The P-N-P Trap
I have mentioned the OREO method of parent-teacher communication a few times in my previous blogs, and I will finally be addressing it in this blog. For those who have not heard of it, the OREO method (also called the Sandwich Method in business communication) of communication uses a positive comment, negative comment, positive comment formula when addressing any type of potential concern with a parent. At its most basic, it can seem like a great formula. The teacher hopefull
What Does it Mean to be an Ally?
It seems to me that this is a timely question. We did a session at our recent ECE Social Justice Conference about ally ship with a focus on race and racism. We asked: what are the helpful and non-helpful things that white allies do? From the lists we generated, these are a few that really resonate with me today, particularly as important reminders for us white people striving to be effective allies in the fight against racism: Do not speak for people of color or other grou
Cold Weather Nature Learning for Preschoolers
On the NAEYC forums and on a private Facebook group for preschool directors that I belong to, there have been a lot of discussions about taking children outside in cold weather. Teachers are wondering whether or not children should spend time outside when the temperature drops. Of course, as the owner of a nature school, I swear by that old adage that, “There is no bad weather. Only bad clothing.” Portland is usually a relatively temperate zone, so we wear layers consisting o
Keeping Misbehavior to a Minimum
So, you’ve been practicing staying calm and compassionate in the face of challenging behavior. You’ve put yourself in their shoes and taken three deep breaths until you’re blue in the face. But keeping the right attitude is only half the battle – every teacher needs to have a wide selection of tools on their belt for assisting those kids who are struggling and express that with their behavior. Two of the best tools are not tangible, but metaphorical – and with that in mind I
