Five Ideas for keeping children happy are:
1. Love Children-Find something in each child that you cherish. Remind a child how unique he or she is, by noticing something about him/her each day. Say things like, "you have a red shirt on today!" Or, "I love how you smile when you play with the play dough."
2. Keep Them Safe-Do what you can to provide a safe environment for all children. Make household rules based on safety: " Inside walking keeps us safe-please don't run."
3. Follow A Daily Routine-Have a daily routine that you follow. Eat breakfast, lunch and snacks around the same time every day. Play games and read books around the same time everyday. Remind children about the routing: "We always read books after lunch before we take our naps." Children feel safer when they follow a routine.
4. Learn About Child Development-Learn about how a child typically develops. Learn what activities, games, books, and songs are good for a child during each year of life. Have plenty of opportunities for children to explore those activities. At times, an adult will have to show a child or a group of children how to play a new game or how to play with a new toy. Children need plenty of time and experience to learn now things-even how to play with other children. Be understanding as children are learning.
5. Explore Simple Activities Together-The world is new to a child. Exploring even the simplest items can make a child happy and encourage them to learn. Melt ice in a bowl. collect milk tops, find twigs outside, or watch ants crawl on the ground. These are simple but powerful activities that help a child learn about the world around them and can help keep them happy.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Strengthening Your Connection to Parents
Lets talk about the many ways you can stay connected to parents. Staying connected means more than just saying "good morning" or "good evening." Sometimes, it means going that extra maile to keep the connection. How about adding just a little more flavor to the pot to make parents feel special? Here are some easy tips that will improve the communication and the relationship with parents.
- Support the parent by providing them with resources and information within the community. With today's economy, you could have some parents experiencing financial struggles. Encourage them to use free programs and resources like the library, where they can use a computer free of charge: or help them get in touch with their local child care resource and referral agency where parents can get additional resurces and helpful information about programs for them.
- Manintain a comfortable environment by providing a healthy, safe, nurturing and comfortable place for parents. You can do this by providing a comfy chair with a pillow or a blanket. How about adding interesting reading materials such as exciting books, cookbooks, or magazines.
- Encourage families to bring family portraits and tell stories about the pictures. Ask your families to bring in family recipes to share with other families, and have a potluck when you meet with parents.
- Help the parent improve relationships with their child by encouraging them to read to their child, do arts and crafts, cooking, or active games together.
- Always share any changes in your program.
These simple tips can help you strengthen the connection you already have with your families. Try thinking of other ways to strengthen this bond and ask them for their ideas, too.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Should Preschools Use Electronic Toys?
Should preschools use electronic toy? In the magazine article, American Teacher, Betty Robinson-Harris says: "Yes, they're a tool to help close the achievement gap." Julie Henderson says: "No, young minds deserve a better environment. Many theorist believe young children learn by using concrete materials and through repetitive manipulation of those objects. that means early childhood classrooms must have a rich source of toys available for children to touch, feel, and manipulate in a variety of ways so that young minds will learn the concepts and remember them. Most electronic toy, I believe, fail to meet this standard.
Children play with electronic toys by themselves, for the most part, and the play the toys offer is usually predictable, almost scripted. That's a big shortcoming in the classroom. Imaginative play is extremely important in a preschooler's development; classrooms must be loaded with toys that promote this activity. Because many electronic toys are played in isolation, there is little verbalization or social interaction with other children. That's a big shortcoming.
Children also must learn how to articulate their thoughts, needs, wants and knowledge. Children must verbally demonstrate knowledge, and teachers and parpprofessionals must provide activities that enhance that verbal development. Unfortunately, the solitary play that electronic games typical offer does not help children learn these key skills. What do you think?
Children play with electronic toys by themselves, for the most part, and the play the toys offer is usually predictable, almost scripted. That's a big shortcoming in the classroom. Imaginative play is extremely important in a preschooler's development; classrooms must be loaded with toys that promote this activity. Because many electronic toys are played in isolation, there is little verbalization or social interaction with other children. That's a big shortcoming.
Children also must learn how to articulate their thoughts, needs, wants and knowledge. Children must verbally demonstrate knowledge, and teachers and parpprofessionals must provide activities that enhance that verbal development. Unfortunately, the solitary play that electronic games typical offer does not help children learn these key skills. What do you think?
