Early Learners Workshop Coming to Idaho Falls

Can a young child learn about complex concepts like salmon migration and habitat loss? You bet, if you know how to present it in a method that appeals to them. The Idaho Department of Fish and Game has put together a pre-K through second grade curriculum program called "WILD About Early Learners" that takes activities from its acclaimed "Project WILD" program and packaged it in a program especially designed for young children. This new and exciting workshop will be in Idaho Falls, October 19 and 20. "This program takes some of our favorite ÔProject WILD' activities and presents them in a cookbook style guide that even contains craft activities, songs, and snack ideas," regional conservation educator Gregg Losinski said. The Idaho "WILD About Early Learners" guide has proven so popular that the national "Project WILD" program has opted to utilize it as part of its national program. Similar to the original "Project WILD," the early learners program takes advantage of the human fascination with wildlife to help guide students into learning about all different fields of learning, not just science or biology. "The activities in this new program are made to be super simple and super kid friendly," Losinski said. The workshop is primarily aimed at preschool and kindergarten through second-grade teachers, but has lots of ideas that would be of daily use to daycare operators, home schoolers, or any parent who wants to give their child a head start on learning. The workshop will run from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, October 19 and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, October 20, in Idaho Falls. The cost is $30 and covers class materials and the "WILD About Early Learners" guide. The class may also be taken for an additional college credit. Registration information for the workshop is available at: http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/cms/education/project_wild For questions about the workshop contact Losinski at 208-525-7290 or via the Idaho Relay Service at 1-800-377-3529 (TDD).