Saturday Sessions
8:00 – 9:15 AM | ORANGE COUNTY CONVENTION CENTER
FEATURED SESSION
453 Evolving Understandings: Alphabet Knowledge and Phonological Awareness in More Than the ABCs
This session traces the historical shifts in early literacy instruction through an examination of the evolving editions of Schickedanz and Collins’ More Than the ABCs. By focusing on how foundational skills, including alphabet knowledge and phonological awareness, were introduced, emphasized, and revised over time, we explore how research developments and policy changes influenced early literacy pedagogy from the 1970s to the present.
Through video excerpts and reflections from the authors and others, participants will uncover how early editions were developed to address foundational skills primarily through exposure via print rich environments and environmental print as well as emergent writing, and later editions integrated more explicit, research-based understandings of phonological awareness and the alphabetic principle. The session highlights when the field began to embrace developmentally appropriate letter-sound instruction, the influence of infant research, and shifts in attitudes toward intentional teaching in early childhood classrooms. We conclude with cautions for educators of young children during the era of“ the science of reading” and prescribed curriculum as well as recommendations for our“ both / and approach” that fosters the importance of language and foundational skills in supporting literacy acquisition.
Kathleen Paciga, Columbia College Chicago Christina Cassano, Salem State University
W109A Adults
Earn 0.1 CEUs for this session.
SPONSORED BY 454 Reducing the Child Care Desert Through Legislative Change Jennifer Legere, A Place to Grow
W207C Adults Advocacy / Public Policy
455 Every Child Belongs: Investing in Educators and Inclusive Environments to Prevent Suspensions and Expulsions in Early Childhood Paola Andujar, NAEYC Daniel Hains, NAEYC
Brian Johnson, Michigan State University & NAEYC Governing Board Secretary
Troy Hunter, ElevateDD & NAEYC Governing Board Member
W311D Adults Advocacy / Public Policy
456 Different Is NOT Dangerous: A Musical Trip Around the World
Joanie Calem, First Do No Harm – Self Employed
W314A All Children Arts and Music
457 What Did You See? How to Observe and Document Children’ s Skills in the Classroom to Support Learning and Growth Karen Lounsbury, USC Upstate
W305 All Children Assessment of Young Children
Earn 0.1 CEUs for this session.
458 Neurodiversity in Education: Helping Brains Thrive in a Post-COVID World
Michelle Davis, Advocacy For Kids Consulting
W203AB All Children
Children with Disabilities / Early Intervention
459 Access Granted: Engaging ALL Learners Through Play and Communication
Julie McClamroch, Augusta County Public Schools
Ana Fauber, Augusta County Public Schools
Lindsay Hutchinson, Augusta County Public Schools
W208C Preschoolers
Children with Disabilities / Early Intervention
2025 NAEYC Annual Conference: In this Place, We Learn. For Every Child, We Lead.
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