Back by Popular Demand – repeat workshop
Introduction to Persona Dolls – A Virtual Workshop
Wednesday 6/17/2020 6:00pm to 7:30pm $30 Please click here to register
Presented by: Jill Adamson and Berenice Vallejo
In this workshop we will talk about how to use persona dolls to expand social emotional curriculum in the classroom and expand anti-bias curriculum. We have found persona dolls to be an extremely engaging and effective part of the curriculum. Persona dolls are used to bring up challenging topics, big and small, that children deal with on a regular basis. These dolls mirror the lives of children in the class and play out different scenarios that children regularly encounter. Children get to know each of the dolls and they become a part of the life of the class.
This workshop will cover:
- What are persona dolls?
- Demonstration of how to introduce persona dolls into the classroom
- How are they different from dramatic play dolls?
- How do you create their identities to reflect the cultural and social context of the community?
- Where do you keep persona dolls in the classroom?
- What scenarios are persona dolls used for?
- When do you use persona dolls?
During the workshop, we will recreate different persona doll scenarios that reflect important topics that come up in a children’s lives including:
- Anti-Bias Scenarios
- English as a Second Language
- Race
- Conflict Resolution in the Classroom
- Acts of Kindness
- COVID-19 Face Masks
- Death
Read what Teachers and Parents had to say about the Persona Dolls workshop
“This workshop was incredible! I appreciate the thoroughness of how and when to use persona dolls with children, your passion and wonderful creativity! I loved the authentic demonstrations of the various scenarios that you shared with us with using the persona dolls.” ~Teacher
“Through this meaningful workshop, I am energized, excited, and committed to adding them into my teaching practice. I am certain they will be a valuable addition to the lives of children in my life!” ~Parent/Teacher
“These workshops have been such a grounding experience in the midst of the pandemic. Being able to spend more time think about practices and learning from educators has truly been such a special opportunity. I wholeheartedly appreciate everything you’ve done to make this possible!” ~Keri Brewer – Educator – Hana Fenichel
“I enjoyed everything very much. There was so much information I did not know. I have been in the field for over 25 years and in this approach for the last 5 years, and I learned so much. I am always looking for webinars to enrich myself as a professional.” ~Veronica Hendricks ~Teacher
“This was a wonderful experience. It was nice to see how you use the persona dolls; how naturally it seemed that the conversation flows when you were demonstrating how to use the dolls.” ~Teacher
“Thank you for the opportunity to see how you use the Persona Dolls. Each Scenario was so related to topics we see our children face. I just wish some day I can be as good as you in using the dolls.” ~Teacher
“I loved the experience and the innocence that came along with using the dolls as a tool to help discuss challenges. The remainder of using the dolls for happy moments is crucial too and I appreciate how that was acknowledged. I am excited to begin implementing the dolls as a tool to adjust back to the classroom, in whatever form that may be, and use them as an outlet of expression.” ~Teacher
“Branches is on the forefront of early childhood development and is a resource for the most innovative and best practices in the field. Their community outreach programs are an invaluable resource.” ~Beth Sayoun – Teacher Magic – Years Nursery School
Reggio Inspirations 