An act like drawing, that adults may see as a form of play or entertainment has a deeper meaning to children. Drawing and other activities children choose contain elements of both work and pleasure. Children’s work has a higher purpose and deeper meaning.
Read MoreWhen immersed in play, many children enjoy taking risks and challenging themselves physically. The children are searching for the limit of their current physical potential and feel open to pushing that potential during play.
Read MoreIntroducing children to new ways of thinking and experimenting with known objects invites exploration of other known materials in the future. By opening up the possibilities of number we open the possibilities of all things.
Read MoreOften one child inspires other children with their ideas and execution of work. A common activity is for children to use some of their day observing other children working in the classroom. During this time children are often motivated to try similar work themselves.
Read MoreChildren’s actions appear simple but in reality are very complex, because children experience many variables in their daily walk of life, making decisions how they are going to respond to these experiences.
Read MoreThere is a fine line between guidance and discipline. A line that represents our beliefs about children and our beliefs about the learning community.
Read MoreEducators in school-age programs spend much of their time trying to create new activities for children to be engaged in the classroom. The process of creating and implementing activities often becomes a distraction from working with the children. How can school-age educators encourage children’s activity while creating opportunities for wonder, discovery, and self directed satisfying work?
Read MoreChildren are always searching for the limit of their current potential and are motivated to push that potential to achieve a goal. Adults can learn a fresh perspective from children about risk and reward.
Read MoreWorking with children is a complex practice with choices that need to be made every day. What is an effective process for making choices?
Read MoreA believer in education is someone who empowers children, gives gentle advice, is a good listener, and a person who lets the children know they have someone who sees only good in them and is there for them under any circumstance.
Read MoreOutside physical activity balances the school day. It provides children an opportunity to recharge, refocus, and rejuvenate their body and mind in preparation for the next learning adventure. It creates a connection to the outside world that helps all of us stay in balance.
Read MoreThe use of rewards is a personal choice. This topic is not about right or wrong. It is about how we view children and their capabilities to self motivate and develop a sense of discovery and wonder about life and the world around them.
Read MoreLearning together is the work that we do as educators, to hold space for children as they construct knowledge in their own way, at their own pace. Learning together is shaped by the image of the child you hold.
Read MoreThe Summer Camp movement has evolved over the last century. Some traditional camps still exist, but the movement has been slowly changing to include activities like computers, academics, and lots of sports. What does the arrival of summer mean for your program?
Read MoreRecently I was in Reggio Emilia on a study tour of the Municipal schools. One idea that stuck with me during the trip was the Reggio educator’s view of professional development.
Read MoreGuiding children as they work on social skills is one of our main roles in school age care. Social skills are constantly being refined, as the children get older, bigger, louder, and wiser.
Read MoreAll children are naturally curious - they are born that way. Children are always seeking to discover how the world works. As educators, we don't need to make children curious or push children to learn, they will seek out these activities on their own if we give them the time, materials, and opportunities to explore on their environments and make their own discoveries.
Read MoreChildren love music and it is an important part of the everyday experience in a program. Our children enjoy singing songs, dancing, and playing musical games. The songs and games we play today are not that much different than the music from the past.
Read More“Listening is the premise of every learning relationship” – Carlina Rinaldi I was reminded of this phrase again a few days ago when a colleague shared with me that she didn’t have much time for the important work that was happening in her classroom because of other pressing concerns on her time.
Read MoreAn important part of building a learning community is inviting all members to contribute to the growth and advancement of the community. Contribution encourages ownership and pride in the work being done and creates feelings of connection to continued success.
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