So, in this world of “shelter in place” and homeschooling, how can we provide children with this invaluable connection to the natural world?
Planning for Movement When Outside Is Scary
Brain Development Challenging Behavior Classroom Environments Developmentally Appropriate Expectations Early Childhood Education Fun Quality Care and Education
No matter how crazy times get; children need what children need. And, if we as the adults in their lives meet those needs, we will see fewer emotional outbursts (which sure is good for our own mental well-being).
Where Everyone Knows Your Name
Advocacy Anti-Bias Education Challenging Behavior Classroom Environments Classroom Management Early Childhood Education Peace Education Quality Care and Education Teacher-Child Interactions Teaching
... when children feel like they don’t belong, that internalized shame and confusion can (and often will) lead to challenging behaviors in the classroom. Cultivating an environment of belonging not only honors and values each child, it will make your classroom a more joyful and peaceful place.
What Candy Crush Taught Me about Privilege
Advocacy Anti-Bias Education Challenging Behavior Classroom Environments Classroom Management Classroom Management Developmentally Appropriate Expectations Early Childhood Education Guidance Peace Education Quality Care and Education Teaching
I am not going to lie to you – I am pretty good at Candy Crush. Like, “finished all available levels” good. Because I have gone so far in the game, I get boosts that help me along the way. In case you are unfamiliar with the game, these boosts come from completing challenges, from […]
Social Skills: We Aren’t Born Knowing Them
Challenging Behavior Classroom Environments Classroom Management Classroom Management Conflict Resolution Developmentally Appropriate Expectations Early Childhood Guidance Peace Education Quality Care and Education Teaching
As teachers, our goal is to teach children how to successfully navigate the world and the complex relationships that are part of it; not to punish them for not yet knowing.
Rewards: The Anti-Motivators?
Challenging Behavior Classroom Environments Developmentally Appropriate Expectations Early Childhood Education Guidance Quality Care and Education Teacher-Child Interactions Teaching Uncategorized
What the research tells us is that when there is an extrinsic motivation (like a sticker, the promise of a pizza party, screen time) the behavior becomes a means to an end. Short-term, we might see an increase in the behavior we want to see. But, in the long-term, the presence of an extrinsic motivation can build resentment about the desired activity.
Joy: An Anecdote to Challenging Behavior
Challenging Behavior Classroom Environments Developmentally Appropriate Expectations Early Childhood Education Fun Guidance Quality Care and Education Teacher-Child Interactions
Like many proud parents, I took a picture of my children every year on their first day of school (well, most days – I tried my best). When planning our son’s graduation party, I arranged the pictures in order; from the first day of preschool to his first day of his senior year. I noticed […]
The Tyranny of “Criss-Cross Applesauce”
Advocacy Challenging Behavior Classroom Environments Developmentally Appropriate Expectations Early Childhood Guidance Quality Care and Education
I noticed something interesting as I walked around my office the other day. Apparently, none of the adults with whom I work would define “comfortable” in the same way; as indicated by the postures they adopt while working. Some are on their feet with their computers elevated to accommodate their need to stand and move […]
Take Time for Beauty
Challenging Behavior Classroom Environments Early Childhood Quality Care and Education
On a recent Sunday morning, I sat, a bit groggy and grumpy, in an uncomfortable chair in the DFW airport, waiting for my highly-anticipated flight home. I was early and decided to take a walk to pass the time (and, to drive up that step count on my fitness tracker). Within a couple dozen steps, […]
August 1, 2018
Liberation of Mismatched Socks
Challenging Behavior Classroom Environments Developmentally Appropriate Expectations Early Childhood Education Guidance Quality Care and Education Teacher-Child Interactions Teaching
Recently, I gave up a bad habit; one that was draining my time and energy. I gave up the habit of insisting that my socks match. I have discovered the joy of wearing mismatched socks. It is so liberating to just grab two socks and walk out the door. And, don’t get me started on […]