Nova Scotia Teachers Association for Literacy and Learning

Living Literacies: Beyond Reading

Provincial Conference - Friday, October 27, 2023


Registration CLOSED!

No refunds after October 13th

Registration Information

Conference Fee (NSTU Members) $85.00
Substitutes $45.00
Pre-Service Teachers $45.00
Retired Members $45.00
Other Affiliates $45.00

As per NSTU Operational Procedure 14 E. IV.: receipts of payment and attendance will not be distributed until the conference has concluded.


Location:

Cobequid Educational Centre (CEC), Truro

Click on the map to access directions

Contacts

Tami Cox-Jardine or  nstall@nstu.ca

Conference Schedule

Friday, October 27

8:15am - 9:00am

Registration

FULL DAY Workshops

9am-2:45pm

A1 (Full Day: Redcliff Middle School, Bible Hill)

Decolonizing Cultural Conversations

Outside Redcliff Middle School we’ll begin with a circle on what brought us all together. We’ll workshop the wins and wants that October has left us with, in our pursuit of Treaty Education for the rest of the year. Then we’ll head outdoors to enjoy some outdoor learning opportunities for further consideration of decolonization of education.

Workshop Capacity: 20

Presenter: Matt Arsenault, Grade 7 Science and Math teacher committed to Two-Eyed Seeing in environmental education grounded in hope and action, with Mi’kma’ki as the source of our life and learning.

 

A2 (Full Day: Cape Split, Blomidon)

Experience Mi'kma'ki: A Guided Tour of Cape Split at Blomidon

Participants will endeavor on a guided tour of the Cape Split hiking trail at Blomidon. Hikers will make stops along the way to hear stories of Mi’kmaq folklore, legends and mythology from guests to learn about the culture and rich storytelling tradition Mi'kma'ki.

Workshop Capacity: 20

Presenter: Jonathan Grant and guests

Jonathan is an outdoors enthusiast and social studies teacher at Northumberland Regional High School.

 

A3 (Full Day: on site)

Connecting with Nature in Early Elementary Curriculum

An interactive workshop on engaging environmental learning in early elementary classrooms, focusing on connections to provincial literacy outcomes. Discover strategies to help your learners develop meaningful relationships with the natural world, both inside and outside the classroom. Grow your tools to instill stewardship and care for the environment in your learners. Participants will leave with ready-to-go learning experiences and a FREE 'Environmental Teaching Kit' full of goodies, books, and resources!

Workshop Capacity: 20

Presenter: Wil Brunner

Wil Brunner offers a wealth of environmental education experience from 15 years in the environmental conservation and mental health professions. Between leading community cleanups and guiding nature therapy experiences, Wil has a strong passion for reconnecting youth to the natural world. He currently lives in Aylesford and provides Professional Learning workshops to teachers across Nova Scotia at Clean Foundation.

 

A4 (FULL DAY, Truro) Re-Connecting with Nature

Description: Looking for ways to take your class outside, and share your passion for outdoor learning and play? The Re-Connecting with Nature workshop, full day outdoor workshop, is a hands-on day of outdoor adventure to improve your ability to lead and share an appreciation and understanding of nature with children. You will improve your leadership skills, gain practical activity ideas, network with like-minded folks and have fun in nature. This workshop is supported by Hike Nova Scotia.

Workshop Capacity: 20

Presenter: TBA

BIO: TBA

9am - 12 Noon

(FULL MORNING)

Session AB 

AB12 (Half Day): Circle Activities 101!
Description: Circle activities are fun, they help develop relationships, classroom management, and to complete many outcomes!
Workshop Capacity: 20

Presenter: Mikel Légère
Having been responsible for thousands of youth onboard the Walt Disney Cruise Line, a place of the most widely diverse place on Earth, I have incorporated fun through circles in order to develop authentic relationships which fulfill all cultural needs for a student of any background. These circle activities are fun, they help develop relationships, provide classroom management, and complete all sorts of outcomes! Join me, and help your students gain fun controlled activities which will help them become better learners.

