Open Discussion Forum

I have heard a great deal of focus being placed on literacy and with an emphasis being placed on reading to our children for a total of 30 minutes throughout the day. I agree that reading, comprehension, and opening up the mind of a child through books is a great start. But, I ask myself where should early childhood educators focus their time? 

We have all these busy, blank canvases running...walking around the classroom. Many of which, have anger built up inside of them, they are broken, or just need love and attention. I believe that children need a plethora of activities. I believe that we need to observe children and buy into what they are into and encourage them to learn through their (love of the moment). If we use their (love of the moment) we can engage in reading, writing, mathematics, and the three types of play experiences dramatic play, block play, and sensory play experiences. All while building a child's self-esteem. Where do you believe early childhood educators should focus their time?

------------------------------
Michelle Dean
United Way of Lake and Sumter Counties
Leesburg FL
------------------------------

I agree with you, Michelle.  I believe the focus for teachers should be building relationships, whether the kids are 6 weeks old or 6 years old.  Everything flows from solid, nurturing, trusting relationships.  Without that as the base, kids won't be ready to learn all of those important self-regulation, social, literacy, and numeracy skills.  Emergent curriculum can flow from that also.  Spend time on the floor with your kids.  As you point out, observing with them and being with them in the moment can open up other skill areas--writing stories together, making up songs, building, using sensory materials, etc.  I like how you frame this.

One small point for me--I don't see kids as 'blank canvasses'.  In some ways they are.  What we adults do has a huge (sometimes frighteningly huge) impact on them but they also come to us with personalities, temperaments, and lived experiences that mae them who they are.  Our job is to learn and respect that, as much as it is to influence it.

------------------------------
Aren Stone
Child Development Specialist
The Early Years Project
Cambridge, MA
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 01-03-2019 02:20 PM
From: Michelle Dean
Subject: Where should early childhood educators focus their time?

I have heard a great deal of focus being placed on literacy and with an emphasis being placed on reading to our children for a total of 30 minutes throughout the day. I agree that reading, comprehension, and opening up the mind of a child through books is a great start. But, I ask myself where should early childhood educators focus their time?

We have all these busy, blank canvases running...walking around the classroom. Many of which, have anger built up inside of them, they are broken, or just need love and attention. I believe that children need a plethora of activities. I believe that we need to observe children and buy into what they are into and encourage them to learn through their (love of the moment). If we use their (love of the moment) we can engage in reading, writing, mathematics, and the three types of play experiences dramatic play, block play, and sensory play experiences. All while building a child's self-esteem. Where do you believe early childhood educators should focus their time?

------------------------------
Michelle Dean
United Way of Lake and Sumter Counties
Leesburg FL
------------------------------

Aren, 

You make a lot of great points. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on the matter. I really like the point that you made about spending time on the floor with young learners. This is so important to invest in the lives of children. If we take time to listen and communicate with young children we can see what their canvas has been exposed too. We can also help them paint a more realistic picture of their life and circumstances. It is like the potter and the clay, we have the ability to help shape these young minds.

------------------------------
Michelle Dean
United Way of Lake and Sumter Counties
Leesburg FL
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 01-04-2019 08:26 AM
From: Aren Stone
Subject: Where should early childhood educators focus their time?

I agree with you, Michelle.  I believe the focus for teachers should be building relationships, whether the kids are 6 weeks old or 6 years old.  Everything flows from solid, nurturing, trusting relationships.  Without that as the base, kids won't be ready to learn all of those important self-regulation, social, literacy, and numeracy skills.  Emergent curriculum can flow from that also.  Spend time on the floor with your kids.  As you point out, observing with them and being with them in the moment can open up other skill areas--writing stories together, making up songs, building, using sensory materials, etc.  I like how you frame this.

One small point for me--I don't see kids as 'blank canvasses'.  In some ways they are.  What we adults do has a huge (sometimes frighteningly huge) impact on them but they also come to us with personalities, temperaments, and lived experiences that mae them who they are.  Our job is to learn and respect that, as much as it is to influence it.

