Hello Early Years Professionals of Muskoka!

Welcome to the month of Reflection! Trees and flowers are blooming, and I hope this newsletter finds you all dreaming of summer days that are right around the corner.

At this time of year, I am inspired to reflect on what I have learned and what learning opportunities and resources have been provided in the district so far in 2024. We have had some amazing workshops about STEM, Early Numeracy, and Timbernook Inspirations. A fascinating book study, Developing Professional Friendships in the Early Years by Diane Kashin and attendees are halfway through our latest book study, Why We Sleep? by Matthew Walker PHD. In May, we will have a workshop about Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and June will wrap up with an inspiring session about nurturing educator wellness through Nature Play.

I personally love learning and reflecting, especially when it comes to all things ECE! I recently attended a powerful learning Institute at ECCDC titled: “Leading With Passion & Intention” presented by Susan MacDonald. She recently published her third book called SUPERCHARGE Professional Development for Early Childhood Educators.

The first reflection she asked us to think on was, “How do you support others to keep their flame lit and how do support your own flame?” She inspired me to look back to prepare for the future and to connect with my own learning. I want to thank you all for your enthusiasm, great attendance at our workshops, book studies and thoughtful feedback from the surveys. I hope your flame for the children, families, and programs that you are part of continues to burn!

Learning isn’t always new information, it can be reflecting and implementing knowledge in a new way. Just like children, the more chances we get to interact the more complex meaning making occurs. Being open to learning and being reflective about your understanding can be very powerful. Here are a few questions to ask yourself when reflecting on your own learning, or while observing and documenting children’s learning:

What surprised you? What confirmed what you already knew? What do you want to know more about? Or simply, what was the best experience you set up for children in your care and why?

I have attached my favorite reflection protocol in the resources. It may be familiar to you, but the Thinking Lens Protocol by Deb Curtis is an incredible tool to deepen your understanding of yourself and your children. Maybe we can work through it together one day or perhaps you reflect on your own or along with a coworker. Let me know how it goes; I would love to hear from you!

Enjoy the Sunshine,

Corinna Krocker

Children's Services Community Facilitator

Email: corinna.krocker@muskoka.on.ca

Please note that the information contained in this newsletter is intended to encourage conversation and self-reflection and is not to be considered as advice.

Upcoming Professional Learning

**LOCATION CHANGE!!**

This workshop will be held at the Bracebridge Sportsplex - 110 Clearbrook Trail.

Understanding and Implementing DEI in the ECE Classroom

with Lobna Ajaini

Embark on a transformative journey in this workshop, as educators delve into comprehending and applying diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) principles within the early childhood education (ECE) setting. Through practical strategies and real-life scenarios, participants will cultivate an environment that fosters healthy relationships, counters personal biases, implements anti-racist approaches, and utilizes daily DEI action plans and resources.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Create an Anti-Bias Environment: Develop skills to cultivate an

environment that celebrates diversity and counteracts biases.

2. Overcome Personal Biases: Acquire strategies to navigate personal

biases, fostering healthier relationships within the classroom.

3. Implement Anti-Racism Approach: Gain insights into incorporating anti-

racist principles into educational practices.

4. Utilize Daily DEI Action Plan and Resources: Learn to integrate a daily

action plan and available resources to enhance DEI initiatives.

"Join me to forge a classroom where every voice thrives. Let's empower both children and educators for a more inclusive tomorrow."

Lobna Ajaini is an Early Childhood Leader with an Honours Bachelor of Early Childhood Leadership Degree and an Early Childhood Education Diploma from Sheridan College. She is currently completing MPED, and a Master's Degree in Professional Education in ECE through Western University. Lobna is a multi-award-winning educator and leader who received the 2022 Honours Bachelor of Early Childhood Research Award, the 2019 Sylvia Leal Leadership Award, and the 2016 Davis Campus Commemorative Award.

Do you want to create meaningful experiences for your children outside beyond the playground equipment but don’t know where to start?

Come join as we explore together the reasons as to why outdoor play in nature supports not only self-regulation and mental health and well-being in children, but in Educators as well.

