SLECEDWLS - Winter Early Literacy Summit

Join Rice University's School Literacy and Culture for our 25th annual Winter Early Literacy Summit as we celebrate the birthday and legacy of Vivian Paley, an inspiring educator and storyteller. This special event will explore the power of play, story, and conversation in shaping young minds and fostering early literacy development.

This year's theme celebrates Paley's innovative work using play, storytelling, and conversation to support children's growth as thinkers, communicators, and early readers. The conference will feature a variety of interactive breakout sessions, offering practical strategies for creating dynamic, language-rich classrooms that bridge early literacy theory with everyday practice.

A special session will be dedicated to exploring Paley's lasting influence on early childhood education, providing inspiration and actionable insights for educators. Participants will engage in a day of professional learning, collaboration, and reflection on integrating the power of play, storytelling, and research-based literacy practices into their daily work, fostering deeper connections with young learners and supporting their early literacy development.

Date: Saturday, January 25, 2025

Time: 8:40 a.m.-3:15 p.m. Check-in from 8:20 a.m.-8:40 a.m.

Location: Rice University, Anderson-Clarke Center

Audience: Teachers and administrators of 2 years old to First Grade

PD Hours: 6 hours

Registration is open now and ends on January 22

Course Details

Registration is open now and ends on January 22

Early Bird Registration ends December 11. Cost: $149 per person, Group of 4 or more, $139 per person

Regular Registration $159 per person, Group of 4 or more, $149 per person

A group discount is available for 4 or more participants from the same school. Schools registering a group of 4 or more may have one administrator attend at no cost.

If you are a school or school district and you need to register 1 or more participants, please complete the Group Registration form.

Note: When completing the group registration form, you will be asked to upload a spreadsheet containing information for each participant. The spreadsheet should have columns for the following:
• Last Name
• First Name
• Email Address
• Grade or age of students
• Position or Title
• Instructional makeup of the participant’s class (ESL, Dual Language, Bilingual, Inclusion, Regular, Special Education)
• School Name
• Lunch Preference: Salad-Vegetarian, Salad-with Protein, Sandwich-Vegetarian, Sandwich-with Protein

For questions about registration, please contact Carol Hernandez at slc@rice.edu or 713-348-5333.

Wednesday, January 22 will be the last day to submit a request to substitute a different educator or administrator for the original participant. Substitution requests must be made by the deadline and in writing to slc@rice.edu.

Due to the high demand for this event, Monday, January 13 is the deadline to request a refund. No refunds will be given after this date and credits will not be given for future programs or events. Refund requests must be made by the deadline and in writing to slc@rice.edu. A 10 percent processing fee will be deducted from all refunds. We cannot issue reimbursements or credits for any health-related absences.

The summit will be held in the Anderson-Clarke Center which is building number 74 on the campus map. The best campus entrance to use is number 18, which is located at the intersection of University Boulevard and Stockton Drive. Parking will be complimentary. A detailed information email will be sent a couple of days before the summit.

A complimentary lunch including a vegetarian option will be provided. If you have dietary restrictions, please bring your lunch.

Vending machines with snacks and drinks are available.

Registration for our 2025 Winter Early Literacy Summit is closed.