When I hear “data analysis” I immediately think of statistics and then I get the shakes and flashbacks. I had to take Statistics for Sociology majors when I was at University and it was simply the hardest class I ever took. I used all of my tried-and-true strategies for school success. I arrived early. I […]
It is always a good idea to set the stage for family involvement from the start of the year, establishing practices that will support a family centered program in everything you do. The key to doing this well is by creating a many-faceted system for communication that includes, but is not limited to: newsletters, phone calls, informal […]
I love all things “Pinterest.” It is such a brilliant idea, especially if you are visual. I am much more likely to understand something if I see it rather than read about it. I have gotten so much inspiration from Pinterest, from designs for a tiny library I want to build on my parkway to brilliant […]
While the big kids are at school, the Chicago Children’s Museum has all sorts of things scheduled for children ages 12 months to 4 years. There is daily programming, open play, water play, building and construction…. the list goes on. Check it out here. http://www.chicagochildrensmuseum.org/index.php/experience/toddler-takeover-f http://www.chicagochildrensmuseum.org/index.php/experience/toddler-takeover-f
Both of my boys have left for college and I am in a state of shock. Looking for ways to fill my heretofore parenting time, I decided to clean and tidy my house. I bought the book the life-changing magic of tidying up, by Marie Kondo as I thought this would be the motivation needed […]
In honor of Labor Day 2015, I thought a few childcare labor statistics would make a good post – as well as a good reminder that this work is a labor of passion and commitment National Employment (# of childcare workers) * 582, 970 Illinois Employment (# of childcare workers) * 14,340 National Mean Hourly […]
Well the Crayola Company does. Crayola has developed a marker recycling program that supports programs that are “going green.” The program was developed for K-12 programs, but I guarantee that they will take them from preschools as well. According to the website, simply gather your old, used markers and count them, pack them and send […]
There are few manipulatives out there that are as interesting and beautiful as a wooden set of Cuisenaire® Rods. Developed 75 years ago by Belgian teacher Georges Cuisenaire these “rods” come in beautiful colors in varying lengths. The units are color-coded which provides additional visual cues for children. If you look carefully at the above […]
When I think about they ways I would do things now, as opposed to 20 years ago when I was a teacher, I could kick my former self for not knowing more. It has taken years and years of observations and teaching about best practices to feel like I would have a handle on the […]
I know I am dating myself here, but back in the day, the really cool boys hung big, old fuzzy dice from their rear view mirror. You just knew that anyone who was cool enough to hang giant, pink or yellow fuzzy dice in their cars for everyone to see, must be someone really special. Fast […]