All teachers use different strategies and learning opportunities for their students. We all know that we need to change our ideas and teaching each year too, depending on who our students are, what they know and what they need. We are usually given a set of curriculum that either the state has mandated or the school district has adopted. These are...
Before school starts it is important that you, as the early childhood professional, teacher/leader, begin building relationships. There are many things you are probably already doing, but this new year, start thinking outside the box on new ways to build relationships not only with the students in your classroom, but with the families also.
New...
When we looked at the last article, What Children Need and Want from a classroom it started getting me to think about what families of the children need and want from their classroom and the teacher. If you are teaching young children, this could very well be the first time families are leaving their child. Each family is entrusting their child in your care. They have faith that you are teaching and helping...
We know that today is different than last year at this time. I am going to share with you ideas to partner with families right now during the pandemic but also, when things get back to “normal”, as we know they will, ideas for cultivating that relationship.
Right now, families just need support. Teachers need support also. We all need to work together and be kind, realize we are each doing everything we can to ensure the safety, engagement and success of each of our students. This...
I think that all teachers have amazing and engaging teaching strategies that we use with the students in our classroom. It’s almost like we are born with creativity and ways to help children and reach families. Creativity is a large part of developing engaging teaching strategies. Having the background of how children grow and develop and what their background knowledge is also important to know and understand before you start introducing and teaching young children. This article will...
Think about a classroom, any classroom. When you think of this room, what do you see, what do you hear? If it is your own classroom you know these sights and sounds by heart, but if you are visiting a new classroom you may have a lot to learn. As children are welcomed into a new classroom they have procedures, routines, expectations and transitions to learn. As teachers set up their daily schedules they teach and reteach procedures and routines, but how important are transitions? Are...
A recent political campaign ad went viral, in which two Utah gubernatorial candidates created a video together. “We can debate without degrading each other,” said one of the candidates.
The creative ad, at least in my eyes, was a refreshing change from the intensely volatile culture we have created around political issues and just about anything that we disagree. The gesture demonstrated that two individuals from opposing parties, with opposite ideologies, can intelligently debate...