Category Archives: Early Childhood

One of the most underused strategies in an early childhood classroom is also one of the most beneficial to both teachers and children. But, we often don’t even think of breaking up the large group into smaller, subsets of children during the course of the day. “Small Groups” gives new meaning to “Less is More”. Continue reading →

We have all been to those meetings where someone wants you to produce over 100 percent. Here’s a little math that might prove helpful in the future. Continue reading →

I am a huge proponent of the primary caregiver system – because it works!
It works for children; it works for parents; it works for teachers; and it works for directors. It is the glue that holds teachers responsible and accountable for providing consistent, appropriate care and learning experiences for each child. Continue reading →

On this eve of the New Year, I tend to reflect on all of the things that really mattered this past year. In my work with you – as consultant, coach, mentor, and teacher – what got my passions fueled? Who inspired me each day? What motivated me? Where did I find the answers? How did I ask the questions? Most importantly, did I make a positive difference?

On this eve of the New Year I have, for you, two gifts. Continue reading →

From my vantage point as teacher, then director, and now consultant to many many early childhood programs, I often wonder why we celebrate holidays in our programs with very young children. Continue reading →

A new day! A new start! A new school year! As the Director of an Early Childhood program, I’ve always loved beginnings. They’ve given me the opportunity to start over again every single year – to set the tone, to set the expectations, to set the goals, and to set the roadmap. Continue reading →

This month of August, as we begin the designing, the planning, and the purchasing for our classrooms, I ask you to think about a “different perspective.” Will you make the shift in your head from what you are doing to what the children are receiving? It’s a subtle shift, but it is transformational! Will you become the child and walk in his shoes?
Will you let go of some of your “comfortable” habits and routine ways of planning activities for the children; designing space for the children; creating routines and schedules for the children? Will you try something a bit different?
Will you look through a new lens as you begin this school year? Will you focus your energy first on the children, and their individual and collective experiences with you? And then, on your planning, designing, and implementing phases?
I believe that if we can use all of our senses, as our children do, we can more fully understand their experiences in our classrooms. And, in the process, together create an extraordinary child-focused, child-centered program. Continue reading →

Planting this particular garden of “p”s, “squash,” “let us,” and “turn up” might just be the thing to do as you reflect on the coming school year. Enjoy! Continue reading →