Weekday Education
Conference July 16, 2024

Noonday Baptist Association

For Weekday Teachers of 1-5 Year Olds

20 + Breakout Session Topics

Bright from the Start Approved

Cost is $60 and includes lunch and conference materials.

Bloom North Conference Approval Code: C-BFTS-5038

  • 8:45 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. – EST

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In-Person July 16, 2024

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Weekday Education brought to you by: Noonday Baptist Association & Georgia Baptist Mission Board
Weekday Education Bloom 2024

Weekday Education 2024 In-Person Conference

WHEN: Tuesday, July 16, 2024 | 8:45am – 3:30pm

  • Cost is $60.00 and includes lunch and conference materials.

Click here to purchase tickets.

In-Person

Cost is $60.00 and includes lunch and conference materials.

Conference Schedule

Where

FBC Woodstock
11905 Hwy 92
Woodstock, GA 30188

Get Directions

Conference Merch

Attend the Bloom conference in style with our new Bloom t-shirt.

The Bloom shirt is made of soft cotton. This graphic tee will be perfect to wear alone, with a cardigan or under a cute denim jacket. The shirt is perfect the day of the conference and long after the conference is over. It will be a beautiful reminder to Bloom each day of the upcoming year.

  • Color blue as shown in the image: Select from sizes: S to 3XL
  • Bloom shirts are unisex and cost $15.

Order yours today at the registration link. Pre-purchased T-shirts will be available for pickup at the conference.

Merch Bloom 2024 Shirt

Weekday Conference Speakers

Tuesday, July 16, 2024

Please check back for additional information on handouts and more.

Conference Leaders for 2024

Shelly Melia

Shelly Melia

Professor, Dallas Baptist University

Keynote – Featured Speaker

The Wonder of Spiritual Formation in Early Childhood

We hold on to and celebrate those sacred moments in our classroom where we see the “wonder” in a child’s eyes about the love of God. As adults, we are sometimes even challenged (and certainly blessed) by a child’s expression of pure faith and desire to know and respond to God. As early childhood educators, we can set the stage for preschoolers in our care to experience the wonder of God. This session will focus on principles of the spiritual formation in early childhood.

Sessions 3 and 4

Let Them Eat Dirt and Other Renegade Ideas

Sometimes, the best preschool teachers are the ones who resist the urge to follow the crowd and succumb to the latest trend in early childhood. This session will present several counter-cultural ideas that may unlock creativity and confidence in the preschoolers in your classroom.

Pam Barker

Pam Barker

Trainer & Consultant for Preschool & Weekday Education Programs, South Carolina

Sessions 2 and 3

Movin’, Groovin’ and Making Music

Unlock the power of music! Elevate mood, boost memory, and ignite self-esteem. Explore the universal language through fun songs, dances, and games. Join us to discover innovative ways to integrate music into teaching for enhanced cognitive, sensory, and motor skills. Let’s make learning musical and enjoyable together!

Sessions 4 and 5

Teaching Sign Language When You Aren’t Fluent

Whether a novice or expert, this class ensures you’re not just comfortable but excited as you integrate signing into your daily routine. Join us for a resource-packed session as you watch children express needs before mastering words. We will share books, websites, songs, and techniques to make signing a seamless addition to your teaching toolbox!

April McCaa

April McCaa

Director of Lugoff First Baptist Children’s Ministry Center

Sessions 2 and 3

Creating Dynamic Days with Engaging Plans and Themes

Craft your dream classroom! Join us as we master the art of planning dynamic days with thought-out lesson plans, engaging themes and vibrant activity centers. Unleash productivity and fun in every class session!

Sessions 4 and 5

Making Circle Time Magical

Join us to discover fun ways for kids to master taking turns, active listening, idea sharing, and self-expression. Let’s make learning a blast with fresh and exciting circle time activities!

Caitlin Felps

Caitlin Felps

The King’s Academy Teacher, Preschool Trainer

Sessions 2 and 3

STEM-ulating Ideas for STEM in Preschool

Discover seamless ways to integrate STEM into your daily routine. Leave empowered with a toolkit of engaging STEM activities ready to spark curiosity in your classroom. Let’s turn learning into a STEM-ulating adventure!

