My husband, Jeffrey and I attended an Ohio Voices for Learning (OVL) Inspired Teachers Institute that took place at the Columbus School for Girls. This was the first time Jeff every shared an early childhood workshop with me. Usually, I go with him to Jewish conferences. Sonya  Shoptaugh was the speaker and the theme was “Creatively Engaging Parents and Teachers Together in Young Children’s Learning.”

It was great being with some old Reggio friends – the two Salleys from Orange, Carol Bersani from Kent, and Sandy Miller from Columbus.  All were my mentors. For Jeff and me, one of the best yields from the conference was a focal point for beginning a dialogue about writing a book about the Hundred Languages of Children and the 70 Faces of Torah.  Stay tuned.

National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) conferences bring together early childhood educators — teachers, program administrators, students, researchers and teacher educators —  to explore the latest research and learn from one another.

At this year’s national conference in Washington, DC, I will be presenting on a panel on Spirituality and Teacher’s Dispositions (Wednesday, November 20), and with a panel on Spirituality and Literacy (Thursday, November 21).

I’m delighted to be presenting two workshops at this year’s Early Childhood Professional Development Conference, an annual event sponsored by the Lorraine and Jack N. Friedman Commission for the Jewish Education of the Greater Palm Beaches. My workshops include:

• Nature and Spiritual Development for Toddlers
• Nature and Spiritual Development for 3-4 year olds

Full J-STEAM Ahead: Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math Through a Jewish Lens

I am honored to be presenting the keynote address at this outstanding continuing education conference! My talk is entitled “Spiritual Development: The Energy Powering STEAM.”

During the conference, I will be giving a hands-on workshop: “Spiritual Moments and Sticks: The Spiritual Force Beneath the STEAM,” as well as working with school directors from the Los Angeles area in a session designed to help them discover where their school stands in relationship to Spiritual Development and to explore next steps.

I’m excited to be co-leading a session on “Reflecting on Spiritual Moments in Nature” with my colleague, Patti Bailie, as part of this exciting day-long conference on nature-based early childhood programs. Join us to learn from cutting edge educators who are redefining what’s possible in early childhood education.

Our workshop description: Spirituality is a system of spiritual development that provides a force that connects us with the natural world. This workshop will provide opportunities for participants to explore the connection between spiritual development and nature in order to intentionally provide experiences for young children that recognize spiritual moments in nature. Participants will also have the opportunity to reflect on their own spiritual moments in and with nature through guided hikes and jour- naling. We will spend most of our time outdoors so dress for the weather.

Download the conference flier here.

Join Deb in Madison, WI, for an inspiring workshop for parents and children on Nature, Spiritual Development, and the 100 Languages of Children, as part of the kick-off for Temple Beth El’s new Shabbat school program!

Shabbat morning service will follow.

Deborah Schein will be in Madison, WI to  lead an engaging, hands on workshop for parents, grandparents, and caregivers, to explore, create and connect with their children in a new way.

Program Part One
For the Adults: Nature exploration activities combining the Reggio Emilia Approach and Jewish Education
For the Kids: Open play childcare (downstairs at Gan HaYeled Preschool)

Program Part Two
Kids and Adults will participate together in a nature walk and create a nature toy called a “nattle.”

This activity is most appropriate for adults with children 0-6 years old. Parents are welcome to attend with or without kids.

Cost
$18 per adult participant. Space is limited.
Please register by Monday, November 2nd

Register here

Sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Madison Wisconsin’s Family Education Committee, Gan HaYeled Preschool, and Beth Israel Center.

Take an interesting leap with Deb and her husband, Rabbi Jeffrey Schein, as they co-lead a workshop for Jewish educators, entitled “The Two Biblical Adams Meet Spirituality and Technology,” as part of this year’s Madison Jewish Community Teacher Conference.
Then delight in a Q & A as the Scheins are interviewed by a distinguished panel, including Daniel Pekarsky, Professor Emeritus of Educational Policy Studies, University of Wisconsin-Madison, and senior consultant for the Mandel Foundation.

I am excited to be presenting at this fantastic educational event. My sessions:

• Wednesday November 18, Noon – 3:00 p.m.
  Room W 101
  The Young Children’s Spirituality Interest Forum joins the Play, Practice, and Policy Interest Forum, the Nature Interest Forum, and the Peace Interest Forum to discuss how wonder supports young children’s learning. With Deb Schein, Walter Drew, Baji Rankin, John Surr, Craig Simpson, Lynn A. Manfredi/Petitt, Patty Born-Selly, and Peter Pizzolongo.
• Thursday November 19, 3:00 – 4:30 p.m.
  Room W 304 C/D
  Benefits and Presence of Spirituality and Spiritual Development in High Quality Early Childhood Education. With Deb Schein, John Surr, Lynn Manfredi/Petitt, and Kathleen Harris.
• Thursday November 19, 4:30 – 6:00
  Room W304 C/D
  The Young Children’s Spirituality Interest Forum meeting will directly follow above “Benefits and Presence” workshop. Dr. Jennifer Mata will be sharing excerpts from her book, Spiritual Experiences in Early Childhood Education:  Four Kindergarteners, One Classroom.

Registration is open! To register or for more information, visit: http://www.naeyc.org/conference.

Deb and Rabbi Jeffrey will be exhibiting at the conference to share information about their enriching educational programs, including 100 Languages Meet the 70 Faces of Torah and other Growing Wonder specialties.  Exhibit hall opens 3:00 pm on Sunday, March 26 and all day on Monday and Tuesday March 27 -28. If you live in Portland or are passing through, please stop by for a conversation!

More info on the convention can be found here: http://www.cvent.com/events/2017-reconstructionist-rabbinical-association-biennial-convention/event-summary-27179a9f72b5402daa17da9e40cfb857.aspx