TransformEd Learning Sessions for Parents, Children, Educators: Winter and Spring 2018





Now that we have all settled into our routines after the busy holidays, it's time to get inspired with some new learning opportunities!  

 Is there anyone else already dreaming of Spring?

 Winter has always been a great time for me to read, reflect and refocus my attention on the next step of my creative journey.  

 With my PhD research interests in the Reggio Emilia approach, specifically in relation to infants, toddlers and parental involvement I am looking forward to spending more time with this age group.  It is especially important to me, as a new mom, since there aren't many programs or places for me to visit with my own children.

 Since I have become more fascinated with documenting early childhood learning, their natural curiosity, and imagination, I knew my mission was clear.  I needed to create a studio for parents and our youngest learners!

 The following offerings have been on my mind for several years and I am thrilled to be able to finally see them through to fruition!  I hope that you and your family will join us, so that we may explore the world and wonder together!

 If you pre-register, you will be able to reserve your spot and take advantage of some special introductory/early bird rates.  Prices go up in March 2018 and with small class sizes, the spaces will fill up quickly!  Please don't be disappointed if you are added to a waiting list - I will try my best to accommodate you or your child by adding another day if possible...



The TransformEd sessions below have been grouped together by:
  • Parent/Caregiver
  • Children
  • Educator
  • Face-to-Face
  • Online
  • Blended

 *****However, parents are also welcome to attend sessions for educators and educators are welcome to attend any sessions with their own children.


Please consider passing on this blog post to anyone who might be interested or would benefit from any of these offerings. 

TransformEd registration information:

Please note that HST is applied to every purchase and there is a Canadian and US/International price for each session. You may pay using your credit card through PayPal or I can also accept an email transfer if you contact me.

Once your purchase is made, you will be notified immediately by email from PayPal and later contacted by Joanne Marie Babalis within 2-5 business days with your confirmation and invoice.
All sessions are non-refundable, as the numbers affect overall planning and coordination.  You may, however, give your spot to someone else and email me about the changes so that I can update my list.  Think of this like a ticket to a concert - once you register, your spot is confirmed.  Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.



Before we get into the details, I would like to extend a special congratulations to Elisabetta Marsala @marsala_2016 for winning the contest of a one year apple music subscription and free visit to the new TransformEd Creative Studio with a friend for an art experience.  There should be an email in your inbox with all the information.



For parent(s)/caregiver(s) and children:

 What sets the TransformEd parent/child sessions apart?
  • smaller numbers and attention
  • all parents/guardians, grandparents, relatives, nannies, or any other caregiver(s) to the child are welcome
  • stimulating and high quality materials to explore in creative ways that are washed/sanitized 
  • thoughtfully designed open-ended learning environment that is always changing based on the age group or interests
  • indoor and outdoor spaces are considered one big learning area to discover in your own pace
  • Reggio Emilia inspired approach that follows the child's lead (emergent curriculum)
  • inquiry (children's questions/curiosity) and the process of learning are celebrated rather than a product 
  • social experience that builds lasting relationships for the children and parent(s)/caregivers 
  • patient and caring educator (also is a PhD student learning about early childhood and the Reggio Emilia approach from Italy) with over twelve years of teaching experience that nurtures children's development and supports parental wonderings
  • programs encourage twenty first century skills that prepare children for the future such as collaboration/teamwork, creative innovation, communication, critical thinking, problem solving, decision making, adaptability, curiosity/questioning, confidence, etc.



If the programs reach capacity, your name will be added to a waiting list in order to schedule another date.

 * Face-to-Face *

 Musical Mondays

 Exploring Music Everywhere!

 The TransformEd Creative Studio invites you to participate in a musical experience that encourages your infant to use their senses and gain motor skills, vocabulary, and even improves their memory.  Beyond songs and chants, you and your baby will have the opportunity to explore around the various spaces (indoor and outdoor if the weather permits) that promote rhythm and sound while interacting with materials such as instruments, puppets, storybooks and much more.

 Don't miss this chance to bond with your baby through the joy of music!

