Honoring Cesar Chavez
Originally written on 3/31/17 “Once social change begins it cannot be reversed. You cannot un-educate the person that has learned to read. You cannot humiliate the person who feels pride. You cannot oppress the people who are not afraid anymore.” *Cesar Chavez* Today is Cesar Chavez’s birthday. He would have been 90 years old today. I wonder how he would be feeling about and resisting current events. I think the quote of his words above give us a glimmer. The legacy of Cesa
Strengthening the Parent-Teacher Relationship: Daily Check-ins
“Mrs. Johnson, would you read us ‘The Book with No Pictures?’” Avery asks me as we settle down for pick-up time. “No. I want her to read ‘Knuffle Bunny!’” Hazel counters. “Can I read the matching book?” Scott asks. Before I can respond to any of these requests, in walks a parent ready to pick up their child at the end of the day. On my mind are the children’s requests mixed in with some of the events of the day, including the fact that Johnny hit Eric and Avery and Marissa de
Advocacy in Action: 2018 Public Policy Forum
Earlier this month, the ORAEYC Public Policy Committee joined over 300 early childhood educators, parents, and advocates from 41 states working to advance federal and state early childhood policy. The 2018 NAEYC Public Policy Forum was held from March 4-6 in Washington, DC where our team attended sessions on electoral advocacy, expert policy briefings, guest speakers, and interactive breakout sessions. The event culminated with Forum participants congregating on Capitol Hill
Winter Walks with Preschoolers
One of the best ways to warm up in the winter is a long walk in the woods. While there are less colors in the winter, the lack of leaves and often muddy ground offer exciting opportunities for exploration that are not possible after spring foliage hides portions of the trail or after the ground has hardened. Last month’s nature in school blog post focused on the special opportunities for learning afforded by cold winter weather. This month, I’ll continue to discuss winter wea
10 Books to Read to Children on International Women's Day
International Women's Day is celebrated on March 8 every year as a day to recognize and celebrate the contribution and achievement of women. In honor of this day, the ORAEYC staff created a list of their favorite children's books that celebrate the accomplishments and strengths of women. Grace for President by Kelly DiPucchio When Grace's teacher reveals that the United States has never had a female president, Grace decides to be the first. And she immediately starts off her
Load up your Teacher Toolbox
Some classrooms call it circle time, others call it a large group activity. In my classroom we call it a meeting. Whatever you want to call it, it is one of the most common times of day that teachers struggle with helping their students with challenging behaviors. The expectations for behavior are high, and one disruptive student can quickly change the tone of the entire gathering. Keep all the perspective you can in remaining compassionate and curious about those behaviors,
