Read, Sing, Engage! Storytime Conference 2023
Join us to be inspired and learn more about supporting children’s early literacy skills in this full-day professional development conference for early childhood educators, childcare providers and adults working with children in the community.
Who: Early childhood educators, childcare providers and adults currently working with children in the community who live and/or work in Vancouver.
Where: Central Library
When: Saturday, November 18th @ 9:45 am – 4:45 pm
Cost: $30 (nonrefundable, includes lunch & refreshments)
Registration is now closed.
About
The Storytime Conference is a full day, low-cost opportunity for members of the Vancouver early childhood education community to come together for literacy-focused professional development and networking. As the only conference of its kind in Vancouver, this event enhances the early literacy knowledge of local educators, and encourages peer connections that support communities of learning within the early education sector.
A dedicated conference recognizes the crucial role that early educators, licensed and unlicensed, play in the healthy development of children aged 0-5; this is an important aspect of our advocacy for the Early Years community, as they work to elevate the profile of their profession.
2023 Conference Details!
Highlighting Tsleil-Waututh culture and teachings through stories and drumming.
George is a member of the səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nation and is the grandson of the late Tsleil-Waututh Chief Dan George. He is also connected through family to the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) Nations. For decades, George worked as a First Nations support worker with at-risk youth and those with special needs—sharing stories, drumming, songs and restorative justice circles. In his current work as a cultural guide, George shares Tsleil-Waututh songs, legends and information about village sites while paddling Burrard Inlet and Indian Arm in replica ocean-going canoes or sea kayaks. Seasoned storyteller and cultural guide Les George was the Vancouver Public Library 2023 Indigenous Storyteller in Residence.
Workshops and Activities
Community Partner Spotlight: Vancouver Coastal Health Speech and Language Pathologist Clarice MacGillivray
Speech and Language Pathologist Clarice MacGillivray will be touching on: what language development looks like for young children, basic strategies to encourage communication development, and how to refer families to Vancouver Coastal Health.
Felt Make and Take: Early Math Skills
Make a set of felt pieces and learn early math songs, games and other activities to engage the children in your care.
Library Basics for Early Childhood Educators
Help children develop a love of books and literacy! Learn tips and tricks for searching the library catalogue, discover the secrets to finding great circle time books, and dive into our online resources for Early Childhood Educators.
Past Highlights
Storytime Conference 2022 | November 19, 2022
Theme: Under the Reading Tree | Keynote: Kinwa Bluesky
Featured Workshops:
- Interactive Storytelling
- New Ways to Explore Information Books
Storytime Conference 2021 | November 20, 2021 | Online
Keynote: Renae Morrisseau
Featured Workshops:
- Oral Storytelling
- Tough Topics
Storytime Conference 2019 | May 4, 2019
Featured Workshops:
- New Picture Books, Songs and Rhymes: Toddler Tales
- Prewriting Skills in Early Years
- Storytelling
- Music and Movement
Storytime Conference 2018 | May 5, 2018
Featured Workshops:
- New Picture Books Songs and Rhymes: Diversity and Inclusion
- New Picture Books Songs and Rhymes: Non Fiction Fun
- Music and Movement
- One Story Many Ways