InstantForum.NET v4.1.4Project Learning Treehttp://connect.plt.org/forums/you@yourdomain.comWed, 16 May 2012 19:01:02 GMT20http://connect.plt.org/forums/Topic4327310-5230-1.aspxHello Fellow Coordinators and Friends,We are excited about the new Early Childhood supplements we just received but are perplexed as to how to implement them. So I would like to start a discussion to see how other states plan to implement this module and pay for them.For instance, do you do a stand alone 6 hour Early Childhood workshop with just the supplement or are you also going to include the PreK-8 guide?CAN we do a shorter Early childhood workshop (2 to 4 hours) and just use the supplement?With the cost of the Prek-8 guides going to $14 how is everyone finding the extra money to buy the Early Childhood materials at $10?We are really strapped for money and all our donations go to purchasing just the PreK-8 Guides now, so we are going to have to find new funding, charge for the EC materials, or find donors to purchase the EC materials. Any other suggestions?So, let’s hear how others plan to do it. And, if you have any agenda’s you would like to share pass them along to for Early Childhood.Jerry L. ShrumSC Forestry CommissionEnvironmental Education CoordinatorSC PLT CoordinatorPO Box 21707Columbia, SC 29221work phone (803) 896-8892Cell phone (803) 667-0456jshrum@forestry.state.sc.us Fri, 26 Feb 2010 09:40:06 GMTNational PLThttp://connect.plt.org/forums/Topic4327503-5230-1.aspxSo, in preparing for my first 6-hour early childhood workshop, I feel like there are a lot of new things I need to create/find/make. Any experienced facilitators/coordinators out there have a list of 'must have' materials for these early childhood workshops?Fri, 26 Feb 2010 13:51:04 GMTNC PLThttp://connect.plt.org/forums/Topic4358593-5230-1.aspxAt a recent ECE workshop, several teachers started discussing what to do with a little kid [i]who really needs to use the bathroom [/i]and you've just gotten outside or are half way through your nature walk. Being a mother of a 2 and 3 yr. old, I realize that the "you'll just have to hold it" option does not apply here:). The discussion did take me a little bit by surpise though-however it's kind of an important question. Because little kids aren't going to wait and we want to make sure teachers are prepared to handle the situation. If we want them to keep taking their kids outside on nature walks we need to make sure they feel comfortable with all the aspects involved. I shared with my workshop attendants the following ideas. Have parents sign an authorization or informational notice as to the centers policy outdoor potty policy. As well as the teahers need to know the policy themselves!Have two adults help attend to the child-in a secluded spot away from the other kids.Be sure and explain to the child that we only do this when we "really" need to.I'd appreciate anyone elses input. I realize this is a little bit of an off-topic, but it might come up in your next workshop!Kyle KoyleECE Facilitator/Coordinator COWed, 28 Apr 2010 10:53:46 GMTCOkylehttp://connect.plt.org/forums/Topic4404934-5230-1.aspxHi! I have an certified nature explore classroom here in Wyoming, for the children in my preschool/child care home. I am very much interested in having my children participate in the Environmental Exchange Box activity. With this we get to explore and discover the differences and similarities of our forests/ regions-- what an incredible opportunity this offers to all involved :D If anyone would be interested in 'swapping forests' with my group of younger than kindergarteners, please let me know! Thanks and happy trails :)Mon, 09 Aug 2010 20:43:37 GMTwyosplitsecondhttp://connect.plt.org/forums/Topic4365142-5230-1.aspxWhile there are a few Early Childhood Agendas posted to Coordinators Corner (go to Workshop Help > Workshop Agendas to find three there), I also wanted to post a few to the PLT Online Community. The three Early Childhood Agendas here are from Laura Duffey in Minnesota (thanks, Laura!), and they outline:1. A 6-hour PLT Early Childhood Workshop 2. A 6-hour combined PLT and WILD Early Childhood Workshop3. A 6-hour combined PLT and WILD Early Childhood Facilitator TrainingI hope you find them useful!Wed, 12 May 2010 10:53:07 GMTjstallardhttp://connect.plt.org/forums/Topic4327502-5230-1.aspxMy grant allows for two combo workshops this year. Our WILD group is not sure if they will continue to offer workshops as the materials can be purchased from Acorn Naturalist and they don't have the funds to purchase the Growing Up WILD guides.Can anyone share their agendas for these combined workshops?? Thanks!Renee in NCFri, 26 Feb 2010 13:49:27 GMTNC PLThttp://connect.plt.org/forums/Topic4327397-5230-1.aspxObviously we are on the road to a new adventure with the Early Childhood guides although WI & MN & So Dakota are not new to this. Thanks to their continued delivery of PLT and Early Childhood.Next weekend, weather permitting, the Maine PLT Annual Conference & Facilitator training has attracted EC folks to be trained by one of our excellent EC facilitators and EC teacher for close to 30 years. Joanne will lead the training with the support of a wildlife educator who has been delivering the EC WILD Curriculum. And we are honored that both NH & Rhode Island PLT coordinators will join us.Joanne presented a couple of EC workshops to a group of preservice educators. I'll attach one of the agendas. Let me know if I really did attache it!I agree with Michelle that charging a fair price is really important. We now charge $25/students & $35/all others. The ME PLT Steering Committee voted to raise that price 3 mos ago. I argued against the raise but was outvoted!It seems necessary to start collaborating with WILD to deliver a combined workshop. I don't believe our audience is large enough - in Maine - to separate the two but we are heading down that road shortly and no doubt, we'll encounter some bumps but the EC community is excited to see these training opportunities on the horizon.Hope that this discussion continues although I keep wondering why this as opposed to the listserv?Fri, 26 Feb 2010 11:33:38 GMTPat Maloney