1. 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.
2. More is better. More food, more decorations, more presents, more relatives. Perhaps a better goal to work toward is “Good enough”. Example of 3 year old, after open way too many presents ask, “Is this all?”
3. The best present can be bought. In a survey of 24-40 year olds they were asked “What Christmas presents they remembered from their childhood?” A few could remember one specific present—but not their age or year. One of the most frequently mentioned was writing letters to Santa, and the special people who were at the celebration.
4. Christmas is a specific day! Personal story—- My two grand families in Mississippi lived 250 miles apart. It was impossible to visit both families on Christmas Day. One grandmother demanded that all four of her children, and their families, be at her house at noon on Christmas day for dinner and tree. The other grandmother said, “Christmas is when you are here with me”. Which one do you want to be?
5. No one will know how tired I am. If you are too tired to enjoy Christmas—others won’t enjoy it either. You feelings, attitudes, and stress affect everyone. Take deep breaths and repeat after me “It is good enough!”
6. The most expensive gift will be the “loved” the most. We all have watched the young child playing in the empty box and wrapping paper while the expensive item is sitting under the tree unnoticed.
7. The best toys are the one that does the most. Actually the opposite is true-we want the child to do the most and the toy to respond. Example the cow that gave milk. Positive example magnetic bocks that can be anything—-the creative child determine what it will become. Another example of Legos.
8. Traditions and Rituals are not important. One of the reasons holidays may be difficult for married couples is their different beliefs about these traditions. When do we have the opening of the presents? When do we have dinner? What do we eat?
9. Christmas is only about our family. What about other people in the world or helping those less fortunate than you. These experiences of giving put everything in perspective—- what really is important? They provide examples to emulate with our children, grandchildren and friends.

Poem

Twenty five Christmas from now

It will not matter what we had for our holiday meal,

What kind of table we set

What kind of presents we gave

How much money we spent?

Or what our clothes looked like

But the world will be a better place because………

You were important in the lives of children.

*This poem was rewording from an excerpt from “Within my power” by Forest Witcraft.

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 research that suggest that the best way to address American economic inequality, poverty, and crime is through early childhood education programs. I would add to that assertion that it must be quality early childhood programs.

Kristof identified national polls that show that this initiative is supported by 84% Democrats and 60 % of Republicans. Even when these programs stall in DC, many states and localities are moving ahead. In Michigan, for example, they are doubling their efforts for early childhood programs. This support is based on the long-term research done with the Weikart High Scope program that showed positive impacts on children who attended the quality program. These participants are now adults and had higher graduation rates, are less involved in crime, and more of them are employed.

David Deming of Harvard, in a long-term study of Head Start, found that academic advantages may fade, but “life skill” gains do not.

The article concludes by saying “children can’t vote, and they have no highly paid lobbyist” so it is critical that we as early childhood educators speak up. Let’s work together to make sure children’s needs and voices can be heard!

Read the entire article for yourself in the New York Times, Sunday review:
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/27/opinion/sunday/kristof-do-we-invest-in-preschools-or-prisons.html?_r=0

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 world every day.

Because they are so interested in their physical world, it is a perfect time to add a new and exciting Science Center to your classroom.  This addition will encourage young children to examine real items from their environment, and connect their knowledge to things that interest them.

Items to Include

The concrete materials you include should be items that they see in their environment on a regular basis. It is also helpful to provide a few novel items that might stretch their thinking and invite problem solving.

In our region, there are many different kinds of nuts that are falling from trees during this season.  For example: pecans, walnuts, and chestnuts that all look, taste, and crack differently.

Other possibilities might be: dried flowers, and a variety of leaves, herbs, and bulbs.  Including some of these in the Science Center will provide a perfect match for young children’s way of learning.

These materials will encourage their examination and use of language as they discuss the fall items.  Don’t forget to include all of the seed and flower catalogues. They will add interesting printed material to the Science Center, and create a literacy opportunity.

Free Resource Download

Click the button below to download a PDF of the basic design, objectives, vocabulary, and webbing that can provide the foundation for your Fall Science Center.  Also included are activities, materials, and literacy suggestions that can be adapted to a fall theme.  These are for you to use and modify for your special group of children.  Let me know what exciting things you are including in your new and improved Science Center.

 

[button_icon icon=”document-pdf-text” url=”https://drisbell.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/DrIsbell_BookScan_ScienceCenter.pdf” blank=”true” size=”middle”]Download the Science Center Resource[/button_icon]

 

Reference for Science Center is:  The Complete Book of Learning Centers, revised.  Published by Gryphon House and authored by Dr. Isbell.  It can be purchased in my bookstore.

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 trip to Bethel, Alaska which is 400 miles west of Anchorage. In this frozen tundra, there are people who have devised a variety of creative ways not only to survive but to thrive.  In this region, there are Yupik villages where young children have the opportunity to be in early childhood programs led by dedicated teachers. These teachers understand their culture and way of learning. They are motivated by an outstanding project director and early childhood specialist.  As educational leaders, they travel to the villages by air and sometimes by dog sled in weather that can be 50 degrees below zero.  Truly a sign of a dedicated early childhood professional!

 

 

During my time here, we concentrated on ways to nurture language development in young children.  The teachers were delightful as they sang, listened to stories, and participated in the language enriching activities.  As with many cultures, they have a strong connection to storytelling which was the focus of our last session together.  Storytelling is tied to our heritage, and is a powerful tool as it extends our understanding for language enrichment.

It is reassuring to see what wonderful work these early childhood teachers are doing! I am so blessed to have been able to visit this very special place, and be inspired by their work with young children. Thank you!

 

 

Well, if you read my last blog you know I suggested that you might do some “Spring Cleaning”. You probably know the old adage, “Don’t ask anyone to do something you wouldn’t do yourself”. After much soul searching, I decided I needed to do some cleaning and organizing in my warehouse where I keep many copies of my books for the orders I receive online.
During the thinking process – and some incubation – I had a great idea. What if I gave a free copy of my children’s book Everyone has a Story to Tell to each person who buys a copy of one of my other books using PayPal. This would give you a special “treat” and encourage you to take a closer look at your learning environment.
A free children’s book when you order a resource book that will provide you with many wonderful ideas. Bet you can’t beat that offer!