ECE Solutionary Membership Resources for Month 22
This month, I've hand-picked solutions from the categories of the inclusion, quality indicators, the power of play, the real common core, and professional development. Each solution is provided to help you go deeper into the "how" behind helping children thrive in school and in life.
Instead of an at-a-glance handout this month, check out this members only resource in your library...it's all about tiered and differentiated instruction in blended programs.
As always, each solution includes a brief description and hyperlink to a PDF, YouTube video, blog post, podcast, and/or website. For those who end up feeling like the solution was TL;DR (too long; didn't read), I provide an at-a-glance tip you can put into action immediately. Each tip is signified by a purple hashtag (#prektip).
The Real Common Core, Quality Indicators, and The Power of Play Solutions
This blog reflects on the Montessori principle of spiritual development, not in the sense of religion or theology, but in the natural, peaceful, wonderfilled state of children. It reminds us to encourage and respect our children’s curiosity and wonder, no matter where (or how long) it takes them.
#prektip: Adults complain of their burdens and schedules, but pass their busy mentality on to our children. (click to tweet!)
This article provides current pediatric research revealing the importance of play. It discusses categories of play, the effects of play on brain function, the overall benefits for adults and children, implications for education, and the barrier to modern-day play. - written by the Committee on Psychosocial Aspects of Child and Family Health
#prektip: Play is fundamental in the development of a prosocial brain, able to interact effectively with others. (click to tweet!)
Adapted from The Yes Brain, this handout helps families and educators find creative brain time activities at home. Check it out to learn ways to implement play time, focus time, and more! - created by Barbara Avila and me
#prektip: Small additions to your daily routine can help kids grow their brains through play, down-time, and even bedtime. (click to tweet!)
Inclusion Solutions
This case study video walks you through the case of a child, Kendall. It teaches how to use tiered instruction strategies to build on a child’s skills and abilities following authentic assessment. - created by me
Want even more? Download the PowerPoint slides, completed intentional instructional sequence (IIS), and an easy-to-read handout of Kendall’s tiered instruction plan.
#prektip: Every child is a triangle with 3 requirements for instruction - common outcomes, targeted outcomes, and individualized outcomes. (click to tweet!)
This podcast tackles the hard task of convincing others of the importance of inclusion. We all have worked with staff members who don’t believe in our vision - so what do we do? - created by Julie Causton
#prektip: Research shows that when students are educated together with thoughtful, inclusive service provision all students do better. (click to tweet!)
In this blog a dad writes about his daughter’s question: why do kids with disabilities never come play on the playground? It’s about more than just “accessible” playgrounds - it’s about support. - written by Andrew Goff
#prektip: Educate yourself and others on all that inclusion entails. (click to tweet!)
Professional Development Solutions
This blog encourages us to address both the internal and external problems that exist in our classroom. It challenges us to “witness the garden”, “pull the weeds”, and “grow the flowers” in the garden of our classroom. - written by Laura Fish
#prektip: By activating the practice of taking in the good, you begin to create a more balanced brain. (click to tweet!)
This blog explains 9 new ways to do professional development inspired by schools who do it well. From “unconferences” to peer observation, PD is getting the makeover it needs! - written by Jennifer Gonzalez
#prektip: Professional development shouldn’t feel irrelevant - it should feel innovative. (click to tweet!)
