For Your Binder

The ambiguous, variable, and paradoxical nature of the play concept is so widely accepted, that most play theorists consider the search for a universal definition to be pure folly. #play #theorists 

Note: while no date is provided in the article, I originally read it in 2015 if that provides any context.

Child development researchers are asking whether the COVID pandemic is shaping brains and behavior. #teaching #learning 

Our feet were healthier before we started wearing shoes!  #play #risk #outside #movement

This article initially caught my eye because it contains one of my favorite words, but used it in a sentence with a phrase that gave me pause; self control? I used up two pens and a few highlighters keeping track of my reactions and comments to this one. Spoiler alert: verbiage verbiage verbiage! definitions definitions definitions!  It's rather dated, so take some of it with a few extra grains of salt. Also, is Eleanor Duckworth on your radar???   #play #DAP #teaching #learning

Policymakers persist in ignoring the huge discrepancy between what we know about how young children learn and what we actually do in preschools and kindergartens. #play #pushdown #teaching #learning #DAP

This is a fantastic SPOT ON 7 minute Ted Talk video with Balanced and Barefoot author, Angela Hanscom, that concisely sums up WHY children need to move and HOW to go about making sure they do! But don't just watch it and agree with it, DO IT! #play #outside #movement #recess #risk #resilience #teaching #learning #nature

You don't solve oil spills with multiple choice answers! The future favors the flexible! #play #resilience #teaching #learning #creativity

Disclosure: Depending on how often you find yourself on The Atlantic you might (or might not) need to start a free subscription to access this one. 

The first days of preschool can be stressful for everyone. In this short but helpful article, Lillian Katz offers a few ideas that might assist both parents and teachers.  #environment #learning #teaching #relationships #care 

Spoiler alert - nature based preschool is a positive thing! What we need now are researchers who can test this hypothesis in ways that look beyond test scores! #play #outside #teaching #learning #forestschools #nature

Autonomy is defined as a form of voluntary action (read: choice), stemming from a person’s interest and with no external pressure. When teachers support autonomy, students improve their academic performance, are more creative, better adjusted & feel less stress. But what about at home? Does parental support of autonomy influence the development of executive function and self-regulation skills?  #DAP #parenting #learning #teaching

This page is another rabbit hole of goodness, but I specifically linked you here to the info about neuromyth 3, aka: the learning styles because while I believe ECE to some degree has been influenced by all of the myths (myself included) I tend to still see and hear this one the most.  #teaching #learning

Contrary to what your poopy face co-worker might believe, being child centered does NOT mean kids are running around naked with paint flying through the air!  This is the handout that goes with the workshop that goes with the book of the same title! #handouts #play #DAP #teaching 

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