Preschool Leadership Conferences
LifeWay Ridgecrest Conference Center: July 10-13, 2009
Conferences | Faculty
LifeWay Glorieta Conference Center: July 20-24, 2009
Conferences | Faculty
Join other preschool leaders and teachers to discover, explore, and connect with the role of preschool division director, preschool professional staff, or preschool teacher. Age group core conferences and elective conferences meet the needs of all preschool leaders/teachers from various size churches. Observation is available for teachers of babies - kindergarten, to gather valuable experience watching experienced teachers teach preschoolers the Bible. Connecting with preschoolers and connecting with teachers is the primary theme and objective for all preschool conferences. Bring your cameras and be ready to experience "hands-on" learning.
Ridgecrest ConferencesSaturday, July 10
8:30 a.m.–12:00 noon
Connecting with Professional Childhood Ministers
Angie Boydstun, leader
Johnson Springs Holly D & H
As the childhood minister you have a full plate. Come and connect with the best practices for your ministry to children and their families. Also find a place where you can be refreshed to face new possibilities for ministry. (continued Sunday at 8:30 a.m.)
Connecting Bible Teaching for Babies, 1s, and 2s
Ann Edwards, leader
Johnson Springs Holly A & E
Babies, 1s, and 2s can learn about Jesus, God, and the Bible. This conference is designed to equip, instruct, and motivate teachers as they plan, prepare, teach, and minister to babies, 1s, and 2s and their families.
Connecting Bible Teaching for 3s-Kindergarten
Klista Storts, leader
Johnson Springs Holly B & F
Threes-kindergarteners can learn about Jesus, God, and the Bible. This conference is designed to equip, instruct, and motivate teachers as they plan, prepare, teach, and minister to 3s - kindergarteners and their families.
Connecting the Preschool Division Director
Cindy Morris, leader
Johnson Springs Holly C & G
The preschool division director is a unique leader. Connect the areas of your ministry where you can motivate, equip, and inspire others to accomplish God’s purpose for preschoolers and their families. Come find some great practices that will enhance your preschool division. (continued Sunday at 8:30 a.m.)
2:00–3:00 p.m.
Connecting with TeamKID
Cindy Morris, leader
Johnson Springs Holly C & G
All Around, the new preschool TeamKID material, is available for a first hand look at the new Bible study material. Come get some hands-on experience with this new study. (repeated Saturday at 3:15 p.m.)
Let the Littlest Come: How to Include Worship in Preschool Teaching
Angie Boydstun, leader
Johnson Springs Holly D & H
God created us to worship Him. He didn’t expect us to wait until adulthood. Preschoolers can (and do) worship. Let’s look at some ways to incorporate worship each time we are with preschoolers. We will also address how we can make worship personal for each setting and each individual. (repeated Saturday at 3:15 p.m.)
Making It Stick: Understanding Brain Development in Children
Mary Ann Bradberry, leader
Johnson Spring Azalea A
Understanding how the brain develops, processes information, and is naturally designed to learn allows teachers to create an environment where biblical truths will stick with children. (repeated Saturday at 3:15 p.m.)
Observation for Babies, 1s, and 2s
Janetta Holmes, leader
Preschool Building Room
Conferees will have the opportunity to observe a Bible teaching experience for babies, 1s, and 2s. Observers will need to sign up for the class and be in place by 1:45 p.m. The class will be taught by experienced teachers who teach Sunday School in their local churches.
Observation for 3s – Kindergarten
Landry Holmes, leader
Preschool Building Room
Conferees will have the opportunity to observe a Bible teaching experience for 3s – kindergarten. Observers will need to sign up for the class and be in place by 1:45 p.m. The class will be taught by experienced teachers who teach Sunday School in their local churches.
The Parent Adventure
Bill Emeott, leader
Johnson Springs 2 A & B
Based on Deuteronomy 6:5-7, participants in this conference will consider five principles to be shared with parents that will help them fulfill their God-given role as spiritual leaders of their children. These five simple principles will help parents create an environment for children to know God, own their faith, and spend their life making Him known. (continued Saturday at 3:15 p.m.)
3:15–4:15 p.m.
Connecting with TeamKID (repeat)
Cindy Morris, leader
Johnson Springs Holly C & G
All Around, the new preschool TeamKID material, is available for a first hand look at the new Bible study material. Come get some hands-on experience with this new study.
