Throughout my teaching career, I have seen various ways to approach art with young children. Before receiving my master’s degree in early childhood education, I received a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Concordia University Chicago. Upon graduation, I could not find a full-time job, so I worked part-time teaching junior high Spanish and part-time in a preschool classroom. Needless …
Four Fabulous Ways to Engage Children through Stories
Blueberries for Sal by Robert McCloskey A favorite classic children’s book, this Caldecott Honor–awarded book has great potential for children to learn a variety of skills. The book was written in 1948, and while the pictures are all in black and white, the message of this story is heartwarming. Activity Ideas: Find a tin pail and freeze a container of …
Lesson Planning: No Way! Lesson Planning: Hooray!
I have presented at conferences and provided professional development on the topic of lesson planning. To my dismay, there are always some mumbling and grumbling from educator attendees. While I know lesson planning might not be the most exciting topic, it is an essential part of teaching children at any age level. Teaching, as you already know, is a demanding, …
Five Activities for Young Children to Learn about Martin Luther
October is a great time to teach about Martin Luther and the Reformation. Here are five ways to help young children understand why the Reformation is so important.
Back-to-School Faculty Devotion
Bible Verses: “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” Colossians 3:17 “Do all things without grumbling or disputing.” Philippians 2:14 Introductory Activity: Pair up with another classroom teacher. Go to each other’s classroom as you share with your colleague a few …
Recharge! Reflect! Reconnect!
It’s summertime! And while that provides a great time to rest before another school year begins, there are ways to be intentional to use this downtime to its best potential. Recharge Think about how you can recharge emotionally, physically, and spiritually this summer. For some of you, that may include reading, cooking, gardening, devotional reading, exercising, or taking a vacation. …
Three Things I’ve Learned about My Job Before I’ve Even Started It
I don’t know if I feel more like Moses or more like Joshua. In a month, I will leave my job at CPH and take a call to be the director at our church’s new early learning center. As someone currently in ministry and someone who will be a future leader in congregational ministry, I feel like I want to …
Three Things to Keep in Mind When Teaching Boys
My son got up today at 4:30 a.m. . . . on his own, no pleading and prompting from a desperate mother trying to get him where he needed to be. What could possibly motivate a fourteen-year-old, sleep-infatuated boy into being excited to face the world at such an insane hour? Let me explain and show how this also applies to …
Teaching in Early Childhood: Not Excited to Go Back to School? Four Ideas to Help Get You There
August is just around the corner. Where are you? Still savoring the smells from your backyard grill? Still soaking up the sun at the pool or beach? What? You’re not already back in the classroom, inhaling a new box of Crayolas and basking in the fluorescent glow? Don’t panic if your heart’s not in it yet or if you’re afraid …
Teaching in Early Childhood: Six Practical Ideas for Teachers to Find Some R & R
Do you find yourself longing to curl up on the beanbag chair next to your quiet child in the reading area? Or maybe you want to get away from it all and squeeze into the cozy cube corner with your autistic child? You just might have the summertime blues! Whether you get your summers off or you’re jealous of those …
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