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2003

2003 ANNUAL ECTA CONFERENCE

The 2003 ANNUAL ECTA CONFERENCE was held on SATURDAY 28 JUNE 2003 at JOHN PAUL COLLEGE, Daisy Hill.

Reminder - financial ECTA members can borrow video recordings of the presentations by John Irvine & Matt Sanders - to arrange this contact ECTA by email, fax or telephone.

Keynote Speaker Dr JOHN IRVINE
KEYNOTE ADDRESS Discipline with a Grin

GOLD SPONSOR FOR 2003
QUEENSLAND TEACHERS CREDIT UNION

A.M. master class - WHO CARES FOR THE CARER - Presenter: Dr John Irvine

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Teachers and carers suffer an occupational hazard – burnout. This class looked at effective ways to re-empower and rejuvenate teachers to survive and thrive in their chosen occupation. Dr John believes that long term you can’t nurture children if you’re not nurturing yourself.

P.M. master class - KEEPING UP WITH TODAY’S KIDS - Presenter: Dr Matt Sanders

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Commonly encountered behavioural and emotional difficulties represent major challenges for parents and teachers alike. Early behaviour difficulties can signal long term adjustment difficulties for children and early intervention is crucial to alter developmental trajectories of high risk children. Strategies that involve parents and teachers working collaboratively to implement strong behaviour management strategies are essential. Some of these strategies were reviewed during the presentation.


ABOUT THE PRESENTER:
Matthew R Sanders is a professor of Clinical Psychology and Director of the Parenting and Family Support Centre at The University of Queensland. He is founder of the Triple P-Positive Parenting Program. This internationally recognised program has twice won the National Violence Prevention Award from the Commonwealth Government in Australia. He conducts research in the area of parenting, family psychology and the treatment and prevention of childhood psychopathology.
Professor Sanders is author of the popular book “Every parent: A positive guide to children’s behaviour” and has published extensively on the nature, causes, prevention and treatment of behavioural disturbance in children. In 1996 he was awarded a Distinguished Career Award from the Australian Association of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy. He has served as a consultant for several Australian and international government departments interested in the adoption of population-level, evidence-based parenting and family support strategies. He is also a member of the National Suicide Prevention Council.

PAPERS based on some of the master classes and workshops are available in the journal Education Young Children volume 9, number 2, 2003.

WORKSHOP- Outdoor Play - Presenter: Ms Ros Beeton

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This workshop explored the utilisation of a planned outdoor area. Chislehurst’s outdoor areas are used as outdoor rooms. They are spaces where the expressive arts
(music, drama, visual art and construction) may take place equally with our indoor spaces. They are areas where social, emotional and cognitive domains may be scaffolded in addition to physical development. They include special spaces that appeal to the senses. In these areas the changes of season may be observed and the creatures and plants of the garden may be enjoyed and experienced.
Target audience: childcare, kindergarten, preschool (3-6yrs.)

WORKSHOP - Providing quality musical experiences for babies and toddlers - Presenter: Joanne Edwards

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Joanne Edwards specialises in early childhood music both privately and at the Young Conservatorium and is a tutor at the Australian Catholic University. Joanne presented ideas to guide you towards providing age-appropriate musical activities for babies/toddlers. Topics include repertoire, physical/musical development, instruments, cd’s and sources for further research.
Target audience: childcare (0-3yrs.)

ABOUT THE PRESENTER:
Joanne Edwards

Joanne Edwards completed her music degree in Q'ld followed by a Commonwealth Scholarship for study inLondonwhere she completed her Masters. Joanne worked in the music field inLondonand returned toBrisbaneto continue instrumental teaching. It wasn't until she began her own family that she realised how little appropriate music education there was for very young children and her ongoing interest in this field grew from then on. Joanne immersed herself in the Kodaly methodology because of its age-appropriate sequential approach to teaching music for very young children. The Kodaly method is also part of the school music programme in Q'ld, thus allowing a seamless transition from early childhood to school-age music.

Joanne specialises in teaching music to children aged between 0-7 years and divides her time between her studio at home and working for the Young Conservatorium in their Early Childhood Music Department. She also tutors in music education for theAustralianCatholicUniversity.


WORKSHOP - Identifying developmental problems in young children - Presenter: Dr Linda Gilmore

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This workshop focussed on the identification of developmental problems in early childhood. Using a range of case illustrations, particpants considered issues such as the value of observations and rating scales, effective communication with families, classroom interventions and school readiness.
Target audience: childcare, kindergarten, preschool and primary (3-6yrs.)

ABOUT THE PRESENTER:
Linda Gilmore

Dr Linda Gilmore lectures in developmental psychology at QUT and works as a psychologist in the Learning and Development Clinic. She has considerable experience in working with young children with disabilities, developmental problems and learning difficulties. Her research involves aspects of developmental psychology and disability, and she is particularly interested
in developmental outcomes for children with rare chromosome disorders.

