For Your Binder

In this brief update from Boston College, guest editor Peter Gray gives an overview of the articles appearing in the August 2011 issue of The American Journal of Play in which he had a few pieces. #play #teaching #learning #parenting

It's only the abstract to the study, but the message is still clear: fewer toys leads to increased focus and more creative play. #play #toys #teaching #learning #environment

Remember that one time, when Piaget noticed the kids getting the same questions wrong, but wrong in the same way? Well one time, a very clever workshop participant asked, What were the questions they got wrong? And I realized I had no idea. What a fantastic question! And while I never was able to locate an answer (maybe you did?) I did find this paper from 1911 which, while it didn't answer the participant's question, it made some good points! #teaching #learning #theorists

How children learn is just as important as what they learn! #play #learning #teaching #DAP

New research shows that teaching kids more and more, at ever younger ages, may backfire! #play #teaching #learning #pushdown

This document came on my radar while I was taking the Pop Up Adventure Play Playworker Development Course 

I quickly realized that it serves as a functional "how-to" manual for anyone who not only says they want to be play based, but is really ready to put their money where their mouth is and make it happen.  The document is from 2019 so I am not sure if the workshops and consulting piece they mention is still available, but it's a worthy read all the same.  I read it three times and am still gleaning insight.  #play #teaching #learning #environment 

Black students were the only race where both boys and girls were disproportionately disciplined across six disciplinary actions examined, which included corporal punishment, in- and out-of-school suspensions, expulsions and school-related arrests. #implicitbias #teaching #expulsion #equity

Present company excluded, it is often a surprise that characteristics such as persistence, self control and curiosity are more important than sheer brainpower when it comes to being "successful"  #play #resilience #DAP #teaching #learning 

Disclosure, depending on how often you access articles from the NYT, you might need to sign up for a subscription.

Whether PRO or CON - what is the intention behind your choice? Originally penned in 2006 but revised before posting here on the new website, you will find this to be a handy resource when considering the age old debate of using food in the classroom!  #play #teaching 

While I have moved beyond creating prop boxes, this article, while a little dated, provides a nice reminder as to the importance of dramatic play and, should the children instigate an exploration of some of the themes that are presented, might serve as a starting spot for some additional materials that might add to the exploration and play. #play #teaching #learning #DAP

It's only October, but already Nicky is exhibiting symptoms of student ennui. The other day, when his mother asked him the best thing about school, he said lunch. Most boring? Art history.  Sound typical?  Perhaps.  Except Nicky isn't a moody adolescent - Nicky is only 5.  #pushdown #DAP #play #teaching #learning

Is your child getting enough bacteria?  #play #outside #nature