 

AB13 (Half Day) Workshop Title: Using a child’s French Oral Language as a Foundation for Reading and Writing in P-2 classrooms
Oral language is the foundation for reading and writing. In this session, P-2 French classroom teachers will explore strategies that build and extend a child’s French oral language. Through explicit teaching using familiar texts, teachers will observe the changes in complexity in their oral language that can be used to strengthen their reading and writing. This session will be offered in French.
Workshop Capacity: 20

Presenter: Lisa Harvey
Lisa Harvey is a National Intervention préventive en lecture-écriture (IPLÉ) Trainer supporting the implementation across Canada. She is an experienced educator with over 15 years teaching in Nova Scotia French Immersion classrooms at the early elementary level and in specialist positions including resource and early literacy. She is passionate about French Language instruction and student achievement.

 

AB14 (Half Day): The Amazing Math Race
Are you looking for an engaging activity that contributes to a culture of teamwork and problem solving through mathematics concepts? Trying to find a way to get kids up and moving beyond the walls of your classroom? Come ready to race, wearing your comfy shoes and you. r sense of adventure. First you will run the race as a student and then you’ll have an opportunity to create your own customized race for your own class. Leave with the tips and tools you need to run a successful race with your own students. BYOD to access curriculum and create customized digital race components.
Grades 2-5
Workshop Capacity: 15
Presenter: Kerry Pemberton & Shelley Muttart
Kerry and Shelley are P-5 Student Centered Mathematics Coaches in AVRC

 

AB15 (Half Day)Workshop Title: Who Am I in This Crazy World: Using UDL to Integrate Social Emotional Learning Into the Grade 7 (or any grade) CurriculumSocial Emotional Learning is at the forefront of education across the globe as rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide skyrocket. SEL explicitly teaches students what's needed to live happier lives. This workshop will reflect on an informal “pilot project” that integrates SEL into the classroom using a completely modifiable series of UDL infused lessons, researched, created, and implemented successfully by the presenter during the last three years. Lessons and materials will be shared. Participants should BYOD, a phone could work in a pinch!

Workshop Capacity: 20

Presenter: Tammy Chitty

Tammy Chitty has been a Learning Support Teacher for 18 years, and for the last 12 years, at Redcliff Middle School in Valley, NS. In the 10 years before that, her experience was very diverse, teaching students from Grade 2 to high school to adult learners, and teaching reading, English, Social Studies, Drama, and Math to students of all ability levels. A Masters concentrating on Diverse Learners made sense for Tammy, and her passion for Educational Technology led her to finish her second Masters in 2021. Her knowledge of the Science of Happiness keeps Tammy often in a happy place near the water, with loved ones, capturing as many sunset skies as possible while dreaming up how to change the world.

 

AB16: Fighting Antisemitism with a Critical-Thinking Lens

With white supremacy on the rise, discrimination against Jews surely follows. We explore such questions as:

  • Where did antisemitism emerge and what are its symptoms?
  • Is it unique among forms of racial hatred?
  • Intersectionality and antisemitism
  • How can equity-seeking groups unite?
  • Competing definitions of
  • How reliable are audits of antisemitism?
  • Is criticizing Israel antisemitic?

Workshop Capacity: 20

Presenter: Larry Haiven and Rima Berns-McGown

Larry Haiven is Professor Emeritus at Saint Mary's University, Halifax, and a founding member of Independent Jewish Voices, Equity Watch, and Nova Scotia Parents for Public Education.

Rima Berns-McGown is a Canadian politician, professor and author. A member of Independent Jewish Voices, she was a New Democrat member of the Ontario legislature from 2018 to 2022. She now resides in Nova Scotia.

