Houston Zoo livens Archdiocesan training with armadillo

CtR Genesis ECP Teacher Sarra Jackson poses with an armadillo from the Houston Zoo at the Archdiocesan Training, Oct. 3, 2014.

Only in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston are armadillos included in an early childhood education training. As a part of the annual conference for early childhood educators in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, the Houston Zoo was on the panel of presenters on Oct. 3. The Genesis Early Childhood Program teachers and directors at Christ the Redeemer Catholic Church had a blast while they gained valuable tools and resources that they will implement into their classrooms. Sarra Jackson, a teacher with Genesis ECP who got to pose with an armadillo, enjoyed the way the Houston Zoo hosted an effective training while keeping it light and fun for the administrators.

"The Houston Zoo had a fun workshop with methods on how to teach children about ecosystems in the Houston area," Jackson said. "Other workshops reminded teachers about the diversity we have in our classrooms and how we can create center-based activities that will help each child be able to absorb the information based on their learning abilities."

The conference, titled "Let the Children Come," is an early childhood conference held at St. Dominic Center every fall. After an inspirational keynote speaker and prayer, participants attend three workshops, which strengthen professional skills and personal formation. Topics such as the role of the family in catechesis, reading readiness, infant/toddler curriculum, music and movement, art for the liturgical year, science activities, and cultural diversity and inclusion are offered. The conference was coordinated by Associate Director Charleen Katra, who oversees the Archdiocese's Ministry with Persons with Disabilities, early childhood development programs and disability community events.

Although the Genesis ECP staff learned many fun facts about armadillos, Assistant Director Melanie Gehrt was impressed with the keynote speaker, Dr. Joseph White.

"He spoke about brain development and how that relates to what we see in the young children in our program," Gehrt said. "It was insightful information that was very applicable to the classroom and in aiding further development in young children."

In the Archdiocese's director's track, administrators attended presentations on early childhood catechesis and a session to reflect on Pope Francis' encyclical "Evangelii Gaudium" or "Joy of the Gospel."

"These were very validating to our work and sustaining in our daily journey," Gehrt said. "However, the best part of conferences is having an opportunity to share ideas with our peers within and outside the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston."

The Genesis ECP teachers and directors are looking forward to integrating these valuable lessons into their program in the 2014-15 school year. For more information on Genesis ECP, visit ctrcc.com/genesis or call 832-678-5432 and schedule a tour.