A friendship blossomed in 2006 between Viktoria and Elliott in the early childhood program at the Child Study Center, an accredited laboratory school at East Tennessee State University. They were both five years of age and from very different backgrounds. Viktoria, accompanying her mother on a post-doctoral sabbatical at the Center of Excellence in Early Childhood, came from Copenhagen, Denmark. Elliott, on the other hand, lived in Jonesborough, TN, with his family.

In the Child Study Center, their friendship flourished. Viktoria and Elliott played together, listened to stories, communicated, and participated in meaningful activities for young children. They interacted with peers and quality early childhood educators.

Viktoria moving to bluegrass music

After six months in the US, Viktoria and her mother returned to Denmark. Viktoria resumed her studies, and her mother became a professor. Meanwhile, Elliott embarked on an educational journey that took him to Spain as an exchange student. During his travels, he was invited to visit Viktoria’s family in Copenhagen. They continued to stay in contact and had subsequent visits between Copenhagen and Jonesborough.  As life progressed, Viktoria pursued higher education at the University of Copenhagen, while Elliott pursued his passion, earning a degree in cinematography.

In January, Viktoria and her mother revisited Tennessee and stayed with Elliot’s family. This visit marked a turning point in their relationship, blossoming into something more romantic.

Rekindling their relationship by visiting both countries

What began as a friendship nurtured in the Child Study Center matured into a meaningful relationship. It all began in the preschool years, connecting again in high school, and blooming into a very special relationship in young adulthood.

Many young children build relationships in early childhood programs that last for many years and through different levels of education. This relationship between Viktoria and Elliott demonstrates the impact of meaningful personal experiences in the early years that can become the foundation for lifelong friendships and partnerships.

A very special story for month of February.

Nurture the relationships and friendships that are developed during the early years.

Today we are featuring an early childhood educator who works with children, birth to three, through the Great Start Pathways to Success program in Sanford, FL. She provides parent education specifically related to the development of essential early literacy skills of their children. In addition, Tenesha serves as a Resource Teacher for the VPK program. Her work clearly demonstrates how many different roles early childhood educators can assume if they are dedicated to young children and their families.

In all these different roles, Tenesha demonstrates her amazing creativity as she flexibly moves to work with these different age groups and adjusts to their varied needs. These are characteristics of creative teachers: flexibility, adaptability, and fluency of possibilities.

Let’s celebrate today Tenesha Wells-Eason, a creative teacher who is being recognized for her many contributions to young children and parents in Florida.

I BELIEVE THAT WE need the most creative people TO WORK with the youngest children!

In an effort to recognize other “creative teachers” who work with young children, I ask you to nominate a teacher you have worked with or observed that can be identified as a creative teacher. Think of the teacher doing unique things, creating an amazing environment, or being a marvelous storyteller. Then simply fill out an e-form at this link. We will feature many of them in my future blogs.

Let’s celebrate these teachers who are amazing and spark the creative thinking of the young children who are lucky enough to be in their light.

Today we continue to recognize “Creative Teachers.” I would like you to meet Beverly (Dugger) Wigington. Early in her career, she was a toddler teacher. I have often said, “Working with toddlers takes a very special person.” They must be very flexible and able to go with the flow of the changeable toddlers. Beverly was that special person who understood toddler development, could guide their actions, and enjoyed their endless energy. I watched her “herd” small groups of toddlers to very appropriate and active group time. I learned from her that toddlers could enjoy group time if specifically designed for them. She integrated music, frequent movement, and carefully selected stories that invited their participation. I was always amazed at how these toddlers engaged in her creative experiences and showed great joy in their interactions. A creative teacher like Beverly can capture the interest of young children, adapt to their responses, and enjoy the exciting process.

In an effort to recognize other “creative teachers” who work with young children, I ask you to nominate a teacher you have worked with or observed that can be identified as a creative teacher. Think of the teacher doing unique things, creating an amazing environment, or being a marvelous storyteller. Then simply fill out an e-form at this link. We will feature many of them in my future blogs.

Let’s celebrate these teachers who are amazing and spark the creative thinking of the young children who are lucky enough to be in their light.

Help me honor some of the strong and talented teachers who are in early childhood education!

May we honor them and be one of them!

When reviewing articles and books about nurturing creativity, there is often the suggestion to “do something new.”  Doing something you have never done before activates your thinking and challenges you to adjust to new experiences.

For the past week, I’ve been taking a break and visiting Beaufort and Charleston, SC.  In looking at the historical sites of interest, I saw a tour that captured my attention. A visit to a Kazoo factory. Never had I visited a place that only made Kazoos. We not only saw how they made 5,000 Kazoos a day, but we made our very own Kazoo. When we finished, we played our Kazoos in a new band. Such a treat.

Have you done something new that you have never done before? Think of the many possibilities and choose one that captures your interest. And just do it! Think about how you felt during the process and what other ideas you had as you tried something new.

Today I want you to meet Mary Myron, a creative teacher, and caring person. I had the privilege of working with her in the ETSU Child Study Center and the University School, where she worked with young children, specifically Kindergarten.  She demonstrated her creativity in so many ways. She tried new things and did activities in unique ways.  One of my favorite creative ideas was her “Stage Center”. This visually attractive area had a raised stage (made from pallets) and a curtain that opened and closed. A box of dress items and fabric to create the outfits for the characters that the children wanted to include in their play. The children created their play, rehearsed, and presented it to their class. The entire production was amazing; the children were writers, performers, and audience.

Mary is a creative teacher who inspires her children to be creative players too.

I hope you will join me in my Circle of Creativity in March. We will have three sessions together and you will receive a copy of my book on Creativity. There will be one follow-up day in April if you cannot attend all three of the sessions in March. This collaborative group of early childhood educators will focus on developing your creativity, designing inspiring environments, and applying the suggestions to your classroom.

Give yourself the gift of growing and developing your creative abilities.

We will grow together.