Friday, July 17, 2009
Establishing Community Schools
I was reading an article in the A.F.T. American Educator, and Joe Wilmer was discussing the topic, establishing community schools. Joe said that he "believe that schools should be used as much as possible by people in the community." Joe Wilmer would like it if schools did not close when the last student leaves. Joe stated that he felt the facilities and some programs should be available to the community at large for usage of the gym and for the usage of community meetings. What do you think?
Friday, July 10, 2009
What happens When Children Play.
Social constructivist as Piaget, Schwartzman, & Vygotsky all share the perspective that play enables children to expand their knowledge and skills as they interact with themselves, their environment, and others around them.
From my perspective, play is significant, because it allow children to explore, socialize, adapt, learn and communicate. Play is creative. It is important for a childrem to be allowed to socialize because it enhances their relationships with their peers. Copple once stated that play is the most developmentally appropriate way for children to learn.
I agree with this theorist, and I would like to add that play facilitates problem-solving skills. Communication is a necessary element in social dramatic play, because it improves children’s ability to take on different roles. When children play in groups that emphasize cooperation in constructive play. This helps children improved in their role communicating abilities.
I once read an article, What Infants, Toddlers, and Preschoolers Learn from Play, and I found that preschoolers, infants, and toddlers learn dexterity, and hand-eye coordination through play. Coordination of the lower body can be enhanced for children by learning how to ride a bike, play a sport, or dance to music. When children play socio-dramatic games such as sally go round the sun or musical chairs, it promotes social skills.
Some children need adult suggestions to promote more inclusive play. Helping children tune into the emotional cues of others is an important component of teacher support for positive peer play. Playing can sharpen cognitive and language skills.
Activities such as shaking a bell to hear it ring or pressing a button to turn on a light may teach a toddler that he/she has to perform a certain action in order to get a certain effect. Some toddlers expand their language ability by trying to sing along with their peers at play times. How do you feel about this topic?
From my perspective, play is significant, because it allow children to explore, socialize, adapt, learn and communicate. Play is creative. It is important for a childrem to be allowed to socialize because it enhances their relationships with their peers. Copple once stated that play is the most developmentally appropriate way for children to learn.
I agree with this theorist, and I would like to add that play facilitates problem-solving skills. Communication is a necessary element in social dramatic play, because it improves children’s ability to take on different roles. When children play in groups that emphasize cooperation in constructive play. This helps children improved in their role communicating abilities.
I once read an article, What Infants, Toddlers, and Preschoolers Learn from Play, and I found that preschoolers, infants, and toddlers learn dexterity, and hand-eye coordination through play. Coordination of the lower body can be enhanced for children by learning how to ride a bike, play a sport, or dance to music. When children play socio-dramatic games such as sally go round the sun or musical chairs, it promotes social skills.
Some children need adult suggestions to promote more inclusive play. Helping children tune into the emotional cues of others is an important component of teacher support for positive peer play. Playing can sharpen cognitive and language skills.
Activities such as shaking a bell to hear it ring or pressing a button to turn on a light may teach a toddler that he/she has to perform a certain action in order to get a certain effect. Some toddlers expand their language ability by trying to sing along with their peers at play times. How do you feel about this topic?
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
In two hours from now, I am going to have my first experience working in a daycare center. I am so curious and excited about what it will be like. I have a feeling that I am going to love it.
June 17, 2009 4:13 AM
annanderson said...
I enjoyed my first day with the toddlers. I am currently coming up with many different activities to implement with them. I don't know which activity to choose. I have many ideas of things that I want to do children. I am still excited.
annanderson said...
I enjoyed my first day with the toddlers. I am currently coming up with many different activities to implement with them. I don't know which activity to choose. I have many ideas of things that I want to do children. I am still excited.
Bonnie said...
I also have 35 hrs with infants and toddlers. I am very exited to this new experience.
I also have 35 hrs with infants and toddlers. I am very exited to this new experience.
June 22, 2009 9:40 AM
SinD said...
How wonderful to be just doing thirty-five hours with toddlers. I hope that you will have a wnoderful summer.Go Team!
June 23, 2009 5:00 PM
annanderson said...
I wonder is it possible to edit a comment once you have already summitted it? I have just realized that two of my previous comments have spelling and/or grammerical errors in them.Please respond.
June 30, 2009 8:12 PM
annanderson said...
The time has come for me to post my professional comment concerning an issue of my choice. I would like to share my thoughts on National Standards.
I recently was reminded via an article written by Randi Weingarten, who is the President of the American Federation of teachers,that we do not have national standards for the teaching and learning curriculum.
