“S” is for Summer, Swimming and Safety! What’s this? Could Teacher Karen have had a change in philosophy? NO! I’m still not fond of ‘letter of the day’ style of teaching for young children. I think it buys into the whole push-down academics model that is so prevalent right now. Kindergarteners and preschoolers should not be expected to master topics or skills that traditionally were reserved for later grades and older children. There are important, foundational steps and accomplishments young … [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...]
Music Play Music–Why Music is Important
Music (& movement) at group time was always a favorite time for the kidlets. Truthfull, I’ve got to say I loved it just as much. But, as with EVERYTHING associated with early childhood education, there was more than just FUN going on during this time! Notice the picture? Guess what we're singing and doing here? Building a shack that's breakin' our back! Listen below! Listening Skills Many of our songs were a ‘call and response’ type. These are perfect songs to help … [Read more...]
Father TIME
My mission of promoting, supporting and advocating for play all stem from my core value of insuring the health and wellness of young children. It’s in that same context, insuring a child’s health and wellness, I bring up the topic of fathers. As a mother, and now grandmother, I know…and society reinforces…the critical role I played in raising my children. My contributions are acknowledged by every level of society. This is not the case for fathers; to the detriment of their … [Read more...]