14th Annual ECSTEM Conference

Matt Karlsen and Susan Harris MacKay direct the Center for Playful Inquiry to catalyze greater beauty and democracy in the partnership of children and adults.

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Losmeiya Huang - Moderator
Campus Director, Growing Place, Ocean Park

Matt Karlsen
Center for Playful Inquiry

Susan Harris Mackay
Center for Playful Inquiry

Susan Ruben
Director of Pedagogy, Growing Place

Lotte Cecilie Juel Pedersen
Educational Nature Guide, Bonsai Institute

Ruth Anne Hammond
RIE Mentor, Resources for Infant Educarers (RIE)

Tummy Time and Beyond: How Self-Initiated Movement & Exploration Create Intrinsic Motivation to Learn

This session will allow participants to experience movement from the perspective of the infant and how to structure environments and schedules to support them in their learning. Respect for the baby's inner agenda will enhance the educators trust in the child to be an explorer, an initiator and a self-learner. The freely moving child naturally creates habits that support learning about the world through effortful experimentation, trial and error, and productive practice, which is to say, they move through the world like little scientists without our telling them to do it!
Presenter: Ruth Anne Hammond, M.A.
Resources for Infant Educarers
Target Audience: I T
Content: S M
Workshop Pathway: RIE, DAP, Play-Based
Location: San Gabriel Room, Hilton Pasadena

Producing Audiobooks in the Classroom

Explore the process of working with children to develop their stories, record their voices and use technology to create audiobooks.
Presenter: Polly Hall, M.A. & Annel Zavala, M.A.
Growing Place
Target Audience: I T P TK K FG SG
Content: T
Workshop Pathway: Reggio Emilia, DAP, Play-Based
Location: San Marino Room, Hilton Pasadena

STEM is All Around You

Journey through a preschool classroom's curriculum on Systems and Interactions that focuses on Communities. We will explore various system models, while focusing on the learning opportunities in our local environment. 
Presenter: Jose Osorio, B.A. & Richard Ponce, B.A.
The Children's Center at Caltech
Target Audience: P TK
Content: S T E M
Workshop Pathway: DAP, Play-Based, Nature-Based
Location: Santa Clara Room, Hilton Pasadena

Grow to Go! Books and Expansion Ideas to Explore Biological and Physical Science

Do you love the beauty and magic of children's books? Let's explore scientific concepts associated with biological science and physical science through books. We will also look at activity expansion ideas to support STEM education. Concepts will include real world context, use of specimens, introduction of science tools, measurement, and aspects of physical science including light, force, movement and air. 
Presenter: Jennifer Montgomery, Ed.D.
College of Southern Nevada
Target Audience: P TK K FG
Content: S
Workshop Pathway: Play-Based
Location: Pasadena Room, Hilton Pasadena

Tinkering: Leveraging Loose Parts Play for Authentic STEAM Learning

This "Tinkering" approach leverages literature connections to inspire Loose Parts Play that integrates exploration of Physics, Engineering, and Inquiry concepts. The workshop includes an overview of methods, relevant standards, a modeled lesson, a book list, and suggested materials and will prepare Early Educators to launch their own Tinkering program in their classrooms!
Presenter: Kathryn Price, M.Ed.
McKeown School of Education, Salem State University
Target Audience: P TK K FG SG
Content: S T E M
Workshop Pathway: Play-Based
Location: Pacific Room, Hilton Pasadena

Cultivating Reciprocity with the World of Plants as a Foundation for Restorative Environmental Justice: Inspired by a Synthesis of Indigenous Wisdom and Science

Inspired by the teachings of indigenous peoples, this classroom research project follows a group of preschoolers as they express their beliefs in the intelligence of plants through cultivating a garden at school, spending a day in the forest, and producing an outpouring of reciprocal gifts of science and art.
Presenter: Iwonka Dziag, M.A.
Evergreen Community School
Target Audience: P TK K
Content: S
Workshop Pathway: Reggio Emilia, Nature-Based
Location: Monterey Room, Hilton Pasadena

