You will now have access to 2 keynotes and 4 workshops.

 

THE PRESCHOOL SEMINAR WILL BE STREAMED ONLINE
2 KEYNOTE PRESENTATIONS WILL BE STREAMED LIVE @ 10AM 17 MARCH
 4 WORKSHOPS WILL BE SHARED WITH YOU ON YOUTUBE

Keynote 1: EDMEN LEONG
Child Language Development: Perspectives of a Parent and Educator


Language development is a complex phenomenon in the field of developmental psychology. 

It is fascinating to observe children progress in their language development stages. This keynote address provides the audience with stories, examples and experiences the speaker has as a parent of a developing child, and an educator with the Dyslexia Association of Singapore. Through these experiences, the presentation provides an overview of established child language developmental milestones. The presentation progresses into highlighting pre-literacy challenges parents or educators may observe in a preschooler, with suggestions on how to support a developing child. The keynote ends by questioning the audiences’ roles as parents, educators and professionals in the development of a child.

 

Keynote 2: GEETHA SHANTHA RAM
Gifted and Challenged: Do these children really exist?


Have you heard of young children who are exceptionally able in some areas but struggle with basic literacy, behavioural or social skills? Or perhaps, you’ve noticed that they are in your classrooms? Gaining some attention in recent years, children who appear to fit into both ends of the spectrum are being referred to as Twice-exceptional (2e). This keynote begins with a discussion of the current literature on the term 2e and possible identification methods suggested by researchers and practitioners internationally. It then presents the challenges and benefits of being sensitive to the presence of such children in the preschool classroom. Finally, the presentation seeks to explore 2e in the Singapore preschool context. Through this keynote, the audience can expect to be more familiar with the global perspectives on gifted and challenged learners, consider if such children exist in their classrooms and reflect on practices of identification, intervention and resource utilisation suggested by the literature.

 

Workshop 1: The Beauty of Multi-Sensory Activities


Multisensory learning is engaging the use of two or more senses in a learning process. The senses usually involved in multisensory learning are visual, auditory, kinaesthetic and tactile - VAKT. This is where children learn by seeing, hearing, doing, and touching. Research indicates that not only is multisensory teaching an effective approach to teaching children with Dyslexia, it basically benefits learners of different learning strengths. Multisensory learning is known to tap into a child’s natural learning style and adds meaning to the experience; aiding in better focus and memory. Come and discover fun and engaging multisensory activities to develop children’s literacy development!

Workshop 2: Let's form our ABCs!


Advancements in educational technology have created alternatives for written communication and provided support and assistance for students, especially those with literacy difficulties. However, this technology boom does not negate the importance of letter formation and handwriting, especially in school settings. Research has shown that the development of handwriting readiness skills at an early age increases the likelihood of academic achievement in the later years. In addition, a child’s ability to write and recognise letters also supports the development of his reading skills. Join us as we understand the various stages of writing, and explore strategies that can help a child develop positive writing habits. Our workshop will focus on strategies and methods to improve a child’s fine motor skills, visual-motor coordination, letter knowledge and formation which promotes handwriting readiness and development. Together, teaching and learning the shapes and letter formation of our ABCs can be interesting and engaging for both the teacher and the learner.

Workshop 3: Engaging Children in Meaningful Conversations


Children engage adults and each other in conversations to help them explain and describe their world. Through conversations, they also learn to express their thoughts, feelings, wants, and needs; to problem-solve, and to interact positively with peers. The early oral language skills children develop to serve as the foundation and provide the frameworks for the development of later, more advanced language and literacy skills. Join us as we share strategies to engage children meaningfully in conversations to provide them with models for conversations skills and opportunities to expand their vocabulary and support their language growth.

 

Workshop 4: The Creative Side Of Dyslexia: Why The Freedom To Play Offers New Opportunities For Learning And Development Of 21st Century Skills


This hands-on and engaging workshop addresses the role and opportunity of creativity in the lives of children with dyslexia and nurture of 21st-century skills. Many children with dyslexia struggle with reading, writing, and spelling but often excel in other more creative areas, including sports. With an active right brain, children with dyslexia often navigate problems from a less traditional manner, thus coming up with new ideas and unique creative solutions. There are ample examples of creative entrepreneurs who because of dyslexia, struggled through school but excelled when having opportunities that required creative problem-solving. Although still inconclusive, there is a growing interest in research on whether individuals with dyslexia are more attuned to creativity, spatial awareness and problem-solving. Examples of Playeum’s researched play program highlight the engagement with children with various disabilities. Pedagogical perspectives, ideas and activities are provided that will encourage parents, educators and other stakeholders in learning the opportunities for children with dyslexia of the freedom to play.

 

In view of the COVID-19 situation in Singapore, and to avoid a large gathering of participants, especially those who work closely with preschool children, DAS has decided to deliver our Preschool Seminar online.  

 

INFORMATION ABOUT LIVE STREAMING WILL BE AVAILABLE BEFORE THE SEMINAR.