Do We Need Kid-Friendly Alternatives to Hangman in the Classroom?
Hangman is a much-loved game for kids of all ages that’s often seen on whiteboards in elementary school classrooms as an easy brain break activity, or as a game to play just before the kids head out for lunch. But, is it an appropriate game to be playing with young kids? Don’t get me wrong, […]
Teacher TED Talks You’ll Want to Watch!
TED Talks. Can’t get enough of them? You’re not alone! It can be hard being a teacher when you’re up against a whole lot of bad news about the state of education … especially at a time when you are trying to do everything you possibly can to ensure your students are happy and learning. […]
Using a Peace Table for Classroom Dispute Resolution
A significant part of any early childhood educator’s role is to facilitate and support children’s communication, and in particular, help with dispute resolution. One Montessori method which is gaining momentum in mainstream classrooms is called the Peace Table, and it’s no wonder that it’s taking off! While the term ‘dispute resolution’ usually applies to adults […]
Using a Peace Table for Classroom Dispute Resolution
A significant part of any early childhood educator’s role is to facilitate and support children’s communication, and in particular, help with dispute resolution. One Montessori method which is gaining momentum in mainstream classrooms is called the Peace Table, and it’s no wonder that it’s taking off! While the term ‘dispute resolution’ usually applies to adults […]
Teacher Appreciation Week | 20 Reasons Why Teachers Are Incredible
National Teacher Appreciation Week may just come around once a year, but let’s be honest: Teachers should be appreciated every day … and twice on Sundays! So while the PTO is busy planning that brunch, and the principals are scrambling to put in the flower order, we thought we’d remind you of just why you […]
Break the Teacher Burnout Cycle With These Simple Strategies
Is it really possible to reduce teacher workload? If you’re inclined to start shaking your head vigorously, we get it. Mandates are loaded on teachers’ shoulders at every turn, and no amount of wishing will make all that time you have to spend teaching to the test go away. But while we can’t cut your […]
Teacher Mental Health Tips You Can’t Afford to Ignore
The numbers are staggering — as much as 27 percent of teachers have considered leaving the field since the pandemic began. Even without social distancing, masks, and juggling synchronous and asynchronous learning, let’s face it: Teachers do a LOT! The combination of administrative, classroom, and co-curricular responsibilities in a teacher’s day-to-day life can really add […]
Inclusive Mother’s Day and Father’s Day Gifts From Kids: Teacher Ideas
Mother’s Day. Father’s Day. They’re holidays celebrated not just in the US but all around the world. But creating Mother’s Day gifts from kids in the classroom or Father’s Day presents from your students can get complicated when you consider all the different types of families. And shouldn’t you be considering all those different types […]
Empowering the child in 2020
‘Children leave the caregiver; the caregiver does not leave the child.’ Who would have thought that a global pandemic would lead to a world where social normality and early childhood practice was completely transformed? In early childhood, the ‘gate drop off’ quickly became one of the most significant socially normal practices emerging during COVID-19. The practice […]
Butterflies Activities For Kids That Are Perfect for Spring
Butterflies activities make spring magical for kids, and they’re pretty darn fun for teachers too! There’s something fascinating about the process a caterpillar goes through before it turns into a beautiful butterfly, one that young children just adore, and the process is chock-full of learning opportunities. So let’s dive right in, shall we? There are […]