 Age: Infants - Birth to 18 months with Parent/Caregiver
Location: TransformEd Creative Studio - Woodbridge, Ontario (Islington and Major Mackenzie) 

 Session 1: April 2018 *SOLD OUT!*
Mondays from 10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. April 9, 16, 23, 30 (4 classes)

Session 2: May 2018 *SOLD OUT!*
Mondays from 10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. May 7, 14, 21, 28 (4 classes)


Session 3: June 2018 *SOLD OUT!*
Mondays from 10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. June 4, 11, 18, 25 (4 classes)




 Piano and Painting 

 The TransformEd Creative Studio invites your child to participate in an arts based experience that encourages them to feel the magic of music through painting. Beyond notes and theory, your child will have the opportunity to explore around the various spaces (indoor and outdoor if the weather permits) and interact with high quality materials such as a grand piano, instruments, acrylic/watercolour paint, clay and much more! 
Don't miss this chance to introduce your child to the possibility of piano!

 Age: 4 to 8 years old

 Location: TransformEd Creative Studio - Woodbridge, Ontario (Islington and Major Mackenzie) 

Session 1: April 2018
Mondays from 4:30 p.m.-6:00 p.m. April 9, 16, 23, 30 (4 classes)


 ***For private one-on-one piano lessons (custom package), please email joannemariebabalis@gmail.com.
Discovery Days  

 The TransformEd Creative Studio invites you to participate in a Reggio Emilia inspired experience that encourages your toddler to use their one hundred languages of expression (the many ways they can learn and express themselves) and ignite their creativity, curiosity, communication, collaboration, and overall confidence.  Beyond books and paper/pencil tasks, you and your child will have the opportunity to explore around the various spaces (indoor and outdoor) that promote relationship building, imaginary play, and inquiry, while interacting with materials such as sand/water, blocks, loose parts, magnets, light table, mud kitchen, art supplies, and much more.

 Don't miss this chance to bond with your toddler and for them to socialize with other children of the same age!

Age: 18 months to 3.5 years old with Parent/Caregiver

 Location: TransformEd Creative Studio - Woodbridge, Ontario (Islington and Major Mackenzie) 

Session 1: April 2018 (Tuesdays) *SOLD OUT!*
Tuesdays from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. April 3, 10, 17, 24 (4 classes)


Session 1: April 2018 (Saturdays) *SOLD OUT!*
Saturdays from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. April 7, 14, 21, 28 (4 classes)


 

 Private Discovery Days, Playdates/Group Bookings, etc.

***For a group rate to visit my studio with your friends (could include parents and children of any age group), please email me joannemariebabalis@gmail.com. 

You will have access to the studio with your privacy, for as long and as many sessions as we plan together!  They can be similar to any of the descriptions of programming above or below.


Inquiry Program
The TransformEd Creative Studio invites all curious minds to participate in a Reggio Emilia inspired emergent curriculum experience that encourages the hundred languages of expression (the many ways they can learn and express themselves) and ignite their creativity, communication, collaboration, critical thinking, problem solving, questioning, and overall confidence (21st century skills).  Beyond books and paper/pencil tasks, your child will have the opportunity to explore around the various spaces (indoor and outdoor) that promote relationship building and inquiry, while interacting with materials such as mirrors, clay, sketch pencils, sand/water, blocks, loose parts, magnets, light table, mud kitchen, various other art supplies, and much more.  Based on their interests and wonders, we will begin to document a project of their choosing and study our learning within inquiry meetings.  The children will become empowered as active participants and protagonists in their own learning experience.  They will essentially form a research team!  Each week we will review documentation of what happened prior, engage in hands-on creative learning to dig deeper into our inquiry questions and plan our next session together.  Parent(s)/caregiver(s) involvement throughout this planning process will also help us to extend our sessions into the home.

 I look forward to bringing this curious group of leaders together and seeing what magic and discoveries unfold!

 Please note that the children can take a snack break whenever they feel hungry or relax with a guided yoga break.

 Inquiry is a process that cannot be rushed, and as such, it is recommended that you consider signing up for all three sessions (all three months) to get the most out of this creative experience!

 Age: 3.5 to 8 years old

 Location: TransformEd Creative Studio - Woodbridge, Ontario (Islington and Major Mackenzie) 

Session 1: April 2018 (Saturdays)
Saturdays from 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. April 7, 14, 21, 28 (4 classes)
Events TransformEd - Children's Creative Corners

***For a group rate to visit my studio on a birthday/special event or to have a space created at your party, please email me joannemariebabalis@gmail.com.




Private Lessons

 Interested in building your child's confidence in a one-on-one or small group custom learning experience?

 TransformEd also provides private sessions for piano, art, reading/writing, and Greek language classes.
***To begin planning your custom package, please email joannemariebabalis@gmail.com.

Parent(s)/caregiver(s), 

 I am available and willing to answer any of your questions about the above programs by email joannemariebabalis@gmail.com, and we can even schedule a phone conversation.