 

AB17: Literacy as a Human Right: Implications for Policy and Practice
 
Building on the Ontario Human Rights Commission’s Right to Read report from 2022, this workshop will provide:

●    An overview of Literacy as a Human Right for all children, including implications for teaching and learning
●    An update on what is happening in educational jurisdictions across Canada as systems seek to improve literacy achievement for all students
●    A discussion about work in Chignecto Central Regional Centre for Education (CCRCE) schools that aligns with Ontario’s Right to Read findings

Workshop Capacity: 20
Presenter: Alicia Smith, Executive Director of Dsylexia Canada
Una Malcolm, President of International Dyslexia Association of Ontario
Andrew Francis, Coordinator of Literacy Innovation, Chignecto Central Regional Centre for Education

AB19: Active Smarter Kids Project and Literacy Learning

The NS ASK Project is a unique, partnership-based project working with schools to support the implementation of physically active learning (PAL) in schools across Nova Scotia/Mi'kma'ki. This workshop experience will provide you with background information about the project and engaging literacy outcome-based activities to bring back to your learners.

Please wear comfortable clothing and dress for the weather!

Check out www.nsaskproject.ca for more info!

Workshop Capacity: 20

Presenter: Britt Vegsund and Allison Potter

Britt is the Nova Scotia ASK Project Lead. Allison is a Literacy Coach for CCRCE.

9:00am - 10:15am

Session A

 

A5: Candlelight Yoga

Description: This session will be a mingling of yoga, candlelight, and mindfulness. Let the stress melt away as you unwind and reconnect with your body and mind in a meaningful way. This practice is for all skill levels; support and guidance will be offered for any modifications you may need. Beginners are welcome and encouraged.

Workshop Capacity: 20

Presenter: Kelli Cruikshank

Kelli is a local yoga instructor, fitness enthusiast, wife, and a mother of three. Loving all things powerful and strong, she is drawn to guiding others to unleash their warrior within.

 

A6: Simply Spellbound - Grades 3-6

This workshop is designed to help teachers focus explicitly on specific spelling skills that many students are missing. Simply Spellbound! offers practical lessons for these spelling concepts:

  1. vowel sounds and combinations
  2. common reliable patterns (e.g., ight)
  3. beginning consonant blends and digraphs (e.g., br, sh, scr)
  4. prefixes, suffixes, and roots
  5. plural formations

Further, teachers will learn how these concepts can be spread over these 4 grades.

Workshop Capacity: 20

Presenter: Erna Fraser

Erna is a strong advocate for literacy and believes in explicit instruction. She enjoyed teaching grades 2-5 and was a Literacy Consultant in the Annapolis Valley for 12 years before retiring.

 

A7: Loving Literacy: Images Inspire Imagination

Experience how a visual hands-on approach teaches writing and reading skills, and easily integrates into the science and social studies curriculum. Use various forms of art: pictures, drawings, and paintings to reveal words from students’ listening and speaking vocabulary. Inspire creativity, imagination and participation with this interactive, discovery-based approach to literacy learning. View classroom settings as students actively discover language concepts by writing to images, and manipulating words, sentences and paragraphs to develop language and build cognitive skills. For elementary Students.

Workshop Capacity: 20

Presenter: Phyllis Engram

Phyllis Engram is a dynamic, engaging educator with many years of experience in the classroom and as Literacy Specialist. She has spent the majority of her career teaching in Nova Scotia and various communities throughout Nunavut. She discovered many exciting, hands-on approaches to teaching literacy skills through her interest in children’s literacy and working with various grade levels. Phyllis is currently a literacy consultant, and has presented workshops at conferences and at various schools across the province.

 

A8: Slip, Sliding away

Description of Workshop: Get more out of Google slides. This workshop will allow participants to explore some of the features of google slides and allow them to delve deeper into how they can create slides with that work harder for them. Participants will be able to see how to use slides to create choice boards, digital books, stop motion and much much more. Participants are encouraged to bring a laptop or chrome book.

Workshop Capacity: 20

Presenter: Louise Haycocks

Louise has worked as an integration technology consultant for 15 years.

