tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39753983543722727912024-03-05T04:35:33.573-06:00Today in PreschoolConnecting all people who care for young children and their environments.pam elwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11861019535737306381noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3975398354372272791.post-87089334632183526522014-04-17T07:57:00.004-05:002014-04-17T07:59:16.872-05:00Time audits to inform Balance (and various systems level masters).<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0fpjvUPnntH5gYSP0GIN7aODV7-gXVAFiKQ59UmgW1Obv2NNZewmW42tX2od24poDYeAPUH8Gjg34rEzlajNIv6r2dy8VJX0Fbb5WzwJl2vni0qq65HjpgR47t-lYMZZQqXbM8Fp2wR8/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-04-17+at+7.50.22+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0fpjvUPnntH5gYSP0GIN7aODV7-gXVAFiKQ59UmgW1Obv2NNZewmW42tX2od24poDYeAPUH8Gjg34rEzlajNIv6r2dy8VJX0Fbb5WzwJl2vni0qq65HjpgR47t-lYMZZQqXbM8Fp2wR8/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-04-17+at+7.50.22+AM.png" height="257" width="320" /></a></div>
More on this idea of balance and how to proceed. Start with your current reality. Keep a weekly log of your assessment times. All of it. Code for later the type of assessment: screening, formative, summative. Anytime your primary goal and purpose is to evaluate a child's development or there is a clipboard or an i pad in between you and the experience. You can do this from one child's perspective or for the whole group. Either way, you are giving numerical power to our grassroots balance movement.pam elwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11861019535737306381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3975398354372272791.post-2759627237285090762014-04-16T09:48:00.002-05:002014-04-17T07:58:42.991-05:00Maintain your BalanceImagine an elephant standing on top of a large rubber ball. Never mind, I will give you the image. What do you notice about how the elephant must distribute his body to successfully balance. Now think about the mismatch of opportunities there are for responsive and intentional instruction vs. the amount of time mandated for assessment? With our elephant, I like to think of formative assessment as the trunk, leading the way and definitely something that can be embedded and analyzed through authentic experiences, like journaling. The tail might be summative assessment, a very small piece of the important balancing act but flexible and it tapers off. The head, body and legs of the elephant make up the core. This is the instruction and bridge between formative and summative. This is where the heart of the relationship is centered. To achieve balance we must define the parts of the whole and ensure that the heart of teaching and learning remains the constant core. Call out for balance and have authentic conversations when asked to prioritize testing. How many minutes a week of assessment must be in place to ensure an appropriate response instructionally? Are there any assessments that give you redundant information or that are not useful the next day? While we should not go back to pure cardiac data, we do need time to build relationships, trust and to define a goodness of fit for each child. Balance is key.<br />
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pam elwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11861019535737306381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3975398354372272791.post-85551173205091716162014-04-08T15:02:00.003-05:002014-04-08T15:02:30.694-05:00<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">San Francisco/Napa Valley<br />The 2013 DEC conference trip</td></tr>
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A year in review. I am once again organizing myself electronically for a review of my work. This year has been marked with transitions at both work, home and school. I dislike trying to piece together evidence after the fact, but it does lead to a sense of justification. When I begin to try to compartmentalize my work to align with phrases of value (Standards), I realize that there is a deep connectivity between my work, my passion, my relationships (both sustained and abandoned), my family and my goals and aspirations for better childhoods. That is all I've got and it might be awhile before I reexamine this body of evidence. Namaste~pam elwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11861019535737306381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3975398354372272791.post-10304037671311603502012-02-25T18:06:00.000-06:002012-02-25T18:06:58.311-06:00Welcome Kent State Students and Southwest Iowa Teachers!A very cool idea. This week at a state level meeting we discussed the importance of family involvement with literacy in preschool. