Open Discussion Forum

  • 1.  Resources for active physical learning for all

    Posted 05-15-2020 06:01 PM
    For those of us who currently have access to outdoor spaces, our children can run or at least jump in the open air. In planning for ways for children to move I appreciate the posts by Jorge Saenz De Viteri about attending to equity with a link to "10 Questions for Equity Advocates to Ask About Distance Learning," and the suggestion by Christine Heer, Director and co-owner of Grow Bloom & Thrive, for programs to spend as much time as possible outside. The Eastern Region Association of Forest and Nature Schools (ERAFANS) shares resources on their webpage: http://www.erafans.org/Teacher-Resources

    Rae Pica has always championed making early education one where children can move. See her Moving and Learning trainings at https://raepica.teachable.com, and a free webinar at https://home.edweb.net/webinar/jump-literacy-math-science-active-learning-preschool-children/

    For children who are developing their identities while away from their extended family, the Embrace Race resources have many discussions about identity--excellent resources for us all: https://www.embracerace.org/resources 

    The "Sensory Pathways/Sensory Hallways" thread on Hello has ideas for engaging children's senses and also on creating a temporary obstacle course for physical activity. Contributors in the "Outdoor Play in Winter" thread offer their experience for continuing chlldren's outdoor experiences into winter.

    A quick search for "indoor active play toddlers" brought up several blogs and sites with descriptions of active fun for times when children must be indoors. Some of the "Indoor Physical Activities for Toddlers," and the "49 fun physical activities to do with kids aged 2 to 4" can be used indoors. 
    I especially like the idea of the "find the timer" game!
    Best wishes,
    Peggy

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    Peggy Ashbrook
    Early childhood science teacher
    Alexandria, VA
    NSTA The Early Years columnist, Science and Children
    Early Years blogger, www.nsta.org/earlyyears
    Author: Science Learning in the Early Years, and
    Science Is Simple
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  • 2.  RE: Resources for active physical learning for all

    Posted 05-17-2020 09:53 AM
    Peggy:
    These are wonderful links!  I'll share them with teachers and use some of them for myself.  Thank you.

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    Aren Stone
    she/her/hers
    Child Development Specialist
    The Early Years Project
    Cambridge, MA
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