Hilltop Educator Institute Presents:
Talk to Children Like People: Seeking Equity Through Language Rich Classrooms
Saturday, April 7th
Facilitated by Michael Gramling

A great deal of evidence points to the critical importance of exposure to rich language during the first five years of life, and much has been made of the "word gap" between low income and more affluent homes to explain disparities in academic performance.

But if rich language is the decisive element in brain development and future success, shouldn't our classrooms focus on providing rich language as well? A language rich classroom would not be limited to teaching colors, letters and shapes. It would be instead a classroom in which adults share their experiences, ideas, and feelings with children throughout the day.

Why focus on Kindergarten readiness, when we could be seeking language equity for lifelong success?

Michael Gramling is a parent, writer, early childhood educator who has spent his professional career challenging the assumption that we prepare young children for success by replicating Kindergarten and focusing on narrow academic learning objectives. His book, The Great Disconnect in Early Childhood Education was awarded the 2017 Independent Publishers Silver Medal for education theory and commentary.

Washington STARS hours available - please bring your MERIT I.D. number.

Part of the Hilltop Educator Institute event series. Check out our other events!

Many thanks to our Educator Discussion Series sponsors:

Tickets are non-refundable one week before the event date. Refunds can be requested from Brown Paper Tickets up until one week before the event. If you become unable to attend the event after the refund deadline, please feel free to transfer your registration to another attendee. Simply have your guest sign-in at the event using the name given at registration.