Randi Weingarten is proposing that a broad-based group made up of educators, elected officials,community leaders, and experts in pedagogy and particular content-come together to take the best academic standards and make them available as a national model.
Some would argrue that education is a local issue, but there is a body of knowledge about what children should know and be able to do that should guide decisions about curriculum and testing.
I believe that all children can and should achieve at high levels, and that benchmarks should be defined. All children attending U.S. public schools should be taught to high standards regardless of where they live. In order for this to be accomplished, there has to be national content standards established. What do you think?
Which response is the best possible response?
Mrs Anderson, a second grade teacher schedules daily unstructured time for outdoor activities when students are abled to express themselves freely and learn about outdoor environments. She makes certain that there is equipment and space available for the children to play games and sports, and she supports the students' engagement in activities as necessary.
Mrs.Anderson's approach to physical activity may best be described as:
A: An inapropriate approach as it does not require each child to learn and follow specific rules for participating in organized games.
B: An appropriate approach for providing the studnets with time to release excess energy during the school day.
C: An inappropriate approach that fails to provide the adequate structure that students at this age level require to develop fundamental motor skills.
D: An appropriate approach that promotes the students' motor development by allowing them to choose activities they find most appealing.
July 3, 2009 6:03 AM
SinD said...
I agree with you that there has to be national standards. Why is it so difficult to have everyone on the same page?I recall a study in which students from a class were randomly selected to be in three groups: gifted, average and remedial. The children who were taught as though they were gifted excelled and many made great strides even though they had previously tested below average. The children who were left in the average group did more or less average work, very similar to their previous year's performance. And, you've probably guessed the lack of success that was recorded for the students in the third group. If we treated all children as though they were gifted, they would be challenged without boundaries!
July 3, 2009 3:08 PM
annanderson said...
Which of the following best describes the primary significance of play for young children's social development?
A. Play involves situations where children must learn to solve complex problems andindependently resolve conflicts with peers.
B. Play provides opportunities to practice social skills with other children by engaging in situations that involve adopting different roles.
C. Play is a means of exploring a variety of activities that will provide enjoyment during leisure time later in life.
D. Play is a means of learning about the complex social skills necesary to gain peer acceptance and popularity in adolescence.
In two hours from now, I am going to have my first experience working in a daycare center. I am so curious and excited about what it will be like. I have a feeling that I am going to love it.
June 17, 2009 4:13 AM
annanderson said...
I enjoyed my first day with the toddlers. I am currently coming up with many different activities to implement with them. I don't know which activity to choose. I have many ideas and things that I want to do with the children . I am still excited.
June 20, 2009 4:30 AM
Bonnie said...
I also have 35 hrs with infants and toddlers. I am very exited to this new experience.
June 22, 2009 9:40 AM
SinD said...
How wonderful to be just doing thirty-five hours with toddlers. I hope that you will have a wnoderful summer.Go Team!
June 23, 2009 5:00 PM
annanderson said...
I wonder is it possible to edit a comment once you have already summitted it? I have just realized that two of my previous comments have spelling and/or grammerical errors in them.Please respond.
June 30, 2009 8:12 PM
annanderson said...
The time has come for me to post my professional comment concerning an issue of my choice. I would like to share my thoughts on National Standards.
I recently was reminded via an article written by Randi Weingarten, who is the President of the American Federation of teachers,that we do not have national standards for the teaching and learning curriculum.
Randi Weingarten is proposing that a broad-based group made up of educators, elected officials,community leaders, and experts in pedagogy and particular content-come together to take the best academic standards and make them available as a national model.
Some would argrue that education is a local issue, but there is a body of knowledge about what children should know and be able to do that should guide decisions about curriculum and testing.
I believe that all children can and should achieve at high levels, and that benchmarks should be defined. All children attending U.S. public schools should be taught to high standards regardless of where they live. In order for this to be accomplished, there has to be national content standards established. What do you think?
July 3, 2009 5:50 AM
annanderson said...
What do you think about the following case senerio?
Which response is the best possible response?
Mrs Anderson, a second grade teacher schedules daily unstructured time for outdoor activities when students are abled to express themselves freely and learn about outdoor environments. She makes certain that there is equipment and space available for the children to play games and sports, and she supports the students' engagement in activities as necessary.
Mrs.Anderson's approach to physical activity may best be described as:
A: An inapropriate approach as it does not require each child to learn and follow specific rules for participating in organized games.
B: An appropriate approach for providing the studnets with time to release excess energy during the school day.
C: An inappropriate approach that fails to provide the adequate structure that students at this age level require to develop fundamental motor skills.
