Hey there, Splash 2024 enthusiasts! 

Welcome back to our “What’s Hoppening at Splash” series, where we dive into all the fun and excitement awaiting you at this year’s Candyland-themed Splash conference. If you thought Part 1 was a sweet treat, just wait until you hear what Day 1 has in store for you. So, grab your lily pads and let’s jump right in!

Thursday, July 11th: A Candy-Coated Start 

The excitement began early with registration opening at 7 am. Picture this: the sun shining, the air buzzing with anticipation, and you’re greeted by friendly faces ready to kick off an incredible day. The registration area was decked out in vibrant Candy Land decor, setting the stage for an unforgettable experience.

The morning session featured Pre-Conference Curriculum Training, where attendees dove into innovative strategies and practical tips to elevate their curriculum knowledge. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or new to the Frog Street family, this session was a must-attend! Plus, it was a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow educators and share insights.

Simultaneously, there was the Pre-Conference Leadership Symposium for Child Care Center Owners. This add-on session offered a deeper dive into leadership strategies tailored for those managing childcare centers.

Get Crafty with Make and Take 

After lunch (with plenty of sweet treats!), attendees headed over to the Pre-Conference Make & Take Sessions. The room was filled with colorful supplies, creativity flowing like a river, and educators crafting hands-on materials to bring back to their classrooms. Not only did participants create something useful, but they also exchanged ideas and techniques with peers. It was a win-win!

Opening Sessions: A Grand Kickoff 

As the evening approached, the excitement ramped up with the Opening Session at 6:00 PM. The highlight here was the keynote address, presented by John Jacobson, “Carefully Taught,” designed to inspire and energize attendees for the days ahead. Powerful speakers, engaging presentations, and a whole lot of enthusiasm were on display. Everyone left this session feeling pumped and ready to make a splash in their own educational journey!

Behind the Scenes: Meet Fanny and Fernando Frog 

One of the most delightful moments was catching a glimpse of Fanny and Fernando Frog as they prepared to greet attendees. We managed to snag a few candid moments with them, and they were just as charming off-stage as they are on! From last-minute costume adjustments to practicing their frog-tastic dance moves, these two are dedicated to bringing joy to everyone they meet.

Strike a Pose: Photo Opportunities 

Don’t forget to capture the memories! Throughout the day, there were numerous photo opportunities. Attendees snapped selfies with Fanny and Fernando, posed with new friends from the Make and Take session, or simply captured the vibrant atmosphere of the conference. These photos will be perfect for reminiscing about the amazing time at Splash 2024. Don’t forget to share these pics and tag #frogstreet!

Sweet Endings: Welcome Reception and Ice Cream Social 

The day capped off with a Welcome Reception and Exhibition Grand Opening & Ice Cream Social at 7:30 PM. Attendees mingled, explored the exhibits, and enjoyed delicious ice cream treats. It was the perfect way to unwind and gear up for the days ahead!

Let’s Get Hoppin’! 

Day 1 was just the beginning, and it’s already shaping up to be an incredible adventure. From enriching training sessions to unforgettable moments with Fanny and Fernando Frog, there’s so much to look forward to tomorrow! Stay tuned for Part 3 of our “What’s Happening” series, where we’ll dive into the events of Day 2. Until then, keep the excitement flowing and get ready for more Splash-tastic fun!

Hey there, Splash enthusiasts! 

Welcome to the first installment of our four-part series, “What’s Hoppening at Splash 2024!” We’re thrilled to give you a behind-the-scenes look at the magic unfolding as we prepare for the sweetest conference of the year. That’s right—Splash 2024 is all about immersing you in a Candy Land wonderland, and we can’t wait to share the sweetness with you!

Setting the Stage 

Decorations are going up with plenty of selfie and group photo-worthy spots. Our crew is working hard to prepare for the Pre-Conference Day curriculum training and Make-and-Take activity! Our exhibitors are excited to get their booths up, too. Check out who is exhibiting this year:

Gold Sponsors: CCEI, Conscious Discipline, Discount School Supply, JJ and Me, Inc., Not Your Average Leadership

Silver Sponsors: CELEBRATE Successful Learning, LilyPad, MarcoPolo Learning, PB&J TV, Procare Solutions, Yogapalooza

Bronze Sponsors: American College of Education, Apple ABC Teachers Gifts, Apple Pie Publishing, Child’s Play, Dr. Mark Studio, Grand Canyon University, Katie & Co., KidKare by Minute Menu, Leach Literacy Training, LineLeader by Childcare CRM, Playground, SuperDuper Publications, The Gift Solution, Walden University

Sweet Surprises: Goodies and Giveaways 

We can promise you that no one will leave Splash 2024 empty-handed! You’ll receive tokens for beverages at the Awards Dinner and a special green Frog Street token to collect your very own mini Fernando from the Frogger’s Emporium! Visit the exhibit hall to receive a golden ticket from one of our vendors for your chance to win an exclusive prize! And don’t miss the ice cream social on Thursday evening to kick off the fun with an assortment of four gelato flavors and a Candy Land-worthy assortment of toppings!

