Building a nest. 

I watched a group of children find materials in the yard and build a nest. They excitedly gathered straw, pine needles and twigs. What experience did they have with nests and nest building?

No one told them what to do, there was no right or wrong. No one knew how to build a nest., yet, I witnessed discovery, problem solving, cooperation and working together. Because the children defined roles they built trust and relationships. I saw evaluation, re-evaluation and celebration of accomplishment. 

I learned from watching the process by just watching and being present to their process!! 

Sadly, we as adults don’t often act in the respectful manner that these children did. They demonstrated a fluid thoughtful inclusive process.  

Thankful, grateful for the lessons from a little girl in a big truck. 

I watched in wonder as this little child tried different positions in this truck. She created a space for herself to settle into. I watched and took this lesson in, as well as many others:  slow down, relax, appreciate your surroundings, stop worrying about things (like Wonder Teacher Training!!) Keep working at your own pace.  

Enjoy the ride. You belong! 

Thank you for the lessons little one! 

Looking for small wonders in a hectic chaotic existence. 

Meeting after meeting to try to strategize a new business plan for success. What can we do when we cannot find quality help?  

The beating of the same old drum, the same old message! Time to change tactics. I have been around long enough to see the cycles of business. Ready to change it up. How do I engage others to join me? 

My Wonder Teacher training has helped to move me to a position that quality is possible and that it can happen in places that are not physically beautiful but they need people to make it happen. 

I am fortunate to have a beautiful setting. Working to physically alter the environment with new paint and a gradual removal of things that were brought in during my 5-year absence. The process is slow. Building relationships is hard. Re-defining who I am and what I want professionally for children. 

Thankful to the Wonder Teacher Certification team, coaching and training. I have learned so much with more to learn. 

http://Sally the Puppet Talks about Going Back to School…g Safe – edit.mp4

Today I am commenting on reflective practice. What does reflective practice look like for an early childhood educator?

Some truths I have found:

All educators are required to be accountable. Accountability is based on stepping back and reflecting on why we do or do not do something. No one is required to answer on the spot however reflection is a mandatory part of the practice. 

There are many ways to reflect. Some educators, mainly introverts like to write in a journal, others might draw, or reflect through music. Still others, mainly extroverts are verbal and need to talk it out. Still the fact remains one must process for results.

The figure above is a good outline for considering one’s actions. Within this we can include specific items early childhood educators can reflect on. 

First reflect on relationships. Relationships with children, families, and colleagues. Always go directly to the source of your issue. Look to each other for assistance.  Reflect and get feedback without going to too many sources. Keep it simple.  

Look at your classroom environment, what do you want children to learn here. If there is a problem how has room arrangement contributed? Are the materials appropriate for the children in the group?

If you do not have a reflective practice, I encourage you to start today.

What will you reflect on today?

This is a throw back post to October 2019.

After spending three weeks in Alaska, I had a one day layover in Seattle, WA. I planned to visit my friend Rixa. Professionally, Rixa challenges me and I love to have conversation with her. She helps me re-awaken my passion for early childhood education every time we talk! 

While in Seattle, Rixa’s car was vandalized and my bag was stolen. Taken were my computer, iPad, iPod and other travel items. Most notably stolen was my reflection notebook ironically given to me by Rixa. The reflections contained within are priceless to me and now lost forever.

What lessons are there in being robbed twice in a 6-month time period?

I feel safe and loved in a time when my security is being challenged. Fortunately, nothing happened to me just my “stuff” is gone.

This event will force me to have specific times to be online. How my life will change without the convenience of my OWN laptop? Will I connect more with people or will it be harder for me?

Connecting with people with limited technology will be a challenge. Rather than replacing lost technological items, using a desktop at work and my phone for social media I can stay in touch. I commit to visiting people face to face! 

For now, I am grateful we are happy, healthy and safe. 

Update July 2020:

So much has changed. My experiment in not having a computer only lasted until Christmas when I received a new one. I was able to stay connected with a phone and desktop.

Technology was the avenue for connecting during the corona virus pandemic. Technology became a lifeline while we all #stayathome, #socialdistancing and #washyourhands.

My “aha” this week centered on my physical therapy. I am nearing the end of my sessions as my range of motion is just about normal in my shoulder.

What I found out during this process is I have “trained” my body to hold odd positions that are not healthy especially as I advance in age. All my years of holding infants/toddlers has caused me to turn my shoulders in and up. My years of bending over has caused my chin to fall slightly forward and out of good alignment. My core is weak as I use my arms, neck and shoulders to envelop children and I let my core slack. Would you notice these subtle things about my posture, probably not! Is it a good idea to correct these things, you bet! 

I am learning to correct my posture aka learning a new skill. I have experienced a range of emotions from frustration to anger and complacency. From raw emotion and tears to pride and joy in my accomplishments. Wow, I WONDER how I respect and honor children through this same pattern of learning new things?

The skills I see in my physical therapist are patience (I can set my pace with her guidance. She uses positivism, encouragement, team goal setting, perseverance, partner, relationship, and other skills specific to her role.

None of this is different for me working with a child. She helped me not only physically but in drawing a parallel between how she honored me as a learner and how I honor a child as a learner. 

What did you learn today?

I wonder why “we” are always telling children what to do!

Parents, teachers, even older siblings are telling younger children what to do and how to do it all day long. Also add in telling them what NOT to do all day long. Yikes, overkill! Additionally, we are always telling each other what to do and/or not do! 

Just because we work hard to phrase in the positive does not hide the message, it just sugar coats it. We are still telling a child what to do without including them.

Children need to be able to express themselves from birth. We must allow them to be in control. We need to relinquish control and observe the wonder of childhood. We need to be still and listen!  We need to stop talking unless we speak like we are talking to an intelligent person not an idiot. 

How will you interact with someone today? Will you listen or instruct?

This week my focus is on the use of the word “friend” in our classrooms.. It has taken over as a general term used when referring to the children. 

A few teachers decided to embrace looking at how the word is used, when it is used and if it is ever explained or used appropriately with young children.

How confused our children must be about what “friend” means. We say things like, “good morning, friend”, “I’d like my friends to clean up now”, “we don’t hit our friends”, “be kind to your friend”…..etc.  We do not explain the word “friend” or identify who we are actually talking about. I can picture little minds wondering who this “friend” is!

During our research we found the word is way overused and never explained. I know one teacher that still believes that children are her friends.  She does not want to give up “please, don’t hurt my friends”.  I wonder, are we really friends with a toddler? Is this the definition of a friend? 

Do any of us want to be told who are friends are or asked to be friends with someone that has hurt us or that we don’t like? I am suggesting that we all be kind but we don’t need to be friends!

Wouldn’t it be more appropriate to use children’s names?