Sessions 4 and 5

Exceptional Preschoolers, Exceptional Programming

Explore strategies for recognizing and accommodating diverse learner needs with an emphasis on exceptional learners. Gain invaluable insights on when to seek additional testing and support, paving the way for classrooms where every student can truly thrive!

Kat Radovec

Kat Rakovec

Owner and Therapist, Oak and Vine Counseling

Sessions 2 and 3

Brain Boosters: Simple Strategies for Brain Development in Kids

Join us as we demystify brain development, understand its core principles, and leave with easy-to-implement interventions that spark optimal growth in kids. Learn how to make neuroscience accessible and actionable in your preschool room.

Sessions 4 and 5

Understanding and Managing Children’s Anger

Discover a fresh perspective on anger as a tool, not a foe. Dive into nuanced insights and gain practical strategies to guide children in managing, not suppressing, their emotions. Join us for a transformative journey as we explore practical strategies for understanding and supporting children through anger.

Paula Walker

Paula Walker

Foster Care Mobilizer with Mission Georgia

Sessions 2 and 3

Trauma Revealed: Strategies for Understanding and Helping Kids

Gain essential tips and strategies for supporting children who’ve faced challenges and learn how trauma affects their world. Be prepared to empower every child in your classroom!

Sessions 4 and 5

Mirror Neurons: How your body language affects your preschoolers

“It’s not what you say, but how you say it that matters!” Come learn why this is true and a few tips that could change the climate in your classroom!

Linda Baxter

Linda Baxter

Preschool Minister and Conference Leader

Sessions 2 and 3

A Hands-On Journey into Understanding Childhood Learning and Behavior

Join us in an exploration of understanding the child you teach. We will look at the “why” behind their actions, learn about the characteristics of various age groups, discover their unique learning styles, and explore versatile learning approaches. Get ready to unravel the mysteries of teaching and connect with your students in a whole new way!

Sessions 4 and 5

Bible Beginnings: Bringing Faith to the Preschool Classroom

Discover engaging methods to weave the Bible into every moment, bringing stories to life through lively conversations and activities. Join us on a teaching adventure as we bring the Bible to life in the lives of our preschoolers.

Michelle Snay

Michelle Snay

Pre-K Academic Coach, Bibb County Schools

Sessions 2 and 3

Building Reading Foundations Through Play

Do kids learn through play??? It’s a resounding YES! Join us and discover the magic of infusing literacy naturally into every moment. Watch children ask questions, develop vocabulary, and boost language skills through play. Explore how your center and activities can become language-rich environments.

Sessions 4 and 5

Read to Succeed: Crafting Literacy Magic in the Preschool Classroom!

Transform your classroom into a literacy haven for all students! Explore the magic of visuals, adaptive books, and storytelling to create a vibrant learning environment. Plus, unlock the power of Social Stories to help students express themselves. Let’s make literacy an adventure!

Melonie McCallum

Melonie McCallum

Speech and Language Pathologist

Sessions 2 and 3

Time to Talk: An Overview of Speech and Language Development

Uncover major milestones in speech and language development and how language shapes literacy. Explore the critical link between speech, language, and early literacy skills and how to create a solid speech and language foundation for young learners.

Sessions 4 and 5

Time to Talk: Speech and Language Strategies Focused on Preschool Needs

Join us for a toolbox of speech and language strategies that ensure comprehension and expression in every preschooler. Explore methods to boost literacy and prepare preschoolers for their speech and language journey.

Joy Drake

Joy Drake

Church Communications Specialist, NBA

Sessions 4 and 5

Putting the Pizzazz in Communication and Social Media

Are you ready to add some pizzazz to your communication and social media? This interactive session is designed to help you transform the way you communicate by providing a better understanding of how to create engaging content on social media and beyond. In addition to discussing digital planning and strategies, and addressing privacy concerns, we will also lean into traditional communication methods. Come ready to enhance your communication skills and leave this session feeling more confident and armed with practical tips and innovative strategies to add some sparkle to your Weekday communication.

