For Your Binder

This was the intro piece to a special edition of the Journal of Research in Childhood Education, 34:1, 2-5. Questions to ask regarding our own practice: Is it culturally appropriate? Is it contextually appropriate? And, is it child appropriate? This special edition invites educators to consider local cultures and contexts while designing experiences for young children.  What might work in classroom B might NOT work in classroom E! More rationale as to why we must continually reflect on our practice!!!  #teaching #DAP #diversity #learning #equity

Contrary to what your poopy face co-worker might believe, being child centered does NOT mean kids are running around naked with paint flying through the air!  This is the handout that goes with the workshop that goes with the book of the same title! #handouts #play #DAP #teaching 

Missed the workshop? Want to watch it again? Got a DVD player? Lisa has DVDs of all her workshops! #oldschool  

Do boring tasks become more playful when toyified?  #play #toys

You'll note there is no date or author credit in the article you will access via this link, however, a little bit of digging leads me to believe that the article you'll access is either based on, or is a translation (from French) of, Fairy Tales and Psychological Life Plans by Agnès Le Guernic, 2004. #fairytales #stories 

Schools may be shooting themselves in the foot by taking away recess and playtime that is crucial to a child's growth. #play #recess #outside #movement #teaching #learning

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

This is one of the most bittersweet pieces I've ever read.  It will break your heart and yet show you how to repair it all at the same time. Read: the pure power of PLAY.  #play #playwork #teaching #learning

Some claim we are in the middle of an ADHD epidemic.... do the kids need more drugs? Or more recess? #recess #play #teaching #learning #outside #movement

The Phi Delta Kappan takes a look back and considers the importance of caring about caring; including an article previously shared here.  #relationships #caring #learning #teaching 

“To help kids shape their identity, we’ve got to awaken them to their own questions and encourage them to create their own projects. They don’t really learn unless they ask.” I wish I could've heard her, even just once.   " #teaching #learning

The first step in advocating for children's play is to clarify your own values and philosophical orientation! #play #teaching

An oldie but a goodie about messy play and art! #art #play #DAP #creativity #teaching #learning #parenting