Growing math minds... Changing math mindsets
Early Math Symposium
Registration is now open!
June 21, 2024 from 9 am to 1:30 pm (PST)
Up, Down, All Around:
Exploring Spatial Relationships
In this session you will discover the importance of language and gesture in the development of spatial reasoning in the early childhood classroom. Through video and interactive experiences, you will learn how to describe relationships between objects and places with mathematical precision. You will leave with ideas to engage your students in spatial thinking in fun and meaningful ways.
Download Available:
Presenters:
Donna Johnson, MS, is the Assistant Director of School Supports of the Erikson Early Math Collaborative and a member of the Center for Family Math. Much of her work with the Early Math Collaborative is focused on providing math-focused professional development and coaching for caregivers of children 0-3 yrs old and PreK-5th grade teachers and providing instructional support to administrators and site directors around math instruction. Donna holds a master’s degree in mechanical engineering and her passion for teaching and learning led her from engineering into education, where she taught children of all ages in nontraditional settings for over 15 years. Donna is one of the authors of Big Ideas of Early Mathematics; What Teachers of Young Children Need to Know, and Growing Mathematical Minds. An avid reader, quilter, and puzzler, Donna is the mother of 5 adult daughters and 7 grandchildren. She lives in Chicago, IL with her husband Doug.
Donna Johnson
For more than 25 years, Lisa Ferguson has served as an early childhood education professional, focusing on language and literacy, math development and play. As a classroom teacher, professional development facilitator, math content developer, coach, university instructor, and conference presenter, Lisa has worked with teachers, administrators and parents across the country. Lisa currently works with the Early Math Collaborative and the Early Teaching and Learning Academy at Erikson Institute. She also serves on the board of the Illinois Chapter of Reach Out & Read and is an author of Bringing Baby Home, in partnership with the Illinois Department of Public Health and the Chicago Mayor’s Office. Lisa holds a Master of Arts in Teaching in Early Childhood Education from National-Louis University. She lives in Chicago with her husband, Jon, but her heart is really in New York City where her son and daughter live.
Lisa Ferguson