Donna Moyers

Donna Moyer

Instructor, Learning at The Teacher’s Table

Sessions 2 and 3

Transition Toolbox

Attention Grabbers… Gear Changers… Time Fillers… It’s all in your TRANSITION TOOLBOX!

Time spent between activities is often unproductive and leads to chaos. Promote success in your classroom by using the “tools” from this workshop to capture your students’ attention and easily move through the preschool day.

Sessions 4 and 5

Fine Motor Factory

In the Fine Motor Factory workshop, we’ll discuss stages of fine motor development and discover hundreds of activities you can use with preschoolers to build these important skills. You’ll learn ways to help strengthen a child’s hands, fingers, and wrists throughout the school day. From morning table time and free choice centers to circle time and small groups, workshop participants will see opportunities for including fine motor play.

Cindi White

Cindi White

Director, FBC, Smyrna Church Weekday Preschool

Sessions 4 and 5

Building Your Communication Skills with Parents

During the discussion, participants will explore the various types of communication essential for preschool settings. They will also discover ideas and methods to communicate with parents in a way that fosters trust and confidence.

Lana Ebert

Lana Ebert

Director, Mercy Hill Weekday Education

Session 3

Directing for Pros

In this session, you will learn how to use the three connection points of community, cooperation, communication to connect your weekday parents to your program and the church.

Catherine Lyle

Catherine Lyle

Community Affairs Officer

Session 2 and 3

Active Shooter Training

Active Shooter Training

Conference Schedule

July 16, 2024 (All Times are EST)

Please check back for additional information like our handouts.

Session 1 – 8:45-10:00

  • Chapel: Shelly Melia, Keynote: The Wonder of Spiritual Formation in Early Childhood

Session 2 – 10:15-11:15

  • A210: Caitlin Phelps, STEM-ulating Ideas for STEM in Preschool
  • A220: Paula Walker, Trauma Revealed: Strategies for Understanding and Helping Kids
  • A240: Michelle Snay, Building Reading Foundations Through Play
  • A250: Kat Rakovec, Brain Boosters: Simple Strategies for Brain Development in Kids
  • B102-B103: April McCaa, Creating Dynamic Days with Engaging Plans and Themes
  • B112-B113: Pam Barker, Movin’, Groovin’, and Making Music
  • B240: Donna Moyer, Transition Toolbox
  • W building, Legacy A: Catherine Lyle, Active Shooter Training
  • W building, Legacy C: Linda Baxter, A Hands-On Journey into Understanding Childhood Learning and Behavior
  • W building, Legacy D: Melonie McCallum, Time to Talk: An Overview of Speech and Language Development

Session 3 – 11:30-12:30

  • KidsPlace: Shelly Melia, Let Them Eat Dirt and Other Renegade Ideas
  • A210: Caitlin Phelps, STEM-ulating Ideas for STEM in Preschool
  • A220: Paula Walker, Trauma Revealed: Strategies for Understanding and Helping Kids
  • A240: Michelle Snay, Building Reading Foundations Through Play
  • A250: Kat Rakovec, Brain Boosters: Simple Strategies for Brain Development in Kids
  • B102-B103: April McCaa, Creating Dynamic Days with Engaging Plans and Themes
  • B112-B113: Pam Barker, Movin’, Groovin’, and Making Music
  • B240: Donna Moyer, Transition Toolbox
  • W building, Legacy A: Catherine Lyle, Active Shooter Training
  • W building, Legacy B: Lana Ebert, Directing for Pros
  • W building, Legacy C: Linda Baxter, A Hands-On Journey into Understanding ChildhoodLearning and Behavior
  • W building, Legacy D: Melonie McCallum, Time to Talk: An Overview of Speech and Language Development

