VOCEL’s Masterclass Series Returns for Another Year
Join VOCEL as we partner with early childhood experts and master teachers to explore the developing brain and offer strategies you can use right now. Perfect for parents, caregivers, grandparents, educators, and early learning advocates of children ages 0-6.
This year’s Masterclass topics included talking to kids about race, sensory play, early math, and encouraging picky eaters.
Registration costs support VOCEL's early learning programs. All VOCEL Masterclasses feature a sliding scale price model.
“I attended to learn more about how to be a better grandmother and walked away a better human.”
Presenting VOCEL’s 2021 Masterclass Series:
Talking to Kids About Race | April 29
This Masterclass is for anyone searching for resources on how to talk to little ones about race and racism. Receive the tools you need to spark socially conscious conversations with toddlers, preschoolers, and young children. Together, let's make "the talk" about race and racism less awkward and more compassionate in ways that are developmentally appropriate for your child and culturally respectful for you.
Sensory Play: Beyond Finger Paint and Play Dough | May 27
Researchers have found that sensory play is crucial for early brain development as activities that engage our senses to help build new neural pathways in the brain. When we hear “sensory play,” most of us think of touch – and activities that explore texture like finger paint and play dough, but brain-building sensory play is so much more!
Get tools and resources to provide a well-rounded “sensory play diet” for your little one that stimulates all the senses, including the often-forgotten movement and balance. Learn how to fuel your child’s problem-solving skills, creativity, visual-spatial, and social-emotional skills through fun, accessible sensory play activities. Walk away with fun activities you can tweak to meet your child’s needs and use over and over again!
Early Math: Everyday Moments to Build the Skills that Matter Most | June 24
Early math skills are a strong predictor of future success in school. Yet teaching math to a young child can be daunting. Breaking out the calculator and number flashcards might come to mind. What what do early math skills really mean?
This Masterclass will provide you with tools and resources to teach your child essential early math skills while using playful activities, everyday moments, and daily routines. Learn what early math skills matter most, and walk away with fun ways to set your child up to love math and succeed in school.
Join VOCEL and guest experts as we share how laying the foundation for math can be easily integrated into everyday routines!
Nutrition & Picky Eating: Demystifying Balanced Diets and How Toddlers Eat
July 29
What does a balanced diet for a toddler or preschooler really mean, and how can busy parents and caregivers make it happen?
Helping children eat healthy often presents challenges for parents and caregivers of young children who are asserting their independence and establishing their likes and dislikes. A balanced diet is vital for young children’s physical growth and brain development, but what if your child is wary of new foods?
During this masterclass, we will introduce you to the most up-to-date information about what young children need to fuel their brain and body growth. Walk away with fun strategies you can use to develop healthy habits in your little one without constant power struggles at mealtime, and learn new tips and tricks to make mealtime a success!