 

A9: More Time With Them: How to Transform your Teaching using AI
This session is designed to inform teachers on ways emergent AI technology can radically alter your planning, teaching and assessment, taking away the element of time developing and marking. You will learn how to create comprehensive units and lessons, rubrics, content and more using digital AI tools. Your plate will be emptier forever after this session.
Workshop Capacity: 20

Presenter: Adam Hinton
Adam Hinton is a lover of all things digital and currently serves as a literacy consultant in CCRCE

 

A10:  DIY Interactive Digital Activities
Description: Do you want to engage your students with interesting and appealing digital activities? This workshop will show you the basics of creating interactive activities (i.e. drag and drop, multiple-choice, etc.). Familiarity with Google Suite for Education apps is an asset, but not necessary. Chromebook or laptop is required.
Workshop Capacity: 20

Presenter: Gale Doyle
Hi. I have been an upper elementary teacher with the HRCE for the past 15+ years, following a 16+ year career in the film and television production industry. Technology integration into lessons and classroom activities is a passion of mine. I hold Graduate Diplomas in both Curriculum Studies and Educational Technology from CBU and a Master of Education in Technology Integration from MSVU.


A11: ArcGIS StoryMaps
Learn how students can use ArcGIS StoryMaps to create dynamic and professional looking presentations of stories, maps, timelines, and photos. This program is available to all Nova Scotia teachers and can be used in almost all grades.
Workshop Capacity: 20

Presenter: Kate English
Kate is a Technology Integration Learning Specialist with the CCRCE

 

A20 Integrating Technology into your Literacy Block, with a Focus on Phonics and Phonemic Awareness.

This presentation is directed towards elementary teachers and will examine ways that you can integrate technology into your classroom to support instruction and reinforce activities around phonics and phonological awareness, using digital resources and technology that is already available in your schools.

Workshop Capacity: 20

Presenter: Katie Creelman and Andrea Beaton

Katie and Andrea are both employed by CCRCE and have a love of integrating technology in meaningful ways to support classroom learning. Katie is currently a Technology Integration Learning Specialist and Andrea is a Wilson Reading System Lead Learning Support Teacher.

 

A21 Time’s Up! Taming the 30-Minute Reading Recovery Lesson
Description: Join us in investigating the time challenges faced by teachers during a 30-minute Reading Recovery lesson. Gain a deeper theoretical understanding and practical strategies to ensure that all components of the lesson remain intact within the allotted time. Whether you’re a novice or experienced Reading Recovery teacher, join us in this exploration to optimize your instructional time and elevate your Reading Recovery practice. Walk away with actionable insights and approaches to ensure every minute counts in your lessons.
Workshop Capacity: 20

Presenter: Lisa Hoover
Lisa Hoover has over 30 years’ experience with several school districts across Canada as an elementary classroom teacher, EAL teacher, literacy consultant, and Reading Recovery Teacher Leader. She sees teaching as a lifelong learning journey and is passionate about supporting teacher professional development. She is thankful for all the exceptional educators who travel with her on a continuous professional journey with endless opportunities to discover what’s possible.

 

A22: Literacy Stations: Focusing on Reading Assessments, Writing Stamina and Technology 

All members will rotate through three literacy stations focusing on reading assessments (DIBELS - University of Oregon), writing stamina (Quick Writes), and Flipgrid (for alternative speaking assessments). Each station will give you time to dive into each resource and become familiar with the basics. There will be resources for you to take away from each station.
Workshop Capacity: 20
Jean-Marc Rioux (he/him) - B.Ed., M.Ed.
Jean-Marc Rioux is a Learning Support Teacher at Springhill High School in Springhill, NS. He is a proud father of two young children and a passionate educator. He is in his ninth year of teaching and has recently finished his M.Ed. with a focus on inclusion.

 

A23: Sound Walls: Following the Science to Support Success in Literacy and Beyond 

A workshop that will explore the science of sound development and how it can support students reading and writing development. Participants will be introduced to basic linguistic theory behind phoneme introduction, how to build a sound wall and how to integrate sound walls into daily literacy lesson, through the use of a variety of resources/programs.

