This year I’ve started a new job at a school blessed with a beautiful and vast forest outside our front door. One day a week we spend the whole morning playing out in the forest. In these forest school sessions, I’ve watched the children develop resilience, gross motor coordination, camaraderie, and connection to and love…
Category: Play
Nothing Without Joy
Loris Malaguzzi, pioneer of the Reggio Emilia approach, is oft quoted asserting in early childhood settings there should be, “nothing without joy”. How can educators find joy in challenging times? This year has been unbelievably challenging, upsetting, and unprecedented. I made it my goal this year to find and cultivate joy. But what…
Coloring Pages
To color, or not to color?
Gradual Release of Responsibility
The students should be working harder than the teacher.
Mixed-Age Classrooms
Early Childhood educators in the 21st century are social-ecologists.
Summer Vacation
“Experience, travel- these are an education in themselves”
Loose Parts Play
In the spirit of science, I conducted an experiment.
Active Play
Fine and gross-motor coordination, the refinement of proprioceptive awareness, increased balance, strength, and endurance.
Free Play
Free-play time is entirely student-driven
Creative Play
the capacity for creative play becomes the capacity for creative thought
