The Complete Book of Learning Centers, Revised. (2008). Gryphon House: Beltsville, MD. By Rebecca Isbell. Be sure to select Centers that match your children’s developmental level, interest, and experiences. Play is more complex when they know about the theme, roles, and props. Provide sufficient time for children to become deeply involved in Center play (30-50 […]
Getting ready for the New Year? It is great to have a new beginning filled with new possibilities. For the past few years, I have shared a list of new ideas that might jump start your work with children for the New Year. This year I will share 14. Some of these ideas might be […]
You can make everything perfect. This is not even possible—things happen. The turkey gets too done, the sweater is too small, more relatives show up than you expected, and the oven explodes. More is better. More food, more decorations, more presents, more relatives. Perhaps a better goal to work toward is “Good enough”. Example of […]
Young children become very excited during the holidays, with their anticipation building over time. It is important or early childhood teachers and parents to try to keep the environment calm during this time of year. Here are a few hints for managing your classroom and preserving Delay talking about specific holidays. The earlier you start talking about […]
This is a powerful headline that is questioning our priorities. This issue was posed by Nicholas D. Kristof in the New York Times. He believes that it is a moment of opportunity for the country to establish a national early childhood program. In his opinion piece, he explains that there is a growing body of […]
Are you going to NAEYC? Come visit me in Kaplan’s main booth no. 2200. I will be doing a workshop on “Extreme Classroom Make Overs” using visuals, handouts, with examples of how to accomplish some amazing changes. That session will be on Thursday, November 21st at 2:30. I would love to see you, renew connections, and […]
Today there is a major focus on including science in the curriculum for children, as seen in STEM. This emphasis on science and math is being encouraged in the early years and primary grades. It is important to remember, however, that young children are already natural scientists as they manipulate, explore, and question their physical […]
Presented by CSX Date: Tuesday, October 15, 2013 Time: 5:30 – 8:30 pm Place: 8505 San Jose Boulevard, Jacksonville, Florida Fee: $35 per person, $45 per person after Oct 10th (includes dinner) Featuring a stimulating keynote address The Dynamic Power of Play: Nurturing Learning in so Many Ways! by internationally recognized early childhood expert and author, Dr. […]
It has been a busy fall traveling around the country from Bowling Green, KY to Jonesboro, AR and El Paso, TX. In each place, I’ve had the opportunity to work with wonderful early childhood teachers who share my passion for creating the best possible environments for young children. I have just returned from an amazing […]
Over the last few weeks, I have read with dismay headlines that claim “Pre-K is a waste of money.” These unfounded remarks should inspire us to call to action. This upcoming year, a chapter that I have written for a book called “Innovative Practices in Early Childhood Education” will be published by Springer. My article […]