------------------------------
Aren Stone
Child Development Specialist
The Early Years Project
Cambridge, MA

Original Message:
Sent: 01-03-2019 02:20 PM
From: Michelle Dean
Subject: Where should early childhood educators focus their time?

I have heard a great deal of focus being placed on literacy and with an emphasis being placed on reading to our children for a total of 30 minutes throughout the day. I agree that reading, comprehension, and opening up the mind of a child through books is a great start. But, I ask myself where should early childhood educators focus their time?

We have all these busy, blank canvases running...walking around the classroom. Many of which, have anger built up inside of them, they are broken, or just need love and attention. I believe that children need a plethora of activities. I believe that we need to observe children and buy into what they are into and encourage them to learn through their (love of the moment). If we use their (love of the moment) we can engage in reading, writing, mathematics, and the three types of play experiences dramatic play, block play, and sensory play experiences. All while building a child's self-esteem. Where do you believe early childhood educators should focus their time?

------------------------------
Michelle Dean
United Way of Lake and Sumter Counties
Leesburg FL
------------------------------

I have to amend my first response to include relationships also.  There is no learning without love, developed through strong, respectful, reciprocal relationships between the children and the adults in their lives.

------------------------------
Lisa Vorpahl
Chandler AZ
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 01-04-2019 08:26 AM
From: Aren Stone
Subject: Where should early childhood educators focus their time?

I agree with you, Michelle.  I believe the focus for teachers should be building relationships, whether the kids are 6 weeks old or 6 years old.  Everything flows from solid, nurturing, trusting relationships.  Without that as the base, kids won't be ready to learn all of those important self-regulation, social, literacy, and numeracy skills.  Emergent curriculum can flow from that also.  Spend time on the floor with your kids.  As you point out, observing with them and being with them in the moment can open up other skill areas--writing stories together, making up songs, building, using sensory materials, etc.  I like how you frame this.

One small point for me--I don't see kids as 'blank canvasses'.  In some ways they are.  What we adults do has a huge (sometimes frighteningly huge) impact on them but they also come to us with personalities, temperaments, and lived experiences that mae them who they are.  Our job is to learn and respect that, as much as it is to influence it.

------------------------------
Aren Stone
Child Development Specialist
The Early Years Project
Cambridge, MA

Original Message:
Sent: 01-03-2019 02:20 PM
From: Michelle Dean
Subject: Where should early childhood educators focus their time?

I have heard a great deal of focus being placed on literacy and with an emphasis being placed on reading to our children for a total of 30 minutes throughout the day. I agree that reading, comprehension, and opening up the mind of a child through books is a great start. But, I ask myself where should early childhood educators focus their time?

We have all these busy, blank canvases running...walking around the classroom. Many of which, have anger built up inside of them, they are broken, or just need love and attention. I believe that children need a plethora of activities. I believe that we need to observe children and buy into what they are into and encourage them to learn through their (love of the moment). If we use their (love of the moment) we can engage in reading, writing, mathematics, and the three types of play experiences dramatic play, block play, and sensory play experiences. All while building a child's self-esteem. Where do you believe early childhood educators should focus their time?

------------------------------
Michelle Dean
United Way of Lake and Sumter Counties
Leesburg FL
------------------------------

I agree with what you are saying. Reciprocal relationships between children and adults are so important in the early classroom setting and beyond. Children learn more actively and engaged when they feel that they are loved, respected, and cared for.

------------------------------
Michelle Dean
United Way of Lake and Sumter Counties
Leesburg FL
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 01-05-2019 10:26 AM
From: Lisa Vorpahl
Subject: Where should early childhood educators focus their time?

I have to amend my first response to include relationships also.  There is no learning without love, developed through strong, respectful, reciprocal relationships between the children and the adults in their lives.

------------------------------
Lisa Vorpahl
Chandler AZ

Original Message:
Sent: 01-04-2019 08:26 AM
From: Aren Stone
Subject: Where should early childhood educators focus their time?

