appropriately. We will also explore schemas, which are repeated patterns of behaviour regularly seen at this age, and think about how we can continue to support our children to learn at home.
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
The importance of Play – Supporting Language and Communication Skills
Expert: Shamila Nazim, CreaKids ELC Manager
Play is more than just fun for babies and toddlers, is actually a very important element of a child’s early development. It is an integral part of their journey in learning, exploring and investigating and becoming well rounded individuals. Through play babies and toddlers are presented with many opportunities to practice and build on their language and communication skills.
During this session we will be looking at the power of play.
What important communication and life skills do children learn while engaging in play? And, how can we can support and encourage play opportunities for our children?
05:00 PM - 06:00 PM
Dr Yum: Try, Try Again
Experts: Nimali Fernando, MD, MPH, Founder of The Dr Yum Project, Pediatrician, Yum Pediatrics, USA – Sarah Moran, Registered dietitian, The Dr. Yum Project, USA – Wendy Cannon, Early childhood educator and preschool program director, The Dr. Yum Project, USA
TRY, TRY AGAIN / Parenting consistently
Parents of picky eaters can feel helpless and often don’t know what to do. Learn how to talk about food with your children and turn your picky eater into an adventurous eater.
Hand Outs for parents to download:
- Words are Important – Ways to talk about food with children
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Artists At Home:
Vegetable Prints Found in the Refrigerator
Expert: Ian Brown, Professor, Honorary, University of Wollongong, NSW Australia
This Webinar will help and encourage parents to work with their children to undertake simple printing techniques. Continuing with the ‘vegetable & fruit’ theme parents help their children produce fantastic creative printed responses using simple everyday resources.
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
The wonder of discovery:
Exploring science in the indoor environment
Expert: Jo Grimmond, Community Engagement Coordinator, Lecturer/Tutor – The Early Years, Early Start, University of Wollongong, Australia
This webinar will explore how we see science in our everyday. We will think about how we can use the indoor environment for learning about science and explore simple activities we can do with children in the home.
Hand Outs for parents to download:
The handout for this session will focus on specific ideas to explore science discovery in the home through play within the home learning environment, including some possible activities families can engage in.
05:00 PM - 06:00 PM
Story making and story sharing – A Journey to the Sea – Get Ready!
Part A
Expert: John Mee, Drama practitioner, Co-creative director, formerly senior lecturer at Leeds Beckett University, Alive And Kicking Theatre Company, UK
Three webinars to help parents to prepare to make a fictional journey to an imaginary world with their children. And to have great times dealing with what they find on the way there as well as what they will get up to when they take to the waves in the boat that is waiting for them.
In this first webinar you will be offered examples of how to set off on a fictional journey into an imaginary world.
A family friendly, easy to follow guide into the world of play in which mothers, fathers, grandparents, carers and family friends will be helped to make stories, invent characters, go on adventures, face dangers and celebrate their victories!
Hand Outs for parents to download:
- An overview of the plans for creating all three sessions in ”A Journey to the Sea” with their children,
- An outline picture of the map that they will be encouraged to complete with their children during and after session 1.
- Suggestions for creating pictures for some of the places and dangers to include on the map during and after session 1.
06:00 PM - 07:00 PM
Successful Parenting Part 2:
Boundaries, routines, flexibility and thriving as parents when our children are smarter than we are.
Expert: Prof. Tamar Andrews, Early childhood education professor, UCLA Graduate School of Education, California, USA
Boundaries, routines, flexibility and thriving as parents when our children are smarter than we are…and they are doing this all in a digital age.
We have all heard that children thrive with routines. What does that mean? And what happens when we can’t stick to those routines? Our children are exposed to so much more information than we ever were as children and we need to adjust our parenting to match this new world we are raising our children in.
02:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Babies & toddler and New Parent Well-being
Expert: Sonia Maidstone-Cotton, Author & early childhood development consultant, UK
Over the last few years it has been recognised through research that the first 1001 days are some of the most influential in a child’s life. The first 1001 days includes pregnancy and the first two years of life. These 1001 days set down the important foundation for a child’s life, supporting the child’s wellbeing, learning and health possibilities. These 1001 days are the time when we can set the foundations for a child’s positive wellbeing. In this session Sonia is going to explore a few ideas which will help this.
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Looking after my teeth and gums
Expert: Dr. Abdelrahman Sulaiman, General Dentist
From the number of baby teeth to the most common dental procedures, join me in this lecture to receive all the basic dental information that parents should be equipped with to improve their children’s quality-of-life. For what is the only thing more precious than our well-being? Our children’s well-being of course!
05:00 PM - 06:00 PM
Dr Yum: Encourage Mindfulness
Experts: Nimali Fernando, MD, MPH, Founder of The Dr Yum Project, Pediatrician, Yum Pediatrics, USA – Sarah Moran, Registered dietitian, The Dr. Yum Project, USA – Wendy Cannon, Early childhood educator and preschool program director, The Dr. Yum Project, USA
ENCOURAGE MINDFULNESS / Parenting mindfully
Teaching kids about food starts before they take the first bite. Learn how to slow down and introduce new foods in a mindful way.
Hand Outs for parents to download:
- Ideas for making friends with food
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Artists At Home:
Detailed Drawings By Using The Basics
Expert: Ian Brown, Professor, Honorary, University of Wollongong, NSW Australia
This Webinar will provide parents with playful art experiences without ever leaving the kitchen or garden. Building on using simple ingredients, such as vegetables found in the kitchen or at the local market, both children and parents will be encouraged to draw and boost their creative skills. Children’s drawings will be kept safe and used at a later stage for the Voices of Children exhibition
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
STEM in the early years:
The importance of STEM learning for future development
Expert: Jo Grimmond, Community Engagement Coordinator, Lecturer/Tutor – The Early Years, Early Start, University of Wollongong, Australia
This webinar will explore the importance of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) learning in the early years and the key role the home learning environment plays. We will examine what STEM involves in our everyday lives and introduce how we can easily embed STEM practice in play. We will learn the language of STEM and learn simple ways to use questioning to enhance learning and evoke wonder.
Hand Outs for parents to download:
The handout for this session will support families to think about the importance of STEM future life-long learning, and the importance to enhance learning in the home. It will include examples of open ended questioning techniques that families can easily use.
06:00 PM - 07:00 PM
"5 More Minutes" - Part 1
Performers: Leila Chebbi, Artistic Director, Theatre Company Travelled Companions & Joe Shipman, Performer and Theatre Maker, UK
5 More Minutes explores the fun, frustration and fantasy that can be had in that magical time between awake and asleep.
Join Travelled Companions in this 1st Session where you will explore bedtime routines and rituals. You will be invited to watch and join in with our two performers. You and your child will be guided in play using your body, voice and imagination. We will guide you through a magical underwater adventure where you will learn some basic puppetry skills using a simple yet very effective prop.
Please bring socks, a bedtime sheet or a blanket and some comfy cushions.
Hand Outs for parents to download:
- Conversation starters about bedtime routines and feelings around bedtime
- Link to Underwater music
- Making a Sock fish puppet activity
06:00 PM - 07:00 PM
Successful Parenting Part 1:
Understanding the development of children as you are the architect of their journey
Expert: Prof. Tamar Andrews, Early childhood education professor, UCLA Graduate School of Education, California, USA
Each child is born with over 100,000,000,000 brain cells and each one can make up to 12,000 connections. Learn how to help your child make the RIGHT connections to help them learn and development appropriately.