Are you looking for a hands-on workshop for Early Childhood Educators, Parents, or Home Childcare Providers?

Each of the following workshops can be placed in an hour to 2-hour time block, though they were all designed with an hour and a half time frame in mind. I am available for Saturday conferences in the Minnesota, North and South Dakota, Iowa and Wisconsin area and on a more limited basis for evening workshops. The size of the group can be quite small (5-10 people) or as much as 75 participants with special provisions for extra space and supplies. I generally request mileage, several free vendor spaces, and meals during a conference. If I will be doing more than one workshop for the day there is an additional charge of $50 per hour. For an evening workshop, I charge mileage and the workshop fee of $50 per hour. If there will be more than 40 participants in the workshop, there is a $1.50 fee per extra participant to cover printing and project supplies. If you are interested in receiving more information or in scheduling a workshop you can call 218-668-2884 or email me at jberntson@back2basics4kids.com. I will be happy to send you a resume and/or forward names of satisfied conference coordinators.

Current Schedule

Introduction Information:

Joan's love for children started long before graduate school when she took a child development class and started thinking about doing Family Childcare in her home. For six years she had the opportunity to work directly with children in this setting and started Back 2 Basics 4 Kids (in 1997) which offers Arts & Crafts, Fusebeads, Magic Nuudles, Magnets, Paint, Puzzles, and Train Sets. She continues to use her three youngest children as guinea pigs to try out new ideas and products on. She has also been developing her skills as a public speaker presenting workshops and teaching science whenever possible.

Penny Pinching Painlessly

Come to this workshop if you are ready to hear some creative ideas for living a great life, but using less money to do it.  Food and grocery ideas, "free" toys, recycled art and crafts for kids, great gift ideas, even vacation and traveling ideas.  Joan Berntson will share real life stories from over 20 years of doing more with less, as well as strategies to help you make a plan of attack and stick to it.

Workshop Description: Science Play for Children

Did you know that if you are working with young children, you are already "Doing Science" with them? Kids' curious nature and love of discovery make them natural scientists. In this workshop you will learn the basics about what science is and how to focus questions and activities so kids get the most out of their early science learning. Even more important, you will get a chance to see and try fun demonstrations and activities that will make science enjoyable not only for the kids, but for you too.

Workshop Description: Use it Again Sam

Ever wonder what to do with all those toilet paper rolls you've been saving? And how about all of those other things you keep throwing away, but you know you should be able to use for something. Learn creative uses for egg cartons, milk cartons, juice lids, paper bags, and more. Several stations will be set up with recyclable and other supplies so you can take home some projects as samples.

Workshop Description: Glorious Goop

Kids love messes and so will you after you learn these great painting techniques, wonderful recipes and other super ideas. Learn new ideas, share some of your own and try many hands-on projects at various stations. Painting, play dough, bubbles, gak and flubber are just a few of the recipes and ideas waiting for you in the Glorious Goop workshop.

Workshop Description: Fabulous Five: My 5 Senses:

Did you know that something as easy as popping a batch of popcorn can train kids to use all of their senses? Children naturally experience the world through their senses. Expand that learning and guide it's direction with fun and simple activities. Recipes, ideas, and sample projects will be available to take home and use with your own group of kids.

Current Schedule