D: An appropriate approach that promotes the students' motor development by allowing them to choose activities they find most appealing.
July 3, 2009 6:03 AM
SinD said...
I agree with you that there has to be national standards. Why is it so difficult to have everyone on the same page?I recall a study in which students from a class were randomly selected to be in three groups: gifted, average and remedial. The children who were taught as though they were gifted excelled and many made great strides even though they had previously tested below average. The children who were left in the average group did more or less average work, very similar to their previous year's performance. And, you've probably guessed the lack of success that was recorded for the students in the third group. If we treated all children as though they were gifted, they would be challenged without boundaries!
July 3, 2009 3:08 PM
annanderson said...
Which of the following best describes the primary significance of play for young children's social development?
A. Play involves situations where children must learn to solve complex problems andindependently resolve conflicts with peers.
B. Play provides opportunities to practice social skills with other children by engaging in situations that involve adopting different roles.
C. Play is a means of exploring a variety of activities that will provide enjoyment during leisure time later in life.
D. Play is a means of learning about the complex social skills necesary to gain peer acceptance and popularity in adolescence.
June 17, 2009 4:13 AM
annanderson said...
I enjoyed my first day with the toddlers. I am currently coming up with many different activities to implement with them. I don't know which activity to choose. I have many ideas and things that I want to do with the children . I am still excited.
June 20, 2009 4:30 AM
Bonnie said...
I also have 35 hrs with infants and toddlers. I am very exited to this new experience.
June 22, 2009 9:40 AM
SinD said...
How wonderful to be just doing thirty-five hours with toddlers. I hope that you will have a wnoderful summer.Go Team!
June 23, 2009 5:00 PM
annanderson said...
I wonder is it possible to edit a comment once you have already summitted it? I have just realized that two of my previous comments have spelling and/or grammerical errors in them.Please respond.
June 30, 2009 8:12 PM
annanderson said...
The time has come for me to post my professional comment concerning an issue of my choice. I would like to share my thoughts on National Standards.
I recently was reminded via an article written by Randi Weingarten, who is the President of the American Federation of teachers,that we do not have national standards for the teaching and learning curriculum.
Randi Weingarten is proposing that a broad-based group made up of educators, elected officials,community leaders, and experts in pedagogy and particular content-come together to take the best academic standards and make them available as a national model.
Some would argrue that education is a local issue, but there is a body of knowledge about what children should know and be able to do that should guide decisions about curriculum and testing.
I believe that all children can and should achieve at high levels, and that benchmarks should be defined. All children attending U.S. public schools should be taught to high standards regardless of where they live. In order for this to be accomplished, there has to be national content standards established. What do you think?
July 3, 2009 5:50 AM
annanderson said...
What do you think about the following case senerio?
Which response is the best possible response?
Mrs Anderson, a second grade teacher schedules daily unstructured time for outdoor activities when students are abled to express themselves freely and learn about outdoor environments. She makes certain that there is equipment and space available for the children to play games and sports, and she supports the students' engagement in activities as necessary.
Mrs.Anderson's approach to physical activity may best be described as:
A: An inapropriate approach as it does not require each child to learn and follow specific rules for participating in organized games.
B: An appropriate approach for providing the studnets with time to release excess energy during the school day.
C: An inappropriate approach that fails to provide the adequate structure that students at this age level require to develop fundamental motor skills.
D: An appropriate approach that promotes the students' motor development by allowing them to choose activities they find most appealing.
July 3, 2009 6:03 AM
SinD said...
I agree with you that there has to be national standards. Why is it so difficult to have everyone on the same page?I recall a study in which students from a class were randomly selected to be in three groups: gifted, average and remedial. The children who were taught as though they were gifted excelled and many made great strides even though they had previously tested below average. The children who were left in the average group did more or less average work, very similar to their previous year's performance. And, you've probably guessed the lack of success that was recorded for the students in the third group. If we treated all children as though they were gifted, they would be challenged without boundaries!
July 3, 2009 3:08 PM
annanderson said...
Which of the following best describes the primary significance of play for young children's social development?
A. Play involves situations where children must learn to solve complex problems andindependently resolve conflicts with peers.
B. Play provides opportunities to practice social skills with other children by engaging in situations that involve adopting different roles.
C. Play is a means of exploring a variety of activities that will provide enjoyment during leisure time later in life.
D. Play is a means of learning about the complex social skills necesary to gain peer acceptance and popularity in adolescence.
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