Registration opens December 1 at 7 PM
Facilitated by: Mary Hewitt
Young children are meaningful ‘initiators’ and equal partners when it comes to contribution and communication in the classroom. And, the ways they contribute and communicate come in many different forms.
In this session, we explore How Does Learning Happen?’s EXPRESSION Foundation from the perspective of art and creativity. We will learn what it means for children to be a ‘maker’, a ‘maker-artist’, and an ‘artist’—as well as the benefits of each of these forms of creative Expression. We will also learn how to move, engage, and nurture children’s creative voices by leaving things like judgement and fear of the unknown/novel ‘at the door’. Finally, we will immerse ourselves in a hands-on creative endeavour, allowing educators to tap into and feel their creative voices emerge—offering a mirror to the ways they can show up in the classroom as ‘creative agents’ for children.
Pedagogical Focuses: Expression
Standards of Practice: Standard I: Caring and Responsive Relationships; Standard II: Curriculum and Pedagogy
Mary Hewitt, founder of Unlocking Childhood, is an experienced public speaker, writer, and consultant specializing in the wellbeing of children, parents, educators, and child-centered professionals. With 15 years in the Early Learning field as a classroom educator, early childhood education professor, and early years system leader—she leverages her expertise to develop engaging and meaningful learning experiences for her clients. Mary holds a Masters degree in Early Childhood Education, a Bachelor of Education degree, a diploma in Early Childhood Education, and a Psychology degree. Mary credits her eclectic experiences, extensive education, and neurodivergent mind for her dynamic approach—and is passionate about sharing it with the world!
Thursday, April 16, 2026
6:30 - 8:30 PM
Earl Nicols Arena
799 Homeview Rd.,
London, ON, N6C 5J4
Cost
London/Middlesex: Pay What You Can
Elgin/Oxford: $10
Registration closes on Wednesday, April 15 at 12:00 PM
* Ticket types are based on the county you WORK in.
Register for other sessions in this series:
Belonging (Thursday, Janaury 15, 2026)
Well-being (Tuesday, June 16, 2026)
Engagement (Tuesday, September 15, 2026)