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KELC Staff In-Service Good teachers are the most active learners in any classroom. But, teachers need motivational, spirit building days to keep up with the demands of teaching young children. A professional day of exploration and renewal was provided for KELC teachers as they participated in a full day of in-service education on Friday, February 23. Following a light breakfast, UW-LaCrosse professor Sarah Slayton led the entire staff through two sectionals designed for early childhood educators. Professor Slayton's first topic, Dramatic Play, focused on the rich languaging and concept development that grows out of child-centered role playing. Interactive activities reminded teachers how meaningful and powerful dramatic play activites are for children as they try on familiar roles. Next, Professor Slayton's hands-on sectional led teachers to think about overcoming cultural biases by building trust relationships through meaningful classroom activities. Most important, Slayton taught, was to create activities that point out cultural similarities rather than focusing on differences. The afternoon hours were spent on a variety of professional activities. Since a bi-annual CPR/First Aid refresher course is a KELC staff requirement, many teachers headed over to the Dean Clinic for an afternoon of demonstrations and to practice the new techniques and procedures recommended in administering CPR to adults, children and infants. Teachers who had participated in the fall CPR course stayed at KELC and were involved in two in-service opportunities. Dr. Karen Kritch, a UW nutritionist and KELC parent, offered valuable information on Nutritional Ideas for Children. Then, Judy Balwig, worked with the staff on Math Literacy. It was a full work day for KELC teachers but one filled with great new ideas and worthwhile 'reminders' of developmentally appropriate practices as well. (We hope that KELC's children enjoyed their long weekend!) |