Let the Littlest Come: How to Include Worship in Preschool Teaching (repeat)
Angie Boydstun, leader
Johnson Springs Holly D & H
God created us to worship Him. He didn’t expect us to wait until adulthood. Preschoolers can (and do) worship. Let’s look at some ways to incorporate worship each time we are with preschoolers. We will also address how we can make worship personal for each setting and each individual.
Observation Follow-up for Babies – 2s
Janetta Holmes and Ann Edwards, leaders
Johnson Springs Holly A & E
Conferees will have an opportunity to follow up on the teaching session they observed. Time will be given for questions and answers with the lead teacher.
Observation Follow-up for 3s – Kindergarten
Landry Holmes and Klista Storts, leaders
Johnson Springs Holly B & F
Conferees will have an opportunity to follow up on the teaching session they observed. Time will be given for questions and answers with the lead teacher.
The Parent Adventure (continued)
Bill Emeott, leader
Johnson Springs 2 A & B
Based on Deuteronomy 6:5-7, participants in this conference will consider five principles to be shared with parents that will help them fulfill their God-given role as spiritual leaders of their children. These five simple principles will help parents create an environment for children to know God, own their faith, and spend their life making Him known.
Sunday, July 12
8:30–9:30 a.m.
Boys and Girls Do Learn Differently
Mary Ann Bradberry, leader
Johnson Springs Azalea A
Ninety-nine percent of the genetic code of boys and girls is the same. However, it is the 1 percent that makes all the difference. Boys and girls learn differently because God created them with different brains. Understanding these differences allows childhood ministers and teachers to plan specific strategies for ensuring that boys and girls learn and internalize biblical truths. (repeated Sunday at 9:45 a.m.)
Connecting with Families
Klista Storts, leader
Johnson Springs Holly B & F
Come gather fresh new ideas and learn how to adapt some of those tried-and-true methods you have used in the past as we gain an understanding of today’s young parents.
Connecting with Kids Through Sunday School
Bill Emeott, leader
Johnson Springs 2 A & B
Making the connection is more than simply delivering Bible knowledge on Sunday morning. This conference will help Bible study leaders understand what it takes to reach this generation of kids and their families. (repeated Sunday at 9:45 a.m.)
Connecting with Professional Childhood Ministers (continued)
Angie Boydstun, leader
Johnson Springs Holly D & H
As the childhood minister you have a full plate. Come and connect with the best practices for your ministry to children and their families. Also find a place where you can be refreshed to face new possibilities for ministry.
My Classroom Is a Disaster: Making the Most with What You Have
Ann Edwards, leader
Johnson Springs Holly A & E
Finding the best arrangement, equipment, and resources can enhance the teaching experience as well as the learning experience. Both teacher and child benefit from a well planned, organized, and structured classroom.
Preschool Division Directors Connecting with Teachers
Cindy Morris, leader
Johnson Springs Holly C & G
Preschool division directors carry an awesome load. How can you make significant connections with teachers to build team relationships that last? Come gather ideas. (continued Sunday at 9:45 a.m.)
9:45–10:45 a.m.
Boys and Girls Do Learn Differently (repeat)
Mary Ann Bradberry, leader
Johnson Springs Azalea A
Ninety-nine percent of the genetic code of boys and girls is the same. However, it is the 1 percent that makes all the difference. Boys and girls learn differently because God created them with different brains. Understanding these differences allows childhood ministers and teachers to plan specific strategies for ensuring that boys and girls learn and internalize biblical truths.
Connecting with Kids Through Sunday School (repeat)
Bill Emeott, leader
Johnson Springs 2 A & B
Making the connection is more than simply delivering Bible knowledge on Sunday morning. This conference will help Bible study leaders understand what it takes to reach this generation of kids and their families.
De-stressing Your Ministry
Angie Boydstun, leader
Johnson Springs Holly D & H
Stress can be positive or negative. The effects are the same. What can you do positively with stress or how can you keep stress from having a grip on your life? Come gather tools for making the most of stress or keep it from making things a mess.
Discipline — the Missing Link!
Klista Storts, leader
Johnson Springs Holly B & F
Classroom management is an important part of connecting with preschoolers. The bad news? Sometimes this can be a challenge. The good news? It’s really as simple as learning your ABCs!
Preschool Division Directors Connecting with Teachers (continued)
Cindy Morris, leader
Johnson Springs Holly C & G
Preschool division directors carry an awesome load. How can you make significant connections with teachers to build team relationships that last? Come gather ideas.
