For the, the 2006-2007 School year the Kumara Parent Association will be sponsoring a series of seminars on a wide variety of topics pertaining to parenting and the growth and development of young children. The topics will be of interest to both parents and teachers. Childcare and dinner will be provided for Kumara Families for a nominal donation, Parents and teachers from the wider community are welcome, please call ahead to the school for reservations. 415-388-5437
Date To Be Announced
Connection of the Cognitive and Social-Emotional Realm of Children's Development:
The Roles of Teachers and Parents in Facilitating Brazelton's "Five Essentials"
Antonette Greene and Maureen Pinto
Parents and teachers often wonder how children's cognitive and emotional lives are intertwined, and how we can support these related aspects of development. How do we help children develop a sense of self, and others (altruism), a motivation for learning, a sense of humor, and impulse control? Professor of pediatrics, T. Berry Brazelton believes these are "the five essentials" for young children's healthy and successful development. Come learn ways to encourage development of these "five essentials" in your children and students. You will come away with strategies to support and understand the connected areas of social-emotional and cognitive development at home and at school.
Antonette Greene received a liberal arts degree as an undergraduate, and a MA in Women Studies with an emphasis in early childhood education. Her Master's Thesis focused on Anti-Bias curriculum, integrating more current research to the framework of the curriculum. She has been teaching at Kumara School for thirteen years and has given workshops on topics such as, "Observational Drawing as a Tool for Inquiry", and "Inquiry Based Learning and Project Work". She has two sons ages six and two.
Maureen Pinto graduated from Colorado State University with BS in Early Childhood Development and Education. She has worked with young children for 40 years and assisted in the development of the curriculum for an innovative nature-based preschool in Aspen Colorado. Maureen has worked at Kumara School for 22 years. Her focus has been separation and attachment issues; the role of dramatic play in cognitive, social and emotional growth; and the need for nature in children's lives. She has presented to groups of parents and educators at professional conferences and in informal settings. Maureen has mentored many new teachers along the way and recently retired from the classroom in June of 2005. She now manages a horse stable and has developed an educational program for under-served youth, with focus on the symbiotic relationship between horse manure compost and organic gardening at Green Gulch Farm.
Location: Kumara School, 540 Marin Ave., Mill Valley, CA 94941
Cost: There is a sliding scale donation suggested for non Kumara School families and teachers from $8-$25.
