Challenging Behaviors in the Classroom: 5 whole-person tools
In my article last month, I wrote about teaching to and viewing the child as a “whole person.” For the next two articles, I want to dig deeper into the philosophy of the whole person and how it relates to dealing with tantrums and meltdowns. In this article I will address five key tools to help handle meltdowns in the classroom from the perspective of the whole person. These tools can be used both as preventative measures and strategies for in-the-moment occurrences. Then, ne
Remembering Rayko
A TRIBUTE TO RAYKO HASHIMOTO Dec. 20, 1920 – June 22, 2018 Even on her best day, it would be a stretch to say that Rayko reached 4 foot 10 inches. But I will always remember her as a giant force – of wisdom, of listening and speaking the truth and of carrying the lantern that lights our way toward peace and justice. Rayko was 97 years old when she passed away in June. Her life is an important one for all of us Early Childhood Educators to remember or to learn about and be
Claire Warden Talks Nature Pedagogy at World of Wonder Conference
In August, I had the privilege of attending the World of Wonder Conference, a gathering of nature-based early childhood educators from around the world. I presented a workshop on sit spots and attended ones on classroom animals, working with toddlers in nature, how nature schools create self-reliance and so much more! In a series of blog posts this fall, I’m excited to share what I learned at the conference with our Oregon early childhood community. Claire Warden kicked off t
Helping Kids Find Self-Control
Last month I wrote about “doing the co-regulation dance,” or helping children to develop their self-regulation abilities. Let’s talk about some activities you can lead in your classroom to help develop these skills for a large group of young children. In preschool classrooms there are many authentic social opportunities throughout the day to practice controlling ones desires and exhibiting some self-control. A child’s toy is snatched from their hand and they find words to use