We will look at ways to enhance your practice, including how to get parents and administration to buy in. You’ll come away inspired to embrace nature even if it’s just a patch of grass or a crack in the sidewalk.

Date: June 25th, 2024.

Time: Dinner at 5:30pm - Workshop at 6:30pm-8:30pm.

Location: Bracebridge Sportsplex - 110 Clearbrook Trail

Dinner starts at 5:30pm-6:30pm -- Workshop begins at 6:30pm-8:30pm.

Kerri Riel is a RECE with almost 30yrs experience working in the Early Years sector.

Her experience has included working with toddlers to school age, as classroom educator, program supervisor and pedagogical team leader. She has focused much of her work connecting children with nature and the outdoors, knowing the benefits gained for both children and those who care for them.

As a Leadership Roundtable member on the Pathway to Stewardship and Kinship Project in Peterborough and a past TimberNook provider, Kerri seeks natural opportunities to engage in early learning outdoors, beyond the confines of the traditional classrooms.

Kerri currently works for PVNC Catholic District School Board, as an Early Years and Child Care Program Supervisor supporting Kindergarten Educator teams and Students as well as supporting the partnership between the school board and our partnered child care organizations. Kerri lives east of Peterborough with her husband, Jeremey and her 3 growing sons.

FREE Webinars

Examining Wild Play in Early Childhood (Webinar)

Presenter: Dr. Debra Harwood

This presentation will focus on insights drawn from research focused on wild play programs where children are immersed within untamed natural areas repeatedly and over extended periods of time.

Cultivating Creativity: Leveraging Process Art + Play to Prioritize Agency, Flow and Belonging

Presenters: Shannon Merenstein, Bar Rucci, and Dahlia Rao

This webinar will explore how simple shifts in how we think about materials, the environment, and the learners can contribute to a classroom of children in flow, expressing and exploring, teaching each other, and learning joyfully.

National Go Barefoot Day on June 1st gives you an opportunity to kick off your shoes and run barefoot through the cool grass! More importantly, it is a day to help support a charity that provides millions of underprivileged children all around the world with shoes.

International Day of Play June 10th.

National Indigenous History Month.

Community Spot Light!

Mindful Mama's - Maternal Mental Health Night

On April 22, 2024, EarlyON Muskoka hosted its first Mindful Mamas event.

This evening program was designed for mothers in the early years of motherhood. It was the first in a series of mental health initiatives that EarlyON will be hosting throughout the year.

One of the most reassuring things we can know is that we are not alone, nor are we unique in the emotional pulls of motherhood. Mindful Mamas brought together moms and local community partners and provided an opportunity to share and connect.

Beginning the evening with Autumn’s personal journey of her first year as a mother, brought not only tears, but set the tone that this was a safe place to share.

We were grateful for the perspective, tools and acknowledgement each of our presenters shared. Jess Forester began with a beautiful sound bath, Alex Spears and Laura Barber spoke on protecting our own wellness in motherhood. Jennifer Mather reaffirmed that we are good enough and Keely Freeburn stressed the importance of self-care. Fyonna Vanderwerf energized the end of the evening reminding us of the importance in deep breathing.

These presenters along with fourteen community partners, ensured each mother went home feeling rejuvenated, with some new tools in their toolbox and new friendships formed.

We are excited for our next mental health event which will be for the fathers of

young children – Dad’s Minds Matter, Thursday June 20 at the YMCA in Gravenhurst, 6- 8 pm.

Community Spot Light...

Calling all Early Years Professionals working directly with children, leaders, community partners and Best Start Network members.

Every month this area will highlight all the magnificent work that is happening in Muskoka's Early Learning and Child Care sector. We invite you to share your own or a coworker's inspirational stories and moments from the field. Your experiences can serve as a beacon of encouragement for fellow educators and care givers creating a community of inspiration that transcends boundaries.

Email me your edited inspirational story about your program, learning story, discovery, celebration uplifting person or organization. Keep it simple and easy under 250 words with 1 or 2 photos. Make sure you have the required sharing permissions and keep them coming, there will be no limit to entries.