Workshop Descriptions

Session A:  9:30 - 10:45 a.m.

A1. Block Party!
Wonder what children learn
when playing with blocks?
Wish you knew how to enhance
their play? Come experience
the adventure of block play.
Learn information to share with
parents. It’s a real block party!
Jane Schaaf and Bev Doll
UW-Extension Family Living Agents
Crawford/Grant Counties
Prairie du Chien, WI
Birth-2 years

A2. Infant and Toddler Cuisine
This workshop will explore
the many aspects of feeding
infants and toddlers, combined
with information on infant
development, best feeding
practices and food preparation.
This session will broaden and
expand on what we think of
when we are feeding and caring
for infants and toddlers.
Heidi Duren
Nutrition Specialist
Community Coordinated
Childcare (4-C)
Spring Green, WI
Birth-2 years

A3. What will Sustain Us: Looking at the Deeper Learning That Happens in Early Childhood
Many of us know early learning
is more than ABCs. What deeper
things do we want children to
learn while in our care? Join us
for a lively, interactive session
with room for your voice.
Kelly Matthews
Early Education Consultant
A Place For You Consulting
Oshkosh, WI
Birth-2 years

A4. A Year in the Life of an Inquiry-Based Classroom: Reflections after the First Year
Journey through a year of
successes and failures in my
preschool classroom, discuss the
importance inquiry skills have
in the development of critical
thinking, and how children can
be empowered in their own
learning when they determine the
topics and curriculum.
Jillian Clemens
Instructional Specialist
UW-Madison Preschool Lab
Madison, WI
3-6 years

A5. Difficult Moments = Great Opportunities: Communication is Key
Start looking at frustrating
moments with a child as perfect
opportunities to teach selfdiscipline
and problem solving
skills. Discuss the impact of the
words you choose during difficult
moments and learn positive
ways to communicate so that
the children in your care learn to
believe in themselves and treat
others with respect.
Leslie F. Leline
Author; Lead Teacher at
Peninsula Preschool
Ephraim, WI
Baileys Harbor
3-6 years

A6. Imaginations Running Wild - by Color “R” World
Let your imaginations run wild
and come see unique, hands-on
learning centers and storytelling
ideas! You’ll see an overwhelming
amount of ideas shown on
paddleboards, flipboards and slot
boxes – just to name a few! Ideas
are integrated in math, science
and literacy which will make
your lesson planning easier! New
workshop every year.
Tami Tousignant
Stay at home mom - Former
teacher of K-1
Green Bay Public Schools
Green Bay, WI
3-6 years

A7. Transition Magic
Wish you could wave a magic
wand at transition times? Come
as we share ideas, strategies and
activities that engage the learner
and build on specific skills.
Transitions can be fun!
Sharon Holtz
4-K Teacher
Sun Prairie School District
Marshall, WI
3-6 years

A8. Exposing Children to the Green Learning Environment
This is a hands-on workshop
to help children begin learning
about recycling by participating
in creative art programs.
Workshop attendees will learn
simple, fun, enjoyable and readyto-
use activity ideas to enhance
their green environment.
Dr. Wonim Son
Teacher Educator
UW-Platteville
Platteville, WI
7 years and up

A9. Keys to Happiness
Everyone wants to be happy.
The good news is that happiness
exists within us. This presentation
will cover research-based keys to
happiness and will demonstrate
practical techniques known to
promote happiness.
Marc Wruble, Ph.D.
Professor of Psychology
UW-Platteville
Platteville, WI
Birth - 2 years
3 - 6 years
7 years and up
Program Development

A10. Building Protective Factors with Families, Through Early Care and Education
Strengthening families is an
innovative, research-based, cost
effective strategy to prevent
child abuse and neglect. The
strategy involves early childhood
programs working with families
to build protective factors around
children.
Julie Statz and Cathy Smith
Executive Director and Assistant Director Family Connections of Southwest Wisconsin
Lancaster, WI
Birth - 2 years
3 - 6 years
7 years and up
Program Development

A11. Licensing Up dates; Tips for Success and Maintaining a Healthy Environment
Administrative code revisions
will be discussed including
educational requirements,
maintaining files for children,
staff and general center
operations. Organize and
maintain center files for
compliance with child care
regulations. Tips to promote
health and hygiene in the group
child care environments to
prevent illness.
Steve Elmer
Licensing Certification Specialist
Department of Children and
Families
Madison, WI
Program Development

A12. TICKLE FINGERS, TICKLE TOES , BOUNCEY , BOUNCEY AWAY WE GO!
Nurture musical development
at a young age with music and
movement songs and activities
for babies up to 2 years of age.
Enjoy music in a wide variety of
ways throughout the day: Lullabies,
finger and toe play, tickles,
bounces and movement will be
presented.
Colleen Hannafin and Brian
Schellinger
“Colleen and Uncle Squaty”
North Side Music
Eau Claire, WI
Birth - 2 years

Session B:  1:00 - 2:15 p.m.

