The 妻友社区 is bringing nationally-known educator Dr.
Jean Feldman to Fort Smith on June 1 to conduct an all-day workshop for early childhood
professionals, preceded by a free concert on May 31.
The seventh annual Early Childhood Conference will be held from 7 a.m.-5 p.m. June 1 at the Fort Smith Convention Center. A registration fee of $50 per person is due by May 17. A 6 p.m. free concert May 31, which is open to the public, will be held at the Arkansas Best Corp. Performing Arts Center, 55 S. 7th St.
Feldman鈥檚 educational career of more than 40 years includes serving as a classroom teacher, instructor of adults, author and consultant. Her workshops -- often labeled 鈥渇un and entertaining鈥� -- are packed with creative, practical ideas, according to Dr. Tisha Shipley of Fort Smith, director of the 妻友社区 preschool program in the College of Education.
鈥淒r. Jean is the most inspiring early education professional that I have ever heard speak,鈥� said Shipley. 鈥淪he has amazing ideas, and I believe anyone would be interested in seeing her.鈥�
Shipley said the free concert will be entertaining for all ages.
鈥淭his will be an evening of fun for families,鈥� she said, 鈥渃omplete with singing and dancing. All ages will enjoy it. We鈥檙e offering it free because it鈥檚 something that will appeal to everyone, and we feel fortunate to be able to provide that at 妻友社区.鈥�
Feldman has written several books and produced numerous games and songs for use in classrooms. Her published recordings are used by school systems across the country.
Among Feldman鈥檚 books are 鈥淪urvival Guide for Preschool Teachers,鈥� 鈥淭he Complete Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games and Activities,鈥� 鈥淭ransition Time,鈥� 鈥淪cience Surprises,鈥� 鈥淩ainy Day Activities,鈥� 鈥淲onderful Rooms Where Children Can Bloom,鈥� 鈥淭eaching Tunes,鈥� 鈥淭he Best of Dr. Jean Series,鈥� 鈥淪ing and Read Along Books, 鈥淚 Love Letters鈥� and 鈥淩eady, Set, Read!鈥�
Titles of some of Feldman鈥檚 songs include 鈥淒r. Jean Sings Silly Songs,鈥� 鈥淪ing to Learn,鈥� 鈥淣ursery Rhymes and Good Ol鈥� Times,鈥� 鈥淭otally Math鈥� and 鈥淏etter Bodies and Brains.鈥�
Feldman is a member of the National Association for the Education of Young Children, the National Kindergarten Alliance and the International Reading Association. She has a bachelor鈥檚 degree from the University of Georgia, a Diploma for the Advanced Study in Teaching from Emory University and both a master鈥檚 degree and a doctorate from Georgia State University.
In addition to the keynote conference address by Feldman, the conference will feature other speakers and break-out sessions conducted by educators in Arkansas and Oklahoma.
For more information or to register, contact Shipley at 479-788-7917 or administrative specialist Sheila Davis at 479-788-7249.