For Your Binder

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

Another great article from when the preliminary Vanderbilt Study data was released (2015). The quote that caught everyone'e eye:  "It's like saying spinach is really good for you," Farran says, "but we can't afford spinach. But here, I've got this Easter grass. Maybe that will be just as good."  

Ouch. #DAP #play #learning #teaching #Vanderbilt #Tennessee

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

New research shows that teaching kids more and more, at ever younger ages, may backfire! #play #teaching #learning #pushdown

It's only October, but already Nicky is exhibiting symptoms of student ennui. The other day, when his mother asked him the best thing about school, he said lunch. Most boring? Art history.  Sound typical?  Perhaps.  Except Nicky isn't a moody adolescent - Nicky is only 5.  #pushdown #DAP #play #teaching #learning

Extreme safety concerns and risk minimization strategies are eroding children's opportunities to engage in developmentally appropriate risk taking. #DAP #teaching #risk #play #outside

Words Matter! In any profession, having shared definitions of industry speak assists in communication and understanding.  #playtherapy #teaching #learning

There is no evidence that teaching children to read in PreK will help them be better readers in the long-run.  So how and when did we start thinking that it would? #play #pushdown #DAP #teaching #learning #reading

For very young children, art and early writing skills are one and the same. But this changes over time! This article provides an easy to read overview of the early stages of writing and scribbling.  It also provides user friendly trips on how to encourage creativity while at the same time assisting children in learning that words are powerful and have meaning! #reading #writing #DAP #scribbling #creativity #teaching #learning

Mixed-age groupings create a frame for deepening relationships for staff with children and their families.  #mixedages #DAP #teaching #learning

It's time to dismantle the hierarchy of importance between activities such as helping a child put on their coat and teaching them a new word. #care #relationships #teaching 

If you have not heard of him I encourage you to spend some time investigating his website for more resources, courses you can take, interviews, articles... #DAP #play #learning #teaching #relationships #care