What if fostering a sense of gratitude in the young minds could positively impact their attitude towards life? That's the captivating prospect we're diving into today on Pre-K Spot Talks. Prepare to be enthralled as we unravel the science behind gratitude and discuss innovative ways to weave it into your classroom's fabric. Picture the smiles when you introduce gratitude jars or the excitement of crafting heartfelt thank-you cards. We'll be reminiscing about those little moments of appreciation that kids convey, so pure and powerful that they can melt your heart.

But that's not all, dear listeners. We've handpicked a delightful assortment of children's books that spotlight gratitude. From the inspiring narrative of Oge Mora's 'Follow These Rules' to the heartwarming tale of Pat Brisson's 'Before We Eat, From Farm to Table', these books are sure to spark a dialogue about gratitude in your classroom. We even have Pat Mora's 'Gracias, Thanks', detailing a young biracial boy's expressions of thanks, and Rob Scotton's 'Splat the Cat. Thanks for the Turkey', a tale of a cat's struggle to pen down his thankfulness. So, come along on this enlightening journey and let's make gratitude not just an act, but a mindset for our precious little learners.

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Ever wondered how to navigate a bilingual classroom without a designated bilingual staff? Join us, Melysa and Mikey, as we unwrap the day-to-day realities of managing an increasingly multilingual classroom. Our school has seen a boom in Spanish speaking students, and yet we are limited in bilingual staff. We'll share the rewards and challenges of this unique setting, the remarkable speed at which language is acquired in English-only environments, and the role tools like Novel Effect play in maintaining student engagement.

As we continue our journey to support multilingual children, we delve into the intricate dance between English and Spanish speaking children in the playground, the inventive methods teachers use to bridge the language gap, and the particular hurdles faced by children still learning to read in their native language. We believe in universal accessibility in teaching, but it's not without its hurdles. Let's discuss these obstacles, our real-life classroom dynamics, and practical tips for educators finding themselves in similar situations. This candid episode is filled with stories, insights, and tips you won't want to miss!

Novel Effect 

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Are your classroom transitions more chaotic than constructive? What if a dash of play could turn these disruptions into delightful interludes? I'm Melissa May, and on this Pre-K Spot Talks episode, we'll uncover how to harness the power of play to craft engaging transitions. Drawing on research from the University of Virginia's Curry School of Education, we'll explore how simple games like 'floor is lava', 'kangaroo hop', and 'Simon Says' can not only make transitions smoother but also amplify the joy and energy in your classroom. Just like pit stops in a race car journey, these playful transitions provide an opportunity to refuel your young learners with renewed enthusiasm for their learning journey ahead.

But, we're not stopping at the how-tos of playful transitions. We'll delve into the profound power of play in early education. Children, as we know, speak the universal language of play, and we'll discuss how we can use this as a powerful tool for fostering deep, meaningful learning. So, get ready to infuse every shift in your classroom with adventure, making learning an exciting journey for your little ones. Together, we'll revolutionize your classroom dynamics one playful transition at a time. Get ready to embark on this exciting voyage and turn your classroom into a lively landscape of learning.

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Today, we're embarking on a whimsical journey into the enchanted world of play, and its profound impact on cultivating a growth mindset. Get ready, because, by the end of this episode, your perception of play is about to be dramatically transformed. We'll also explore the far-reaching benefits of a playful approach to learning and the lifelong impact it can have on not just cognitive skills but also emotional intelligence. 

We're also going to delve into some fascinating research from the Lego Foundation and the University of Minnesota that underline how play not only improves social and emotional well-being for children but also enhances creativity, curiosity, and a sense of community. And that's not all! We're about to reveal how the combination of play and a growth mindset can revolutionize traditional learning methodologies and set children up for a life of resilient and persistent success. So strap in for this magical ride into the world of play and growth mindset. Get ready to unlock doors to worlds you never knew existed!

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What if there was more to building a nurturing classroom community than just picking out the right posters? With me, your host, Melissa May, discover why fostering a strong community atmosphere in Pre-K and early childhood education goes far beyond the classroom décor. We promise to share actionable strategies and activities that not only create a climate of mutual respect but also ensure every child feels seen and integral. Think morning circles, individual projects, classroom jobs, buddy systems, and reflection time - these aren't just activities, they're ways to sow the seeds for a lifetime filled with strong relationships, continuous learning, and a deep-seated sense of community.

We're not just talking about imparting lessons here - we're discussing the beauty of crafting an environment bound together by trust, growth, and connection. This episode isn't just for the educators - it's for everyone who believes in the transforming power of community within education. We delve into the language and routines that can be woven into the fabric of your classroom, making it a haven for every child. Because after all, isn't that what education is all about? Join me as we embark on this journey of shedding light on the critical role community plays in Pre-K education. So, are you ready to turn your classroom into a thriving community?

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What if the very foundation of motivation, that we've leaned on for so long, is actually doing us more harm than good? Brace yourself for a shake-up as we dive into Alfie Cohn's provocative book, 'Punished by Rewards', a groundbreaker that has us reevaluating our beliefs around rewards in education and life in general. We explore the origin and effectiveness of rewards and their potential pitfalls, questioning whether they truly serve our goals or whether they erode our intrinsic motivation and foster a transactional view of relationships.

We'll ponder together over the implications this book has for classroom settings and how it made me rethink my own practices as a parent and an early childhood teacher. From exploring the impact of reward systems on developing a growth mindset to how they can inadvertently promote a fixed mindset, let's unpack the arguments the book makes. We'll also talk about the aftermath of the book's publication, including the controversial reactions it sparked among different communities, and discuss the appendices that add further depth to the book's arguments. This is not just your regular book review. This is a call for reassessment and an invitation to a more thoughtful, conscious approach to motivation and success. Let's have this eye-opening conversation together.

