FableVision Learning is a proud sponsor of Forefront 2021, virtual event created specifically for administrators, educators and stakeholders in Catholic education who want to be innovators and change makers. Over the three day event (March 4-6), we are excited to connect with educators during our sessions, in our virtual booth and in the lounge. Here’s just a few ways to connect the dots

Thursday, March 4, 2021

4 p.m.: Social-Emotional Learning with Children’s Books 
Teachers and students are struggling with the changes in our world during the pandemic. Before a child can learn or a teacher teaches, each individual must feel safe and centered. But how can teachers make space for this in the classroom and feel comfortable in delivering social and emotional learning (SEL) experiences?  FableVision Learning has developed a unique approach by aligning FableVision founder Peter H Reynolds’s books with CASEL’s framework. Peter’s books speak to the hearts of educators around the world and provide a comforting in-road to engaging with important SEL topics in the classroom. This SEL session will help you activate student understanding of self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision making. You will learn which books can help you discuss which SEL topics and leave with some practical activities to take into the classroom. And don’t miss Peter’s keynote on Saturday!

Friday, March 5, 2021

4 p.m.: Paper Prototyping Bootcamp for STEAM-Powered Learning
Have you wondered about how to embed engineering design with younger students and with limited time and money? Join us for a STEAM-Powered session focused on engineering and paper-prototyping. During this session discover how schools, libraries, and programs across the country have used FabMaker Studio, a web-based design and engineering tool, to create practical, affordable maker-spaces and inspire creativity. Participants will leave with ideas for their schools and inspiration for beyond the classroom.

Saturday, March 6, 2021

11 a.m.: Keynote from Peter H. Reynolds Recharging Your Spirit: How Creativity Can Inspire Breakthrough Leadership and Learning
New York Times bestselling author/illustrator Peter H. Reynolds (Judy Moody, The Dot, I Am Peace, The North Star) is looking forward to “connecting the dots” with attendees of the Forefront 2021 conference to share his journey as a Catholic committed to discerning his God-given gifts, talents and strengths to move the world to a better place. Peter hopes that his stories, art, animated films and books about activating one’s creativity and true potential will leave his fellow kindred spirits inspired and recharged - especially during this challenging time.

Noon: Digital Storytelling through Animation
Have you ever thought of expanding the power of story using another medium other than writing? Digital animation is an exquisite tool for students to express themselves, feel the excitement of seeing their stories come to life and learn a discrete communication tool. At the session, you will have the opportunity to use a storyboard template and actually animate a message yourself using Animation-ish software, designed by Peter H. Reynolds (see his keynote presentation on Saturday morning). During this time of pandemic, you can discover how animation can be a powerful remote tool for students to share how they feel as well.

2:30 p.m.: What is Computational Thinking and Why Does Every Teacher Need It?
Do I really need to understand computational thinking? Do my students? If you agree that problem solving is a key skill, then “Yes!” Coding and computer teachers have long understood the need for computational thinking. But it really goes across the curriculum. The best computational thinking learning experiences helps students learn and practice these strategies while building creative skills  like persistence, embracing ambiguity, and curiosity. In this session, you will learn what computational thinking is, why it is important and see one research based remote tool that will have students flying.