“Will you be here tomorrow?” Words from the mamas that had brought their kiddos out to my PopUP PLAY Date at the Kingsgate Library. Well, I wouldn’t be doing another one the very next day, but it DID make me feel good to know they’d have wanted that! A couple of the Moms went to the info desk to share how much they loved the event (sadly the librarians did not show any enthusiasm: “It’s not a library program.” Hmm, maybe it SHOULD be!!) Mr Teacher Karen is pathologically objective—trying to … [Read more...]
Keep Talking, I Want to READ!
Neil Gaiman, one of my favorite authors, said: "Books make great gifts because they have whole worlds inside of them." If books make great gifts, then certainly the gift of reading is priceless! Children begin the process of learning to read long before they actually read. Laying the Foundation to Read Talking, or more formally oral language, is critically important for future reading skills. Immerse children in language by engaging with them: in everyday speech, reading aloud, singing, … [Read more...]
School, Stress, Children & Play
The fun—maybe sometimes lazy—days of summer are over and the hard, cold reality of sitting in a school classroom has set in. It wasn’t all that long ago the concept of early childhood education was singing songs, building blocks, dress-up corners, easels, and plenty of time playing with new friends outdoors. Fast forward to the present, with the influence of No Child Left Behind and Common Core, young children are taught with standardized testing in mind. They’re bombarded with letters, … [Read more...]
Video Games Day–Making the Case for PLAY
I was kind of left with my mouth on the floor when I found out what day it was...Video Games Day?!! Really? We need a day to encourage and celebrate playing video games? (sigh) How about trying for a NO-Video Games Day? Now that would be something out of the ordinary!! I'm not going to say video games don't have a place or don't have any beneficial aspects (read 6 Scientific Benefits) but they are inappropriate for young children. Young children need PLAY! Consider PLAY as one of the … [Read more...]
Play’s Impact on Literacy
I make no apologies for my pro-play stance...I will always be a promoter and supporter of play; I believe in the power of PLAY! Play addresses all areas of development. One area of importance is play's impact on literacy. My reasons are experiential and anecdotal, however I believe studies will back up what this preschool teacher, parent, now grandparent has witnessed. Literacy--the definition can be nebulous. Is it just being able to read and write or does it include listening, speaking and … [Read more...]
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