Presented by Angela Ballinger, Principal and Preschool Coordinator, Walker Early Learning Center, KY

Sponsored by Scholastic Education, Digital Solutions

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How do we ensure that our youngest students are on the path to success and excited to continue learning? By building a rock-solid foundation in reading, sounds, and text during preschool and kindergarten! This short but critical window of time sets the stage for a student’s future—which is why, as early educators, we aim to make every moment count. With a combination of intentional play and research-based practices, early learning classrooms have tremendous potential to spark a student’s love of learning while also securing the reading skills necessary to prevent issues down the road. The time spent in early learning classrooms offers our earliest learners the opportunity to receive what they need as they embark on a lifelong reading journey.

In this edWebinar, viewers will learn about:

• What a strong foundation in reading, sounds, and text looks like for early learners
• Reading misconceptions during the early years and how to address them
• Best practices for immersing students in literacy opportunities 365 days a year, at home and school
• How intentional play and personalized learning can transform the classroom for students and educators
• Building and sustaining a culture and climate for foundational literacy
• Moving the needle for early education

This recorded edWebinar will be of interest to preK–3 teachers, librarians, school and district leaders, early learning supervisors, early childhood educators, and preschool coordinators.

About the Presenter

Angela Ballinger is the principal and preschool coordinator at Walker Early Learning Center and the former president of the Kentucky Reading Association. With 450 preschool and kindergarten students entering her building each year, Angela is passionate about making every minute count so that students leave with the confidence and skills needed to become lifelong learners. Angela loves to speak with and share her effective instructional strategies with early educators across the country and was as a presenter at NAEYC in 2019. Before becoming a school administrator, Angela worked in the classroom for over 15 years as a curriculum coach, RTI teacher, and an elementary teacher across multiple grades.

Join the Engaging Early Learners community to network with educators, participate in online discussions, receive invitations to upcoming edWebinars, and view recordings of previous programs to earn CE certificates.

At Scholastic, we believe that the development of robust literacy skills is at the very heart of empowering children to thrive in school and in life. That’s why we create literacy solutions that support the whole child—in the classroom, at home, and in the community. From transformative, research-based literacy instruction, to expert professional development, and groundbreaking family & community engagement, we are with you every step of the way on the path to literacy.