I agree with you, Michelle.  I believe the focus for teachers should be building relationships, whether the kids are 6 weeks old or 6 years old.  Everything flows from solid, nurturing, trusting relationships.  Without that as the base, kids won't be ready to learn all of those important self-regulation, social, literacy, and numeracy skills.  Emergent curriculum can flow from that also.  Spend time on the floor with your kids.  As you point out, observing with them and being with them in the moment can open up other skill areas--writing stories together, making up songs, building, using sensory materials, etc.  I like how you frame this.

One small point for me--I don't see kids as 'blank canvasses'.  In some ways they are.  What we adults do has a huge (sometimes frighteningly huge) impact on them but they also come to us with personalities, temperaments, and lived experiences that mae them who they are.  Our job is to learn and respect that, as much as it is to influence it.

------------------------------
Aren Stone
Child Development Specialist
The Early Years Project
Cambridge, MA

Original Message:
Sent: 01-03-2019 02:20 PM
From: Michelle Dean
Subject: Where should early childhood educators focus their time?

I have heard a great deal of focus being placed on literacy and with an emphasis being placed on reading to our children for a total of 30 minutes throughout the day. I agree that reading, comprehension, and opening up the mind of a child through books is a great start. But, I ask myself where should early childhood educators focus their time?

We have all these busy, blank canvases running...walking around the classroom. Many of which, have anger built up inside of them, they are broken, or just need love and attention. I believe that children need a plethora of activities. I believe that we need to observe children and buy into what they are into and encourage them to learn through their (love of the moment). If we use their (love of the moment) we can engage in reading, writing, mathematics, and the three types of play experiences dramatic play, block play, and sensory play experiences. All while building a child's self-esteem. Where do you believe early childhood educators should focus their time?

------------------------------
Michelle Dean
United Way of Lake and Sumter Counties
Leesburg FL
------------------------------

We should focus on introducing well rounded, developmentally appropriate activities that introduce concepts in a play based, hands on manner.  The biggest focus and a true indicator of future academic success is a social emotional development.  Teaching children self-control versus controlling children, validating their emotions, providing children guidance in handling frustrating situations in a safe and appropriate manner.  Avoid focusing on what adults view as bullying or aggressive behavior, but recognize that what they are truly expressing is frustration as they learn to manage strong emotions they do not totally understand.  Children will lash out when frustrated but typically it is not due to a wish to cause physical harm but a lack of skills in handling situations where they feel a lack of control.  Skills such as problem solving and conflict resolution cannot develop without an early childhood environment that allows for support and guidance in developing these skills. 
This is just a brief description on how we can set a strong foundation for children to be prepared for a successful academic future.

------------------------------
L Vorpahl
Chandler AZ
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 01-03-2019 02:20 PM
From: Michelle Dean
Subject: Where should early childhood educators focus their time?

I have heard a great deal of focus being placed on literacy and with an emphasis being placed on reading to our children for a total of 30 minutes throughout the day. I agree that reading, comprehension, and opening up the mind of a child through books is a great start. But, I ask myself where should early childhood educators focus their time?

We have all these busy, blank canvases running...walking around the classroom. Many of which, have anger built up inside of them, they are broken, or just need love and attention. I believe that children need a plethora of activities. I believe that we need to observe children and buy into what they are into and encourage them to learn through their (love of the moment). If we use their (love of the moment) we can engage in reading, writing, mathematics, and the three types of play experiences dramatic play, block play, and sensory play experiences. All while building a child's self-esteem. Where do you believe early childhood educators should focus their time?

------------------------------
Michelle Dean
United Way of Lake and Sumter Counties
Leesburg FL
------------------------------

Lisa, you are so right. Young learners need the proper tools to handle situations. I teacher children about the solution center. They have different ways to handle different situations. It is placed in two areas of the classroom on a child's level. The children who are having the problem go to the solution center to work out the conflict. If one of the children in the conflict does not want to go to the solution center. It is Velcro-ed to the shelf for ease of movement. I have seen this work so well over the past year. The teacher becomes an observer once the children take charge of the problem-solving process.

