College of Education and Health Sciences
Family Connections Series 2021
The College of Education and Health Sciences (CEHS) is excited to offer the following webinar series to families and community members of Southeastern Massachusetts and beyond. These webinars were developed in response to current demands of the impact of COVID on children and families. Each session will be presented by faculty member(s) in the CEHS. Topics will address social-emotional well-being and teaching and learning in a virtual environment. We hope you will join us for these sessions.
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Move to be Ready to Learn
February 10, 2021; 5:30 – 6:30 PM Presented by: Dr. Deb Sheehy and Dr. Karen Richardson from the Movement Arts, Health Promotion and Leisure Studies Department In this session, we explore the Brain Dance. The Brain Dance prepares the body and brain for learning. We will move in an easy and engaging manner with modifications for learners across the lifespan. Register Here |
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Communicating about Expectations and Procedures during Video Classes: Every Class is a Home Visit
February 17, 2021; 5:30-6:30 PM Presented by: Dr. Melisa Latham Keh and Dr. Emily Spitzman from Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages Department In this interactive session, attendees will share their experiences with Zoom (and other video) classes for their children. What has navigating this new reality brought up for you? What would make these video classes more effective in the future? Presenters will discuss and ask questions about expectations and procedures for video classes, sharing some examples from teachers and parents and learning from attendees' experiences and best practices. Attendees will leave with conversation starters for establishing shared expectations. |
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What Should Parents Know About their Child’s Video Games?
February 24, 2021; 5:30-6:30 PM Presented by Dr. Stephen Krajeski from the Secondary and Professional Programs Department In this session, we will explore the many concerns parents might have about their child’s video games. Attendees are encouraged to submit questions to [email protected] before the workshop. Based on those submissions, the topics we may discuss include: ESRB ratings and online interactions; should a child’s screen time be limited; why free games may be the most expensive; what is Minecraft and is it okay for my child to play; and any other topics requested. |
PLEASE NOTE: SOME SLIDES CONTAIN GRAPHIC LANGUAGE. MAY NOT BE SUITABLE FOR ALL AGES.
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Enhance Emotional Resources for Self-Care: To Support Others
March 10, 2021; 5:30-6:30 PM Presented by Dr. Susan Eliasion from the Department Elementary and Early Childhood Education Caring for self and others: Take time to recharge and learn skills that will help you cope with uncertainty. We will discuss the importance of expressing and regulating emotions, so you are able to be responsive rather than reactive. The session will include a short meditation. |
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Putting on your oxygen mask: Finding ways to increase your own well-being
March 17, 2021; 6:30-7:30 PM Presented by Dr April Megginson of the Counselor Education Department As a parent, care-giver, and/or educator we give a lot of our energy to our children. In this interactive workshop we will look at ways to focus some of that energy on our own well-being and how that can not only transform ourselves but our relationship with our children as well. |
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Emotional Well Being in Times of Crisis
March 24, 2021; 5:30-6:30 PM Presented by Dr. Ashley Rodrigues and Ms. Casey Rodrigues from the Special Education Department This presentation will focus on helping children and families manage stress and build resilience during crisis. Presenters will provide information from practice and research that can support guardians to better understand and respond to trauma and the cognitive, developmental, and relational problems that may arise as a result. |
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A Little Negativity Goes a Long Way (And Other Unusual Beliefs for Keeping It Together)
March 31, 2021; 6:30-7:30 PM Presented by Dr. Melissa Winchell from the Secondary Education and Professional Programs Department Join Dr. Melissa Winchell, a professor of education and caregiver to three children with special needs, for an interactive workshop with unusual, research-based strategies for staying resilient during the pandemic. 
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Survival tips for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
April 7, 6:30-7:30 PM
Presented by Dr. Anne Hird from the Secondary Education and Professional Programs Department
Whether you are providing child care or are the 24/7 primary caretaker for your grandchildren, the pandemic has only added to already overwhelming responsibilities. In this session, we will share practical survival strategies for the unique challenges faced by grandparents raising grandchildren. You may even meet some new friends who truly understand those moments when all you want is to reclaim your own life and be a “normal grandparent”. Session leader Dr. Anne “Granny” Hird juggles full-time grandparenting with her work as Secondary Education & Professional Programs department chair.
Due to the sensitive nature of the topics discussed, the presenter has requested this webinar not be made public.
April 7, 6:30-7:30 PM
Presented by Dr. Anne Hird from the Secondary Education and Professional Programs Department
Whether you are providing child care or are the 24/7 primary caretaker for your grandchildren, the pandemic has only added to already overwhelming responsibilities. In this session, we will share practical survival strategies for the unique challenges faced by grandparents raising grandchildren. You may even meet some new friends who truly understand those moments when all you want is to reclaim your own life and be a “normal grandparent”. Session leader Dr. Anne “Granny” Hird juggles full-time grandparenting with her work as Secondary Education & Professional Programs department chair.
Due to the sensitive nature of the topics discussed, the presenter has requested this webinar not be made public.