Ask Your Child, "How Was That?"

Our responses to the conversation our children bring can truly provide them the space and direction to be critically thinking humans or limit them to follow responses they've been taught.  I'd prefer the former!  I'd rather our children gain the confidence in their own ability to handle social interactions than just follow an adult's instruction.

Today I read a post that walks us through how we can support our children conversationally in evaluating their own social experiences. Blogger "Parenting From Scratch" writes a post To Help Kids Process Emotions, Ask, "How Was That?".  Please read it.

Thanks Michelle, at Busy Bee Preschool for sharing this today!

Alternatives to empty praise

This morning I was catching up on some readings I've been saving for a while.  I was absolutely THRILLED to read Teacher Tom's blog post that gave clear, specific alternatives of ways we can respond to children rather than the rather instinctive "good job".  

This is KEY for our families, as we have explained that we avoid such praise and ask that our parents do as well.  Please read his post Seven Things To Say Instead of "Good Job!"

On Potty Training

A major topic of concern for many parents is potty training.  I try to encourage parents that potty training is something we need to handle with each child and each family individually.  

One of the trends that seems to have been growing and I am getting more and more questions about lately is potty training at the infant/toddler age.  I am very cautious of this.  I agree that children are plenty intelligent.  I agree that many children are "capable".  My concern is that not every child is READY! :)

I've read a great piece in Huffington Post entitled A Doctor Responds: Don't Potty Train Your Baby.  It's a good read...check it out!

On the role of a teacher

"I have this" is another lovely blog post written by Teacher Tom. 

I agree with him on his beliefs on what the definition of a teacher is.  Our role is truly to facilitate...not direct.  Our job is not to show how things are done, but rather to provide experiences that allow children to determine how to do things.

Like Teacher Tom said, when children leave our program they "head off into a world of schools in which teachers are mandated to teach them a certain core curriculum of specific, standardized knowledge and skills organized grade-by-grade, year-by-year, much of which is conveyed by direct instruction." I wish it weren't so...I wish they could all be sent off to experience-based settings. However, I believe that we are sending very strong, capable children into those direct-approach settings because of the foundation we provide them: the foundation of confidence in their own ability to explore and problem solve.

Therefore,  I wish even more that ALL children were given such a foundation!  What a solid base they could have on which to grow and learn throughout their lives!

Play Outdoors

A lovely little blog I enjoy following posted this great little piece "Outdoor Play Is Not a Waste of Time."