Brain research and child development expert to offer free public workshops

Brain research and child development expert to offer free public workshops
Dr Medina to share strategies for teaching children and understanding brain functions

The 2011 Children's Forum welcomes author and brain researcher Dr. John Medina to Walla Walla for a variety of events on March 8 and 9. Community members, parents and school district employees will have an opportunity to interact with Dr. Medina during his visit.

USA TODAY says Dr. Medina "dissects the workings of the brain in plain English, explaining its role in the workplace and classroom. In his books (Brain Rules and Brain Rules for Baby), Medina gives readers principles for surviving and thriving at work, home and school.

His presentations offer tips and theories on how to get the most practical benefits from our brains. According to the "Brain Rules" website (www.brainrules.net), he answers questions such as: How do we learn? What exactly do sleep and stress do to our brains? Why is multi-tasking a myth? "What can science tell us about raising smart, happy children."

All events for the Sixth Children's Forum are open to the public. The theme of the Forum is Resilience and primary sponsors include Whitman College, Blue Mountain Community Foundation and Walla Walla Public Schools.
The Children's Forum is a local community collaborative that asks the question, "And how are the children?" from the great African Masai tribal greeting. 

This acknowledges the high value placed on children's well-being and the recognition that if the children are well, then society as a whole is well.  The Children's Forum continues its tradition of education and awareness of issues affecting our Valley's children and families.

Financial sponsors are: Whitman College, Blue Mountain Community Foundation; School of Social Work, Walla Walla University; Walla Walla Council for the Prevention of Child Abuse; Blue Mountain Association for the Education of Young Children (BMAEYC), Children's Initiative; Rotary Club of Walla Walla. 

Event Partners: Walla Walla Public Schools, Community Network, Juvenile Justice Center, Children's Administration, Early Learning Coalition, Catholic Charities, Childrens Home Society, United Way.

Schedule of Events:
Parent Forum
Tuesday, March 8 - 5:30 p.m.
St. Patrick's Church (Blanchett Hall)
Free Dinner and Child Care

Public Forum
Tuesday, March 8 - 7:30 p.m.
Whitman College (Maxey Hall) - Free

The Sixth Children's Forum
"Resilience- Building Blocks to Healthy Individuals"
Featuring Dr. John Medina, Keynote Speaker
March 9, 2011
Cordiner Auditorium, Whitman College Campus

Children's Forum Agenda

8:00 a.m. - Doors open

8:15- 8:30 a.m. - Introduction of Children's Forum mission and theme; then welcome to Dr. Medina

8:30- 10 a.m. - Dr. Medina, part one

10 - 10:15 a.m. - Stand up and stretch break

10:15- 11 a.m. - Dr. Medina, part two

11 - 11:15 a.m. - Questions and Answers from the floor

11:15- 12:00 p.m. - Lincoln Alternative High School Principal Jim Sporleder and two Lincoln High School students will speak on Relationship

Noon: Adjourn

For more information contact:
Teri Barila, Children's Forum Coordinator: theresa.barila@wwcc.edu - 509-386-5855

Dr. Linda Boggs, Assistant Superintendent: lboggs@wwps.org - 509.526.6733