Lunch – 12:30-1:15

Session 4 – 1:15-2:15

  • KidsPlace: Shelly Melia, Let Them Eat Dirt and Other Renegade Ideas
  • A210: Caitlin Phelps, Exceptional Preschoolers, Exceptional Programming
  • A220: Paula Walker, Mirror Neurons: How Your Body Language Affects Your Preschoolers
  • A240: Michelle Snay, Read to Succeed: Crafting Literacy Magic in the Preschool Classroom
  • A250: Kat Rakovec, Understanding and Managing Children’s Anger
  • B102-B103: April McCaa, Making Circle Time Magical
  • B112-B113: Pam Barker, Teaching Sign Language When You Aren’t Fluent
  • B240: Donna Moyer, Fine Motor Factory
  • W building, Legacy A: Cindi White, Building Your Communication Skills With Parents
  • W building, Legacy B: Joy Drake, Putting the Pizzazz in Communication and Social Media
  • W building, Legacy C: Linda Baxter, Bible Beginnings: Bringing Faith to the Preschool Classroom
  • W building, Legacy D: Melonie McCallum, Time to Talk: Speech and Language Strategies Focused on Preschool Needs

Session 5 – 2:30-3:30

  • A210: Caitlin Phelps, Exceptional Preschoolers, Exceptional Programming
  • A220: Paula Walker, Mirror Neurons: How Your Body Language Affects Your Preschoolers
  • A240: Michelle Snay, Read to Succeed: Crafting Literacy Magic in the Preschool Classroom
  • A250: Kat Rakovec, Understanding and Managing Children’s Anger
  • B102-B103: April McCaa, Making Circle Time Magical
  • B112-B113: Pam Barker, Teaching Sign Language When You Aren’t Fluent
  • B240: Donna Moyer, Fine Motor Factory
  • W building, Legacy A: Cindi White, Building Your Communication Skills With Parents
  • W building, Legacy B: Joy Drake, Putting the Pizzazz in Communication and Social Media
  • W building, Legacy C: Linda Baxter, Bible
    Beginnings: Bringing Faith to the Preschool Classroom
  • W building, Legacy D: Melonie McCallum, Time to Talk: Speech and Language Strategies Focused on Preschool Needs

Notes about lunch

Boxed lunches feature a variety of sandwiches including turkey on wheat, chicken salad on croissant, and ham on white, accompanied by chips, a pickle, and a drink. While we strive to accommodate preferences, please be aware that your first choice of sandwich may not be available due to limited supplies. You’re welcome to pick up and enjoy your lunch in either the basement or the gym, both offering ample seating. Unfortunately, we’re unable to accommodate special dietary requirements or provide alternative options. If you have particular dietary needs, we suggest planning ahead accordingly.

Where should I park?

Follow the signage for Bloom/Building A. We’ll start our day in the Chapel.

2024 mission project

2024 mission project

We are working with Lorna Bius and Emma Pirela with the Mission Georgia’s Refugees and Internationals Department for our 2024 Bloom Mission project. We are collecting elementary and middle grade books for summer reading clubs in Clarkston, GA. Please bring new and gently used books to donate for our neighbors.

Learn more

Clarkston is home to refugees from over 150 different people groups. As many families are being resettled in Clarkston from war-torn situations, children are often behind in school, and most are learning English for the first time. Many children don’t have books at home. Throughout the summer, Clarkston International Bible Church does several programs to provide a safe environment for kids in our community. Camp Encounter and Safari Reading Clubs are for elementary and middle school students to not only work on reading skills, art, sports, and science, but they are also a place where the gospel is being taught through every activity. At the end of the summer, we provide every child with a backpack full of new school supplies. With your help, we can also send children home with books for them to keep. Please pray for families in our neighborhood and for the volunteers involved in our programs this summer.

Thanks to All Our Valuable Partners Who are Making This Possible!

Brought to you by Georgia Baptist Mission Board

Brought to you by Noonday Baptist Association

Thanks to all Our Sponsors & Partners

Partnering with Churches to reach Greater Atlanta and the World for Christ!

Weekday Education Portal

Weekday Conference, Bloom 2024