Workshop Capacity: 20

Presenter: Lacey Phinney

Lacey is currently a Literacy Hybrid and Reading Recovery teacher in the SRCE. She completed her BA(Linguistics), BEd (Elementary) at MUN and MEd (Curriculum and Instruction) in Inclusive Education from St. FX. Lacey is passionate about the field of Linguistics and how it can support students learning in all subject areas.

10:15am - 10:45am

Nutrition Break (provided)

10:45-Noon

Session B

 

B5: Candlelight Yoga

This session will be a mingling of yoga, candlelight, and mindfulness. Let the stress melt away as you unwind and reconnect with your body and mind in a meaningful way. This practice is for all skill levels; support and guidance will be offered for any modifications you may need. Beginners are welcome and encouraged.

Workshop Capacity: 20, 

Presenter: Kelli Cruikshank

Kelli is a local yoga instructor, fitness enthusiast, wife, and a mother of three. Loving all things powerful and strong, she is drawn to guiding others to unleash their warrior within

 

B6: Simply Spellbound - Grades 3-6

This workshop is designed to help teachers focus explicitly on specific spelling skills that many students are missing. Simply Spellbound! offers practical lessons for these spelling concepts:

  1. vowel sounds and combinations
  2. common reliable patterns (e.g., ight)
  3. beginning consonant blends and digraphs (e.g., br, sh, scr)
  4. prefixes, suffixes, and roots
  5. plural formations

Further, teachers will learn how these concepts can be spread over these 4 grades.

Workshop Capacity: 20

Presenter: Erna Fraser

Erna is a strong advocate for literacy and believes in explicit instruction. She enjoyed teaching grades 2-5 and was a Literacy Consultant in the Annapolis Valley for 12 years before retiring.

Workshop Capacity: 20

 

B7: Loving Literacy: Images Inspire Imagination

Experience how a visual hands-on approach teaches writing and reading skills, and easily integrates into the science and social studies curriculum. Use various forms of art: pictures, drawings, and paintings to reveal words from students’ listening and speaking vocabulary. Inspire creativity, imagination and participation with this interactive, discovery-based approach to literacy learning. View classroom settings as students actively discover language concepts by writing to images, and manipulating words, sentences and paragraphs to develop language and build cognitive skills. For elementary Students.

Workshop Capacity: 20

Presenter: Phyllis Engram

Phyllis Engram is a dynamic, engaging educator with many years of experience in the classroom and as Literacy Specialist. She has spent the majority of her career teaching in Nova Scotia and various communities throughout Nunavut. She discovered many exciting, hands-on approaches to teaching literacy skills through her interest in children’s literacy and working with various grade levels. Phyllis is currently a literacy consultant, and has presented workshops at conferences and at various schools across the province.

 

B8: Slip, Sliding away

Description of Workshop: Get more out of Google slides. This workshop will allow participants to explore some of the features of google slides and allow them to delve deeper into how they can create slides with that work harder for them. Participants will be able to see how to use slides to create choice boards, digital books, stop motion and much much more. Participants are encouraged to bring a laptop or chrome book.

Workshop Capacity: 20

Presenter: Louise Haycocks

Louise has worked as an integration technology consultant for 15 years.

 

B9: More Time With Them: How to Transform your Teaching using AI

This session is designed to inform teachers on ways emergent AI technology can radically alter your planning, teaching and assessment, taking away the element of time developing and marking. You will learn how to create comprehensive units and lessons, rubrics, content and more using digital AI tools. Your plate will be emptier forever after this session.
Workshop Capacity: 20

Presenter: Adam Hinton
Adam Hinton is a lover of all things digital and currently serves as a literacy consultant in CCRCE

 

B10: DIY Interactive Digital Activities
Description: Do you want to engage your students with interesting and appealing digital activities? This workshop will show you the basics of creating interactive activities (i.e. drag and drop, multiple-choice, etc.). Familiarity with Google Suite for Education apps is an asset, but not necessary. Chromebook or laptop is required.
Workshop Capacity: 20

Presenter: Gale Doyle
Hi. I have been an upper elementary teacher with the HRCE for the past 15+ years, following a 16+ year career in the film and television production industry. Technology integration into lessons and classroom activities is a passion of mine. I hold Graduate Diplomas in both Curriculum Studies and Educational Technology from CBU and a Master of Education in Technology Integration from MSVU.

