Description: Play and joy are the most important aspects of new learning for all humans! Additionally, early childhood is a critical age for developing early literacy and language skills that will support children in future reading. During this session, participants will learn playful, joyful, and engaging activities to do with young children that support their early literacy and language development.

Presenter: Nicole Aldworth

Nicole Aldworth is an Early Childhood Specialist at CESA2. She has over 20 years of experience working with young children and their families as well as supporting early educators in a variety of developmentally appropriate content. Nicole has taught Early Childhood Special Education, 4K, and 5K. She holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in the field of early childhood education, and early childhood special education.

Learning objectives:

1. Participants will learn the importance of language development in young children and how it impacts future reading skills.
2. Participants will learn what skills are most important for young children to develop around language and literacy.
3. Participants will learn how to embed playful and joyful literacy and language activities into daily routines for young children.