by Angel Avery-Wright
Dramatic play areas are often very popular with children. Children can dress up, cook dinner, take care of a baby, serve food at a restaurant, or take the cat to the vet. Materials that enhance dramatic play are plentiful. Dolls, plastic food and dishes, appliances such as a refrigerator and stove, tables and chairs, and many more items fit in the dramatic play area.
By Lisa Mulliken
Look around any infant or toddler classroom, and you will usually see a variety of equipment used to “contain” infants in sitting, standing, or back-lying positions. Containment equipment includes any device that restricts children’s movement in specific areas or situations. This can include a variety of items such as baby seats, exersaucers, supportive pillow devices, and swings. In childcare settings, containment equipment is often used to keep infants safe while teachers attend to other children or tasks or to separate infants from more mobile toddlers in mixed-age groups.
By Leah Zabari (assisted with ChatGPT)
Teaching conflict resolution to toddlers involves a mix of direct instruction and modeling behavior. Here are some strategies that can help:
Lisa Mulliken
At the start of each workday, the first thing I do is refer to the “to-do” list that sits on my desk. The list gives me a visual picture of what I need to accomplish each day and crossing things off the list gives me a feeling of accomplishment. I recently had to get my driver’s license renewed. As I entered, I took a number, sat down, and watched the screen telling me which number they were currently helping, and which number was up next. I hate waiting so having a countdown of sorts helped me wait and know that I would be helped soon and able to get on with my day. As I drove home, I followed the visual traffic signals that let me know when to stop and go and where to turn. When I’m at the gym, I refer to my watch to see how much longer I need to exercise to meet my goal. All these things are examples of visual supports. Visual supports are pictures, images, or signs that communicate expectations or information.
Angel Avery-Wright
How often do you hear yourself saying, “Stop throwing the blocks” or ‘That’s not how we play with blocks” or “Throwing blocks at your friends will hurt them?” Is this something you say once in a while, or do you find yourself saying it frequently? Do you find yourself sitting in the block area to supervise most of the time? Do you “close” the block center due to unsafe behaviors?
Beth Simon with assistance from ChatGPT
August 9th marks a special day that bookworms eagerly anticipate – Book Lovers Day! As early childhood educators, we understand the profound impact that books can have on young children’s development and learning. From sparking imagination and curiosity to fostering language and literacy skills, books hold the power to transform young minds and hearts. Let’s celebrate the wonders of reading and explore ways to cultivate a love of books in the hearts of children in our classrooms.
Angel L. Avery-Wright
Having children move throughout the day promotes cognitive learning and physical health while reducing behavioral issues.
Moving helps children focus better. “When you move, you stimulate all the nerve cells that we use to think with, and when you stimulate those nerve cells, it gets them ready to do stuff,” said Dr. John Ratey, an expert in neuropsychiatry. When those nerve cells are stimulated, they enable children to stay focused and retain more information.
Beth Simon with assistance from chatGPT
Amelia Earhart, an aviation pioneer and trailblazing adventurer, continues to inspire generations with her courage, determination, and passion for exploration. As early childhood educators, we believe in nurturing children’s curiosity and encouraging them to dream big, just like Amelia did. On July 24, 2024, we celebrate Amelia Earhart’s birthday, commemorating her remarkable achievements and sharing her spirit of adventure with the children in our care. Join us as we embark on an exciting journey to honor this fearless aviator and inspire the next generation of adventurers.
The third editions of the Environment Rating Scales, like the first and second editions, cover a broad range of development including language, cognitive, social-emotional, and physical development as well as addressing children’s health and safety.
Erin DelRegno Evans
“Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood.” Fred Rogers
Who doesn’t remember playing when they were young? Coming up with your own games, playing outside almost every day whether sunny, snowy, or rainy. We were free to explore, try new things, make our own decisions, and it wasn’t directed by our parents. Sadly, children don’t have as much freedom to play as we once did.