Ross wants to talk about limit setting and following through. How do our actions impact children's skill building for future competence? Tom gives an example of setting limits that is not punitive. Mike cautions against "banishing" children from activities and a reminder of children's sense of time. Joey encourages reflection--who needs the limit and why? Ross emphasizes the importance of having a plan for follow through after a limit is set. That child might still need you as a partner.

Mike shares his discovery of the expressive language rainbow metaphor. When we don't pay attention to what children are communicating with their bodies, we're not seeing all of the "colors" of the communication spectrum and most likely missing out on understanding children. Perhaps this concept of communication can reduce over-reliance on the phrase "use your words." There are also implications for our assessment tools. 

Mike has a newfound appreciation for transporting after spending a day carrying around dinosaur feet with toddlers. The conversation about the ways that children--and all of us--engage in transporting materials highlights the importance of this life skill. There are implications for how we design spaces for children's play and support their abilities to transport.

Cooperation between children happens all the time--sliding down hills, at the art table, or sharing space during crowded sensory play. Once you start looking for it, you see it everywhere, even in play that may not sound "nice." Adults can add to or detract from the cooperative spirit of children's play through our responses.

Tom's been noticing that children never just walk from place to place. They test their balance, touch things, and zig zag around through space. What to do? Can we be curious and try not to judge? Do we need to intervene? What are the skills we want children to develop and does straight-line, quiet walking support that development?

Ross's response to recent the conversation about possession. He shares his thoughts on turn taking vs. sharing, the ethics of saving work, and who "owns" the classroom.

Ross is back and ready to revisit recent conversations about whether babies are stupid and how our values impact our work.

If you can't make it to the ocean for spring break, you can at least enjoy this episode inspired by playing at the beach.

Tom's been thinking about a recent trip to the ocean where his grandchildren played tag with waves. The discussion reminds us of other reliable playmates such as puddles, streams, and sticks. Ross points out that these playmates can meet children's seemingly insatiable need for play--the ocean will never be too tired to play tag. They are also emotionally neutral. There's no point in engaging in a power struggle with a wave. 

Possession and ownership are complex concepts that come into play every day in an early childhood setting. It's amazing how well young children--even babies--understand the nuances of the unspoken rules that can change from one context to another.

If we evaluated all children based on what they can't do yet, we'd have to agree that babies are stupid. Mike questions this mindset, which is often embedded in our education systems. Does it do more harm than good in terms of "preparing" young children for school success?