York Region District School Board's Juniors on the Move Network in partnership with the Ontario Association of Junior Educators’ presents Spring Conference 2010:

“Bringing Learning to Life” 

Engaging students in critical and creative thinking through multiple literacies.

4:15 to 4:45         Registration, Welcome and Publisher Display

4:45 to 5:30         Keynote with David Booth

Through story and an excellent sense of humour, David Booth helps educators redefine literacy given its constant evolution in this ever-changing world.  You will be inspired to teach students using critical and creative thinking processes in a variety of authentic, engaging literary experiences.

5:30 to 6:15         Series 1 Workshops

1A Physical Literacy: In this workshop, participants will experience a quality and comprehensive physical education program that focuses on the concept of Physical Literacy through the “Teaching Games for Understanding (TGfU)” philosophy. Get ready to exercise your brain and body!             

Andrea Haefele is a full-time Health and Physical Education Teacher for Kindergarten and Grades 1 to 8. She enjoys sharing her passion and expertise with the school community to promote a healthy and active lifestyle for everyone.

Dave Sandiford is a part-time Health and Physical Education Teacher for Grades 4 to 8 and an Intermediate Literacy teacher. He is excited about the shift in Ontario schools to the student-centered TGfU approach, and is keenly involved in promoting more active lifestyles.                                   

1B Dramatic Literacy: Bring the story of Four  Feet, Two Sandals to life through drama! Engage through active learning, exploration of character, consider alternate viewpoints, life in a refugee camp, and the implications of friendship.

Heather Vallee is a curriculum consultant with the York Region District School Board with responsibilities for ELL and Literacy.               

Cathy Stanley is a curriculum consultant for the York Region District School Board with responsibilities for French, Drama, Dance and Literacy.        

1C Mathematical Literacy: How can one open task engage and meet the needs of every student in a class? Explore how we can push kids thinking with one good question.    

Christine Mainguy is a curriculum consultant with the York Region District School Board.

6:15 to 6:45    Dinner (Provided)

6:45 to 7:30    Series 2 Workshops

2A Global Literacy: Open the chance for your students to travel beyond the classroom through the power of junior novels set in a variety of countries, cultures, and political situations.

Larry Swartz is a professor at OISE, University of Toronto, a published author, a well-known speaker at international conferences, and an executive member of OAJE.

Heather Vallee and Cathy Stanley are curriculum consultants with York Region District School Board and will be thrilled to collaborate with Larry Swartz.

2B Environmental Literacy: In this workshop, we will look at how EcoSchools have positively impacted their school by creating an inclusive and collaborative leadership model.  Through their involvement with the school EcoTeam, students, staff and community members feel empowered to have a voice and to make a difference.              

Mirella Sanwalka has been a Curriculum Consultant with YRDSB for the past 5 years.  She is responsible for cross-curricular literacy, Science K – 12 and Environment.  Mirella works closely with many stakeholders to help move the system forward to a more sustainable future.

2C Digital Literacy: Join us for an opportunity to explore three exciting Web 2.0 tools that will not only engage your students, but allow them new and innovative ways of demonstrating their learning.  During this 45 minute workshop we will be looking at VoiceThread, Glogster and Bitstrips. Come prepared with your enthusiasm and your questions!

Alex Macris, Computer Resource Teacher – Elementary:  Through the role of Computer Resource Teacher, Alex helps staff and students integrate technology into the curriculum.  He models the effective use of tool software to promote blended learning and digital literacy.

Melissa Murray, Curriculum Consultant, K-12 School Libraries and e-Learning:  Melissa is a passionate lifelong learner who loves exploring the role that different technologies can play in supporting students in their literacy skills development.