I love Laurie Berkner’smusic! She is one of those artists who really knows music and really knows kids. Her music is fun and I don’t find it patronizing or grating like I do with some other children’s music. If you haven’t found her treasure trove of music yet, you should stop everything and go to [...]
Entries from July 2009
July 28, 2009
What is “Scaffolding” and the “ZPD”?
Photo provided by 001099. Chances are, if you work with young children you’ve heard the terms “Scaffolding” and the “Zone of Proximal Development”, or “ZPD”, but you may be a bit hazy on what they actually mean. Here’s a little refresher! The term, “Zone of Proximal Development” was coined by Russian psychologist and developmental theorist, [...]
July 25, 2009
Hot Lava Hop
Though few preschoolers have had any direct experience with hot lava, it is a phrase they seem to use frequently, and they all know hot lava should be avoided at all costs! This is a fun game that capitalizes on that childhood fascination! I usually tie volcanoes in with my dinosaur unit. As we talk [...]
July 24, 2009
A Trip to the Dinosaur Museum Puts Us All in the Author’s Chair
When you’re studying dinosaurs with preschoolers, nothing really takes the place of a trip to a dinosaur museum or another hands-on dinosaur experience. Check in your local area and see what options you may have. Don’t forget to check into nearby universities as some have free exhibits or perhaps a professor (or maybe a grad [...]
July 23, 2009
Preschool Goes Prehistoric with Dinosaurs!
There’s just something about preschoolers and dinosaurs. Maybe it’s the juxtaposition of tiny children that have been on this earth just a few years and the enormous specimen that left millions of years ago. In addition to being a fascinating topic of study, a look at dinosaurs serves as a vehicle for learning a variety [...]
July 16, 2009
New Posts Coming Soon! Promise!
Ahh, Summer Vacation! It’s fantastic, but has turned our schedules upside down! Between family reunions, boys with bloody lips, and summer online classes, I’m struggling to get as much done here as I’d like, but I promise more is coming! I just wanted you to know I haven’t forgotten you!
