In teaching a yoga class recently I realized how similar yoga is to ECE developmentally appropriate practice. By that I mean, both address the individual in a holistic way: Either in a practice that unites mind, body and spirit OR activities and/or experiences that address all areas of development ( Physical, Emotional, Social and Cognitive). Often it’s the promise of physical benefits that draws students in to yoga. Before too long, the other aspects naturally follow. I received the book, … [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...]
Words Matter
Words matter to all of us—what’s said and the way they’re said, but that’s especially true for the youngest among us. For children 0-3 years old, words are vital to their development. Their brains are growing and developing more during this time than any other, producing 700 new neural connections every second! Because their brains develop and grow so rapidly early in life, any experience—whether positive and negative—can have a huge impact on them. Parents can support their infants’ brain … [Read more...]