For Your Binder

Creative thinking is critical for progress and for survival. How is it fostered?  #art #creativity #play #teaching #resilience #DAP

This article sheds light on the potential negative effects of adult actions that may interrupt children's play. #play #teaching #parenting

Short of cocooning our darlings in bubble wrap, nothing’s going to keep them completely safe. #play #outside #risk #movement #parenting #teaching #playgrounds

When it feels like common sense and everyone should just "know it" (but they don't) it can be affirming to read about why it feels that way.  Bottom-up behaviors are instinctual and unintentional. Top-down ones are deliberate and intentional. There is a difference. And how we approach them needs to be differentiated as well! #teaching #learning #relationships #specialed #expulsion #environment

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 

I watched the film Nursery University back in 2011. It highlights a few NYC families and their stressful attempts to frantically get their children into the “right” preschool/nursery school. Here is a link to the trailer.  My reaction comments are here as well.  #pushdown #parenting #play #teaching #learning

There are 10 play-focused articles in this 65 page document.  I'd suggest exploring one article at a time... maybe for an ECE discussion group or perhaps a college class or monthly staff meeting?!? #play #DAP #teaching #learning

We need to re-affirm our commitment to children's play.  Failing to act on these recommendations will allow this generation to become the most sedentary in our nation's history, consequently possibly having a shorter life expectancy than that of their parents. #play #pushdown #movement #recess #risk #outside 

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 

This is a valuable collaborative resource created by The National Playing Fields Association, PLAYLINK, The Children's Play Council, Play Wales, Play Scotland, Sutcliffe Play & Playboard Northern Ireland.  At it's core is a shared belief that children need to play and as such, need environments that are suitable for them to do so.  #play #playwork #learning #teaching #outside

Patience is rarely necessary when one is understanding. #teaching #learning #care #relationships

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