ECE Solutionary Membership Resources for Month 25
This month, I've hand-picked solutions from the categories of the self -regulation, quality indicators, the real common core, inclusion, and authentic assessment. Each solution is provided to help you go deeper into the "how" behind helping children thrive in school and in life.
Click here for your at-a-glance of this month's #Pre-K Tips
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).
Self-Regulation Solutions
This blog post describes 12 resources for resilience and meeting our basic needs of safety, satisfaction, and connection. These resources can help us better conquer challenges in our life, but we first have to learn how to grow them and how to use them. - written by Rick Hanson and Forrest Hanson
#prektip: In traveling the road of life, we must fill our neural “backpack” with psychological supplies for our journey - compassion, mindfulness, etc. (click to tweet!)
This webpage provides resources to learn more about executive function and self-regulation. From Executive Function 101 to Building Executive Function Skills, this page is packed full of helpful info for increased knowledge of executive functioning. - created by Harvard University’s Center on the Developing Child
#prektip: Executive function and self-regulation skills are highly integrated and it is our responsibility to understand them and help kids grow them. (click to tweet!)
The Real Common Core Solutions
This blog post offers ways to foster friendships ALL DAY LONG, by telling and showing our kids why friendship is important. From school to home, there are so many ways we can tell and show our kids about friendship (books, stories, etc.). Making sure they understand the importance of friendship will help them socially and academically. - written by me
#prektip: We can help foster friendship through intentional decision making to tell and show our kids the importance of friends. (click to tweet!)
These articles cover a range of topics related to social-emotional skills. These are skills we know are crucial, but what exactly are they and how can we teach them at school? Check out these articles to extend your learning! - created by Educational Leadership Magazine
#prektip: Social-emotional learning is crucial now, in a time where conflict resolution and collaboration is at a low. By teaching our kids, we can grow a stronger, smarter generation. (click to tweet!)
Quality Indicator Solutions
Podcast 30: How to select and implement the “best” curriculum for inclusive Pre-K classrooms
In this podcast we’ll discuss how to select high-quality curriculum frameworks. Curriculum frameworks should go beyond a boxed, one-size-fits-all delivery system to truly ensure all children can thrive. - created by me
Want even more? Check out these downloads that go along with the podcast: Selecting a Quality Curriculum Framework and the Curriculum Framework Rating Rubric.
#prektip: Curriculum frameworks help us know what, when, where, and how to teach children with varying abilities. (click to tweet!)
This article explains the effect technology has on children - socially, emotionally, and cognitively - and how it impacts language and reading, creativity, and math and learning. It also discusses how to properly utilize technology in the classroom to maximize benefits. - written by Doug H. Clements and Julie Sarama
#prektip: Computer work can allow for unique forms of collaboration and increase social interaction. (click to tweet!)
Authentic Assessment and Inclusion Solutions
This video is a great example of how play, instruction, and assessment can be synonyms. An assessor uses a natural play opportunity with loose parts to complete the AEPS math skills assessment. - created by me
#prektip: By being responsive to children’s natural, playful instincts we can truly assess what they are capable of. (click to tweet!)
In this podcast Barbara Avila interviews Pam Smith on what to do with a “bad” kid. Pam brings a specific case of an 11-year-old child with autism who was labeled as “bad.” They discuss how to shift mindsets from “this child is misbehaving” to “what is this child trying to communicate.” - created by Barbara Avila
#prektip: When we stop nagging on “bad behavior” it leaves room for conversation, curiosity, and more. (click to tweet!)