Candy Land Workshops and Sessions 

The heart of Splash 2024 is our incredible lineup of sessions and workshops designed to present cutting-edge strategies and the latest research-based educational trends. You’ll find everything from hands-on activities to engaging lectures by top-notch keynote speakers. Whether you want to enhance your teaching techniques, discover new curriculum tools, or get inspired, there’s something for everyone.

A Taste of What’s to Come 

Here’s a sneak peek at some of the exciting topics you can expect:

• Mathematizing Early Literacy: Making read-alouds count with Jane Bruner.
• Get a Grip: Practical techniques for classroom management by Peggy Campbell-Rush.
• Project-Based Learning for Littles: Innovative ways to engage young minds with Dr. Lori Elliott.
• Story Play: Building language and literacy through rhythm, rhyme, and storytime with Mary Jo Huff.

And that’s just the beginning! Each day will be packed with informative sessions, interactive activities, and plenty of opportunities to network with fellow educators.

Prepping for the Big Launch 

We’re also gearing up for a special product launch on Friday, where we’ll unveil the new Preschool curriculum with a deep dive and Q&A session!

Join the Fun 

Splash 2024 is more than just a conference; it’s a celebration of early childhood education! We can’t wait to see you there, to share ideas, learn together, and, of course, indulge in a bit of candy-coated fun. Stay tuned for our next blog post, where we’ll dive into the daily happenings and give you a closer look at the exciting events planned for each day.

Get ready to be inspired, engaged, and maybe even a little sugar-rushed. See you at Splash 2024!

Early childhood is a period of rapid growth and development, both academically and socially. Each young learner is as unique as a fingerprint, brimming with curiosity, imagination, and endless possibilities for their future. As educators, we aim to meet the unique needs of each child in our classrooms. Differentiated instruction is a powerful tool that provides the support, structure, paths to succeed, and challenges to grow to build a strong foundation for children’s future learning.

What is Differentiated Instruction?

 At its core, differentiated instruction is about recognizing each child’s needs and creating meaningful learning experiences to meet those needs. Instead of using a one-size-fits-all approach for the whole class, educators tailor their instruction to accommodate the learning styles, interests, and abilities of each child. In other words, it’s about meeting children where they are and providing multiple pathways for success!

Ideas for Implementing Differentiated Instruction in Early Childhood Education

In early childhood, children exhibit a wide range of abilities and learning styles, making it essential for educators to differentiate their instruction. Here are some examples of methods and strategies educators can use to support children of all levels, backgrounds, and abilities in the classroom:

Incorporating Movement & Sensory Exploration

• Using songs, rhymes, and movement activities to introduce new concepts and reinforce learning in a fun, memorable, and engaging way.
• Providing a variety of sensory materials (e.g., sand, water, playdough) for hands-on exploration to cater to different learning styles.
• Presenting new concepts in short segments and incorporate as many of the child’s senses as possible.

 Adaptations & Flexibility

• Adapting lesson plans to incorporate shorter, interactive activities and mindful movement breaks based on attention spans and energy levels.
• Introducing concepts that are easy for children to master before moving on to more complex tasks.
• Allowing children to use alternative materials for art projects, such as finger painting instead of brushes, to accommodate different preferences and abilities.
• Offering age-appropriate flexible seating options to support children who may need to move around or have difficulty sitting still during circle time.

 Communications & Choice

• Using choice boards with pictures or symbols for children to select activities based on their interests (e.g., building blocks, painting, pretend play).
• Speaking in a child’s native language or using sign language as other forms of communication.
• Encouraging children to share their thoughts and ideas during group discussions or circle time, fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment in the learning process.

 Child-Centered Learning & Play

• Incorporating children’s interests and experiences into lessons, such as using toy animals for a counting activity or incorporating favorite storybook characters into dramatic play scenarios.
• Providing opportunities for child-directed play and exploration, with open-ended materials (e.g., blocks, loose parts) that encourage creativity and problem-solving.
• Pairing children of different abilities together as “peer buddies” to help each other complete an activity and nurture friendships.

One Size Does NOT Fit All

Children learn best when their teachers acknowledge and accommodate their interests and abilities. Here are some key principles to keep in mind when differentiating instruction:

• Diverse Needs: Children have different skills levels and abilities; your instruction should be tailored to address their needs in a way that fosters confidence and inspires joyful learning.
• Flexibility: Be open to trying new things! There are many ways to adapt your teaching strategies, materials, and assessments to meet the needs of your learners.
• Centering the Child: Placing children at the center of the learning process builds confidence and empowers them to take ownership of their learning journey.

Differentiated instruction is not just a teaching strategy; it’s a philosophy that celebrates the uniqueness of every child. Here at Frog Street, we are committed to this philosophy and strive to support educators in implementing it successfully. By applying the principles and strategies of differentiated instruction, educators can create joyful learning experiences that empower all young learners to succeed.

Frog Street’s continuum of curriculum provides educators with a wealth of activities, strategies, and tips for successfully implementing differentiated instruction in the classroom. Want to learn more? Contact us today!