Mindfulness and Purpose in Early Childhood Education

  Books and Bricks: How a School Rebuilt the Community By Sindiwe Magona Salmina Arenda's school was a scary place. The fence had holes, the walls needed paint, and the yard was full of weeds and rubbish. But things started to look up when the school received new computers. Then disaster struck the school! Now parents, teachers, and students alike must rally together to revive their school and community. I loved this book for children. It's wonderful to read out loud. It's informative and includes a little bit of mystery that keeps the reader engaged. As the story unfolds it's heartwarming to see the transformation of the main characters from hopeless to hopeful about what a thriving school can do for the community. Salmina is a very realistic and endearing lead character that children can relate to.   I give this book a 5 star rating because it's appealing, informative, and easy to read to schoolagers. It may take place across the world, but the emotions it...

  4 Intrinsic Differences Between A Conversation And Talking To Young Children THE DIFFERENCE between “talking to” and “talking at” the child. “Talking to” is being part of the conversation (the back and forth). 'Talking at” is dictating the conversation (very one sided) “Conversing with young children requires mutual engagement and active listening by both parties involved.” CONVERSATIONS need to be at the child's developmental stage.   TALKING is the physical ability to say words, phrases and construct sentences. Conversing requires the ability to talk with the cognitive ability and nuances of exchanging ideas. CONVERSATION is a state where two people exchange ideas, feelings and thoughts. It is the rise, ebb and flow between individuals.   It is an inclusive feeling for everyone involved. When we converse with young children we enter their world. We gain their attention and trust.   We experience their wonder, enthrallment and excitement of their wor...