From Monarchs to Mantids: Stories of Care, Joy, and Justice from the Garden

Learn ways to foster children's connection to nature through everyday moments and shared experiences. Gain insight and strategies to support nature-based learning through stories and discussing barriers and solutions.
Presenter: Amy Chiu, M.S.Ed.
Early Childhood Education Consultant
Target Audience: P TK K
Content: S
Workshop Pathway: Reggio Emilia, Play-Based, Nature-Based
Location: San Diego Room, Hilton Pasadena

Play + Math = Serious Learning

In this session, you'll learn strategies to make math learning more playful and engaging while still using your current math curriculum and ensuring that serious learning is taking place.
Presenter: Debbie Leslie, M.S. & Becky Criollo, M.A.
UChicago STEM Education
Target Audience: P TK K FG SG
Content: M
Workshop Pathway: DAP, Play-Based
Location: Santa Rosa Room, Hilton Pasadena

Matemáticas, Partes Sueltas, y La Naturaleza

Explora las 5 áreas de matemáticas usando piezas sueltas, ya sea reciclads or prestadas de la naturaleza.
Explore the 5 areas of math using loose parts either recycled or borrowed from nature.
*This presentation will be delivered in Spanish.
Presenter: Kim Garcia-Meza, M.Ed. & Patrcia Flores
Escuelita Las Mañanitas
Target Audience: P TK
Content: M
Workshop Pathway: Play-Based, Nature-Based
Location: Santa Barbara Room, Hilton Pasadena

The Significance of Object Play, Rough and Tumble Play, Body and Movement Play with Infants and Toddlers

Children are born into a three dimensional world and spend their beginning years observing and moving to become better acquainted with themselves in relation with people and environment.
Presenter: Christine Richard, M.A. & Julia Vazquez, B.A.
Growing Place
Target Audience: I T P
Content: S M
Workshop Pathway: Reggio Emilia, RIE, DAP, Play-Based
Location: San Gabriel Room, Hilton Pasadena

Math, Science and Muffins: Cooking in the Classroom

Join us for a journey into the world of cooking with young children in a classroom setting. Discover your role in integrating age-appropriate cooking activities into early childhood education, prioritizing safety, and nurturing a lifelong love for food and nutrition.
Presenter: Kristine May Scott, B.A. & Elizabeth Spencer, B.A.
The Children's Center at Caltech
Target Audience: P
Content: S T M
Workshop Pathway: Montessori, DAP, Play-Based, Nature-Based
Location: San Marino Room, Hilton Pasadena

Elementary Science

After students leave preschool, what happens in Science class? Well, as it turns out, many of the ideas and concepts that children learn at 5 years old carry with them through High School. That's right, HIGH SCHOOL! Let's take a peek at what Science class looks like for Kindergarten through 5th grade at an independent school in Pasadena CA. I will discuss topics, connections, materials, schedules, journaling, and hands-on experiences.
Presenter: Monica Dolan, M.A.
Polytechnic School
Target Audience: K FG SG
Content: S T E
Workshop Pathway: Reggio Emilia, Montessori, Play-Based
Location: Pasadena Room, Hilton Pasadena

Empathy and Entomology:  Activating Your Program with Live Insects

Want to keep live insects into your classroom, but not sure where to start? This workshop will provide practical information on how to source and care for insects and other anthropods. We'll also talk about how to incorporate them into a range of curricula using examples from early childhood programs at the Children's Museum at La Habra.
Presenter: Kristine Smith, B.A.
Children's Museum at La Habra
Target Audience: T P TK K FG SG
Content: S T
Workshop Pathway: Play-Based, Nature-Based
Location: Pacific Room, Hilton Pasadena

Sensory STEM in the Outdoor Classroom

Get your hands dirty while you examine curriculum ideas to target STEM skills through sensory experiences. Includes the bonus senses of vestibular, proprioception, and wonder!
Presenter: Samantha Stewart, M.A.
Westminster Presbyterian Church Preschool
Target Audience: T P TK
Content: S M
Workshop Pathway: Play-Based, Nature-Based
Location: Monterey Room, Hilton Pasadena

