Following the Child The importance of early childhood education is well-established and reaches well beyond the preschool years. In fact, “early childhood” is considered birth to eight years old–so approximately 2nd or 3rd grade. This time period is crucial for children. I’d even go so far as to say more crucial than post-secondary education. Why? […]
Right now our world is filled with news about a virus spiraling out of control. Whole cities shutting down. Families being quarantined. Schools, businesses, restaurants and parks closing indefinitely. It’s a horribly stressful time for everyone. That said, it is in these times that it is the MOST important for us to look for the […]
Risky Play Children have an innate need for risk-taking. In addition, children who are encouraged to take risks at a younger age are able to better manage risk once they have gained more independence. A lack of ample opportunity to take risks may increase fear and inappropriate aggression, as well as limit the ability to […]
You’ve got everything organized and ready for Monday. Pencils, paper, glue, erasers, maybe a protractor for good measure — all the implements of a proper education. You’ve put a great deal of thought into how best to organize your “classroom” and you have some lesson plans up your sleeve now that school is out for […]
Covid-19 School Closures As Covid-19 spreads across the U.S., schools and businesses are beginning to shut down. Employers are asking for parents to work from home and schools are expecting children, at all grade levels, to continue learning at home. Many public school districts are nowhere near ready to provide adequate online or distance learning. […]
Fighting Against Standardized Tests It’s spring! And that means daffodils, crocuses, hyacinths, and, if you attend a public school, standardized testing. Across the country, in K – 12 public schools, students are being tested far more than is necessary or helpful. What can we as teachers and parents do about this phenomenon? Do we have […]
How to have better parent, teacher, student conferences It’s time for parent-teacher conferences! Teachers have been preparing, getting together test data, helping students with goal setting, and making sure their rooms are welcoming for families. How can you as a parent have the best experience possible for you and your child at conferences? I have […]
Do you love the change of seasons? For some people, the blooms of spring are the best, while others love the crispness of fall. Summer has many fans, and there are actually even a few people who adore the coziness of winter. Do you know the season that NOBODY loves? Testing season. Yes, ‘testing season’ […]
The Pressure on Students and Teachers The scratch paper was ready, the pencils were sharp, and the iPads were distributed. It was ‘GO’ time. As a math student, Jenny usually did pretty well on her assignments. So why was her heart pounding as she faced this assessment? And what about the sweaty palms? She thought […]
Are you interested in how you can help promote curiosity, independence, and self-motivation in your child? Do you want your child to actually love to learn? We know that so many children these days are losing this innate love of learning. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Read these five books to help […]