B1. A Year in the Life of an Inquiry-Based Classroom:
Reflections after the First Year
Journey through a year of
successes and failures in my
preschool classroom, discuss the
importance inquiry skills have
in the development of critical
thinking, and how children can
be empowered in their own
learning when they determine the
topics and curriculum.
Jillian Clemens
Instructional Specialist
UW-Madison Preschool Lab
Madison, WI
3-6 years

B2. Collections Teach Math*- Double Session with C2
What do children learn about
math when they play with
collections? Where can you find
intriguing, inexpensive collections
to support learning in each of
your interest areas? Join us to
play, discuss and explore early
math through collections! (must
sign up for B2 and C2)
Judy Ballweg
Preschool Math Resource Teacher
Madison Metropolitan School
District
Madison, WI
3-6 years

B3. Difficult Moments = Great Opportunities: Communication is Key
Start looking at frustrating
moments with a child as perfect
opportunities to teach selfdiscipline
and problem solving
skills. Discuss the impact of the
words you choose during difficult
moments and learn positive
ways to communicate so that
the children in your care learn to
believe in themselves and treat
others with respect.
Leslie F. Leline
Author; Lead Teacher at
Peninsula Preschool
Ephraim, WI
Baileys Harbor, WI
3-6 years

B4. Fun with Kid’s Science
All new hands-on science
experiments for young scientists.
Participants will be able to
explore several different science
experiments and sensory
ideas to do with toddlers and
preschoolers. Be ready to have
fun! There will be handouts.
Annette Louis
Family Day Care Provider and
Workshop Presenter
South Western District
Richland Center, WI
Birth-2 years
3-6 years

B5. Imaginations Running Wild - by Color “R” World
Let your imaginations run wild
and come see unique, hands-on
learning centers and storytelling
ideas! You’ll see an overwhelming
amount of ideas shown on
paddleboards, flipboards and slot
boxes – just to name a few! Ideas
are integrated in math, science
and literacy which will make
your lesson planning easier! New
workshop every year.
Tami Tousignant
Stay at home mom - Former
teacher of K-1
Green Bay Public Schools
Green Bay, WI
3-6 years

B6. You, The Music Maker
Music is an important and fun
form of art to include in your
children’s education. Participants
in this workshop will make and
create colorful and functional
instruments that will ring the
“sounds of music,” as we put
them to work creating rhythmic
sounds.
Heidi Duren
Owner/Teacher
Creative Connections
Spring Green, WI
3-6 years

B7. 123 Magic - Behavior Management for Children Ages 2-12
Set the discipline so that you
can devote your time and energy
to the joys of childhood. Learn
strategies to STOP kids from
doing unwanted behaviors and
encourage them to START
positive behaviors.
Linda Armas
Teacher, Parent Educator
Middleton-Cross Plains Schools
Middleton, WI
3 - 6 years
7 years and up
Program Development

B8. Child Sexual Abuse – What Can We Do To Keep Our Children Safe?
Protecting children from sexual
abuse is something we all
need to be concerned about.
Discuss myths and facts about
child sexual abuse, along with
indicators of abuse, how to
handle disclosures, and how to
incorporate touching safety rules
into overall safety guidelines.
Handouts provided.
Heidi Wilmarth, LCPC, NCC
Child Therapist
Riverview Center Inc.
Galena, IL
3-6 years
7 years and up

B9. Picture Books that Promote Inclusion and Diversity
New and classic picture books
can be utilized as educational
tools that break barriers and
expand views. Learn which
picture books promote pride in
differences and increase cultural
competence for all children.
Garnet Wind
English Dept.
UW-Platteville
Platteville, WI
Birth - 2 years
3 - 6 years
7 years and up
Program Development

B10. Building Protective Factors with Families, Through Early Care and Education
Strengthening families is an
innovative, research-based, cost
effective strategy to prevent
child abuse and neglect. The
strategy involves early childhood
programs working with families
to build protective factors around
children.
Julie Statz and Cathy Smith
Executive Director and Assistant
Director
Family Connections of Southwest
Wisconsin
Lancaster, WI
Birth - 2 years
3 - 6 years
7 years and up
Program Development

B11. Giggle Wiggle Clap and Learn … Move Your Body and Your Brain
Children are natural wigglers
and this energy can be used
as a learning experience! This
enthusiastic presentation includes
dozens of easy to replicate
activities that foster language
development coupled with
kinesthetic learning. Foster
important skills such as rhythm,
repetition and rhyme.
Jane Kitson
National Early Childhood
Educational Consultant
Published Author
Lawrenceville, GA
Birth - 2 years
3 - 6 years
7 years and up
Program Development

B12. FINGER PLAYS FOR TEACHING and LEARNING DAYS Traditional and original fingerplays and action rhymes to use with your hands, felt and magnet boards, monkey mitts and fingerpuppets!
Counting, rhyming, sequencing,
letter, word, color and number
recognition.
Colleen Hannafin and Brian
Schellinger
“Colleen and Uncle Squaty”
North Side Music
Eau Claire, WI
3 - 6 years

Session C:  2:30 - 3:45 p.m.

