Community
Summer Institute
From Curiosity to Connection
An Artful Approach to Belonging and Foundational Literacy in Early Childhood
August 3–4, 2026 | St. Margaret’s Episcopal School, San Juan Capistrano, California
Join us for the 2026 St. Margaret’s Summer Institute, a two-day professional learning experience designed for Early Childhood educators and leaders (Preschool–Early Elementary). This year, we are excited to partner with the California Teacher Development Collaborative (CATDC), welcoming two expert facilitators who will guide participants through a cohesive, immersive day and a half of learning focused on belonging, literacy, identity, and joyful early learning.
The early years are critical for building the foundational reading and writing skills that set students up for long-term academic success. Facilitated by Rebecca Bellingham and Veronica Scott, authors of The Artful Approach to Exploring Identity and Fostering Belonging, and The Artful Read Aloud, this interactive experience highlights how purposeful play activities, storytelling, community poems, expressive movement, and “artful read-alouds” can bring early literacy to life—honoring children’s identities, amplifying their voices, and fostering the belonging that underpins joyful learning and academic excellence.
In this workshop, participants will:
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Explore the power of picture books to teach about identity, help children think critically, and learn for our own self-growth as adults.
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Try out methods for leading “artful read alouds” that expose children to complex vocabulary + ideas, help them build background knowledge, and foster bookjoy and belonging all at once!
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Learn how to curate a “windows and mirrors” library for young children with tips for choosing texts that support community conversations.
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Develop fresh, joyful methods for exploring identity at the beginning of the year using original poems that help children express themselves and learn about each other.
Held on the vibrant campus of St. Margaret’s Episcopal School, this immersive experience blends theory, practice, and reflection, celebrating the art and heart of early childhood education. Educators will leave with practical strategies, renewed inspiration, and a deeper understanding of how literacy, belonging, and joyful learning are inextricably linked.
Registration opens April 1, 2026
Click here to sign up for registration information emails.
2025 Recap
St. Margaret’s welcomed educators, academic leaders and curriculum specialists for the 2nd annual St. Margaret’s Summer Institute, an engaging professional development experience grounded in constructivist theory, place-based learning and transdisciplinary approaches.
Over two days, attendees immersed in experiential education and the foundations for bringing this approach to learning into the classroom.
The first day included a deep-dive into experiential education, featuring two engaging activities that took place at nearby Doheny State Beach.
The second day featured a workshop led by Dr. Jackie Grennon-Brooks, Professor Emerita at Hofstra University and co-founder of the Long Island Explorium in Port Jefferson, N.Y. Dr. Grennon Brooks led a workshop exploring sand and water play, exploring natural materials and tackling challenges that mirror the dynamic learning environments of each student.
Click here to read a full recap from the 2025 St. Margaret’s Summer Institute.
St. Margaret’s Episcopal School
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