International Institute: The Power of Making Thinking Visible with Young Children

Instructors:
Ana Maria Fernandez and Edu1st.schools team

Overview:
Intensive course to address the essential skills necessary to be an effective early childhood leader in a 21st century school
The institute spans 5 days and includes afternoon networking and reflection sessions.
Edu1st provides highly effective practical training by combining theory sessions with daily access to see the theory in action at our schools.
Participants can expect a high level of professionalism and should be prepared to work deeply and collaboratively with their colleagues who come from schools around the world.

Dates, Times, and Locations:

• May 10 - 14, 2010, 9:00am to 5:00pm, - NEW Spanish sessionWith special visits to Education First Schools
Weston Florida, USA

• October 25 - 29, 2010, 9:00am to 5:00pm,
With special visits to Education First Schools
Weston FL USA

Reception:
• Monday, 18:30-20:30

Monday:
• Workshops, plenary and group sessions

Tuesday through Thursday
• Morning observations at Edu1st.preschools
• Afternoon sessions, plenary and group reflection time

Friday
• Closing group sessions and plenary

Special dinner and closing
• Thursday, 18:30 – 21:30


Course Description:
This Five-day institute includes daily presentations, interactive workshops, small group sessions and visits to classrooms featuring students and teachers engaged with thinking routines and other strategies to encourage thinking in the classroom.
Participants will hear from colleagues and researchers as to the Power of Making Thinking Visible through documentation, Thinking routines, concept maps and the use of the language of thinking in early childhood settings.

The Power of Making Thinking Visible Institute is an opportunity for teachers and school administrators to engage with the ideas associated with Visible Thinking, Culture of Thinking, Artful Thinking and TfU.
Although the institute is focused on early childhood ages, the theory, routines and strategies used during the presentations and at the schools, are all used in elementary, middle schools and high schools around the world too.


Outcomes/Objectives:
Students will:
• Learn about Visible Thinking approach and practice thinking routines designed to make students’ thinking visible.
• Hear from experienced colleagues that have been working with the Visible Thinking approach from Harvard University in early childhood settings
• Visit classrooms to see thinking in action
• Explore the cultural forces as leverage points for creating a culture of thinking
• View students’ thinking through gallery walks
• Develop skills in collaborating with colleagues
• Build lasting relationships with colleagues across the world
• Leave with an action plan to implement back home

Supplemental Materials:
All registrants will receive pre-read materials before arriving at the institutes. These reading can typically be completed in a few hours.
Handouts will be assigned by the instructors.

Target Audience
This conference is intended for early childhood professionals outside Florida, elementary teachers, and school administrators with a genuine interest in enhancing early childhood education. We highly encourage teams of four or more participants.
Special requirements:
In order to receive a certificate of completion, participants must complete the full 5-day institute.

Cost:
$350 per participant. Includes conference, materials, and meals
Early birds $300 before February 26, 2010
10% discount for groups of 3 participants and over.

Contact:
Adriana Madrinan - amadrinan@educationfirstinc.com
www.educationfirstinc.com