cindyjt

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What is a brave space, and why can that change how we perceive our early childhood settings? How can it help children meet the challenge of trying new things? Join Cindy and Alison for a discussion about changing the focus of the sort of spaces we set up for young children.

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Adults often think of recess or outdoor time as a fun time for all children. Some children, however, find the outdoor, free-play, slightly chaotic environment stressful. In this episode, Cindy and Alison discuss the causes of that stress and how we can reduce it.

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Has a family ever asked you to stop other families from allowing their children to watch particular TV shows? Has a parent ever asked you to tell other families to stop dressing their children in clothes that depict characters from video games or shows? This sort of request seems to be happening more often. Join Cindy and Alison for a discussion about helping families understand that we cannot ask others to change their practices to match someone else.

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Secure, nurturing attachments are essential from the time children are infants and as they get older. In this episode, Cindy and Alison talk about the importance of children learning trust instead of fear and how you can make that happen. NOTE: This episode may evoke strong feelings. Though the episode does not focus on extreme situations, we encourage you to take care of yourself. If the episode is upsetting to you, please know you can walk away and come back next week for a new topic.

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Have you ever thought about the fact that most early childhood teaching topics are nouns? Join Cindy and Alison as they discuss how using verbs for teaching topics opens up more possibilities for the curiosity and exploration of young children.

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Being good with your own company or solitude is beneficial to everyone, including young children. Some children want the spotlight and others do not. Join Cindy and Alison for a discussion about the children who stand out by not being in the spotlight.

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It can be challenging to set screen time limits, but it is worth it! Cindy and Alison talk about the life lessons that come from teaching children that they have the power to limit their actions.

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Family Child Care providers are early educators! Join Cindy and Alison to learn more about these nurturing home settings and what a quality family child care environment values and provides for children and families.

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In prior generations, many children were taught to hide their feelings. We aren't going to do that anymore! In this episode, Cindy and Alison talk about the hows and whys of granting permission and making room for children's many emotions, from joy to anger to sadness.

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Picture books and naming objects is important for teaching vocabulary, but there is so much more we can do when we read aloud with infants and toddlers. Join Cindy and Alison to learn more about reading with our youngest children.

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When children are upset or in need in any way, we should avoid assuming how we can help. Join Cindy and Alison for a discussion about assuming nothing and getting children used to thinking about and expressing their own needs.

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Today's children don't see coins, paper money, stamps, and other items or experiences that were part of our childhoods. Everyone is swiping, tapping, and hitting send instead. Even learning to use cursive writing is still being debated. Join Cindy and Alison for a discussion about if it is valuable to still teach about these disappearing items and actions.

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Sharing and taking turns are two different actions, and one comes before the other. Join Cindy and Alison to examine these skills and ensure you are talking with children about what they are actually doing - sharing or taking turns.

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Think about how you played as a child. Do you see connections to who you are today? For some people, it may be obvious. For others, it may not be as apparent. Join Cindy and Alison to learn more about the predictive nature of play.

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Is it wise to tell children not to say no to teachers or families? For generations, saying no to adults was seen as disrespectful. Cindy and Alison discuss the generational belief that children should not say no to adults and the potential consequences of that practice.

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Doll play may be more symbolic than you think! Cindy and Alison discuss how children use playing with dolls to figure out not only others but also themselves.

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Children benefit from visuals of all types, and making connections between ideas is no different. Using paper in the shape of hexagons, we can make a visual representation of how their ideas connect. We might even discover connections in their conversations we hadn't considered before! Join Cindy and Alison for this lively conversation about hexagonal thinking.