 

B11: ArcGIS StoryMaps
Learn how students can use ArcGIS StoryMaps to create dynamic and professional looking presentations of stories, maps, timelines, and photos. This program is available to all Nova Scotia teachers and can be used in almost all grades.
Workshop Capacity: 20
Presenter: Kate English
Kate is a Technology Integration Learning Specialist with the CCRCE

 

B20 Integrating Technology into your Literacy Block, with a Focus on Phonics and Phonemic Awareness.

This presentation is directed towards elementary teachers and will examine ways that you can integrate technology into your classroom to support instruction and reinforce activities around phonics and phonological awareness, using digital resources and technology that is already available in your schools.

Workshop Capacity: 20

Presenter: Katie Creelman and Andrea Beaton

Katie and Andrea are both employed by CCRCE and have a love of integrating technology in meaningful ways to support classroom learning. Katie is currently a Technology Integration Learning Specialist and Andrea is a Wilson Reading System Lead Learning Support Teacher.

 

B21: Sound Walls: Following the Science to Support Success in Literacy and Beyond 

A workshop that will explore the science of sound development and how it can support students reading and writing development. Participants will be introduced to basic linguistic theory behind phoneme introduction, how to build a sound wall and how to integrate sound walls into daily literacy lesson, through the use of a variety of resources/programs.

Workshop Capacity: 20

Presenter: Lacey Phinney

Lacey is currently a Literacy Hybrid and Reading Recovery teacher in the SRCE. She completed her BA(Linguistics), BEd (Elementary) at MUN and MEd (Curriculum and Instruction) in Inclusive Education from St. FX. Lacey is passionate about the field of Linguistics and how it can support students learning in all subject areas.

 

B21 Time’s Up! Taming the 30-Minute Reading Recovery Lesson
Description: Join us in investigating the time challenges faced by teachers during a 30-minute Reading Recovery lesson. Gain a deeper theoretical understanding and practical strategies to ensure that all components of the lesson remain intact within the allotted time. Whether you’re a novice or experienced Reading Recovery teacher, join us in this exploration to optimize your instructional time and elevate your Reading Recovery practice. Walk away with actionable insights and approaches to ensure every minute counts in your lessons.
Workshop Capacity: 20

Presenter: Lisa Hoover
Lisa Hoover has over 30 years’ experience with several school districts across Canada as an elementary classroom teacher, EAL teacher, literacy consultant, and Reading Recovery Teacher Leader. She sees teaching as a lifelong learning journey and is passionate about supporting teacher professional development. She is thankful for all the exceptional educators who travel with her on a continuous professional journey with endless opportunities to discover what’s possible.

 

B22: Literacy Stations: Focusing on Reading Assessments, Writing Stamina and Technology 

All members will rotate through three literacy stations focusing on reading assessments (DIBELS - University of Oregon), writing stamina (Quick Writes), and Flipgrid (for alternative speaking assessments). Each station will give you time to dive into each resource and become familiar with the basics. There will be resources for you to take away from each station.
Workshop Capacity: 20


Presenter: Jean-Marc Rioux (he/him) - B.Ed., M.Ed.
Jean-Marc Rioux is a Learning Support Teacher at Springhill High School in Springhill, NS. He is a proud father of two young children and a passionate educator. He is in his ninth year of teaching and has recently finished his M.Ed. with a focus on inclusion.

 

B23: Sound Walls: Following the Science to Support Success in Literacy and Beyond 

A workshop that will explore the science of sound development and how it can support students reading and writing development. Participants will be introduced to basic linguistic theory behind phoneme introduction, how to build a sound wall and how to integrate sound walls into daily literacy lesson, through the use of a variety of resources/programs.

