For Your Binder

Play and learning are deeply intertwined. Like yin and yang, play and learning are not only complementary, they are additive, the sum is always greater than their parts. #play #pushdown #DAP #learning 

Words Matter! In any profession, having shared definitions of industry speak assists in communication and understanding.  #playtherapy #teaching #learning

The author states that his guide on the visit said the den building was not an adult idea: it originated from children’s spontaneous activity. #dens #forts #play #outside #teaching 

For your enjoyment!  Here is a list of the first batch of fun facts we put up on the original website! #funfacts #posterity #musings

If you have not heard of him I encourage you to spend some time investigating his website for more resources, courses you can take, interviews, articles... #DAP #play #learning #teaching #relationships #care

The art of making a space for the playfulness and messiness of teaching requires courage and letting go! #learning #teaching #creativity #art

This pilot study of the Play Cycle Observation Method (PCOM) provides a method to record the process of play as outlined by Sturrock and Else (1998) in the aforementioned Colorado Paper.  #play #playwork

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

For your consideration, I offer a counter-comment to this article: How about instead of applying another adult-directed ACrYNoM we put back into early childhood programs the things the adults stole in the first place?  I'll offer time, choice, play and mixed ages to get the conversation started...  #mixedages #play #DAP #teaching #learning 

Most of this essay is about defining the characteristics of play, but before listing them, author Peter Gray offers three general points that are worth keeping in mind.  #play #teaching #learning 

From the opening, "art is an essential experience for children but it is one that is often hijacked by adults..."  YES YES YES! and, I'd add, not only hijacked, but then folded, spindled and mutilated into a craptivity that does nothing for a child's developing creativity! This one is essential for the #create section of your binder! #art #process #creativity

This is a fantastic resource for parents and teachers alike. This must-read includes recommendations about screen based tech in early childhood settings as well as a list of suggested readings. #DAP #play #screens #technology #teaching #learning #parenting