Let Kids Get Their Happy On!

Pix from 'The Pink Ribbon" on Facebook

I remember the first time I started teaching. I did activities I loved as a child with them and we had a great time.  By mid-year my class didn’t seem to have that “oomph” it once had.  I’m so glad I started talking to more experienced teachers about the problem I was having.

The problem was I never had had the pulse of my class. I was doing things I liked without ever considering what they were interested in. After forgiving myself, I had a long talk with my class about things they wanted to do.  I can still see how big their eyes got when I took out the white board and wrote down every idea they had and read it back to them to make sure it was correct.

The teacher had now become the student.

We explored topics I never considered before.  Some of the children had serious illnesses so we made sure to do curriculum on trips to the doctor, hospitals,  even what types of medical equipment was used for.  The children that had been ill asked to speak to the class about what they were going through.  We recorded it for the parents and shared in their laughter and tears.

The curriculum began taking a life of its own . I felt just as excited to come to class as the parents and kids.

I’m so thankful I reached out for their sakes. It changed my life forever: hopefully, theirs, too.

How about you? How have you helped kids get their happy on lately?

How to make the Kids Jack-o-Lantern carving last longer!

Great idea found on Pintrest! Make your own Pumpkin Fresh!

Carving a pumpkin to make a Jack-o-Lantern with the kids? Make that carving last! Spray a mixture of bleach and water (equal parts) on the inside of your fresh pumpkin daily or coat the inside w/ petroleum jelly to keep mold and dehydration at bay. I wish I had known this tip last year for the kids!
Well, I think we could still save one as a science project-then the kids could see the difference between the two Jack-o-Lanterns! 
Be sure to check out "Getting Messy with Ms. Jessi" with some great Halloween and Fall Art for Preschoolers!
 

7 Reasons Why Teachers are Such Great Bloggers

Pix from The Anti-Social Media

I was a blogger-in-bloom in 2009.  I had been a preschool teacher for twenty-years at that time and I was really just looking to share my experiences.

I got spammed by someone my first month-ahem. (By a non-teacher blogger, mind you.)

Not that I did anything wrong. Well, other than the fact that I didn’t know how to connect with others on the blogosphere. Maybe I did comment-faux-pas, who knows? 

The simple fact was that I was wholeheartedly looking for how to do this blogging stuff right.

It reminded me of my first few years of being a preschool teacher. I could tell you all about it but I believe we would all have similar stories of feelings of inadequacy.

I know in so many ways, just like blogging, teachers look to get things right because we sincerely care. Which is what really prompted me to write about why teachers are such great bloggers.

So, if you don’t have a blog, or are considering to blog, I really hope this motivates you to start!

Reason #1 Teachers are Persistent

All good teachers are persistent. Persistence leads to consistency which is needed in blogging. Most blogs wither away on the vine for lack of attention and grooming. We as teachers understand that where there is a will there’s a way. We make time for blogging just like we make time for the quiet or crying child. It’s part of our DNA.

Reason #2 Teachers are Sincere

We know that the children would never give us the time of day if we talked like a stale piece of toast. Teachers know how to jazz up dusty routines (always making the old feel new again) and have that amazing ability to teach and reach the heart at the same time. It comes with practice and sincerity. It transitions well over into our blogs, too.

Reason #3 Teachers Know How to Share

Teachers understand that sharing doesn’t come naturally. We know because we spend so much time encouraging it. Blogging requires social networking which really means that we aren’t afraid to get excited about one another's ideas. Teacher’s blog about one another’s blogs: yes, we actually do activities we say we are going to do. Sharing and blogging is a form of virtual encouragement and affirmation.

Reason #3 Teachers are Patient

Blogging takes patience. Not only the learning process but the overall netiquette involved. We have all worked with children in the classroom that have had a bit of a time making friends, socializing, or learning something new.

As teachers we are helpers one to another. We understand it takes time to learn new things and get set up on new blogging platforms. Because blogging teachers took time with me I learned about the ways I could take time with others. 

Reason #4 Teachers are Creative

Is this the only profession where you can see the same project posted one hundred different ways and we still blog about it? Did you ever wonder why? Teachers are creative in blogging or we would have gone the way of the dinosaur years ago.

Reason #5 Teachers are Inspirational

Teachers are nothing like firecrackers. We don’t put on a grand show and fizzle out in a random puff of smoke. We have an amazing ability to inspire and that has a lot to do with Reason #4. Much of our inspiration comes from the classroom and overflows into the willingness to share with other like-minded individuals. Blogging is a great outlet for us. We motivate and inspire one another!