 Please consider following my Instagram page @joannebabalis  to see more of what my experiences are like or reading through this blog!




For educators:
What sets the TransformEd educator sessions apart?
  • smaller numbers and attention 
  • all interested in early childhood education are welcome
  • stimulating and high quality materials to explore in hands-on and creative ways 
  • thoughtfully designed open-ended learning environment
  • Reggio Emilia inspired approach that follows the child's lead (emergent curriculum)
  • inquiry (children's questions/curiosity) and the process of learning are celebrated rather than a product 
  • social experience that builds lasting relationships and a chance to network
  • patient and caring educator/PhD student with over twelve years of teaching experience and over five years of presentations to support any of your wonderings

 If the sessions reach capacity, your name will be added to a waiting list in order to schedule another date.
* Free *

  • Blog posts with documentation from my inquiry programs and learning environment as well as more Reggio Emilia inspired content
  • eResources sent to those on my mailing list - subscribe here.
  • Giveaways with educational materials 

* Face-to-Face *
Workshop - The Reggio Emilia experience: Inspirations from Italy 
This session will include:
  • Insights from my Reggio Emilia research 
  • Inspiration from my most recent visit to Reggio Emilia, Italy (March 2018)
  • Hands-on creative provocations
  • A tour of my new studio space
  • Window into my documentation process and emergent curriculum

 Location: TransformEd Creative Studio - Woodbridge, Ontario (Islington and Major Mackenzie) 

Wednesday, April 18th, 2018 from 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. *SOLD OUT!* Opening a date on May 9 and June 6 - email to inquire joannemariebabalis@gmail.com 
 


Course - Going Deeper with Early Childhood Education 
(6 Sessions - 12 hours) 

 Did you ever take the Kindergarten AQ course with me?  Are you missing that weekly support system and wish that there was a part four? Consider this your opportunity to reconnect, network and feel inspired!
This session will include:
  • Weekly inspiration in my studio space
  • Hands-on learning with creative materials
  • Chance to share and study documentation from your program
  • Current research on early childhood approaches
  • Professional readings and discussion 

 Location: Woodbridge, Ontario (Islington and Major Mackenzie) 

Wednesdays, April 25, May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 from 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. 
* Online *

 eWorkshops/eCourse - Tea Talk Tuesdays
Popular ECE approaches, theories, and concepts: An introduction to research in the early years (12 hours total - Feb. Mar. Apr. and May from 9:00-10:00 p.m.)

This series will talk about and introduce the following:
  • February 27 - Reggio Emilia Approach
  • March 6 - Reggio Emilia Approach
  • March 20 - Reggio Emilia Approach (New insights from my trip to Reggio Emilia only a week prior)
  • March 27 - Montessori Approach

  • April 3 - Waldorf Approach
  • April 10 - High Scope Approach and Bank Street Approach
  • April 17 - Forest Kindergarten
  • April 24 - Theory of Loose Parts

  • May 1 - Play-Based Learning Approach 
  • May 8 - Math Problem Solving
  • May 15 - Inquiry Based Learning Approach
  • May 22 - Mosaic Approach and Conclusions 



Platform: Google Hangouts (only space for 25 participants)
You may purchase all twelve sessions or in groups of four as bundled above.


Tuesdays, February 27, March 6, 20, 27, April 3, 10, 17, 24, May 1, 8, 15, 22 from 9:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.
Investment for all twelve sessions: $350 - early bird. ($400 - regular price.) 

Investment for each bundle of four: $125 - early bird. ($150 - regular price.)

               

 eResources and Downloadable Workshop Presentations 
Once your purchase is made, you will be notified immediately by email from PayPal and later contacted by Joanne Marie Babalis within 2-5 business days for the links associated with your sale/download information and your invoice.
eWorkshop - Considering the layers of inquiry-based learning: Transforming Education Practice

 Sample found here.
This session will include:
  • 1.5 hours of learning at your own time and pace
  • over 120 slides filled with information, and you have the option of going through it manually or listening to it play in video mode with my voiceover
  • learn at the comfort of your own home
  • revisit the session/resources anytime that you wish


*Special SALE PRICE - Limited time!
Investment for eWorkshop - Canadian price: $40 - early bird. ($50 - regular price.) 
Investment for eWorkshop - US/international price: $49.24 - early bird. ($62.35 - regular price.) 
eResource - TransformEd Tips and Tricks: Inquiry-based learning

