Mindfulness and Purpose in Early Childhood Education

I’ve often wondered how to teach my children a true sense of spirituality, a way to nurture their inherent spirit, and intrinsic desire to connect with what is good, healthy and ideal in this world?   I’ve heard it said that spirituality is something that develops over time, and that people view somebody who is spiritual as older, wise, stoically connected with nature, God and the universe.   But, when does that connection start?   Birth, puberty, after a life-altering event?   I think children are naturally spiritual, and as a parent I want to foster that inherent spirit into a reliable foundation from which my children can grow and develop.     Where can parents start teaching these grand lessons of life?   As an early childhood educator, I have a healthy respect for structured learning.   Children learn important lessons in school, as well as in formal child care.   Successful learning often happens within the comfort of everyday rou...

    In today's busy, multitasked households, getting the new online school work and homework done can be a challenge; however this time can be used to develop a child’s sense of responsibility, organization and feelings of independence.   It is never too early to teach children good study habits, and having a daily routine is the cornerstone of quality work practices.   Once a routine is created, your child can be supervised at a distance (depending on the age and ability) through the completion of their work.     WHAT PARENTS CAN DO Parents can, and should set the stage for children’s homework completion; however, they should not do it for them, no matter how much they want the child to succeed.   Children need to make mistakes, and have those mistakes corrected by their teacher.   Teachers need to be able to see what their students are capable of, and where more work needs to be done.   This is part of the process.   Parent s...