Workshop Capacity: 20

Presenter: Lacey Phinney

Lacey is currently a Literacy Hybrid and Reading Recovery teacher in the SRCE. She completed her BA(Linguistics), BEd (Elementary) at MUN and MEd (Curriculum and Instruction) in Inclusive Education from St. FX. Lacey is passionate about the field of Linguistics and how it can support students learning in all subject areas.

12pm - 1:30pm

Lunch (on your own)

1:30pm - 2:45pm

Session C

 

C5: Candlelight Yoga

This session will be a mingling of yoga, candlelight, and mindfulness. Let the stress melt away as you unwind and reconnect with your body and mind in a meaningful way. This practice is for all skill levels; support and guidance will be offered for any modifications you may need. Beginners are welcome and encouraged.

Workshop Capacity: 40

Presenter: Kelli Cruikshank

Kelli is a local yoga instructor, fitness enthusiast, wife, and a mother of three. Loving all things powerful and strong, she is drawn to guiding others to unleash their warrior within

 

C6: Simply Spellbound - Grades 3-6

This workshop is designed to help teachers focus explicitly on specific spelling skills that many students are missing. Simply Spellbound! offers practical lessons for these spelling concepts:

  1. vowel sounds and combinations
  2. common reliable patterns (e.g., ight)
  3. beginning consonant blends and digraphs (e.g., br, sh, scr)
  4. prefixes, suffixes, and roots
  5. plural formations

Further, teachers will learn how these concepts can be spread over these 4 grades.

Workshop Capacity: 33

Presenter: Erna Fraser

Erna is a strong advocate for literacy and believes in explicit instruction. She enjoyed teaching grades 2-5 and was a Literacy Consultant in the Annapolis Valley for 12 years before retiring.

 

C7: Loving Literacy: Images Inspire Imagination

Experience how a visual hands-on approach teaches writing and reading skills, and easily integrates into the science and social studies curriculum. Use various forms of art: pictures, drawings, and paintings to reveal words from students’ listening and speaking vocabulary. Inspire creativity, imagination and participation with this interactive, discovery-based approach to literacy learning. View classroom settings as students actively discover language concepts by writing to images, and manipulating words, sentences and paragraphs to develop language and build cognitive skills. For elementary Students.

Workshop Capacity: 20

Presenter: Phyllis Engram

Phyllis Engram is a dynamic, engaging educator with many years of experience in the classroom and as Literacy Specialist. She has spent the majority of her career teaching in Nova Scotia and various communities throughout Nunavut. She discovered many exciting, hands-on approaches to teaching literacy skills through her interest in children’s literacy and working with various grade levels. Phyllis is currently a literacy consultant, and has presented workshops at conferences and at various schools across the province.

 

C8: Light up my life…..
Using paper circuits to teach basic circuitry, is made very easy with copper tape and LEDs. This hands on workshop will have teachers make light up cards, using simple circuits, extension ideas will also be offered to allow teachers and students to take the ideas further.

Workshop Capacity: 33

Presenter: Louise Haycocks
Louise has worked as an integration technology consultant for 15 years.

 

C9: More Time With Them: How to Transform your Teaching using AI

This session is designed to inform teachers on ways emergent AI technology can radically alter your planning, teaching and assessment, taking away the element of time developing and marking. You will learn how to create comprehensive units and lessons, rubrics, content and more using digital AI tools. Your plate will be emptier forever after this session.
Workshop Capacity: 33

Presenter: Adam Hinton
Adam Hinton is a lover of all things digital and currently serves as a literacy consultant in CCRCE

 

C10: DIY Interactive Digital Activities
Description: Do you want to engage your students with interesting and appealing digital activities? This workshop will show you the basics of creating interactive activities (i.e. drag and drop, multiple-choice, etc.). Familiarity with Google Suite for Education apps is an asset, but not necessary. Chromebook or laptop is required.
Workshop Capacity: 33

Presenter: Gale Doyle
Hi. I have been an upper elementary teacher with the HRCE for the past 15+ years, following a 16+ year career in the film and television production industry. Technology integration into lessons and classroom activities is a passion of mine. I hold Graduate Diplomas in both Curriculum Studies and Educational Technology from CBU and a Master of Education in Technology Integration from MSVU.

