Category Archives: Early Childhood Education
Sandbox Heretic
Last week I reflected on “rule breaking” in early childhood. To prove I’m not all talk I wanted to share this story… “Keep the sand in the sandbox!” An adult voice called out. It was the rule, it had been … Continue reading
Posted in Early Childhood Education, Museum Education
Tagged creativity, everyday, preschool, rules, sand, teamwork, tough topics
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Rules are Rules
The hole was big, to kid eyes it was a crowning achievement. As we put the finishing touches on it a lifeguard walked by “You’ll have to fill that in” he said “it’s not allowed.” Slowly we started dumping sand … Continue reading
Posted in Early Childhood Education, Kids in Museums
Tagged messy play, nature, outdoor, preschool, rules, training
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Narrowly Defined Grief
I think we have too narrow a definition of when we are “allowed” to grieve. The morning after the election, my Mom sent me a text asking “how are you doing?” I wrote back that I was “Only ok I … Continue reading
Posted in Early Childhood Education
Tagged compassion, Election, grief, loss, tough topics
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I am a superhero…I can
The morning after the election I sat in circle facing my wiggly, wonderful group of 3 and 4 year olds. It was the first time I’d brought a script with me to meeting. I didn’t trust myself to get through … Continue reading
Posted in Early Childhood Education, Uncategorized
Tagged Election, friendship, kindness, preschool, superhero, tough topics
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I Promise
This is not an overtly political blog. However, if you piece together my demographics and the things I care about (early childhood education, museums, arts, culture, access…) you can make a pretty good guess what way I lean politically. Which … Continue reading
Posted in Cabinet of Curiosities-Updates, Early Childhood Education
Tagged Advocate, Care, Educate, Election, Individual, Mother, Museum, Teacher
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Kindergarten Readiness: The Inside Scoop
Before I started back in the classroom I took my friend out to lunch. She is a Kindergarten teacher in a public school and I wanted to get the “inside scoop” on what Kindergarten teachers were REALLY hoping that kids … Continue reading
Posted in Early Childhood Education
Tagged Kindergarten, NAEYC, preschool, readiness, social skills, social-emotional
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Preschoolers and “Weapon Play”
A block, a stick, a paintbrush…preschoolers are an inventive bunch and can turn almost anything into a weapon. “Look! Our firetruck has plenty of bombs on it!” “Bang! I shoot-ed you!” “Let’s get those bad guys!” I am a complete … Continue reading
Posted in Early Childhood Education
Tagged blocks, preschool, teachable moments, tough topics, weapons, weapons play
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“Hands On” Art
The first child picked up the brush and dunked it in the paint. As the paint dripped off onto her hand she ran the brush back and forth spreading a thick coat all over her hand and arm. She was … Continue reading
Posted in Early Childhood Education, Museum Education
Tagged art, engaging, everyday, hands on, paint, planning, preschool, teachable moments
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Setting Expectations
“Setting expectations” is part of classroom management 101. What they mean is, getting the kids comfortable with the routines and with how they are supposed to behave at various points in the day. What I think is often left … Continue reading
Project Confidence
On the playground the other day, one of the kids came running up “I’m afraid of ants!” she said “They are scary!” Without missing a beat, my co-worker jumped in to the conversation “Oh really?” She said “I think they … Continue reading
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