For Your Binder
The Tennessee Pre-K Debate: Spinach Vs. Easter Grass
Another great article from when the preliminary Vanderbilt Study data was released (2015). The quote that caught everyone'e eye: "It's like saying spinach is really good for you," Farran says, "but we can't afford spinach. But here, I've got this Easter grass. Maybe that will be just as good."
Ouch. #DAP #play #learning #teaching #Vanderbilt #Tennessee
The Case for Elementary School Recess
Even juries get recess!!!!! #recess #movement #play #DAP #outside #teaching #learning
On Becoming a Reflective Teacher
Your values will inform your practice. Read this, then read it again. #teaching #learning
Understanding and Applying the Intelligence of Play
Nurture the soil, and the seed grows fully with little attention. Neglect the soil, and the seed’s development is compromised at every step. #play #DAP #teaching #learning #parenting
Behind the findings of the Tennessee pre-K study that found negative effects for graduates
After I read this one I wrote on the top of the page, first do no harm. We KNOW that #play is what needs to be happening. Why do we (not present company "we" but I think you know what I mean!) insist on trying to get different results???? We (the same "we") must stop dismissing data because we don't like the results! #DAP #teaching #learning #Vanderbilt #Tennessee
On the Importance of Fairy Tales: Should we continue to read these frightening stories to our children?
This remains my go-to rationale as to why my forever answer to this ongoing question will be a resounding and unyielding, YES. #fairytales #stories #reading #books
What can't be a toy?
Is a toy ever not a toy? What makes something a toy? Once a toy, can it lose it's "toy" status? #play #toys
The Underestimation of America's Preschool Teachers
It's hard for some to think that working with littles is just as complex as working with olders because historically we have implied that anyone can do it. #teaching #learning #care #relationships
How Gender Disparities Affect Classroom Learning
If this is a new area of investigation for you, this is a good starting spot! #gender #teaching #learning #equity
The Benefits of Mixed-Age Grouping
A nice overview of Lilian Katz' book, The Case for Mixed-Age Grouping in Early Education, 1990, if you have not yet read it! #DAP #learning #teaching #mixedages
We Are Gunslinging Girls: Gender and Place in Playground Clapping Games
I think it's fair to say that singing and hand clapping games play a relevant role in a child's life both culturally and developmentally. In this paper, the authors defend the idea that clapping games play a big part of girlhood in Catalonia (Spain). #recess #play #songs #DAP #playground
Mirrors and Windows and Sliding Glass Doors
Books are sometimes windows to new worlds; real, imagined or strange. Sometimes books are sliding glass doors we walk through so we can join that world in our imagination. Books can also be mirrors; reflections of our own lives and experiences. This classic article reminds readers of the importance of offering books that provide all three. All of our children suffer when stories only mirror the dominant social group. This article might perhaps a much needed conversation about the contents of your book center! When I first read it I ended up launching myself down a very interesting rabbit hole and spent a fine afternoon reading articles that, albeit very dated, are probably still timely regarding the all white world of children's books. #reading #books #stories #teaching #learning #equity #inclusion #diversity #DAP #language #literacy