C1. Overcoming Adultitis Amidst the Stress of Everyday
Jason will share applicable stories
and anecdotes, practical steps
and tangible techniques from
his book, “The Escape Plan: A
40-Day Guide to Annihilate the
Adultitis in Your Life.” Examples
of daily challenges and possible
outcomes will be given to provide
the learner with strategies that
will help manage stress and create
a healthier life balance, amidst
the busyness.
Jason Kotecki
Author/Speaker/Comic Strip
Designer
www.KimandJason.com
Madison, WI
Birth - 2 years
3 - 6 years
7 years and up

C2. Collections Teach
Math Continued (must
sign up for B2 and C2)
Judy Ballweg
Preschool Math Resource Teacher
Madison Metropolitan School
District
Madison, WI
3-6 years

C3. Fun with Kid’s Science
All new hands-on science
experiments for young
scientists. Participants will
be able to explore several
different science experiments
and sensory ideas to do with
toddlers and preschoolers. Be
ready to have fun! There will be
handouts.
Annette Louis
Family Day Care Provider and
Workshop Presenter
South Western District
Richland Center, WI
3-6 years

C4. Transition Magic
Wish you could wave a magic
wand at transition times? Come
as we share ideas, strategies and
activities that engage the learner
and build on specific skills.
Transitions can be fun!
Sharon Holtz
4-K Teacher
Sun Prairie School District
Marshall, WI
3-6 years

C5. You, The Music Maker
Music is an important and fun
form of art to include in your
children’s education. Participants
in this workshop will make and
create colorful and functional
instruments that will ring the
“sounds of music,” as we put
them to work creating rhythmic
sounds.
Heidi Duren
Owner/Teacher
Creative Connections
Spring Green, WI
3-6 years

C6. 123 Magic - Behavior Management for Children Ages 2-12
Set the discipline so that you
can devote your time and energy
to the joys of childhood. Learn
strategies to STOP kids from
doing unwanted behaviors and
encourage them to START
positive behaviors.
Linda Armas
Teacher, Parent Educator
Middleton-Cross Plains Schools
Middleton, WI
3 - 6 years
7 years and up
Program Development

C7. Child Sexual Abuse – What Can We Do To Keep Our Children Safe?
Protecting children from sexual
abuse is something we all
need to be concerned about.
Discuss myths and facts about
child sexual abuse, along with
indicators of abuse, how to
handle disclosures, and how to
incorporate touching safety rules
into overall safety guidelines.
Handouts provided.
Heidi Wilmarth, LCPC, NCC
Child Therapist
Riverview Center Inc.
Galena, IL
3-6 years
7 years and up

C8. Imaginations Running Wild - by Color “R” World
Let your imaginations run wild
and come see unique, hands-on
learning centers and storytelling
ideas! You’ll see an overwhelming
amount of ideas shown on
paddleboards, flipboards and slot
boxes – just to name a few! Ideas
are integrated in math, science
and literacy which will make
your lesson planning easier! New
workshop every year.
Tami Tousignant
Stay at home mom - Former
teacher of K-1
Green Bay Public Schools
Green Bay, WI
Neenah, WI
3-6 years

C9. Lessons on Laughter
In this session, participants will
learn about and practice laughter
yoga, a structured approach
to laughter that has physical,
emotional and psychological
benefits for adults and children
of all ages.
Jean Zawacki
Certified Laughter Yoga Leader
Platteville, WI
Birth - 2 years
3 - 6 years
7 years and up
Program Development

C10. Licensing Up dates; Tips for Success and Maintaining a Healthy Environment
Administrative code revisions
will be discussed including
educational requirements,
maintaining files for children,
staff and general center
operations. Organize and
maintain center files for
compliance with child care
regulations. Tips to promote
health and hygiene in the group
child care environments to
prevent illness.
Steve Elmer
Licensing Certification Specialist
Department of Children and
Families
Madison, WI
Program Development

C11. Giggle Wiggle Clap and Learn … Move Your Body and Your Brain
Children are natural wigglers
and this energy can be used
as a learning experience! This
enthusiastic presentation includes
dozens of easy to replicate
activities that foster language
development coupled with
kinesthetic learning. Foster
important skills such as rhythm,
repetition and rhyme.
Jane Kitson
National Early Childhood
Educational Consultant
Published Author
Lawrenceville, GA
Birth - 2 years
3 - 6 years
7 years and up
Program Development

C12. SING -A-MOVE -ADANCE : Music for your Day
Do your children like to sing?
Move? Dance? This presentation
will demonstrate use of music as
a tangible means of teaching basic
skills, language development,
motivation, social awareness
and diversity. Start the day with
“Hello” in different languages,
to waving your body parts
“goodbye,” using singable song to
reach and teach throughout your
day! “A book companion for
each song presented.”
Colleen Hannafin and Brian
Schellinger
“Colleen and Uncle Squaty”
North Side Music
Eau Claire, WI
3 - 6 years