Teacher Training Ideas
Ann Edwards, leader
Johnson Springs Holly A & E
Training teachers is a great method for helping teachers stay fresh. Also teachers remain committed when we continue to meet their needs as teachers. Come gather some ideas that are new and exciting.
2:00–3:00 p.m.
Habits of a Highly Effective Sunday School Teacher
Bill Emeott, leader
Johnson Springs 2 A & B
Good teachers come in all shapes and sizes, ages and personalities, but certain characteristics separate effective teachers from less effective ones. This conference presents skills that can help Bible study leaders become more effective as they teach boys and girls in Sunday School. (repeated at 3:15 p.m.)
Language and Bible Teaching
Mary Ann Bradberry, leader
Johnson Springs Azalea A
Reading is one of the most difficult tasks the brain has to learn. So what do we do to children when we ask them to read from the Bible or do other language tasks that may be more than they can handle? Discover ways to make reading and language activities less stressful for the children in your classroom. (repeated Sunday at 3:15 p.m.)
3:15 – 4:15 p.m.
Habits of a Highly Effective Sunday School Teacher (repeat)
Bill Emeott, leader
Johnson Springs 2 A & B
Good teachers come in all shapes and sizes, ages and personalities, but certain characteristics separate effective teachers from less effective ones. This conference presents skills that can help Bible study leaders become more effective as they teach boys and girls in Sunday School.
Language and Bible Teaching (repeat)
Mary Ann Bradberry, leader
Johnson Springs Azalea A
Reading is one of the most difficult tasks the brain has to learn. So what do we do to children when we ask them to read from the Bible or do other language tasks that may be more than they can handle? Discover ways to make reading and language activities less stressful for the children in your classroom.
2:00–4:15 p.m.
Conferees will have an opportunity to attend each of the following conferences between 2:00 and 4:15 p.m. These will be taught in 35-minute periods. You will want to bring your cameras for each of these conferences.
Connecting Through Books
Cindy Morris, leader
Johnson Springs Holly C & G
Books bring a valuable and significant perspective to learning biblical content. This conference is designed to give you ideas and examples of books and how they can integrate the biblical content to the session.
25 Uses for Bible Teaching Pictures in the Classroom
Ann Edwards, leader
Johnson Springs Holly A & E
Bible teaching pictures are valuable long after the session is over. Come learn some valuable uses for Bible teaching pictures. Bring your camera for this conference.
Using Movement and Music in the Classroom
Angie Boydstun, leader
Johnson Springs Holly D & H
How can movement and music help learn biblical content? The body moves and the brain learns, but add music and you have a powerful force for retention of biblical concepts, verses, and life applications. Come gather some great ideas.
What’s in a Box?
Klista Storts, leader
Johnson Springs Holly B & F
Sometimes we need to think outside of the box when teaching today’s preschoolers. However, not too far out the box! Come see and hear about creative ways to use some everyday items to teach God’s truths.
Monday, July 12
8:30–9:30 a.m.
Understanding Children and Grief, Part I
Mary Ann Bradberry, leader
Johnson Springs Azalea A
A child’s response to crisis, trauma, or death is different from an adult’s response. By understanding children’s responses to these situations, teachers can be better equipped to help navigate children through difficult times.
9:45–10:45 a.m.
Understanding Children and Grief, Part II
Mary Ann Bradberry, Leader
Johnson Springs Azalea A
A child’s response to crisis, trauma, or death is different from an adult’s response. By understanding children’s responses to these situations, teachers can be better equipped to help navigate children through difficult times.
Angie Boydstun is a childhood consultant for the Mississippi Baptist Convention in Jackson, MS
Mary Ann Bradberry is a LifeWay Ministry Multiplier from Austin, TX
Ann Edwards is a childhood ministry specialist for LifeWay Christian Resources in Nashville, TN
Bill Emeott is lead childhood ministry specialist for LifeWay Christian Resources in Nashville, TN
Janetta Holmes is preschool Sunday School division director at First Baptist Church in Goodlettsville, TN
Landry Holmes is managing director of the Childhood Publishing Department of LifeWay Christian Resources in Nashville, TN
Cindy Morris is director of the Childhood Ministry Group of the South Carolina Baptist Convention in Columbia, SC
Klista Storts is a childhood ministry specialist for LifeWay Christian Resources in Nashville, TN
Tuesday, July 21
9:15 a.m.–12:00 noon
Connecting with Professional Childhood Ministers
Angie Boydstun, leader
Holcomb 301
As the childhood minister you have a full plate. Come and connect with the best practices for your ministry to children and their families. Also find a place where you can be refreshed to face new possibilities for ministry. (continued Tuesday at 2:00 p.m. and 3:15 p.m.)
