New Year, New Plans!

It’s been pretty quiet around here during the Christmas break, but if you look around, I hope it’s obvious that I’ve been quite busy behind the scenes!

There’s a fresh, cohesive design that I hope will make hanging out here easier on your eyes, as well as make it easier to spot my posts out there on other social media platforms!  I’ll be using the new logo on Facebook, as well as stamping it on new photos for posts that find their way around the interwebs.  It may seem like a small thing, but honestly, I’m a writer and a teacher, not a designer or coder.  So it’s a milestone for me, and I hope you enjoy it!

I’m starting a newsletter this year!  About once a month I’ll send out a newsletter with a roundup of the best content from that month, as well as exclusive content, special offerings, and outstanding resources.  Particularly with facebook being as inconsistent as it is lately, this is a great way to make sure you stay in the loop!  There’s a sign-up button in the header, as well as a sign up at the bottom of the sidebar.  But if you don’t want to go looking for it, you can also sign up by clicking right here.

There’s a growing book list where you can find some of my favorite books and resources.  It’s still a work in progress, but I’ve decided it always will be.  Think of it as a reflection of my own library shelves and Audible playlists.  As I mention on the page, I don’t necessarily endorse every word written in this collection, but each has played a role in shaping how I think.

I’d love to hear some recommendations from you on what else should find its way there!

One book I’m particularly thrilled to have there is my sweet friend Rachel Macy Stafford’s new book  (just released today!), Hands Free Mama: A Guide to Putting Down the Phone, Burning the To-Do List, and Letting Go of Perfection to Grasp What Really Matters!  (*affiliate)  I got an advance copy a few months ago, right about the time I got my first smart phone, and I can’t tell  you how often I’ve heard her words as I’ve figured out how to use my phone as a tool, not as a master.  It’s a great book about letting go, not just of technological tethers, but of so many things that get in the way of our most meaningful relationships.  Be sure you check it out!

Speaking of books, we’re getting ready to roll with this year’s read-along!  I’m setting up the reading schedule, along with video chats with the author, Heather Shumaker, and other friends from around the blogosphere.  I’d love to use some of your thoughts and questions in our discussions, so be sure to follow along and comment on the section posts.  The first post in the series, Section 1, Reviving Free Play (pgs 1-57), will be published here on Tuesday, January 28th.  The video chat will follow a few days later, so pick up your copy of  It’s OK Not to Share and Other Renegade Rules for Raising Competent and Compassionate Kids (*affiliate link), read the first section, and be ready to share your thoughts for the discussion!

I’ve also been pulling together plans for more great content and projects centered around positive guidance, developmentally appropriate practice, powerful play-based learning, and intentional whole child development.  I’m excited about what’s to come!

It’s going to be a great year — I’m so glad to have you with me!