Simplifying Science! Promoting Discovery and Wonder

Design intentionally relevant activities to support science learning across multiple domains. Practice actively introducing scientific concepts and methods using movement, language modeling, and open-ended inquiry.
Presenter: Angela Russ-Ayon, B.S.
Russ InVision
Target Audience: P TK K
Content: S
Workshop Pathway: DAP, Play-Based
Location: San Diego Room, Hilton Pasadena

Bridging Multiple Domains: Inquiry, Research, Design, and Construction with Young Children

When children in our preschool's Sunflower TK class showed interest in bridges, they embarked on a months-long study with their teachers, culminating in constructing their very own working, large-scale DaVinci Bridge. In this workshop we will share documentation of the project, our process as educators, and offer hands-on practice with open-ended building materials.
Presenter: Linda Juhasz-Wood, M.A. & Valeria Vacchi
Palisades Preschool
Target Audience: P TK K
Content: S E M
Workshop Pathway: Reggio Emilia
Location: Santa Clara Room, Hilton Pasadena

Loose Parts: The Reason They Pick the Box Over the Toy

Are you interested in learning about loose parts? In this introductory workshop you will learn about loose parts, the benefits of loose parts play, and how to incorporate loose parts play into your classroom. We will show you what loose parts can look like in an emergent learning, play-based, anti-bias curriculum.
Presenter: Bryana Casas, M.A. & Trisha LaChapelle, A.A.
Pacific Oaks Children School
Target Audience: P
Content: S E M
Workshop Pathway: Play-Based, Nature-Based
Location: Santa Barbara Room, Hilton Pasadena

Creating Opportunities for Building Number Sense (aka MATH!)

Let's demystify math and numeracy skill development. Even teachers who are not "math people" can grow math lovers! We'll share simple ways to develop number sense & math experiences in your classroom.
Presenter:  Mariya Danayan, M.A. & Lourdes Ochoa, B.A.
Harmon Oaks Nursery School & Harmon Oaks NoHo West
Target Audience: T P TK K
Content: M
Workshop Pathway: Reggio Emilia, Play-Based
Location: Santa Rosa Room, Hilton Pasadena

SURPRISING STEM - Focus on the Skills, Not the Tech

Did you know you can plan STEM-themed activities without costly tech? You can! In fact, focusing on the mindset behind STEM, rather than bells and whistles, may result in a more meaningful experience for all.
Presenter: Ruth Spiro, M.B.A.
Author
Target Audience: T P TK K
Content: S T E M
Workshop Pathway: DAP, Play-Based
Location: San Gabriel Room, Hilton Pasadena

Tiny Scientists: Nurturing Energy Concepts in 2-3-Year-Olds through Force and Motion

Join us for an enlightening journey into how the minds of two and three-year-old children construct knowledge about force and motion, laying the foundation for their understanding of energy. This presentation will share creative teaching methods and interactive activities to foster a deep understanding of complex scientific ideas.
Presenter: Janet Nunez, B.A. & Amanda Lawson, M.A.
The Children's Center at Caltech
Target Audience: T P TK K
Content: S T E M
Workshop Pathway: DAP, Play-Based
Location: San Marino Room, Hilton Pasadena

That's Dangerous!

The integration of various forms of building, composition and woodworking in early childhood programs offers profound benefits for preschool-age children. These activities promote creativity, problem-solving, a sense of autonomy but also lay the foundation for STEM-based learning equipping children with essential skills for the future.
Presenter: Sam Foreman, M.A. & Luis Salgado, M.A.
Growing Place
Target Audience: T P
Content: S E M
Workshop Pathway: Reggio Emilia, RIE, DAP, Play-Based
Location: Santa Clara Room, Hilton Pasadena

Building an Aquarium: Merging Protected Individual Ideas to Develop an Expansive Shared Immersive Experience

Follow a prekindergarten journey to design a shared immersive experience bringing together the school community. Participants will play with loose parts to deepen our relationships with the natural world alongside children. 
Presenter: Alex Morgan, M.A. & Kirsten Zimbelman, M.A.
Boulder Journey School
Target Audience: TK
Content: S
Workshop Pathway: Reggio Emilia
Location: Pasadena Room, Hilton Pasadena

MathTalk: Enjoy Math Everywhere!