Reason #6 Teachers Think Outside the Box

Perhaps our own children rub off on us a bit. Thinking outside the box requires looking at solutions and problems in new ways, even if it means getting out of our comfort zone. A good blog stands out from the others through presentation and the angle in which it’s presented.

The same requirement stands for good lesson planning.

Reason #7 Teachers Are Willing to Be Transparent

Blogs are liked for their personality, authenticity and ability make others want to engage. Interestingly enough, these are the attributes of a child’s favorite teacher. How many of us have gone the extra mile; at story time, by being the butt of a joke for the sake making an upset child laugh, or  regularly reminding the children how much you care about them being happy and safe?

Find out more reasons why teachers should blog

Our children are the first ones to call a phony a phony.
As adults, we learn to think it but not say it. I have always felt that  a teacher falls somewhere in between.

It’s a blessing to yourself and be self aware. It’s a gift to others to be transparent enough to share yourself openly without hurting feelings.

When a teacher finds the right balance in a blog; and we usually do, it’s a beautiful thing.

How to Have a Sugar-Free Halloween for Preschool Kids

Screams, howls, and groaning; It’s Halloween, but really it our preschool kids on too much sugar. That eerie feeling in the pit of our stomach is not the excitement but the knowledge that every year we got through the same thing regarding sugar and the kids in the classroom.

It’s time to channel Susan Powter and ‘Stop the Insanity!’ So, is there really such thing as a sugar-free Halloween in our own classroom without the kids knowing? I say there is. We made it so fun and got the parents involved that the kids didn’t notice they weren’t screaming from the sugar rush.

Here are a few things we did to make the Halloween pleasant and fun and practically sugar-free everyone. And it you don’t have tons of volunteers, just make a few modifications.

How We Make a Practically Sugar-Free Halloween for Our Preschool Kids 

Get a fun Halloween Music CD.

Sugar-Free Goodies: Put together small bags of “Yummy Earth” (Sugar Free Candy) Candies in Halloween Goodie Bags (Distribute them after the Party).

The way Halloween haunts me: Kids on sugar!

Apple Float Activity: Fishing for Apples, Float real apples in a large tub of water with mini fishing rods (with magnets on the end). (Stick a paper clip through a golf tee and shove it in an apple, do this a couple times per apple) Float the apples in the water and allow the children to “fish them”. They loved it! Be sure to use small size red apples.

Kids Crazy Glow Water: We make this one ahead of time and turn out the lights on one side of the class room and have it sectioned off a bit with a black sheet and black light. The water is in a larger water table for all the kids to use. We keep this well supervised.

The Slime Pit: We use a cornstarch and water mix to make ooze called the slime pit. We put Halloween trinkets in there like spiders and such and later on add an extension such as food colors to allow the kids to mix colors.

Less Treats More Fun: Much later in the day we have a few Halloween stories and some carrot cake. The kids also vote on some of the same activities we had inside to bring outside (except for the Crazy Glow Water, of course).

By the end of the day we are really worn out.
But at least our eardrums aren’t ringing....

We hope you'll give it a try, we are pretty sure you'll feel brilliant that you did! 

Ha! Out-smarted Halloween this year, baby!

A Tribute to The Early Childhood Educator

Here is a tribute to the Early Childhood Educator.

The hopelessly optimistic.

The peace maker.

The negotiator.

The round peg in the square hole.
The one who will always see things differently.
And welcomes spontaneity.

Parents  love them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them.
About the only thing you can't do is ignore them.
Because they change things.
They push the human race forward.

And while some may see them as those square pegs,
many see genius.

Because the people who are unique enough to think
they can change the world,
Are the ones who often do.

~Adapted by Barbra The Bloggess from Apple 1997 (Ad)

Teachers Touch the Future

Touching The Future 

 

I don't wear power suits,
make speeches,
or drive a fancy sports car.

I've never talked on a car phone,

made a big sale,

or been elected to the Senate.

I don't "do lunch",
have a big impressive office,
or carry a beeper.

I spend my days wiping away tears,
giving hugs,
and serving chicken nuggets.

A good day is when I go through a whole day
without a temper tantrum,
bite mark,
or a toilet training accident.

My "office" is a room full of brightly colored toys
and laughing children.

You may not think that what I do is very important
and you may even whisper behind my back
"What a waste of a good mind"
But I know better.

I make a difference
because I'm changing the world
one child at a time.

