2024 Curriculum Conference
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2024 Curriculum Conference | November 2nd, 2024
9:30 AM – 3:30 PM | 16 Workshops in STEM, Fine Arts, Performance Arts, Humanities, and Sports & Wellness
Location: Children’s Choice Office 10601 Lomas Blvd. NE, 87112 | Lunch and refreshments provided
Session 1 Workshop Descriptions
☐ Print Making
Empower children to become independently creative explorers through printmaking! In this workshop, you’ll learn effective strategies for engaging kids with printmaking mediums and how to adapt these activities to fit your classroom. We’ll explore various types of printmaking, discuss intentional setup and preparation, and sneak in a bit of art history along the way. Create hands-on projects that teach autonomy and creativity!
☐ Tips and Tricks for Sportsmanship
Teach kids the power of teamwork, sportsmanship, and self-expression through fun activities! This workshop explores the world of sportsmanship, communication, and clear instruction, helping kids build camaraderie and respect both on and off the field. Foster a sense of belonging and teamwork that makes every child feel like a winner. Join us for a celebration of sportsmanship and community spirit!
☐ Think Like a Scientist
Transform slime-making into an educational experience! Learn how to introduce the scientific method into everyday activities by engaging kids in slime experiments. In this workshop, you’ll get sticky and creative while applying science concepts, and you’ll leave with strategies to make scientific exploration fun and accessible.
☐ Performing for Non-Performers
Have kids who love acting but lack confidence in performing? This workshop will help you encourage them to break out of their shells with low-risk, super-fun theater games. You’ll learn how to support children in performing even if you’re not an expert, creating a safe and fun environment where everyone can thrive and relate. Let’s make performing fun for all!
Session 2 Workshop Descriptions
☐ Moving with Stop Motion
Learn the art of stop-motion animation in this hands-on workshop! Participants will work in groups to create short animations using fine art skills and teamwork. No special skills required! You’ll acquire techniques to bring animation to life, and learn how to inspire creativity and collaboration at your site. From visual arts to problem-solving, this workshop covers a wide range of engaging skills.
☐ Loose Parts in the Language of Active Play
Explore how loose parts can revitalize active games and sports at your site. In this workshop, you’ll learn how to creatively combine different equipment, rules, and activities to keep kids engaged in new and exciting ways. Work together to build curriculum from flexible and accessible materials, broadening the definition of active play. Perfect for adding variety to physical activities!
☐ Making Math Fun
Math doesn’t have to be about worksheets and flashcards! Discover fun and simple math games that are easy to set up and make learning exciting. In this workshop, we’ll explore how to integrate math and play, and show you how friendly competition and interactive activities can cultivate an enthusiastic learning environment.
☐ Acting Out
Create original characters and micro-plays in this high-energy theater workshop! Learn fun, low-risk theater games and activities designed to engage kids in performing. You’ll discover strategies to inspire creativity and help kids take beneficial risks in a supportive environment, all while having a blast acting out stories.
Session 3 Workshop Descriptions
☐ Mixed Media – Fiber Arts
Elevate your crafting skills and explore the emotional side of creativity through fiber arts and mixed media! In this workshop, you’ll experiment with a variety of materials—paint, yarn, fabric, and more—to create a unique masterpiece. Along the way, we’ll discuss the highs and lows of the creative process and how these experiences can enrich children’s emotional intelligence and artistic expression.
☐ Tactile Team Building
Build trust, respect, and teamwork at your site with this hands-on workshop! Through a variety of active games and discussions, you’ll explore the characteristics of successful teams and how to foster them in your community. Learn how to make team-building fun and effective, helping both staff and kids grow as a unified group.
☐ The Art of Storytelling: An Immersive and Five Senses Experience
Immerse yourself in the world of New Mexican history and literature through the works of authors like Rudolfo Anaya and Joe Hayes. This interactive workshop will provide you with the skills to bring stories to life using all five senses. Whether you’re familiar with these works or not, you’ll leave with new tools to inspire young minds and share cultural stories through engaging, multisensory experiences.
☐ Impossible Architecture
Turn impossible architecture into an engaging curriculum! This workshop explores iconic architectural wonders and shows you how to inspire creativity with simple materials. You’ll learn how to facilitate group activities that seem challenging but are achievable, sparking kids’ imaginations and expanding their problem-solving skills. Discover how to turn everyday materials into fantastic architectural creations!
Session 4 Workshop Descriptions
☐ Island Born
Dive into the humanities with this exploration of storytelling, cultural appreciation, architecture, and even cooking. Through hands-on activities and discussions, participants will explore how to integrate humanities topics into their curriculum. Share your creativity and unique perspective while discovering how the humanities can enrich your educational environment.
☐ Kind Hearted Karaoke
Bring the joy of karaoke to your site with this workshop focused on music, reading skills, and community building. Learn how to set up karaoke, create a supportive environment for kids to express themselves, and use karaoke as a tool for building fluency and confidence. Singing together fosters a sense of belonging and provides a fun, creative outlet for kids and adults alike!
☐ Stellar Circuits
STEM doesn’t have to be intimidating! In this playful, interactive workshop, you’ll explore circuits, math, and engineering through a world-building game. Solve puzzles, rebuild a space shuttle, and learn how to integrate STEM into your curriculum. Discover how fun and easy it is to teach STEM concepts while fostering collaboration, problem-solving, and creative thinking.
☐ Empathy Through Animals
Explore themes of empathy and care through the beloved characters of Kung Fu Panda 2. Using the film’s themes of adoption and caring for others, this workshop will lead into discussions about empathy in your community, focusing on the importance of caring for animals and each other. Inspire kids to think deeply about their own relationships and actions through engaging, philosophical conversations.