Texan, Kiwi to discuss early learning at education event in May

MOOSE JAW — A Texan who focuses on behaviour and autism spectrum disorders and a Kiwi who develops alternative play options will discuss their methods during a learning event in Moose Jaw in May.

Dr. Layne Pethick and Dr. Sarah Aiono are two of seven presenters speaking at the “Believe In Our Future” International Early Learning Conference from Wednesday, May 7 to Friday, May 9 at the Events Centre.

The cost to attend is $450, while the deadline to register is Friday, April 4. The events are from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on May 7, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on May 8, and 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. on May 9.

Pethick and Aiono are the keynote speakers on Wednesday night.

The conference brings together professionals dedicated to shaping the holistic development of children from ages zero to eight, a formative age range where children establish and develop lifelong learning, resilience and well-being. Moreover, the event will equip educators, caregivers, health professionals, policymakers and parents with insights, tools and strategies to foster this growth.

The conference topics will focus on independence, resilience, mental wellness, social-emotional learning, risky play, creating inspiring early learning environments, and more.

Play-based learning

Dr. Aiono, CEO of Longworth Education in New Zealand, was in Moose Jaw in April 2024 after partnering with Holy Trinity Catholic School Division to speak about improving student learning — or pedagogy — through play, explained Laura Adrian, the division’s early years learning facilitator and a member of the conference organizing committee.

“We are very excited that she is coming back this year … ,” Adrian said, noting that Aiono is a highly acclaimed presenter and in-school consultant who has impressive credentials that have established her as a leading authority in the education field.

The educator works with children of all ages, particularly early learners, while she supports schools in implementing innovative, developmentally appropriate practices that foster childhood learning and meet curriculum requirements, the facilitator continued.

“She has a real research-based approach that she is able to coach and train educators in, but she also had the message of hope and excitement and joy and energy when she comes to speak … ,” Adrian said.

“We see that when we get the chance to work with her that our classrooms are empowered and children thrive through inquiry, curiosity and creativity.”

Adrian added that besides Moose Jaw, Aiono will spend three weeks in Saskatchewan visiting other schools and providing support with implementing play-based learning approaches.

Aiono’s perspectives can be found on Spotify with her podcast, “Play Conversations.”

Behaviours and autism

Dr. Pethick is originally from Moose Jaw but now lives in Texas, while he has been involved in brain research for over 20 years with a focus on behaviour, learning, autism, trauma, mental health, screen time, and various disabilities, explained Wanda Peakman, executive director of the Moose Jaw Family Resource Centre and a member of the organizing committee.

Pethick will visit the Family Resource Centre in the morning on Monday, May 5 and spend several hours speaking with families, while parents can ask questions of him and connect with other families, she continued.

“Tips and tricks on behaviour and the brain, that’s what he’s all about,” Peakman remarked.

Pethick will speak all three days of the conference and give interactive presentations that include activities focused on boosting cognitive development through movement called “crossing the midline brain breaks,” she said.

“He’s got a huge, empowering brain filled with so much research that he’ll share with us … ,” Peakman added. “He supports us all the time at a local level.”

For more information, and to register, click here.