Join MathTalk to learn about ways to engage families in early math learning and reduce "math anxiety" with interactive math-based experiences.
Presenter: Claudia Ferrara, M.A.
MathTalk
Target Audience: P TK K FG SG
Content: T M
Workshop Pathway: DAP, Play-Based, Outdoor Education
Location: Pacific Room, Hilton Pasadena

WORK IT OUT WOMBATS! Using a Multimedia PBS KIDS Program to Help Children and Families Explore Computational Thinking (CT)

Computational thinking: Too hard for preschoolers? Just another thing to add to a busy day? This PBS KIDS series makes it easy to foster important skills for children's future success.
Presenter: Jessica Andrews, B.A. & Lavanya Mohan
GBH
Target Audience: P TK K
Content: S T E M
Workshop Pathway: Media-Based
Location: Monterey Room, Hilton Pasadena

Supporting Children in Engineering Concepts: A Collaborative Process with Various Materials

Inclines and construction come naturally to young children. In this workshop follow us through a unique journey where teachers, faculty, and college students facilitate children's ideas and theories using provocations and the scientific inquiry method.
Presenter: Kumiko Kato, M.A. & Veronica Hernandez, A.A.
Fullerton College CDES Department Lab School
Target Audience: P
Content: S E
Workshop Pathway: Reggio Emilia, DAP, Play-Based
Location: San Diego Room, Hilton Pasadena

The Intersection of Art and Science: Inquiry Based Practices in Early Childhood Settings

Integrating art and science can transform art beyond a means of expression; art becomes a tool for investigating, asking questions, forming and testing theories, and representing children's thoughts and ideas.
Presenter: Jennifer Hardison, Ed.D. & Tammy Pipitone, M.Ed.
St. Margaret's Episcopal School
Target Audience: P TK K
Content: S T
Workshop Pathway: Reggio Emilia, Play-Based, Nature-Based
Location: Santa Barbara Room, Hilton Pasadena

STEM: Learning Through Intentional Meaningful Experiences

Attendees will explore targeted, meaningful, intentional and innovative experiences and methods of setting up their environment as a learning tool for intentional teaching and implementation of a STEM environment. Will focus on proper analysis, reasoning and exploration.
Presenter: Joshua Alvarez, M.A.
Kaplan Early Learning
Target Audience: I T P TK K FG SG
Content: S T E M
Workshop Pathway: Reggio Emilia, Montessori, RIE, DAP, Play-Based, Nature-Based
Location: Santa Rosa Room, Hilton Pasadena

Science and Mindfulness with Children in Nature

In nature with children we are all small science detectives who are opening a box full of experiments, fantasy, storytelling and mindfulness.
Presenter: Lotte Cecilie Juel Pedersen, M.A.
Bonsai Institute
Target Audience: I T P TK K
Content: S M
Workshop Pathway: Waldorf, RIE, Play-Based, Nature-Based
Location: San Gabriel Room, Hilton Pasadena

The Breadshop: Uncovering the Teacher's Role in Weaving STEM into the Classroom Curriculum

From menu planning to order forms, using a variety of tools and materials, the children bring a breadshop to life! A year long curriculum with 4-5 year old children.
Presenter: Amy Dickens, B.A. & Haley Brim-DeForest, B.S.
Growing Place
Target Audience: P TK K
Content: S T M
Workshop Pathway: Reggio Emilia
Location: Santa Clara Room, Hilton Pasadena

Scale and Structure: Balance and Stability with Toddlers

Take a look into how our toddlers balanced their way throughout the year using their bodies and creating various structures.
Presenter: Marlene Garcia, B.A. & Linh Phu, B.A.
The Children's Center at Caltech
Target Audience: I T
Content: S E M
Workshop Pathway: DAP, Play-Based
Location: San Marino Room, Hilton Pasadena

