Invitations to Play: A Misunderstood Concept An explanation of the phrase “invitation to play” Building off the concept of schemas is the idea of creating invitations to play. Simply put, an invitation to play is when an adult arranges toys…
Understanding Schema Play
Understanding Schema Play Schemas are patterns of repeated behavior that allow children to develop an understanding of the world around them through play and exploration. Schemas are mental models or processes that we create by trial and error through experiences….
100 Positive Things Parents are Experiencing Right Now
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…
Kids Need Risky Play
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…
Play Based Learning During School Closures
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”…
Learning at Home When School is Closed: 5 tips
5 Tips For Learning at Home When School is Closed Right now many parents are taking on the role of continuing their children’s learning at home when school is closed. Many public school districts are nowhere near ready to provide…
Opting Out of Standardized Testing
Opting Out of Standardized Testing 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…
How to Have Better Parent Teacher Conferences
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…
Testing Season is Coming!
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…
The Pressure to Achieve
The Pressure to Achieve 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…
Raise a Child Who Loves to Learn
5 Must Read Books To Raise a Child Who Loves to Learn 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…
Free to Learn by Peter Gray: A Book Review
Free to Learn by Peter Gray: A Book Review As a public school educator and a parent, I am constantly reading topics about education, inquiry, and play. I love public schools, but there is no secret that time for play…
