Early years webinars

Our new webinar series is aimed at anyone involved or interested in the early years who is looking to learn, challenge themselves, and improve their practice. All our webinars are live with the chance to chat to fellow practitioners from across Scotland and ask questions to the speakers.

Each webinar costs £24 – purchase tickets for 3 or more to save 20%!

If you are looking specifically for our Bookbug training courses, you can find these on our Upcoming Bookbug training page.

Wednesday 29 March, 11am–12pm

Dr Barbora Skarabela – Why Language Matters in the Early Years

Dr Barbora Skarabela, expert in early language development, presents how language affects literacy development and its impact on health and wellbeing in later life. She will share her findings about the quality and quantity of language in early years, the importance of infant directed speech, and how we can diversify language using storytelling, songs and rhymes.

(this will open in a new window)Book for Why Language Matters in the Early Years

Dr Barbora Skarabela

Barbora is a developmental linguist at the University of Edinburgh. Her main research focus is on language development from infancy to preschool years, examining infant- and child-directed speech and its impact on early language development and how children learn words and grammar in different languages.

Tuesday 6 June, 7–8pm

Joss Peach and Ellie Wyatt – How Music Tells a Story

Bafta winning Joss Peach and Ellie Wyatt discuss their extensive careers as children's music composers and the importance of music for young children. They will look at the many ways we can engage with children through music and sound such as creative singing with children, encouraging children to create rhymes, connecting with a playful relationship to sound and listening without visuals.

(this will open in a new window)Book for How Music Tells a Story

Joss Peach and Ellie Wyatt

They have previously composed for an animated Sesame Street special where their songs were performed by the likes of Grover, Elmo and Cookie Monster, and they are currently working on season 3 of Jojo and Grangran and season 2 of Pip and Posy.

Wednesday 6 September, 4–5pm

Professor Sam Wass – Reading, Rhythms and Routines

Professor Sam Wass presents the neuroscience of why child-led interactions help develop concentration more than adult-led interactions, and discusses how to integrate these ideas into a child-led reading practice with babies and young toddlers. He also looks at why babies’ brains find it easier to process predictable and regular rhythms, and why poetry and nursery rhymes help children learn language.

(this will open in a new window)Book for Reading, Rhythms and Routines

Professor Sam Wass

Professor Sam Wass studied at Oxford, London, and Cambridge University, and currently runs the BabyDev Lab at the University of East London. His research into the development of concentration, stress and learning during early childhood – including in children with ADHD, ASD and anxiety – is funded by Research Councils UK, the European Research Council, Medical Research Council and others. He is also a consultant with early years groups including Fennies Nurseries and Newham Learning, and works with commercial organisations such as Melissa & Doug and LEGO.

Wednesday 11 October, 4–5pm

Scottish Book Trust's Early Years Trainers – Songs to Support Routines

Join our early years trainers and musicians as they share some brand new song content to support your routines in a fun way. Sharing songs and rhymes is a very effective way of supporting children's growth and development, and establishing routines for children. We'll explore original songs and rhymes that have been especially created for routines and ways to adapt familiar songs and rhymes to make them work for you.

(this will open in a new window)Book for Songs to Support Routines

Our Early Years trainers

Our Early Years trainers have a wealth of knowledge and experience in the field of early childhood education working with early years practitioners in various contexts to promote the importance of songs, rhymes and stories.

Tuesday 5 December, 10am-12pm

Dr Suzanne Zeedyk – More information coming soon!

(this will open in a new window)Book for In Conversation with Dr Suzanne Zeedyk

Dr Suzanne Zeedyk

Dr Suzanne Zeedyk is a research scientist fascinated by babies' innate capacity to connect. Since 1993, she has been based at the University of Dundee's School of Psychology, where she still holds an honorary post. In 2011, she established an independent consultancy that enabled her to work more closely with the public. Suzanne now spends her time speaking with organisations throughout the UK and internationally who are keen to explore how they can foster connection, compassion and resilience.