For Your Binder

Part I in a series by Peter Gray.   He says his goal for the series is to examine teaching from the ground up. He starts here by defining teaching and presents evidence that teaching occurs in at least some non-human animals. An examination of teaching in other species may lead to insights that will be useful for understanding teaching in our species. #teaching #learning #DAP #play

A short article that includes 10 ideas for large and gross motor skill development in young children! #DAP #play #movement #outside #teaching #learning 

Unit blocks have been around for over 100 years!  Why is their potential still so often underestimated?? #math #play #blocks #DAP #learning #teaching

We need to re-affirm our commitment to children's play.  Failing to act on these recommendations will allow this generation to become the most sedentary in our nation's history, consequently possibly having a shorter life expectancy than that of their parents. #play #pushdown #movement #recess #risk #outside 

The American Academy of Pediatrics reminds us that the critical factor as to how a student will learn to read “is not how aggressively,” the child is given instruction, but rather their “own enthusiasm for learning” yet still, we push.  #DAP #reading #teaching #learning #pushdown #play #parenting

Many preschools in the United States are actually doing the polar opposite of what the research recommends. Couple this article (from 2018) with the recent findings from the Vanderbilt Study and there is simply no reason for play to be pushed aside any longer!   #play #DAP #teaching #learning

I believe that by clarifying definitions we can show that children can be provided “opportunities to interact with technology” without having to plug anything in. #play #DAP #teaching #learning #technology #screens 

Here is a link from the Play Scotland website to a graphic of all of the play types as identified by Bob Hughes! #play #playwork 

Our feet were healthier before we started wearing shoes!  #play #risk #outside #movement

A push-down curriculum isn’t helping kids to get ahead, it’s simply ignoring the critical role of the foundation. #play #DAP #parenting #pushdown #teaching #learning

Many screen based programing for infants and toddlers is advertised as "educational," yet evidence doesn't support this.  #DAP #screens #technology #parenting #teaching #learning

Awhile back I participated in an online seminar about Shindana Toys sponsored by the Strong National Museum of Play. I took a few notes but recently I happened upon this online slideshow that pretty much highlights all the points made in the session and includes some good photographs; so I am including it here for you.  #toys #equity #play