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.
Do We Educate What We Value?
Classroom Environments Critical Thinking Developmentally Appropriate Expectations early art Early Childhood Education Fun process art process vs. product Quality Care and Education Teacher-Child Interactions Teaching
When we all just agree to color inside the lines, eventually there will be no one left to design new lines.
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.
Imagination Igniters
Brain Development Classroom Environments Critical Thinking Early Childhood Education Fun Quality Care and Education
This time of year gets children and families thinking a lot about toys. All are in search of that elusive item that will guarantee joy and hours and hours of fun. In a recent edition of the ExchangeEveryDay, they summarized an article from wired.com (how is that for a convoluted intro?) that provides an interesting […]
December 31, 2018
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 […]