Connecting Bible Teaching for Babies, 1s, and 2s
Ann Edwards, leader
Holcomb 302-303
Babies, 1s, and 2s can learn about Jesus, God, and the Bible. This conference is designed to equip, instruct, and motivate teachers as they plan, prepare, teach, and minister to babies, 1s, and 2s and their families. (continued Tuesday at 2:00 p.m. and 3:15 p.m.)
Connecting Bible Teaching for 3s - Kindergarten
Klista Storts, leader
Holcomb 304-305
Threes - kindergarteners can learn about Jesus, God, and the Bible. This conference is designed to equip, instruct, and motivate teachers as they plan, prepare, teach, and minister to 3s-kindergarteners and their families. (continued Tuesday at 2:00 p.m. and 3:15 p.m.)
Connecting the Preschool Division DirectorDelanee Williams, leader
Holcomb 306
The Preschool Division Director is a unique leader. Connect the areas of your ministry where you can motivate, equip, and inspire others to accomplish God’s purpose for preschoolers and their families. Come find some great practices that will enhance your preschool division. (continued Tuesday at 2:00 p.m. and 3:15 p.m.)
2:00–3:00 p.m.
3:15–4:15 p.m.
The Parent Adventure
Bill Emeott, leader
Holcomb 205
Based on Deuteronomy 6:5-7, participants in this conference will consider five principles to be shared with parents that will help them fulfill their God-given role as spiritual leaders of their children. These five simple principles will help parents create an environment for children to know God, own their faith, and spend their life making Him known. (continued Tuesday at 3:15 p.m.)
Wednesday, July 22
9:15–12:00 noon
Connecting with Professional Childhood Ministers (continued)
Angie Boydstun, leader
Holcomb 301
As the childhood minister you have a full plate. Come and connect with the best practices for your ministry to children and their families. Also find a place where you can be refreshed to face new possibilities for ministry.
9:15–10:30 a.m.
10:45–12:00 noon
Boys and Girls Do Learn Differently
Mary Ann Bradberry, leader
Holcomb 201
Ninety-nine percent of the genetic code of boys and girls is the same. However, it is the 1 percent that makes all the difference. Boys and girls learn differently because God created them with different brains. Understanding these differences allows childhood ministers and teachers to plan specific strategies for ensuring that boys and girls learn and internalize biblical truths. (repeated at 10:45 a.m.)
Connecting with Kids Through Sunday School
Bill Emeott, leader
Holcomb 205
Making the connection is more than simply delivering Bible knowledge on Sunday morning. This conference will help Bible study leaders understand what it takes to reach this generation of kids and their families. (repeated Wednesday at 10:45 a.m.)
9:15 a.m.–12:00 noon
Conferees will have an opportunity to attend each of the following conferences between 9:15 a.m. and 12 noon. These will be taught in 35-minute periods. You will want to bring your cameras for each of these conferences.
Connecting Through Books
Delanee Williams, leader
Holcomb 306
Books bring a valuable and significant perspective to learning biblical content. This conference is designed to give you ideas and examples of books and how they can integrate the biblical content to the session.
25 Uses for Bible Teaching Pictures in the Classroom
Ann Edwards, leader
Holcomb 302-303
Bible teaching pictures are valuable long after the session is over. Come learn some valuable uses for Bible teaching pictures. Bring your camera for this conference.
Using Movement and Music in the Classroom
JeQuita Lee, leader
Holcomb 301
How can movement and music help learn biblical content? The body moves and the brain learns, but add music and you have a powerful force for retention of biblical concepts, verses, and life applications. Come gather some great ideas.
What’s in a Box?
Klista Storts, leader
Holcomb 304-305
Sometimes we need to think outside of the box when teaching today’s preschoolers. However, not too far out the box! Come see and hear about creative ways to use some everyday items to teach God’s truths.
FREE AFTERNOON
THURSDAY, JULY 23
9:15–10:30 a.m.
