STEAMing Through Your Day: Music, Movement + Metamorphosis! Held Virtually

STEAMing Through Your Day: Music, Movement + Metamorphosis!

Held Virtually

Tuesday, July 30, 2024 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

A 30 minute lunch break

$25 for Support Staff 

$50 for NASA Members 

$75 for Non-NASA Members

Due to Washoe County School District (WCSD) salary advancement requirements, WCSD participants will be asked to submit a brief written summation of how this professional learning event will transfer learning into practice before a certificate is issued. WCSD participants: please use the link provided on the Guidance/Link sheet for each event to submit. Lastly, when completing events that are (1) or more credits, please submit your tracker to the PGS Department in Washoe and to ahendersonnasa@gmail.com

Workshop Description:

Use the ARTS to put the STEAM into your STEM explorations. Join internationally award- winning Author/Illustrator Debbie Clement as she shares her uniquely STEM-driven songs, dances, and picture books. Then let's go one step further by infusing them with an Art-rich response! Sing your way into Science, use Technology to expand your classroom, and Post-it Notes are turned into an exercise in Engineering, while Math will be explored through the inherent patterns within Music! Weave a STEAM approach into every day. “See the world through STEAM-colored glasses.”

Join an in-depth review of Debbie's four picture books in an inspirational look at her work. Learn the songs that become book text. Learn sign language to support their performance. See the authentic children’s artwork in response to Debbie’s quilted and award-winning mixed-media illustrations from her school visits coast-to-coast.

Add some polka-dot pizzazz to the day. We will gather for an energetic, UPbeat romp through her picture books and songs with a celebration of children’s art response to her work. We will sing. We will dance. We will sign. Stories will be shared. We will laugh. Some may cry. We will each be reminded of the significance of OUR contribution to the lives of children. Your enthusiasm and energy will make a difference. It all begins with trust and grows with affirmation. Come recharge your battery. Take action! On Monday!!! “You’re invited to be delighted.”

There will be an emphasis on encouraging children to sing and move. Jumping, marching, and beating 'drums' will help to establish the neuro connections between the beat and the brain -- establishing a groundwork for math and fractions. Back to the basics. PLAY. SING. DANCE. PAINT.

*We will focus on the differences and benefits between process and authentic children’s art and the more product/teacher-driven ‘craftivities’ that rob children of their unique vision. Loose parts and Reggio for the win! “Changing the world one song at a time.”

Key Takeaways & Outcomes:

As this workshop promises multifaceted outcomes for all educators, all PreK-12 educators will not only enrich their pedagogical toolkit, but also infuse an art-rich response into their teaching practices in ALL content areas. By integrating arts into STEM explorations, teachers gain the ability to enhance student engagement and achievement across ALL grade levels, from PreK to 12. Through hands-on experiences, teachers will cultivate an environment where students foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for interdisciplinary learning. At the conclusion of our time together, all participants will be abel to weave a STEAM approach into daily lessons, fostering improved student engagement, increased connections to cross curricular content and achievement throughout their educational journey.

Key Objectives/Agenda:

Participants will learn original children's songs designed from brain research background.

Songs will be filled with patterns that scaffold, build + unfold with predictability Songs will be infused with rhythm, rhyme and repetition. Basic sign language to song lyrics will be demonstrated.

Simple costumes, puppets, props and rhythm instruments will be incorporated Participants will see original "authentic" children's art in response to book illustrations

Power point images from author's school visits will be woven into the presentation Slide images will contrast 'authentic' children's art vs. teacher directed 'craftivity'

Emphasis will be placed on valuing each student's capability, creativity +vision

Participants will learn movement songs that encourage group participation

Simple choreography will be explained and demonstrated Crossing the midline will be emphasized Gross motor skills will be differentiated Emphasis will be placed on proprioceptive movement Movement games that emphasize 'opposites' will be demonstrated

Humor and 'novelty' will be incorporated as a 'strategy' for learning and retention Taking large muscle 'brain breaks' will be demonstrated The neuro benefits from laughter + the positive brain chemicals

Manufacturing laughter on command + through props, sight gags + stories

Tangible Outcomes:

This presentation is designed to keep participants engaged and excited.

Students will demonstrate increased phonemic awareness as a result of teachers who complete this day of training. Student behavior has the potential to improve as a result of teachers who return to classrooms and implement the strategies outlined during this day of training. Morale will improve. Teachers will smile. Participants will feel enthusiastic and renewed following this day's training. The presentation is designed to both support and motivate teachers, as it will be infused with examples of exemplary work from classrooms across the country. Teachers will be eager to implement new strategies and incorporate new songs, dances, and books. They will also be reminded of dusting off 'old favorites' but invigorating them in the process, by expanding fingerplays and songs with puppets, props, and visual pizzazz. Teachers who don't think of themselves as comfortable with 'music' activities will leave saying, "Well, I could do THAT -- it is easy enough for me." Confidence will be built through simplicity and repetition. Envisioning success will be the first step to creating success. All of the songs and dances are designed from a place of brain development and engagement. By incorporating sign language into the classroom more children can be offered a bridge to understanding the expectations of the teacher. Morale will be boosted as teachers receive a shot of enthusiasm. Classroom behavior will improve as children are encouraged to incorporate more movement throughout their day, building skills of self-reliance and resiliency in the pursuit of fun with purpose.

Biography of Presenter:

M.Ed in Educational Leadership, has shaped him into a dynamic and influential keynote speaker and trainer. As a published author, Brett has a talent for articulating complex concepts with clarity, making them accessible and engaging for a diverse audience. His experience is not confined to the classroom; Brett's remarkable journey includes leading the 1994 U.S.A. Unicycle Team as captain and clinching the title of World Champion, a testament to his resilience, strategic thinking, and commitment to excellence. These qualities are at the core of his teachings, where he seamlessly blends academic theories with real-world applications. /Brett's sessions are more than just lectures; they are immersive experiences that provide practical insights into achieving success. He focuses on harnessing individual strengths, fostering a growth mindset, and embracing challenges as opportunities for development. His approach is interactive and participatory, encouraging attendees to engage deeply with the content and apply their learnings in their personal and professional lives. Brett's ability to connect with his audience, whether educators, students, or corporate professionals, stems from his genuine passion for teaching and his belief in the transformative power of education. \ His workshops and speeches are tailored to inspire, motivate, and invoke change, leaving a lasting impact on all who attend. Brett's unique blend of educational prowess and real-life achievements make his presentations not just informative but also deeply inspiring. He empowers his audience to pursue excellence in all aspects of their lives, from academic endeavors to personal goals, with a focus on developing leadership skills and building resilient, positive mindsets. In every session, Brett shares not just his knowledge but also his journey, proving that with the right mindset and tools, everyone has the potential to achieve greatness.

​Participants will earn .5 credit (7.5 hours) toward license renewal!

This workshop ALSO counts for step advancement in Clark and most Nevada School Districts! & In CCSD, those in non-administrative licensed positions may count this workshop for license

renewal AND ALSO CU accrual - THOSE IN NON-ADMINISTRATIVE POSITIONS EARN BOTH!

In CCSD, administrators and professional-technical administrators may count this workshop for license renewal OR hour accrual toward step-advancement - not both for administrators.

Washoe County participants will be required to also register for this course in "MyPGS" in order to receive in-service credit toward salary advancement.

Become a NASA Member and register at a lower rate!

Anyone can become a NASA Member!

To become a NASA Member go to:

WWW.NASANV.ORG