Wolf Trap Institute Arts Integration Symposium – Event Photography
On May 18, 2023, the Wolf Trap Institute for Early Learning Through the Arts hosted a symposium at Norfolk State University titled: Strengthening Social Emotional Development Through the Arts.
The audience was first energized by Wolf Trap Master Teaching Artist Valerie Branch. Special guest speaker, Suzanne Youngkin, the First Lady of Virginia shared her thoughts on the importance of the arts in early childhood education. The Keynote speaker, Dr. Rebecca Isbell, was introduced by Jennifer Edelen, Director, Wolf Trap Institute for Early Learning Through the Arts. Dr. Isbell’s address was titled, The Arts: A Powerful Connection to Social and Emotional Development in Young Children.
Next up was a welcome from Dr. Sheila Ward of Norfolk State University. Followed next was an engaging presentation, Essential African Threads by Dylan Pritchett, Storyteller, Arts for Learning Virginia
The morning session concluded with an interactive panel moderated by Akua Kouyate-Tate, Vice President, Education, Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts. Panel participants were:
o Dr. Jacqueline Boone, Assistant Professor, Department of Early Childhood, Norfolk State University
o Tracie Kunkel, Preschool Coordinator, Norfolk Public Schools
o Darlene Walker, President, Hampton Roads Black Child Development Institute
After the lunch break, two workshops were led by Wolf Trap Master Teaching Artists Valerie Branch and Christina Farrell.