Building on the Wonders of Childhood

Empowering Educators in Building the Power of Early Childhood Education.

Understanding Children’s Identity Formation Resources
January 30, 2018

Understanding Children’s Identity Formation Resources

[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”3.0.47″ next_background_color=”#000000″][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” parallax_method_1=”off” parallax_method_2=”off” parallax_method_3=”off” _builder_version=”3.0.47″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.0.106″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” use_border_color=”off” background_layout=”light”] PREFACE: This space has been created for parents, educators, social justice advocates, mentors, youth based organizations and attendees of “Who am I? Understanding Children’s Identity Formation” as a forum for sharing experiences and reflections as they work through these resources. […]

Educator Discussion Series Dialogue 1 4 min read
Building an Anti-Bias Library: Part One – Racial Identity, Culture and Language
January 29, 2018

Building an Anti-Bias Library: Part One – Racial Identity, Culture and Language

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”3.22″][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”on”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.27.4″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”] PREFACE: On September 27th, 2017, we welcomed Debbie LeeKeenan, Dr. Caryn Park and Dr. Maggie Beneke to kick off of 2017-2018 Educator Discussion Series focusing on Anti-Bias Education. Their workshop titled: Using Children’s Literature to Provoke Conversations […]

Institute Blog 3 10 min read
January 4, 2018

Unpacking White Privilege Resources

[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”on” use_custom_gutter=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” make_equal=”off” parallax_1=”off” parallax_method_1=”off” parallax_2=”off” parallax_method_2=”off” parallax_3=”off” parallax_method_3=”off” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_size=”initial”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_image src=”https://hilltopcc.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/EDS-photo.png” alt=”Children Playing Around A Desk. One of many banner photos used to promote the Hilltop Educator Institute” title_text=”Hilltop Educator Institute ” show_in_lightbox=”off” url=”hilltopcc.com/institute” url_new_window=”on” use_overlay=”off” animation=”off” sticky=”off” align=”center” force_fullwidth=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” animation_style=”none” animation_duration=”1000ms” animation_intensity_slide=”50%” show_bottom_space=”on” […]

Educator Discussion Series Dialogue 0 4 min read
Fostering Inclusion in the Classroom
November 20, 2017

Fostering Inclusion in the Classroom

I am constantly amazed and impressed by the group of kiddos I have in my class. When the school year began back in September, my co-teachers and I immediately noticed how quickly the children began connecting to one another and how strong their desire was to create a sense of community with peers and teachers. Over the next seven months, […]

Institute Blog 2 9 min read
Sparking conversation about children’s “rights”
October 26, 2017

Sparking conversation about children’s “rights”

New documentary sparking conversation about children’s “rights” makes Seattle premiere Dec 8 On December 8, Hilltop Educator Institute hosts Seattle’s premiere of the groundbreaking short documentary film about what can we learn of children’s views about their world, if we listen to children’s ideas and closely observe their actions.  “The Voices of Children” tells the story of an international team […]

Institute Blog 0 1 min read
Speaking In Tongues
October 10, 2017

Speaking In Tongues

[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.0.76″ background_layout=”light” border_style=”solid”] “Could you tell me the normal way?” a kid asked me recently. “In English,” piped up another kid. “Yeah, the way regular people talk,” the first kid added. It’s not unusual for a kid to ask me to tell them something in English, either because they aren’t understanding something or because they do understand […]

Institute Blog 2 5 min read
Presents and Prejudice
September 25, 2017

Presents and Prejudice

Earlier this week, for the first time ever, one of my students asked me why I decided to be a teacher. Adults ask me all the time but never a child. It took me by surprise! To me, these moments are one of the biggest reasons I choose to spend my days with young children. They ask the best questions. […]

Institute Blog 2 6 min read
September 21, 2017

Pre and Post Event Dialogue – Using Children’s Literature to Provoke Conversations

PREFACE: Education by itself cannot eliminate prejudice or injustice.  If you observe children at play, they quickly reveal many of their stereotypes.  “Old people are weak” “He’s in a wheelchair, he can’t play with us.” “She’s wearing a black scarf, she must be ninja” “She can’t be a doctor, she’s a girl.” But schools and families together can help develop […]

Educator Discussion Series Dialogue 5 6 min read