 

C11: ArcGIS StoryMaps
Learn how students can use ArcGIS StoryMaps to create dynamic and professional looking presentations of stories, maps, timelines, and photos. This program is available to all
Nova Scotia teachers and can be used in almost all grades.
Workshop Capacity: 33

Presenter: Kate English
Kate is a Technology Integration Learning Specialist with the CCRCE

 

C14: Game Architect - Student Created Math Games

Description: Playing math games on a regular basis increases student engagement & math talk through peer-to-peer interactions, and provides an opportunity for students to practice, reinforce, and show their understanding of mathematical concepts in a low demand environment. As well, teachers can observe, ask intentional questions, and assess through conversation and observation. Take your students’ understanding to the next level by having them create their own game based on concepts learned, while giving them an authentic reason to read and write about math. Will your students create a game based on the classics like Monopoly, Cranium, Twister, Sorry, Jeopardy, etc. or will they create the next TikTok worthy math game? This session will provide you with a framework for doing this project with your students, including sample game templates, student planning pages etc.

Grades: 3-5

Workshop Capacity: 20

Presenter: Kerry Pemberton & Shelley Muttart

Kerry and Shelley are P-5 Student Centered Mathematics Coaches in AVRCE

 

C18: Guys Group

Robert MacDonald has been a teacher and boys hockey and softball coach in the Strait Regional Centre for Education for the last eighteen years. In 2016, he completed his Masters in Administration with a concentration in Mental Health from St. Francis Xavier University. Between the classroom and the rink/ball field, spending so much time with the young men in his school, showed him that something more was needed to support the boys at school and give them an avenue to talk in a safe environment about issues that they face in their everyday lives. In the fall of 2018, Robert began the “guys group” at Richmond Education Centre/Academy with support from Morris Green who is retired from the Nova Scotia Department of Health and Wellness where he worked as the Coordinator of Youth Health.

Workshop Capacity: 20

Presenter: Robert MacDonald and guests

 

C21 Time’s Up! Taming the 30-Minute Reading Recovery Lesson
Description: Join us in investigating the time challenges faced by teachers during a 30-minute Reading Recovery lesson. Gain a deeper theoretical understanding and practical strategies to ensure that all components of the lesson remain intact within the allotted time. Whether you’re a novice or experienced Reading Recovery teacher, join us in this exploration to optimize your instructional time and elevate your Reading Recovery practice. Walk away with actionable insights and approaches to ensure every minute counts in your lessons.
Workshop Capacity: 33

Presenter: Lisa Hoover
Lisa Hoover has over 30 years’ experience with several school districts across Canada as an elementary classroom teacher, EAL teacher, literacy consultant, and Reading Recovery Teacher Leader. She sees teaching as a lifelong learning journey and is passionate about supporting teacher professional development. She is thankful for all the exceptional educators who travel with her on a continuous professional journey with endless opportunities to discover what’s possible.

 

C22: Literacy Stations: Focusing on Reading Assessments, Writing Stamina and Technology 

All members will rotate through three literacy stations focusing on reading assessments (DIBELS - University of Oregon), writing stamina (Quick Writes), and Flipgrid (for alternative speaking assessments). Each station will give you time to dive into each resource and become familiar with the basics. There will be resources for you to take away from each station.
Workshop Capacity: 33


Presenter: Jean-Marc Rioux (he/him) - B.Ed., M.Ed.
Jean-Marc Rioux is a Learning Support Teacher at Springhill High School in Springhill, NS. He is a proud father of two young children and a passionate educator. He is in his ninth year of teaching and has recently finished his M.Ed. with a focus on inclusion.

2:45pm - 3:15pm

AGM

 

 


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