Preschool Network Session – From Tree Climbing to Tablets: Understanding the Changing Landscape of Play

This workshop includes:

• One meeting 4 th floor : William Dawson (January 21^st, 8:30 am to 1:30 pm, EMSB, in-person)

Total number of participants: 30
This offer is available in English.

Requirement for Participation

• Authorization from school administrator

General Selection Criteria

In view of the popularity of certain project proposals and the number of spaces, selection criteria have been retained:

• A proportional representation of the targeted schools of the two English-language school boards in Montréal as a priority, and of the three French-language school service centers depending on the spaces available
• A representation of the cycles
• The participation of the individual in other offers of professional development (current school year).

Description

The Preschool Cycle Program is intended to provide children with equal opportunities to develop in different areas so that they are able to learn and be successful throughout their lives. It gives preschoolers a chance to learn, understand and become familiar with the school environment, and to believe in their own abilities. Children arrive at school with experiences that vary according to their personal characteristics, family and sociocultural background. It is therefore important to take each child into account and build on the strengths encountered in each area of development.

This session examines the evolution of childhood play and its implications for early learning and development. Participants will explore key shifts in how children engage with the world, consider the benefits and challenges associated with contemporary play practices, and reflect on strategies to support balanced, developmentally appropriate experiences in the school environment.

In addition, the workshop will include an introduction to screen-free coding and robotics activities designed specifically for preschool-aged children. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about these developmentally aligned tools, explore their pedagogical foundations, and engage in hands-on experimentation to better understand how they can foster early computational thinking without the use of screens.

Specific and Measurable Goals

In this session we will:

• explore aspects of the Preschool Cycle Program specific to the targeted area of development
• reflect on areas of development in relation to teaching in a disadvantaged community
• put theory into practice through hands-on activities
• provide concrete ideas ready to use in any preschool classroom

Costs

No cost assumed by the school

A Montréal School for All covers the following costs:

• Substitution or replacement
  If applicable, a fixed amount is allocated by A Montréal School for All to school boards and school service centers to cover the costs of substitution or replacement.
• Materials

Professional Development Team

Cassetta Connie, pedagogical consultant, école EMSB
Dunwoodie Sheila, pedagogical consultant, école LBPSB
Lafortune Marie-Ève, pedagogical consultant, école LBPSB
Nancy Saltarelli, Professional Resource, A Montréal School for All

A Montréal School For All

Contact person
Nancy Saltarelli : nancy.saltarelli@education.gouv.qc.ca