Sample found here.
    This session will include:
    • 20 page resource, jam packed with advice from some of my own experiences using inquiry-based learning in the classroom
    • photographs, commonly asked questions, starting points for planning/documenting, and of course Reggio Emilia inspiration
    *Special SALE PRICE - Limited time!
    Investment for eResource - Canadian price: $12.50 - early bird. ($15.00 - regular price.) 
    Investment for eResource - US/international price: $15.39 - early bird. ($18.73 - regular price.)
    * Blended * 

     Kindergarten A.Q. course, York University
    Part 1, Part 2, and Specialist 
    *Also includes certificate program for RECE's!
    Location: Kleinburg Public School, 10392 Islington Ave. (Kleinburg, Ontario) 

    March 29th - June 5th, 2018
    Tuesdays online from 5:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m. (Moodle, Twitter and Google docs/Hangouts)
    Thursdays face-to-face from 5:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m.

     For more details and to register please visit the York University - Faculty of Education website. 

     Regular price is $685 and OTF is offering a $450 subsidy for all Kindergarten AQ's.  See more details in the flyer.


    To download/print this flyer click here.
    * * * * *
    TransformEd registration information:

    Please note that HST is added to your purchase and that there is a Canadian and US/International price for each session. You may pay using your credit card through PayPal or I can also accept an email transfer if you contact me.

    Once your purchase is made, you will be notified immediately by email from PayPal and later contacted by Joanne Marie Babalis within 2-5 business days for the links associated with your sale/download information and your invoice.

    In order to be fair to those enrolling in these sessions, it is of paramount importance that we maintain honest practices.  Therefore, do not share logins (I can see when you login twice), and be truthful about your address and location.  If you are not a Canadian resident, then with your currency it wouldn't be right to have the advantage of such a large discount over those who live across Canada.  Finally, similar to how we honour copyright and the hard work an individual puts into their writing, I would appreciate and trust that you won't register once and have a few people around your computer.  In the end only one individual will get the credit and certificate.

    I thank you for respecting these wishes and already know that it won't be an issue!!!
    All sessions are non-refundable, as the numbers affect overall planning and coordination.  You may, however, give your spot to someone else and email me about the changes so that I can update my list.  Think of this like a ticket to a concert - once you register, your spot is confirmed.  Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.




    For conference/workshop providers or Early Childhood programs/organizations:

     I will continue to offer consultations and present workshops (face-to-face or virtually) for groups at conferences, childcare centres, courses, networks, school boards, etc.

     For a complete list of my services click here.
    For a complete list of my workshop topics click here.
    * NEW! * Inquiry program demonstration sessions - In the classroom with staff and students modelling the process

    • 2 hours for one classroom (inquiry group can be 3-6 children or a whole class) and educators may observe/participate 
    • How to begin an inquiry, inquiry lessons and inspiration, inquiry process/exploration (questioning, theorizing, researching, etc), ongoing facilitation, guidance and documentation  
    • Custom google folder with digital documentation shared which includes all photos, videos and conversations collected 
    • Planning time with educator team to share documentation findings and plan next learning experience - goal is that this work will continue 
    • For an authentic inquiry experience - I highly recommend a minimum of 4-8 in class sessions 


     * NEW! * Creative Arts program - In the classroom for students
    • 2 hours for one classroom (educators observe/participate or take a break)
    • Formal lesson and inspiration, art process/exploration, ongoing facilitation, guidance and documentation     
    • Custom google folder with digital documentation shared which includes all photos, videos and conversations collected 
    • If your school has a special event coming up like Christmas or Mother’s Day we can create something to give as gifts to families

    ***To discuss any of this information further, please reach out to me at joannemariebabalis@gmail.com and we can book a telephone appointment.



    Give the gift of creativity and inquiry learning:

     Do you know of a child, family, or educator who might like to have one of the above experiences?

     Consider giving them a gift certificate towards any of the TransformEd services or programs.  

     Gift Cards

    TransformEd Consulting Services (Studio, etc.) Gift Card Options




    Subscribe below so that you don't miss any announcements or free resources/sessions!

     I may be holding a draw to attend our grand opening event on Monday, April 2nd, 2018 (Easter Monday - Schools closed) for free - spaces are limited! 





    I hope that I will get the chance to meet you and your family in the new studio space.  I can hardly hold my excitement for the Spring to come!   

    Remember that the spaces are limited and will fill up quickly.  Pre-register so that you aren't disappointed!



    There are no rules 

    to creativity.

    -Laura Jaworski

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