Finding a Path to STEM Through Visual Arts and Movement

Come create tools to show how the arts can be a catalyst for STEM! Connections will be made using the elements of the arts (visual and movement) and extending them into STEM.
Presenter: Mary Jo Pollman, Ph.D.
Metropolitan State University of Denver
Target Audience: T P TK K FG
Content: S T E M
Workshop Pathway: Reggio Emilia, Waldorf, Montessori, DAP, Play-Based, Nature-Based, Other
Location: Pacific Room, Hilton Pasadena

Healing-Centered Pedagogy and the Role of STEM: How Can the Built Environment Contribute?

Nest Global (PILAglobal) classrooms support culturally-responsive early childhood education around the world. In this workshop, explore how built environments contribute to child-led, play-based learning in migrant shelters and under-resourced communities.
Presenter: Schuyler Walter & Lindsay Weissert, M.S.
March Studio & Nest Global
Target Audience: I T P TK K FG SG
Content: S T E M
Workshop Pathway: DAP, Play-Based, Child-Led
Location: Pasadena Room, Hilton Pasadena

STEAM-y Bugs: Designing, Building & Coding in Early Childhood

This playful workshop will engage participants in design thinking to build mazes for robotic bugs in a developmentally appropriate way. Presenters will provide strategies and resources for early learning environments.
Presenter: Alejandra Alvarez, M.Ed. & Elin Anderson, M.A.
AIMS Center for Education
Target Audience: P TK K FG SG
Content: S T E M
Workshop Pathway: Play-Based
Location: San Diego Room, Hilton Pasadena

Natural Learning Environments 

Nature affords endless invitations for math and science discovery and innovative and unusual uses of technology. Immersed in the natural world, seasons, patterns, physics, life science and biology meet adventure, mystery and meaning. This workshop will share stories of children immersed in nature and offer participants provocation to engage with natural materials in unique ways.
Presenter: Jennifer Kesselring, Ed.D. & Whitney Dickinson, B.S.
Riverfield Country Day School
Target Audience: I T P
Content: S T E M
Workshop Pathway: Reggio Emilia, DAP, Play-Based, Nature-Based
Location: Monterey Room, Hilton Pasadena

The One Less Traveled By

This workshop creates positive dialogue and presents strategies on how to collaborate with families to disconnect with devices and reconnect with nature and one another through playful learning adventures.
Presenter: Raissa Lee, M.S.Ed.
Irvine Valley College
Target Audience: I T P TK K FG SG
Content: S T E M
Workshop Pathway: DAP, Play-Based, Nature-Based
Location: Santa Rosa Room, Hilton Pasadena

Science Alliance: An Innovative Approach to Professional Learning

Science Alliance is an innovative, light-touch subscription box of science professional learning. Participants will learn about Science Alliance and engage in a hands-on minds-on provocation led by Science Alliance teachers.
Presenter: Daryl Greenfield, Ph.D. & Cynthia Parker, M.Ed.
University of Miami
Target Audience: I T P TK K
Content: S T E M
Workshop Pathway: DAP, Play-Based, Professional Development
Location: Santa Barbara Room, Hilton Pasadena

Light and Shadow with Infants

Light and shadow exploration draws on children's natural curiosity to understand and investigate their world. Join us as we look into the properties, color, mediums, and sources of light and shadow. This workshop will give you ideas on how light and shadow exploration can be implemented with infants and how the curriculum came to life in the environment with examples of materials and experiences.
Presenter: Eloisa McGah, B.A. & Elida Lopez, B.A.
The Children's Center at Caltech
Target Audience: I T
Content: S T E M
Workshop Pathway: RIE, DAP, Play-Based
Location: San Gabriel Room, Hilton Pasadena

Compositions with Natural Materials

An immersive experience playing with the concept of our relationship with nature and inspired by symmetry, shapes, patterns and organization found in the natural world around us. Participants will work in groups with organic materials to build integrated compositions.
Presenter: Anna Forward, M.A. & Ylien Golindano, B.A.
Growing Place
Target Audience: P TK K
Content: S M
Workshop Pathway: Reggio Emilia, RIE, DAP, Nature-Based, Play-Based
Location: Santa Clara Room, Hilton Pasadena

