How Preschool Teachers Do It

When we think about collecting information about children's progress, we often focus on anecdotal notes and running records. Join Cindy and Alison to discuss processes that could be equally valuable - interest inventories and child interviews.

Much like there are great movies no one is watching, there are very interesting children no one is noticing. Our lives and their lives can be enriched by fostering connections with them. Join Cindy and Alison for a discussion about the children who are growing up in the shade.

Why do we only teach children sign language when they don't yet have language skills or for specific situations? Cindy and Alison discuss the benefits of teaching conversational sign language to all.

Do you worry about going to the doctor? Do you have a fear of seeking help for medical issues? That perspective on going to the doctor may have been set up during your early childhood years. Join Cindy and Alison for a discussion about helping children see doctors as a resource instead of as a threat.

Have you ever stumbled upon a page in a favorite older children's book and realized you should not read that to the children? Join Cindy and Alison for a discussion about what they stumbled upon that might not be good for the emotional well-being of young children.

If we were taught how to reflect intentionally and have a gratitude practice when we were young, it would be a part of who we are as adults. Cindy and Alison discuss how to have intentional conversations with children that help them remember, think about experiences, and be grateful for the good in their lives.

Three years ago, Cindy and Alison discussed the need for more men in early education settings. It is now 2023, and the issue seems to not be improving. We can do better than this, Preschool Peeps! During this discussion, consider ways to bring attention to discrimination against men in the early education field.

Sometimes, we need to be willing to unlearn practices or ideas we have held onto for a very long time. Soon it will be spring - a perfect time for unlearning! Join Cindy and Alison for this discussion about facing the unlearning.

Should families know up-front that we will let the children pick whatever dress-up clothes or roles they want during free play? Is it time to be proactive and have policies that state that we don't put children in gender boxes when they are playing? Join Cindy and Alison for a discussion about this important topic.

When you disagree with a co-worker or other peer, the most professional thing to do is to go directly to that person first. How do you do that? Differences of opinion can be so uncomfortable! Cindy and Alison discuss ways to approach disagreements that help you feel more comfortable, and avoid adult tattling and gossip.

Why are children afraid of trying new food? There's an answer to that question that will blow your mind! Join Cindy and Alison to find out what causes the fear and how we can avoid making it a life-long issue.

When is it okay to pivot from the curriculum or do things that are not in the plan? Join Cindy and Alison to discuss when and where to draw a line on pivoting in your plans and curriculum guidance.

Join Cindy and Alison for a lively discussion about the similarities between early childhood education and being a good improv comedian.

We know that children need their good deeds acknowledged, so we have stickers, pompom jars, certificates of recognition, and other tools. Slowly but surely, we need to stretch and phase out external rewards. Children need to find internal motivation to do the right thing. Cindy and Alison discuss stretching and phase out the external as the motivation becomes internalized.

Join Cindy and Alison for an episode inspired by the day commemorating the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Use this opportunity to think about the inequities that still exist and what we need to do to make our early childhood programs a safe haven.