For Your Binder

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) believes that recess is a crucial component of a child's development and should not be withheld for punitive or academic reasons.  Of note: this position statement was reaffirmed by the AAP in 2016. #recess #DAP #play #teaching #learning #outside #movement

Another paper that reminds us that rhymers become readers! #teaching #learning #DAP #nurseryrhymes

This was the intro piece to a special edition of the Journal of Research in Childhood Education, 34:1, 2-5. Questions to ask regarding our own practice: Is it culturally appropriate? Is it contextually appropriate? And, is it child appropriate? This special edition invites educators to consider local cultures and contexts while designing experiences for young children.  What might work in classroom B might NOT work in classroom E! More rationale as to why we must continually reflect on our practice!!!  #teaching #DAP #diversity #learning #equity

We went from advocating safety first, to safety only. Read why what adults might call aggressive is a stepping stone to compassion.  #play #DAP #powerplaying 

Another opportunity to (re)consider what we mean by readiness.  #DAP #pushdown #play #teaching #learning

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

At the heart of this zero-sum game are assumptions that rigorous content requires work, while play is frivolous. #teaching #learning #DAP #play

If you work with the wee bairns this one is for you!  While the theory applies to all ages, if you are needing a few fresh ideas for the little ones, this handout will assist.  And while there are activities in the handout, please please please remember it's never ever about the activities; it is about the caring, the connecting, the relationships and attachment! If those ingredients are missing, it doesn't matter how pretty the room is or how much stuff you got! #handouts #care #relationships #DAP #teaching #theorists

Missed the workshop? Want to watch it again? Got a DVD player? Lisa has DVDs of all her workshops! #oldschool  

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

An excerpt from Peaceful Babies - Contented Mothers (1940) taken from the Sensory Awareness Foundation Winter Bulletin, Number 14, 1994. This link will bring you to the article, where you can also access the rest of the content on the Pikler (USA) website. #movement #learning #teaching #parenting #theorists #DAP

There is no evidence that pressuring children to read at five improves later reading ability - but there is much concern that is damaging. #DAP #learning #teaching #reading #expulsion #play

This is the one that started it all! This handout is not only full of art, science & sensory recipes and activity ideas, it's got the words to tell the wolves for you too!  You know, the folks who barge in and want to know what everyone is learning and what standard you are meeting!! #handouts #play #sensory #science #DAP #art #teaching

Need more ideas? Lisa has 3 other activity focused books! 

Missed the workshop? Want to watch it again? Got a DVD player? Lisa has DVDs of all her workshops! #oldschool