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 […]
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 […]
Have you witnessed one of those cringe-worthy interactions in which someone is trying to get an idea across to someone else who does not speak the language? “Can you please tell me where this bus goes?” the lost tourist asks the local at the bus stop. When meet with a shrug and a bewildered look, […]
May 29, 2018