Bringing Core Knowledge to Life
Kristy Graminske
During this session, participants will learn how to create and navigate Showcase Nights and other activities that engage families in Core Knowledge. We will look at how to make it fun and immersive for everyone, students included. Participants will have a chance to brainstorm ideas with each other and develop ways to create successful Showcases and family engagement on their campus.
Why Science Education Matters More than Ever: A Core Knowledge Vision
Dr. Dan Franck
In this session, we will explore the critical value of a scientifically literate society, and the consequences of a citizenry uninformed by factual science. Drawing on E.D. Hirsch’s work on the importance of common factual knowledge and historical examples, we will examine how science teachers play a vital role in fostering rational thought and informed decision-making in students from an early age. We will discuss how the lack of a historical and political understanding of science can hinder educators, especially in K-8 grades, and how teaching accurate science empowers future generations. By the end of the session, we’ll understand how promoting science literacy contributes to a science literate society.
Creating Core Memories with a Core Knowledge Theater Program
Amy Clemens and Erin Grandprey
Step into the world of theater and discover how a Core Knowledge-based program can ignite curiosity, teach valuable skills, and transform students’ understanding of classical arts. This session will explore how live theater goes beyond performance to cultivate deeper engagement with the curriculum, enriching both students and the entire school community.
Technology for the Classical Educator
Stephanie Connolly
In today’s tech-driven world, integrating Information and Communication Technology (ICT) into the classroom can transform boring content into an exciting learning experience. Join this session to explore free, web-based tools like Kami, YouTube converters, and AI-powered paraphrasing to enhance your teaching methods and engage students in new, interactive ways. Leave equipped with practical skills to edit PDFs, download and edit videos, and harness technology to make learning more dynamic and student-centered.
Great Books and Why We Need Them: An In-Depth Look at Why the Classics Matter
Paige Gowing
Are today’s children consuming the stories that will shape their character for life, or are they feeding on literary “candy” that leaves them hungry for something more? Join us as we explore why classic literature is essential in developing courage, conviction, and moral integrity in young readers. Discover how we can inspire students to put down the “junk food” of many modern books and feast on the timeless, transformative power of great stories.
Literature Based STEM: Leveraging Children’s Books to Integrate Literacy and STEM Instruction and Build Core Knowledge
Dr. Kenneth Welty
This session will address how children’s literature can be used to launch hands-on STEM learning activities. It will focus on four example books, the key concepts embedded in the stories, and the documented learning activities that can bring those concepts to life in an elementary classroom.
Achieving Equity and Excellence through CKLA
Gareth Rein
Join Gareth for an inspiring session on how the Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA) curriculum helped transform St. Peter’s School from a failing institution to a model of excellence in just three years. Learn how CKLA, alongside tailored units for the Curriculum for Wales, empowered the school to overcome significant challenges and achieve exceptional student outcomes in reading and writing. Leave with actionable strategies for implementing CKLA, fostering a “no excuses” culture, and ensuring excellence and equity for all students, no matter their background.
From Vision to Classroom: How SRM Builds Custom Curriculum
Kate House and Dan Osgood
In this session, we will showcase how Six Red Marbles (SRM) collaborates with organizations like Core Knowledge to bring curriculum from concept to classroom through strategic, learner-centered design. Using a recent collaboration as a case study, we’ll explore SRM’s role in planning, designing, and producing curriculum tailored to specific state, district, and regional needs. Attendees will gain insight into a partnership model that emphasizes flexibility, instructional integrity, and shared goals. By the end of the session, participants will better understand how curriculum can be scaled and customized without compromising pedagogical vision.