Everyday I'm getting the once in a lifetime chance
to touch the future.

I'm proud to say "I'm a teacher".

~ by Marti Doyle

Curiosity in Early Childhood Education

The world is an oyster for the curious by nature!

Curiosity.........leads to Exploration
Exploration.....leads to Discovery
Discovery.......leads to Wonder
Wonder.........leads to Repetition
Repetition.......leads to Mastery
Mastery..........leads to New Skills
New Skills.......lead to Confidence
Confidence.....leads to Self Esteem
Self Esteem....leads to Sense of Security

 What ways and activities do you promote curiosity in your early childhood settings?

The Teacher's Child Like Heart

I have often wondered what it is that keeps teachers going through the tough times. The sacrifices we make for the greater good are so light compared to the hope of a child's enthusiasm and excitement toward learning.
I have never really asked anyone but I assumed its the child like qualities we have kept within  ourselves.
The ability to see through the eyes of children still comes from the heart.
Here are just a few attributes I have found teachers have toward the ability to keep giving with a smile.

Attributes of a Teachers Child Like Heart:

Child Like Gullibility: The ability to read a book for the twenty seventh time and still be able to express surprise at the ending.

Child Like Imagination: The ability to lose yourself in imagination with others while delighting in what could be possible.

Child Like Wonder: The ability to withhold all the answers you know and understand while encouraging wonder and conversation toward what seems magical.

Child Like Demeanor: Maintaining a child like heart without being childish. Always being inclined to see 'fun' in every opportunity.

Child Like in Friendship: Quick to forgive and slow to remember faults.

Child Like Thinking: Everything is possible and impossible is nothing! Especially after gram crackers, milk, and a nice long nap.

Share with us the attributes you know about....

What a Toddler Believes

 

 
A toddler believes that if you love a person, you stay with that person 100 percent of the time."

~Lawrence Balter

Toddlers happen to be one of my favorite age groups to work with. I although I don't have the opportunity to work with them as much I just thought I would say what a wonderful little band they are.

Their love is like my kitchen blender that I have never managed to get rid of. 

It has no top.....

Elmer the Elephant Easy Kids Craft

There is something about Elmer the Elephant all kids seem to relate to and love! I find drawing of Elmer strewn all over the art table after we read this story to the kids. The drawings make a lovely patchwork of their own on the table. Here is a really easy Elmer craft we discovered made from plastic milk the parents we saving for us. They came just in time and the preparation was well worth it!



Material for Elmer the Elephant Easy Kids Craft:

We recomend you do this with the leftovers!

1. Colored tissue paper the children cut into squares 
2. Large plastic milk cartons (with a handle) 
3. White Glue
4. Water and Small Cups (enough for everyone)
5. Paint Brushes 
6. Wiggle Eyes
7. Scissors

 The Process

Pre-cut the milk carton's, just so, and make 1 part water, 2 parts glue solution in cups for each of the kids. 

They love helping with this!

After the children have cut out all the tissue squares give them the cartons and cups with paintbrushes.

Ta-Da! Here He is!

After the kids begin gently painting the cartons they can apply the tissue paper and gently paint it down with the glue solution. 

Try not to soak Elmer or the tissue will slide off.

The children are guaranteed to be delighted! Be sure to put on his eyes after he is dry!

Kids Nature Walk Terrariums

Look what we found!

I love going on nature walks. Especially, when the weather is nice. I will usually take out my group of kids; paper bags in tow, and we march along singing every song we know while picking up bits of nature. By the time we get back: share our finds, and are ready for a nap, nature has made a lovely fragrant carpet all over the classroom!

Now, we have found a lovely Nature Terrarium project that the parents won't mind the children taking home.

What You'll Need Before Your Nature Walk: 

• Assorted clean small jars with lids
• Moss (At local pet shops or craft supply stores)
• Small bowl of water or squirt bottle of water
• Magnifiers (optional)

What the Children Should Look for During the Nature Walk:

• Pine Needles
• Leaves
• Twigs
• Flowers
• Bark

Pix from ourbigearth.com

The Process: Spread out all your findings on a table and inspect them with magnifiers. Gently dampen pieces of moss and securely cover the bottom of the lid with it. from there the kids can make nature arrangements with their findings in the moss.
Once they are finished, help them fasten the lid over their work. The jar helps hold the moss and everything in place!
How to care for you Nature Walk Terrarium: Place it in a lovely place in the classroom to showcase them in indirect sunlight.

Thank you Robbin Rivers from ourbigearth.com for this great idea!



