Literacy Symposium 8:45AM to 12:30PM
Where? ED1020 Faculty of Education, MUN
When? Arrival for 8:45, with a 9am start
Session #1: 9-10:30am
Dawn Baker is the author and illustrator of over 15 books with Flanker Press. Dawn has been creating picturebooks since 1992 and is a graduate of MUN's BEd program. Her energetic personality is captivating and her ability to connect with teachers and children is magical. Dawn grew up in the small community of Glenwood, NL and now calls Gander home.
What to Expect from this Session
Dawn will be sharing her journey as a writer and illustrator, and her talk will focus on the curriculum extensions that are connected with some of her books. Dawn will also be bringing along her picture books and illustrations, and these will be for sale at the Saturday event. Cash or charge cards are welcome!
Nutrition Break: 10:30am-11am (coffee, tea, fruit)
Session #2: 11am-12:15
Little Nest Children’s Community is a preschool that focuses on nature play, inquiry-based learning and the Arts. After opening in 2018 Little Nest quickly gained a reputation for high quality programming. Owners Krista Phelan (B.Ed, Montessori Preschool, Level III ECE) and Katie Baggs (B.A, B.Ed, Level III ECE) set out to create a unique learning environment that could combine alternative education with the requirements of government-licensed child care. They have found creative ways to meet and exceed standards, and to offer children a truly immersive nature-based program right in the city of St. John's.
Description of this Session:
Literacy Moves Through the Seasons
In this workshop, Krista Phelan and Katie Baggs will facilitate conversations and experiences that mirror those of the children who attend Little Nest through the seasons. The ideas behind the conversations and experiences will be applicable to all primary/elementary grade levels because they begin with inspiration from nature and go wherever the children and educators may take them, through play, inquiry, storytelling, literature, music, movement, and more. When children and their priorities are authentically placed at the center of a program or experience, essential connections are made and strengthened. These include the connection between children and the natural environment, connection to language, and their sense of connection to self, family and the community. All of these connections build a foundation that supports overall wellbeing and a life-long love of learning.
12:15-12:30: The Mama Soula Award has been an important component of the LIFT Literacy Conference over the years, and we are thrilled to announce that the awards will continue. This is made possible due to the generosity of the Mathioudakis Family who will again offer two scholarships ($1000 each) awarded to two schools in 2026. Award details will be shared during our closing on Saturday and teachers will leave with application materials to apply for the Mama Soula Award by January 15, 2026.
The Saturday speakers will be recorded and a link for the two sessions will be posted on the LIFT website and accessible until January. 30th, 2026.