For Your Binder

Play in a mixed age group is more creative than competitive.  #mixedages #play #learning #teaching #DAP

Fairplay (formerly Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood) is an independent voice standing up for what kids and families really need. Fairplay is committed to creating a world where kids can be kids, free from the false promises of marketers and the manipulations of Big Tech. There are tons of resources for you here via this link.  #play #DAP #parenting #screens #technology 

This is a link to the Erikson Institute's resource for families who are feeling frustrated. #DAP #zerotothree #infants #babies #playtherapy

While I have moved beyond creating prop boxes, this article, while a little dated, provides a nice reminder as to the importance of dramatic play and, should the children instigate an exploration of some of the themes that are presented, might serve as a starting spot for some additional materials that might add to the exploration and play. #play #teaching #learning #DAP

We went from advocating safety first, to safety only. Read why what adults might call aggressive is a stepping stone to compassion.  #play #DAP #powerplaying 

I think it's fair to say that singing and hand clapping games play a relevant role in a child's life both culturally and developmentally.  In this paper, the authors defend the idea that clapping games play a big part of girlhood in Catalonia (Spain).  #recess #play #songs #DAP #playground

I've included this resource mainly for the image you'll see when you click the link (although it's not an off-base blog post by any means!) I wanted you to see Mitch Resnick's Creative Learning Spiral without (full disclosure: forgive me) all of the MIT tech speak, including descriptions of the technologies he's created, that usually fill the articles that contain the image.  I love this image.  I also believe when children are playing they tap into this cycle of creativity without needing to scratch any crickets.  #play #DAP #creativity

Books are sometimes windows to new worlds; real, imagined or strange. Sometimes books are sliding glass doors we walk through so we can join that world in our imagination. Books can also be mirrors; reflections of our own lives and experiences. This classic article reminds readers of the importance of offering books that provide all three.  All of our children suffer when stories only mirror the dominant social group. This article might perhaps a much needed conversation about the contents of your book center! When I first read it I ended up launching myself down a very interesting rabbit hole and spent a fine afternoon reading articles that, albeit very dated, are probably still timely regarding the all white world of children's books. #reading #books #stories #teaching #learning #equity #inclusion #diversity #DAP #language #literacy

A challenge: Start talking about the 16 Capabilities rather than academic readiness as the desired outcome for ECE programs.  Can you imagine every child going to kindergarten having mastered these 16 things?!?! #DAP #play #learning #teaching #pushdown

Also, you are going to want to read more from the author, Tom Drummond and his fantastic work in ECE, so click here to access his full website!

In my infant workshops I often remind the audience that attachment parenting (as a style) is different than understanding the theory of attachment. This article, which successfully outlines the differences between the two, is one of the best I have ever read. Additionally, in an age/stage format, it provides a sidebar overview of what secure attachment looks like. Whether you are working with 0-3 age group or not, this is a very important article to have at your fingertips!  #DAP #teaching #learning #parenting #relationships #zerotothree

In a nutshell - nope. Read it anyway and get the details! #DAP #teaching #learning #reading #play

Developmental readiness for writing starts with large motor movement and play!  Not worksh*ts and pencils!  You can supplement your gross motor play with the following appropriate fine motor ones! #play #DAP #teaching #learning #movement #writing