------------------------------
Michelle Dean
United Way of Lake and Sumter Counties
Leesburg FL
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 01-04-2019 10:15 AM
From: Lisa Vorpahl
Subject: Where should early childhood educators focus their time?

We should focus on introducing well rounded, developmentally appropriate activities that introduce concepts in a play based, hands on manner.  The biggest focus and a true indicator of future academic success is a social emotional development.  Teaching children self-control versus controlling children, validating their emotions, providing children guidance in handling frustrating situations in a safe and appropriate manner.  Avoid focusing on what adults view as bullying or aggressive behavior, but recognize that what they are truly expressing is frustration as they learn to manage strong emotions they do not totally understand.  Children will lash out when frustrated but typically it is not due to a wish to cause physical harm but a lack of skills in handling situations where they feel a lack of control.  Skills such as problem solving and conflict resolution cannot develop without an early childhood environment that allows for support and guidance in developing these skills.
This is just a brief description on how we can set a strong foundation for children to be prepared for a successful academic future.

------------------------------
L Vorpahl
Chandler AZ

Original Message:
Sent: 01-03-2019 02:20 PM
From: Michelle Dean
Subject: Where should early childhood educators focus their time?

I have heard a great deal of focus being placed on literacy and with an emphasis being placed on reading to our children for a total of 30 minutes throughout the day. I agree that reading, comprehension, and opening up the mind of a child through books is a great start. But, I ask myself where should early childhood educators focus their time?

We have all these busy, blank canvases running...walking around the classroom. Many of which, have anger built up inside of them, they are broken, or just need love and attention. I believe that children need a plethora of activities. I believe that we need to observe children and buy into what they are into and encourage them to learn through their (love of the moment). If we use their (love of the moment) we can engage in reading, writing, mathematics, and the three types of play experiences dramatic play, block play, and sensory play experiences. All while building a child's self-esteem. Where do you believe early childhood educators should focus their time?

------------------------------
Michelle Dean
United Way of Lake and Sumter Counties
Leesburg FL
------------------------------

A play-based curriculum which develops children's self regulatory behavioral and intellectual skills is a developmentally appropriate basis for an early childhood curriculum. I believe that the appropriate literacy skill focus is to develop the language skills of the child by giving the child the vocabulary for what the child is doing, looking at, hearing, smelling, touching and feeling. Teachers who say-what-you-see or narrate the environment or take conversational turns when interacting with a child are delivering such a focus. Reading to children is important but counts as a second to real experience. Reading about elephants to children who have never seen an elephant might convey the idea that an elephant is 8" tall, flat and possibly gray or brown as in the book's picture. Children need the words for their immediate environment first; then they can expand to worlds beyond. Reading comprehension skills tested from 3rd grade through high school have remained low. This is because brain cells for acquiring language are more plentiful from birth to age 3 than at any other time in a child's life. After that is becomes use it or lose it.  Early childhood educators play an essential role, along with parents, in a child's life-long vocabulary and reading comprehension.

------------------------------
Tammy Steele
consultant
consultant
Chicago IL
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 01-03-2019 02:20 PM
From: Michelle Dean
Subject: Where should early childhood educators focus their time?

I have heard a great deal of focus being placed on literacy and with an emphasis being placed on reading to our children for a total of 30 minutes throughout the day. I agree that reading, comprehension, and opening up the mind of a child through books is a great start. But, I ask myself where should early childhood educators focus their time?

We have all these busy, blank canvases running...walking around the classroom. Many of which, have anger built up inside of them, they are broken, or just need love and attention. I believe that children need a plethora of activities. I believe that we need to observe children and buy into what they are into and encourage them to learn through their (love of the moment). If we use their (love of the moment) we can engage in reading, writing, mathematics, and the three types of play experiences dramatic play, block play, and sensory play experiences. All while building a child's self-esteem. Where do you believe early childhood educators should focus their time?

------------------------------
Michelle Dean
United Way of Lake and Sumter Counties
Leesburg FL
------------------------------