Early Years events at the Scottish Learning Festival

This year the Early Years community has an extended range of events and attractions to choose from at the Scottish Learning Festival. There are familiar events such as the ever popular seminars as well as some exciting new ideas such as Topic Surgeries, Education Showcases and the Early Years Exchange Wall.

• Education Showcase: Active Learning in the Early Years
• Topic surgeries
• Early Years Exchange Wall
• Education Village
• Conference in Pictures
• Seminars

Education Showcase: Active Learning in the Early Years

Thursday 25 Sep 12 noon – 12.40pm (non-bookable event)

This is an opportunity to participate in a choice of six ‘round the table’ discussions (40 minutes) about a range of topics which relate to active learning in the early years. The number of participants at each table will be no more than 10, and places will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. This is a non-bookable event and it is important that participants come at the start of the session to minimise disturbance.

The education showcases will be hosted by leading educationalists, who will provide participants with opportunities to discuss the topic, share ideas and network with colleagues.

The showcase themes and hosts are:

• Persona Dolls

  Liz Mercer, Head of Cathkin Community Nursery

• Responsibility Groups in Nursery

  Gerard McKernon, Quality Improvement Officer, Glasgow City Council

• Working With Children Birth to 3 Years

  Annette Burns, EY Education Support Officer, West Dunbartonshire Council

• Active Learning Research

  Joan Martlew, Lecturer, University of Strathclyde

• Active learning approaches in pre-school and early primary

  Trevor Gray, Curriculum for Excellence Development Officer, LTS

• Storyline

  Lynda Bancroft, Early Years Development Officer, LTS.

Topic Surgeries

Various times (non-bookable event)

You may have heard of speed dating. Topic Surgeries are a kind of speed networking and information exchange. The sessions are ‘drop in’ and each surgery only lasts for 12 minutes. Discussions will centre on a theme but will vary according to the interests of the participants.

Early Years Exchange Wall

A new attraction to this year’s Scottish Learning Festival! The Exchange Wall is a meeting place where the Early Years community will have the opportunity to ‘post’ messages to others. These ‘posts’ may include something you are looking for, perhaps a resource or an idea. Similarly you may be able to contribute and share your ideas and advice with the community.

Examples may include:

'I would like to run parent classes in my centre, but I am not sure how to go about it. Can anyone offer some suggestions?'

'I am a P2 teacher in Glasgow and I would love to see active learning in action in another P2 class. Would anyone be able to offer that opportunity?'

Great opportunities for you to seek, contribute, share ideas and suggestions for good practice and extend your networks.

Education Village

Thursday 25th September 15.15 (non-bookable event)

Supporting Quality Early Education (0-8) in Scotland

A drop-in session where participants can find out more about the work of the Early Years Team at LTS and explore the potential of the Early Years Online website.

Conference in Pictures

New for this year - an innovative and fun way for delegates to enter into debate around topical issues relating to Early Years. Throughout the learning festival, a graphic artist will be listening to the main messages of the seminars etc and transforming these into pictures. Delegates will be invited to add their own comments and views to the pictures. A summary report of the comments will be posted on the EY website at the end of the festival.

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