Workshops

Please join us for a workshop.

The Young Child, Worship and the Arts*
Saturday, March 26, 2011

8:30 am -12 pm
Mustard Seed School
422 Willow Avenue
Hoboken, NJ

$20 (scholarships available)

Participants will receive books and materials.  Breakfast will be provided.
 
Register online now

Presenters:   

Janet Johnson (storytelling), Wendy Eaton (sign language), Emily Sytsma (visual arts) and Sarah Chalmers (drama) with sharing by the preschool teachers at The Nest.

Abstract:

How do we tell the stories of the Bible in ways that engage young children?  How do we tell the difficult stories?  How can sign language help the young child during worship?  How can teachers build artistic responses to worship that give voice to the young child's understanding and experience of God?  These are the questions that we will explore together as a group and in break out sessions.  This workshop is geared toward teachers, church program leaders, Sunday school teachers and volunteers, as well as parents. 

Additional Information:

For questions and scholarship information, contact Shanna Pargellis, Director of The Nest,  spargellis@mustardseedschool.org, 201.653.5548.

*This program is provided through a Worship Renewal Grant from the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship, Grand Rapids, Michigan, with funds provided by Lilly Endowment, Inc.

About the Presenters

Janet Johnson
Speaker Janet Johnson has worked with children and families for over 40 years. She has a passion for engaging children in worship and educating parents and teachers to help children encounter God. A Kindergarten teacher for 20 years at Mustard Seed School, Janet was instrumental in developing a worship program that speaks to the hearts of children and their parents. 

Sarah Chalmers
Sarah Chalmers has been working with children in many capacities for over 20 years.  She currently teaches drama for the Nest. Previously, she has taught with Mile Square Theater, The Hoboken Children's Theater, as well as theater companies in Michigan. She has also taught Sunday school and liturgical dance.

Wendy Eaton

Wendy Eaton began signing in college and has used sign in worship, as an interpreter and in raising her children.  She believes sign language can stimulate children mentally, emotionally and spiritually.  Wendy is an actor, writer and artist and lives in Jersey City with her three children.

Emily Sytsma
Emily Sytsma teaches the three year-old "Rocks" class at The Nest.  This is her twelfth year as a member of the faculty at Mustard Seed School where she has taught both preschool and eighth grade. Emily has also worked as the Director of Christian Education at a local church. She loves learning alongside children and using the art languages to help children express their understandings about God and the world.

Schedule