WORKSHOP - Appreciating Art - Presenter: Mrs Rebecca Lennon

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Art appreciation is an area of the Visual Art that can be easily overlooked. During this workshop participants took a “hands on” approach and looked at ways we can encourage young children to analyse their own and others art work. Once children become aware of the techniques and features, they naturally use these skills within their own creations. Participants explored the Elements of Art and discover how easy it can be to talk about Art work with children.
Target audience: childcare, kindergarten, preschool and primary (3-8yrs)

ABOUT THE PRESENTER:
Rebecca Lennon

Rebecca Lennon has been teaching for 14 years in Kindergarten, Preschool and Primary environments. She was trained in Early Childhood and specialised in the area of Visual Arts. She has been aVisual Art specialist in Early Childhood classrooms for the last three years. Rebecca holds after school art classes for children with a special interest or talent in the area of Visual Arts. She organises regular student exhibitions to showcase children's work and communicate to parents the value of visual arts. Art appreciation is a special interest area and Rebecca has a passion for engaging young children in discussions and activities using famous artworks, picture book illustrations and childrens artwork. Rebecca aims to continually extend her skills by completing various drawing, painting and picture framing courses. She is hoping to complete her Masters in Visual Arts next year

WORKSHOP - A Physiotherapy Perspective of Early Child Development - Presenter: Julie MacDonald

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Through the use of hypothetical scenarios and interactive discussion this workshop highlighted current assessment and management principles undertaken by physiotherapists working with young children. Discussion encompassed a wide spectrum of topics, however, salient issues such as current Motor Control theories, and relevant research findings were featured. Target audience: childcare, kindergarten, preschool and primary (1-8yrs.)

ABOUT THE PRESENTER:
JulieMacDonald

I have been a practicising clinical physiotherapist for over two and
half decades and for almost 2 decades i have been working primarily in the field of paediatric physiotherapy. Since 1985 I have been part of the clinical teaching staff in the Department of Physiotherapy, School of Health Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Queensland. I have worked with children both in acute hospital settings & in community settings. I am interested in the physiotherapy management of children of differing ages and with varying functional difficulties. Since 2000 I have worked with Mrs Pauline Watter in the Paediatric Motor Clinic, Department of Physiotherapy, University of Queensland where we assess and provide treatment programs for children with movement difficulties (eg developmental delay, Developmental Coordination disorders,
Dyspraxia).

WORKSHOP - School Readiness - Presenter: Dr. Cathy McBryde

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The workshop commenced with an initial overview of school readiness as a concept: its definition; theoretical basis and how readiness is currently determined. Factors identified as influencing a child’s school readiness were subsequently be discussed, and findings from Dr McBryde's research into this area were presented.
Target audience: childcare, kindergarten and preschool (3-6yrs)

ABOUT THE PRESENTER:
Cathy McBryde

Cathy graduated as an occupational therapist from the University of Queensland in 1986 and subsequently worked at Montrose Home, Corinda. She commenced work at the Royal Children’s Hospital in 1987and remained there until 1994, assuming the occupational therapist-in-charge position in 1990.
From 1995-96 she worked at The University of Queensland Occupational Therapy Department as an associate lecturer, and as a research assistant for a research project at the Royal Children’s Hospital investigating the management of pain experienced by children with leukemia undergoing repeated chemotherapy injections.
In 1997 Cathy was awarded a full time 3-year scholarship through the University of Queensland to study for a PhD in Occupational Therapy. The Research topic was:
Factors influencing parent and preschool teacher perceptions of a child’s readiness for, and adjustment to, school. The PhD was conferred in December 2001. Cathy subsequently established and continues to work in a private paediatric occupational therapy service at Jindalee.

WORKSHOP - Interactive Science with the Very Young is Fun - Presenter: Ms Sharmila Nezovic

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Learn how easy it is to ignite preschoolers’ scientific curiosity and how to integrate the fun of effective science learning in the ‘classroom’, beyond merely growing seeds! Interactive Science with the Very Young is Fun, has been devised for those who haven’t known where or how to start introducing accessible science programmes to kids. An informal, hands-on approach, presented by Sharmila Nezovic, Early Childhood Education Presenter with the Queensland Museum, South Bank.
Target audience: childcare, kindergarten and preschool (4-6yrs.)

WORKSHOP - An Enchanting Environment - Presenter: Mrs Marion O’Donnell

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Montessori education offers an enriching stress-free environment where children themselves choose activities which interest them. Children invariably thrive in this carefully prepared environment. The teacher oversees the development of the whole child.
Presentation illustrated with slides.
Target audience: childcare, kindergarten, preschool and primary (0-8yrs.)