The Writing is On The Wall

Nothing like twelve shocked chubby faces all wondering 'who did it?' I have my suspicions, of course.
From an artists prospective, what does this piece say to you?

Healthy Families in Early Childhood Education

"If kids come to educators and teachers from strong, healthy functioning families, it makes our job easier. If they do not come to us from strong, healthy, functioning families, it makes our job more important." 
~Barbara Colrose  

What Preschool Kids Think About School

Sure, Early Childhood Educators care about what our preschool children think and feel about their preschool experiences. After all, it is the first impression they get of school.
Most often times, it's good to take a survey or census of our work. Usually we get feedback from our families.
Not me.
At least that is not my only feedback. I go to the children themselves-and not to brag but over the years I have learned to speak "Preschool-ese".
Below are actual answers from the preschoolers and some may argue that my interpretations are a bit liberal....but trust me, I'm a trained professional.
I encourage you to take a survey from the kids as well. And if you have a bit of trouble interpreting here are some easy translations.

Handy Dandy Tips for Effective Interpretations of Preschool-ese:

Question: "What do you like most about Preschool?"

"The play-dough tastes good." Translation: "I like to play with the play-dough here at school. If I accidentally tell you I eat it, please don't get mad."

"My teacher is really pretty/cute." Translation: (It's a compliment, silly)


"My mommy take-d me to preschool and I go to my school." Translation: "I am not quite used to the idea of preschool, but I get it that I have to go. I miss my mommy and I wish she could come along, too. I really need you to be my friend and check on me, teacher."


"When is snacks coming?" Translation: "I love the food and snacks here. I'm growing and require lots of food so I would appreciate it if you would kindly send word to the kitchen so I can get on with playing. I need my energy."
(* NOTE: It may seem like the answer had nothing to do with the question, doesn't it? Ah, not so-necessarily)

How about you? What are some great translations that work for you as a teacher?
How is you're 'Preschool-ese' on a scale of 1-10?

Teachers of the Past and Present

One Hundred Years from Now
(excerpt from "Within My Power" by Forest Witcraft)

One Hundred Years from now
It will not matter
what kind of car I drove,

What kind of house I lived in,

how much money was in my bank account 

nor what my clothes looked like. 

But the world may be a better place because 

I was important in the life of a child.

If this poem was read 100 before, I believe it would still stand true. 

Some things in our heart simply don't change, only grow...

Like the love we have for our children.

When You Thought I Wasn't Looking, Teacher

When you thought I wasn’t looking, you displayed my first report, and I wanted to do another.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, you fed a stray cat, and I thought it was good to be kind to animals.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, you gave me a sticker, and I knew that little things were special things.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, you put your arm around me, and I felt loved.

When you thought I wasn’t looking I saw tears come from your eyes, and I learned that sometimes things hurt--but that it’s all right to cry.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, you smiled, and it made me want to look that pretty too.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, you cared, and I wanted to be everything I could be.

When you thought I wasn’t looking--I looked...and wanted to say thanks for all those things you did when you thought I wasn’t looking. 

By Mary Rita Schilke Korzan,"WHEN YOU THOUGHT I WASN’T LOOKING"

Inspirational Poetry for the Preschool Teacher

A Teacher for All Seasons 

 

A teacher is like Spring,
Who nurtures new green sprouts,
Encourages and leads them,
Whenever they have doubts.

A teacher is like Summer,
Whose sunny temperament
Makes studying a pleasure,
Preventing discontent. 

A teacher is like Fall,
With methods crisp and clear,
Lessons of bright colors
And a happy atmosphere. 

A teacher is like Winter,
While it’s snowing hard outside,
Keeping students comfortable,
As a warm and helpful guide.  

Teacher, you do all these things,
With a pleasant attitude;
You’re a teacher for all seasons,
And you have my gratitude! By Joanna Fuchs

Teachers Make a Difference

Yes.
Just in case you haven't been reminded lately, you do make a difference.
Thanks for being a teacher.



Kids and Rainy Days

Make no mistake.
Never simply ask your children what they would like to do on a rainy day.
We can almost guarantee that what they feel like doing,
you won't feel like managing.

Unless........
You really aren't in it for the money.

Teacher Burn Out

"Part of a teacher's job is to burn brightly without burning out."

I was once asked how I avoided teacher burn out all these years. The answer came quite quickly.
No.
It is nothing anyone taught me in college or I learned at a lecture.
It's something that happened over years of commitment....
But I believe the love that developed over time eventually had it's way with my heart.