Conservation and Sustainability: How to Implement Green Practices into your Curriculum

Take a look at how you can begin to implement eco-friendly practices at your school and create STEM opportunities for children in the process. Children can be part of making a more eco-conscious environment and we can support them through the use of waldorf stories, gardening, and everyday play.
Presenter: Richard Ponce, B.A.
The Children's Center at Caltech
Target Audience: P TK K FG SG
Content: S T E M
Workshop Pathway: Waldorf, Play-Based, Nature-Based
Location: San Diego Room, Hilton Pasadena

STEM in Black: Celebrating Literacy and STEM Education Together

In today's world, addressing social justice, racism, discrimination, and inclusion with young children is more crucial than ever. STEM in Black merges the worlds of literacy and STEM education in order to open the conversation and begin to dismantle racism early.
Presenter: Orinthia Harris, Ph.D.
STEMearly
Target Audience: P TK K FG SG
Content: S T E M
Workshop Pathway: Reggio Emilia, Play-Based
Location: Pasadena Room, Hilton Pasadena

Let Storytelling Open your Narnia STEM Wardrobe

Open the children's curiosity to STEM by telling stories. Let storytelling open play worlds in the children's imagination. Trust your inner guidance to open the Narnia wardrobe of STEM.
Presenter: Gitte Winter Graugaard, M.A.
Room for Reflection ApS
Target Audience: I T P TK K FG SG
Content: S T E M
Workshop Pathway: Waldorf, Montessori, RIE, Play-Based
Location: Pacific Room, Hilton Pasadena

Exploring the Synergy: Science, Math, and Art

Science, math, and art are often seen as mutually exclusive. When one embraces the potential of the three dancing together, a world of possibility opens. Come join us to explore how experiences in nature and experiences in the atelier combine to create rich encounter, intelligent expression, and meaningful learning. 
Presenter: Ashley Stewart, B.S. & Jennifer Kesselring, Ed.D.
Riverfield Country Day School
Target Audience: I T P
Content: S T E M
Workshop Pathway: Reggio Emilia, DAP, Play-Based, Nature-Based
Location: Monterey Room, Hilton Pasadena

From Curiosity to Confidence: Using STEM to Develop Social-Emotional Skills

Discover the symbiotic relationship between STEM and social-emotional learning, exploring how STEM concepts and activities can facilitate the development of crucial skills such as problem-solving, collaboration, and perseverance.
Presenter: Eli Mast, M.S. & Jennifer Briseño, LCSW
Joint Early Learning Ideas, LLC
Target Audience: P TK K
Content: S T E M
Workshop Pathway: DAP, Play-Based
Location: San Marino Room, Hilton Pasadena

Storytelling as an Interactive Teaching Modality: The Practical use of Felts, Puppets, and Props to Build STEM Vocabulary and Enhance Literacy Through Multiple Disciplines

Fun, interactive, and STEMtastic! Unlock dynamic storytelling skills with the practical use of felts, puppets and props! Help build language skills so learners can express their STEM ideas effectively. 
Presenter: Sundrina Cottrell, A.A.
Artfelt Puppets, Pieces & Props
Target Audience: I T P TK K
Content: S T E M
Workshop Pathway: DAP
Location: Santa Barbara Room, Hilton Pasadena

Bubble Project with Toddlers: Not Just Bubble, it's STEAM!

This hands-on workshop will demonstrate how to create integrated STEAM activities for toddlers. By introducing "bubble project", the presenters will introduce how to support children's science learning across multiple domains.
Presenter: Nara Yun, Ph.D. & Amy Kim, M.A.
California Baptist University & Dongshin Preschool
Target Audience: T P
Content: S T E M
Workshop Pathway: Reggio Emilia, RIE, DAP, Play-Based
Location: Santa Rosa Room, Hilton Pasadena