WORKSHOP - Storytelling: tips, techniques for troubled children in a troubled world - Presenter: Mrs Marilyn Roberts

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Exploring story in children’s lives. Tips on selecting, creating and telling stories. Using dialogic reading, and the five-day method.
Encouraging children’s multiple literacies through story making; helping children “tell” their own story, through play art and movement; lots of practical ideas.
Target audience: childcare, kindergarten, preschool and primary (3-8yrs.)

WORKSHOP - Living Literature, Loving Life - Presenter: Rick Samuels

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An interactive session using literature as the stimulus for drama-based learning experiences with links to current curriculum documents. These multifunctional experiences promote the development of multiple literacies, specific drama skills and effective social strategies. They also aim to re-educate children in the art of playing as they follow the natural progression from dramatic play to full-blown Drama.
Target audience: childcare, kindergarten, preschool and primary (3-6yrs.)

WORKSHOP - Parent Communication – Our Approach - Presenters: Louise Wells and Megan Shipman

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“The teacher and aide can help your child. The three of us can do so much more”
This workshop outlined involving parents in the process, by establishing links with the documentation of children’s progress, classroom displays and the Preschool Curriculum Guidelines.
Target audience: childcare, kindergarten and preschool (3-6yrs.)

WORKSHOP - Enhancing your Program with Digital Photography - Presenter: Mrs Kim Walters

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Discover how communication and learning can be enhanced using the digital camera. The presentation included examples of daily slideshows, games, child portfolios,
story books, posters, E-Books and wall documentation created from photos of projects, child initiated play and experiences.
Target audience: childcare, kindergarten and preschool (3-6yrs.)

ABOUT THE PRESENTER:
Kim Walters

Kim Walters teachers at Gympie Kindergarten &Preschool Queensland where digital photography is used daily to enhance learning outcomes and communications between parents, staff and children.
Kim is author/creator of Digital Ideas CD, Step by Step Book, Personalised Puzzles and the website www.digitalpreschool.com.au

WORKSHOP - Behind the Book Shuffle - Presenter: Dr. John Worthington

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Research is often criticized for not being practical. This presentation highlighted selected results of recent longitudinal early literacy research. The Book Shuffle pilot program developed from the research was detailed. This pilot program has seen approximately $35,000 in books shared ‘free’ between hundreds of families.
Target audience: childcare, kindergarten, preschool and primary (3-6yrs.)

WORKSHOP - Let’s Get the Rhythm - Presenter: Ms Carole Wild

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This workshop explored and devised ways to extend well-known and (hopefully) some new songs and rhymes using movement, body percussion and tuned and untuned percussion instruments. Ideas presented began simply and were gradually developed and extended.
Target audience: childcare, kindergarten, preschool and primary (3-6yrs.)

ABOUT THE PRESENTER:
Carole Wild

Carole Wild is an Early Childhood teacher with over 40 years experience.
For the past twenty eight years she has worked at Bardon Community Kindergarten, which is affiliated with the Creche and Kindergarten Association and has been involved with ECTA for most of that time.
During her time at Bardon Kindergarten, Carole has been active in the promotion of Early Education Reform.
Special Early Childhood interests have always been children’s literature (From Literature to Literacy), music and movement with children (Let’s Get the Rhythm), facilitating children’s creativity (I Can Draw, do Collage, make Prints and Sew) and working with training teachers.

WORKSHOP - The Art of Achieving Balance in the Midst of Stress – for Health’s’ Sake - Presenter: Manuela Almeida

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The aim of this workshop was to:
Establish the effects of Stress on our Health and to provide participants with practical skills to establish balance on a daily basis, through Visualisation, Aromatherapy, Self Massage and Reflexology.
Target audience: all ages

WORKSHOP - Promoting Nutrition and Oral Health in Early Childhood Environments - Presenters: Julie Appleton and Lyn Hunt

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This workshop provided early childhood professionals in a variety of settings with information and practical activities to assist in weaving the important aspects of nutrition education and oral health education into the daily program of the early childhood environment.
Target audience: childcare, kindergarten, preschool and primary (0-6yrs.)

WORKSHOP - Educating young children using Brain Gym in Early Childhood settings- Presenter: Dianne Scott

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‘Movement is the Key to Learning.’ This workshop provided participants with ‘hands on’ information and techniques on how to facilitate this amazing tool.
Target audience: childcare, kindergarten, preschool and primary (0-8yrs.)

WORKSHOP - Folk Dance, Drama and Music - Presenter: Ms Alison Nicholson

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Learn fun folk dance, drama and musical ideas to share with your children.
Learn new ways to use well known songs, stories and music. Broaden your range of games and musical activities to liven up your daily program.
Target audience: childcare, kindergarten, preschool and primary (2-8yrs.)