Structuring Tasks for New Learners: Supporting Early Language, Literacy, and Math Concepts Sylvia Kennedy-Godin January 15, 2020

Young learners often struggle with basic readiness and "learning to learn" skills. Modifying materials and designing instructional routines are essential to attract and engage children with a range of learning challenges. This “Make-and-Take” Series will emphasize how to design and present materials to increase engagement and independence for young learners with attention, cognitive, and neurodevelopmental challenges. Participants will learn new ways to help children understand and participate more fully in activities and routines, whether in home or school settings. Each hands-on WORKshop will include: illustrative and modeling videos; time for exploration and practice; opportunity to make and take a toolkit of visual supports; and guidelines for creating more useful materials after the workshops are over. WORKshop 2: Supporting Early Language, Literacy, and Math Concepts (March 20, 2020) Hands-on practice with visual materials helps young learners grasp abstract concepts more effectively. Participants will create versatile, modifiable, interchangeable setups to help children with learning challenges more independently explore academic content. Using a simple planning tool, participants will determine which materials to choose; how to adapt and expand their design; when to pre-teach or provide supplemental practice; and ways to embed these materials within classroom activities and themes.