2024 Great Ideas in Education Conference

Join us as we share how an early childhood system critically examined its STEM-focused, preschool curriculum for ways to intentionally embed literacy content in play domains. Guided by the KS Early Learning Standards and knowledge that children “show what they know” in play, educators, the instructional coach, and regional consultant considered how to intentionally plan for literacy in play as well as how to supplement and enhance the core curriculum with structured literacy supports. We invite others to engage with us as we share our building processes, like our examination of curricular read-alouds for purposeful planning of vocabulary and language comprehension teaching. Consider current research for preschoolers’ acquisition of phonemic awareness, the segmenting and blending of phonemes, and letter identification and association of letters and sounds to see if, and how, your curriculum is “framing” such explicit instruction: What literacy elements are visible in your young children’s play? Let’s collaboratively “light paths” together as we strive to build effective instruction!

Our littlest learners are filled with wonder! Are you curious how you can support sensemaking in the elementary science setting? Join us for a session centered around how to best align lessons to our state science standards and engage students in knowledge building. This session will feature elements of lesson design, opportunities for cross-content integration, and how to support our early readers as they grapple with building vocabulary and background knowledge.

Discover the impact of vocabulary on student success in this session, "Vocabulary Matters: Effective Strategies for Teaching Vocabulary." We will explore essential research and evidence-based practices to enhance vocabulary instruction. Learn practical strategies for daily classroom use and collaborate with fellow educators to develop consistent vocabulary routines across your district and/or building. Gain actionable tools and resources to enrich your students' language skills and support their academic growth. Join this session to elevate your vocabulary teaching practices and make a lasting educational impact.

Mathematics classrooms are often littered with rules that expire and tricks without meaning or connection. These rules and tricks create a weak mathematical foundation. Rather than simplifying mathematics instruction, implement routines that amplify deep mathematical learning. In this session, participants will get an introduction to the eight mathematical language routines and strategies to implement in the classroom.