Numeracy means different things to different people. For some, numeracy is the foundation of mathematics; the basic skills required to do more advanced mathematics. For others, numeracy is a term used to describe the mathematical skills required to complete job requirements or to be a mathematically “literate” person. In the field of early childhood education, […]
A friend of mine posted this article on Facebook recently. I started reading the list from the viewpoint of a “college” teacher in terms of “Does this list apply to my classroom and is it applicable to adult learning?” I think the list applies to learning environments at every level? What do you think? Do […]
This coming Thursday, January 22nd, I am speaking with my friend and fellow yoga teacher, Nicole Gage at the Chicago Opening Minds Conference. Our session is from 9:00-10:30AM and is focused on bringing yoga into your practice as a teacher of young children. We have a really fun and lively session planned, so if you […]
This past week was crazy in Chicago. It was so cold that the public schools closed for two days. I know that there are places all over the country (in Wyoming and Minnesota, for example) who laugh at our vulnerabilities to below freezing temperatures, but I for one was super cold. Tuesday the high was […]
I bet every single teacher will be inspired by these library spaces from around the world. Which ones speak to you?
Visitors to the Victoria and Albert Museum of Childhood can see one of the greatest collections of doll houses in the world. The houses range from Victorian mansions to modern-day apartment complexes; each unique and representative of a different era in history. Some of the dollhouses seemed far too delicate for play. Some were very complicated. […]
Is there anything more satisfying and wonderful than building a snow person? When I was little we always called them “snowmen” but I think it is more fun to consider women and children made of snow as well. In order to build a really great snow person outside, you need that big, fat, wet snow […]
“Carpe Diem” is a Latin term that means “seize the day”. Teachers seize the day, moment by moment. A “teachable moment” is an unplanned opportunity that arises during the day that affords a teacher an opportunity to offer his/her insight or support to children as they explore the world. Teachers and parents identify “teachable moments” […]
Next week, we say goodbye to our dear old Governor Quinn and usher in a new Governor by the name of Rauner (in case you hadn’t heard). I think things may get interesting in the State of Illinois. However, this new Governor has a reputation for caring deeply about young children and education, so I […]
Last week I visited the Victoria and Albert Museum of Childhood in London, England. We were on vacation visiting my family in Jolly Olde England and I made it a point to get over to this museum since I knew it would provide inspiration for this blog and it would fill my heart with images […]