Mindfulness and Purpose in Early Childhood Education

                                             Since 2013, this little blog has been my space to share ideas, reflections, and encouragement for those just starting out in early childhood education. My focus has always been on supporting new ECEs and students, and weaving mindfulness into the work we do with children. After more than a decade of writing, I feel like I’m all blogged out! While I won’t be posting new material here, the blog will remain available for you to read and revisit anytime. You’re welcome to keep exploring the posts, and you can also find more on my landing pages: Mindfulness in ECE and English for ECEs . I’m still very much involved in the field—I continue to teach ECE and English classes at my local college, and I also do consulting work. It’s been such a joy to connect through this blog, and I’m grateful for everyone who has read along over the y...

Inquiry-based learning is an approach to teaching and learning that places children's questions, ideas, and observations at the centre of the learning experience.  Educators play an active role throughout the process by establishing a culture where ideas are respectfully challenged, tested, redefined and viewed as improvable, moving children from a position of wondering to a position of enacted understanding and further questioning (Scardamalia, 2002).  The philosophy of the inquiry approach is that educators and children share responsibility for learning. Educators can start the inquiry process by asking the children ….. ·         What would happen if …    ·         What would help you to … ·         How does this help figure out how to… ·         How will you … ·       ...

A Modified Project Approach For Purposeful Summer Programming As educators, we can help our students find and explore their passions. Once they discover what they’re truly passionate about, the learning and engagement will never stop. The best way for children to explore their happiness passions is through Genius Hour. Genius Hour isn’t a new concept. Many educators use this method as a scaled down project approach to get children engaged and active in their own learning.  Summer, with the long days of unscheduled or relaxed programming, is a perfect time to try out creating a genius hour if it's your first time. And remember, you don't have to restrict yourself to just an hour a day, you're free to expand the time frame to a morning or afternoon.    TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL GENIUS HOUR 1. Let Students Explore Their Interests or 'Happiness Pursuits' ·         Give children enough time to explore and indulge the i...

3-2-1 READY FOR PLACEMENT – Set Up a Stellar Morning Routine 1.   CREATE A TO-DO LIST THE NIGHT BEFORE Not only will this allow you to clear your mind so you can sleep better, it will also keep you on track the next day: list activities you'll be creating or implementing, field trip plans, special gym or outdoor play, planning meetings etc.   2.   PLAN WHAT TO WEAR SO YOU TAKE WHAT YOU NEED Check the next day’s weather forecast so you take the right outerwear; sunscreen, hats, runners, boots, coats etc. Make it easy to choose your clothes, according to centre dress code by streamlining your wardrobe – take out and keep out (easily accessible) only the clothing you'll need over the placement. 3.   ORGANIZE YOUR BAG Organize the contents of your bag, or get a bigger one to accommodate placement materials: books, activities, lunch bag, looseparts, binder and all the other 'stuff' you'll need to take in everyday Pre-pack your bag and y...

1.     MAKE A LIST of all the children with the parent's name beside child.   We usually get to know the children’s names very quickly so it’s easier to associate the parent with the child.   Keep the list handy; on your sign in/out attendance so you can refer to it during drop-off and pick-up times when you can use the parents' names in greeting the most. 2.     SMILE at parents when they arrive, even if you are engaged in another activity, make eye contact and smile.   Always acknowledge each child when they arrive and greet both the drop off person and child.   You can draw the child and the parent into the program by telling them what they'll be doing during the day, for example, "Good morning, Jamal. Come and see our water table.   We're going to be racing boats today." 3.     SET ASIDE TIME, EVERY DAY to speak to a parent about something positive that has happened with their child.   ...