Learning and the Brain Conference

April 4th, 2006 by admin

Adults to wrack brains in conference

Helping adults help children learn.


It’s an idea that formed the Learning and the Brain conference seven years ago and has since become one of Richmond’s most successful free learning events.


Returning next Saturday, it’s intended for local parents, caregivers and educators of children from preschool to high school.


“There just isn’t any place that I’ve heard of that goes through this much work for parents to be better at their job,” said school trustee Donna Sargent. “To me it’s fantastic that we do this for parents.”


Sargent has been involved in the event’s organizing committee for the past five years and has seen the conference grow significantly in both attendance and scope. Last year the conference, offered by the Richmond School District in collaboration with the Richmond District Parents Association and other agencies, attracted over 600 people.


Sargent said research is really showing new things about the brain and how it works.
“These aren’t just frivolous little workshops. These are workshops that really help parents understand how the brain works.”


The theme for this year’s event is “supporting your child’s success.” Its focus will be on exploring ways to encourage positive behaviour, reading and writing, math and science, learning beyond school, effective communication, Kindergarten readiness, “Ready, Set, Learn” and fine arts.
Presenters include representatives from the school district, City of Richmond, Richmond RCMP and Richmond Public Library.


Kathy Champion, director of learning services for the school district, is the keynote speaker. She’ll describe how children learn and the importance of the partnership between parents and teachers in supporting their children’s success. Her speech will be simultaneously translated into Mandarin and Cantonese.


The conference offers 45 workshops: 28 are in English, 14 in Chinese and one each in Tagalog, Punjabi and Russian.


Babysitting is not available this year.


The conference takes place Saturday, April 8 at MacNeill Secondary (6611 No. 4 Rd.), from 8 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. To register, e-mail learning-brain@richmond.sd38.bc.ca, and for more information visit www.sd38.bc.ca.

By: Matthew Hoekstra
Staff Reporter
April 01 / 06

The Richmond Review (Click here for link)

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