Better Together! Sparking Inspiration with SD64 Early Learning Educators

On October 20th, SD64 early learning educators gathered in Nanaimo to participate in the Sparking Inspiration conference, aimed to foster collaborative learning across the early years. The conference was organized by the Island Early Years Network, a collective in which the SD64 early learning team is actively involved. 

The day was filled with engaging break-out sessions ranging from play-based learning in StrongStart, to promoting social-emotional, literacy and numeracy development in young children. Keynote speakers Maureen Dockendorf and Alison Bledsoe shared insights on the latest research and best practices in the field.

SD64 StrongStart educators, Andrea Hollingsworth and Mundy Henbrey collaborated on a stunning gallery walk exhibition titled "Taking StrongStart Outdoors: Strengthening Our Connections to the Early Learning Framework and First Peoples Principles of Learning". In another break-out session, SD64 teacher and early learning coordinator Samantha Creech led a table-talk discussion on "Counting Collections". The session explored foundational concepts such as place value, numerical relationships, and composing and decomposing numbers.

The conference hosted more than 300 attendees, providing ample opportunity to network with colleagues, exchange innovative ideas during breaks, and explore the many vendor booths. Many left the conference feeling inspired, energized, and eager to apply what they had learned in their own classrooms and communities. It was an incredible experience to observe the collective teamwork and knowledge-sharing among educators throughout the district, encompassing StrongStart/Seamless Day educators, K-3 teachers, SD64 Early Learning staff, Pender Dragonfly Daycare staff, and Mayne Island School Trustee. 

The Sparking Inspiration conference provided a valuable opportunity for early years’ educators to come together, learn from one another, and deepen their understanding of early childhood education. We are grateful to the Island Early Years Network and the Nanaimo School District for hosting such a wonderful event and look forward to future opportunities to collaborate and grow together.

Submitted by: Amy Dearden, Principal of Early Learning and Child Care