Emergent writing is a process that requires far more support than a worksheet could ever provide. Join me as I discuss a few of the foundational skills necessary for young children to become successful writers and how to create a classroom environment that supports those skills WITHOUT the use of worksheets!

Click HERE to save 20% on my course Ditch the Worksheets: Emergent Writing in Play-based Classrooms, or visit the show notes below.

Show Notes:

www.playbeforepencils.com/podcast

Behavior charts are designed to help children visualize their behavior in real time and they are popular because they are simple to implement and seem to keep classrooms running smoothly. But beneath the surface, there is a darker side to these systems and they can wind up undermining a child's intrinsic motivation to do good and leave them feeling emotionally unstable in the classroom. Join me as I discuss better ways to elicit the positive behavior you want from the students in your classroom.

Show Notes:

www.playbeforepencils.com/podcast

In today's episode I talk about the importance of giving children freedom to create. We’ll explore why creativity matters, how freedom fuels it, and simple ways you can encourage the imagination of the children in your classroom every day.

Visit the show notes for links to some of the resources I use in my art cart.

Show Notes:

www.playbeforepencils.com/podcast

In this episode I share some of my favorite resources and supplies as an ECE. Link are below!

Books:

The Whole Child Alphabet

What if Everybody Understood Child Development?

Let the Children Play

Podcasts:

Not Just Cute

The Early Childhood Research Podcast

Kindergarten Ready

Instagram Accounts:

Cream City Teacher

Confident Kids Therapy

The Intentional Educator

Music:

Kira Willey

Emily Arrow

Kimbo Children's Music

Classroom Supplies:

Label Maker

Maker Wall

ChompSaw

Double-sided Poster Tape

Additional Show Notes:

www.playbeforepencils.com/podcast

In this episode we'll explore the topic of guided play, the role it has in a child-led classroom, and how to expertly execute it.

Show Notes:

www.playbeforepencils.com/podcast

In the final episode of my Unintended Consequences of Teacher-led Classrooms, I explore the topic of building relationships in the early childhood classroom and comparing how relationships might differ in teacher-led classrooms vs. child-led classrooms.

Teacher-led classrooms are so focused on instruction that there is often little time left for observation. When this powerful tool is left out of the assessment equation, teachers are at a disadvantage in understanding what their students actually know and where they could use some extra support.

Show Notes:

www.playbeforepencils.com/podcast

Welcome to week 2 of my series "Unintended Consequences of Teacher-led Classrooms". Today we'll take a closer look at play in teacher-led environments and how a focus on following instructions and completing tasks can have a negative impact on a child's development when they take precedence over play.

Show Notes:

www.playbeforepencils.com/podcast

In this 4-part series, we will explore the unintended consequences of teacher-led models of education in early childhood classrooms. This week we are exploring the consequences of not offering choice to students and how a child-led model better supports their growth and development through choice.

Show Notes:

www.playbeforepencils.com/podcast

We know that when learning happens in context, there is a much greater chance that it will stick. But sometimes, children are interested in topics that fall outside of the context of their current environments or experiences--is following that lead OK? Find out my thoughts on today's episode!

Show Notes:

www.playbeforepencils.com/podcast