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Ever wondered how to build meaningful relationships with the parents and caregivers of your pre-K kiddos? It's a challenging task, but an absolutely indispensable one. In this enlightening episode of Pre-K Spot Talks, we delve into the art and science of fostering these critical connections. Together, we traverse various strategies, ranging from the power of a heartfelt welcome letter to the relatability of a video introduction, along with the significance of expectation setting and the beauty of thoughtful gift-giving. We also explore some engaging family activities that could be woven into your educational tapestry to support diversity and child development.

But wait there's more! We dissect the importance of family engagement in a child's educational journey, and how it plays a pivotal role in constructing a robust bridge between home and school. The conversation takes a deeper turn as we explore how teachers can balance school and home activities, as well as handle situations of minimal family involvement with grace. Looking at the bigger picture, we acknowledge the power of partnerships and collaboration among school, family, and community in shaping every child's potential. So, folks, buckle up and join us on this enlightening episode of Pre-K Spot Talks, as we unlock the secrets of effective family engagement in education.

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Is scripted curriculum killing creativity in our classrooms and reducing the joy of learning for our little learners? I, Melysa Mei, fervently champion a child-centered, play-based approach to teaching, and in this episode of Pre-K Spot Talks, we'll unpack the controversial topic of scripted curriculum versus a more exploratory learning approach. We'll discuss what a scripted curriculum is, scrutinize its potential drawbacks in an early learning environment, and even propose a few alternatives.

I acknowledge that many educators may be required to use these pre-written guides. However, if you're feeling boxed in by a scripted curriculum, or you're simply interested in early education, this episode offers some practical advice. We'll explore tips on how to navigate this rigid teaching approach and incorporate more playful, child-led activities in the classroom. From flexibility in implementing the curriculum, to promoting student engagement and advocating for their needs, I share insights and suggestions to help educators create a more engaging and dynamic early learning environment.

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Have you ever felt the suffocating grasp of burnout, especially in the demanding world of early childhood education? You’re not alone and we’re here to help. This episode is a deep dive into understanding teacher burnout - what sets it off, how to spot it, and most importantly, how to break free if you're already feeling its weight. We shed light on why educators of young children are particularly susceptible and offer pragmatic strategies to keep burnout at bay. From self-care rituals to boundary setting, organizing work, effective communication, mindfulness, and taking routine breaks - we've covered it all. We also share crucial tips on balancing your workload during school hours to avoid the unhealthy habit of bringing work home.

Let's face it, teaching is a rewarding but challenging profession and mental well-being is paramount. We drive a meaningful conversation about recognizing warning signs and the importance of seeking help when burnout starts creeping in. Asking for help is not a mark of weakness, but a testament to your strength. We emphasize the availability of support systems for teachers wrestling with stress and burnout. So, tune in to this empowering episode that puts teacher wellness at the forefront. Remember, it's not just about surviving in this profession but thriving. Let's journey together towards a healthier, happier teaching experience.

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Welcome to this special back-to-school episode, where we discuss essential preparations for the upcoming academic year. We're keeping it simple, practical, and minimal – perfect for play-based educators!

Everything you need for back to school set up is here in the Thrivivial Kit!

In this episode:

On this episode of Pre-K Spot Talks, we dive into the intricacies of back-to-school preparation for early childhood educators. Melysa shares her experience of managing time within a fixed school schedule and the challenges that can arise. We explore the importance of creating an inviting classroom environment and the significance of videos that introduce the teacher, read books to children, and allow parents to become familiar with the educator before meeting in person. 

Organizing the classroom and setting up the space is another key topic discussed, with an emphasis on cleanliness and creating a wish list for essential supplies. We introduce a helpful shopping website called Doe and the benefits of using wish lists to obtain additional classroom needs. The speaker also reveals their favorite strategy of sending a comprehensive Meet the Teacher letter to parents, covering everything from routines to playtime duration, to prevent repetitive questions. 

Our episode also focuses on flexibility in lesson planning and the advantages of being child-led in education. We introduce the Early Childhood Educators Thrival kit, a valuable tool for planning the first 40 days of school and establishing routines. We delve into the importance of collecting information about each child's background, habits, and interests to better understand their needs. 

We explore the significance of play in back-to-school preparation and offer tips on incorporating new play ideas based on research. Melysa emphasizes the role of identity work throughout the school year and the importance of accurately representing diverse families. Strategies for successful Parent Nights are also discussed.

Throughout the episode, Melysa shares her personal experiences and insights gained from her seven years of teaching. She provides tips on efficient classroom setup and time management, with suggestions on how to handle new projects or materials organization. 

Join us on this episode of Pre-K Spot Talks as we delve into the essential aspects of back-to-school preparation for early childhood educators and discover tips and strategies to ensure a successful start to the school year.

Topics covered in this audio session:

- Managing time within the school's schedule

- The role of the master schedule in determining fixed times for various activities

- Limited flexibility in schedule rearrangement

- Importance of creating an inviting and aesthetically pleasing classroom

- Sending videos to parents before the start of school

- Organizing the classroom and setting up the space

- Creating an essentials wish list and using a shopping website

- Sending a comprehensive "Meet the Teacher" letter to parents

- Sending videos to both adults and kids

- Being flexible in lesson planning and child-led education

- Introducing the Early Childhood Educators Thrivival kit

- Collecting basic information about the child and their family

- The importance of play in early childhood education

- Incorporating new play ideas at the beginning of the year

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