Connecting with Families
Klista Storts, leader
Holcomb 304-305
Come gather fresh new ideas and learn how to adapt some of those tried-and-true methods you have used in the past as we gain an understanding of today’s young parents. (repeated at 10:45 a.m.)
Connecting with TeamKID
Delanee Williams, leader
Holcomb 306
All Around, the new preschool TeamKID material, is available for a first-hand look at the new Bible study material. Come get some hands-on experience with this new study.
Language and Bible Teaching
Mary Ann Bradberry, leader
Holcomb 201
Reading is one of the most difficult tasks the brain has to learn. So what do we do to children when we ask them to read from the Bible or do other language tasks that may be more than they can handle? Discover ways to make reading and language activities less stressful for the children in your classroom. (repeated at 10:45 a.m.)
My Classroom Is a Disaster: Making the Most with What You Have
Ann Edwards, leader
Holcomb 302-303
Finding the best arrangement, equipment, and resources can enhance the teaching experience as well as the learning experience. Both teacher and child benefit from a well planned, organized, and structured classroom.
10:45–12:00 noon
Connecting with Families (repeat)
Klista Storts, leader
Holcomb 304-305
Come gather fresh new ideas and learn how to adapt some of those “tried and true” methods you have used in the past as we gain an understanding of today’s young parents.
De-stressing Your Ministry
Angie Boydstun, leader
Holcomb 301
Stress can be positive or negative. The effects are the same. What can you do positively with stress, or how can you keep stress from having a grip on your life? Come gather tools for making the most of stress or keep it from making things a mess.
Language and Bible Teaching (repeat)
Mary Ann Bradberry, leader
Holcomb 201
Reading is one of the most difficult tasks the brain has to learn. So what do we do to children when we ask them to read from the Bible or do other language tasks that may be more than they can handle? Discover ways to make reading and language activities less stressful for the children in your classroom.
Preschool Division Directors Connecting with Teachers (continued)
Delanee Williams, leader
Holcomb 306
Preschool division directors carry an awesome load. How can you make significant connections with teachers to build team relationships that last? Come gather ideas.
Teacher Training Ideas
Ann Edwards, leader
Holcomb 302-303
Training teachers is a great method for helping teachers stay fresh. Also teachers remain committed when we continue to meet their needs as teachers. Come gather some ideas that are new and exciting.
2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
3:15 – 4:15 p.m.
Discipline - the Missing Link!
Klista Storts, leader
Holcomb 304-305
Classroom management is an important part of connecting with preschoolers. The bad news? Sometimes this can be a challenge.The good news? It’s really as simple as learning your ABCs! (repeated at 3:15 p.m.)
I Don’t Like That Activity
Ann Edwards, leader
Holcomb 302-303
So you don’t like that activity? How can you make adaptations to activities to make them more enticing and interesting? Find out how you can use these activities to help you teach the Biblical truth. (repeated at 3:15 p.m.)
The Music Connection
JeQuita Lee, leader
Holcomb 306
How do we use musical instruments when we are not musically adept? Come learn some great ways to use musical instruments with boys and girls, even using home-made musical instruments. Bring your camera. (repeated at 3:15 p.m.)
Friday, July 24
8:30–9:30 a.m.
Understanding Children and Grief, Part I
Mary Ann Bradberry, leader
Holcomb 201
A child’s response to crisis, trauma, or death is different from an adult’s response. By understanding children’s responses to these situations, teachers can be better equipped to help navigate children through difficult times.
9:45–10:45 a.m.
Understanding Children and Grief, Part II
Mary Ann Bradberry, leader
Holcomb 201
A child’s response to crisis, trauma, or death is different from an adult’s response. By understanding children’s responses to these situations, teachers can be better equipped to help navigate children through difficult times.
Angie Boydstun is a childhood consultant for the Mississippi Baptist Convention in Jackson, MS
Mary Ann Bradberry is a LifeWay Ministry Multiplier from Austin, TX
Ann Edwards is a childhood ministry specialist for LifeWay Christian Resources in Nashville, TN
Bill Emeott is lead childhood ministry specialist for LifeWay Christian Resources in Nashville, TN
Jequita Lee is preschool music leader for Holladay Baptist Church in Salt Lake City, UT
Klista Storts is a childhood ministry specialist for LifeWay Christian Resources in Nashville, TN
Delanee Williams is minister of preschool at First Baptist Church in Allen, TX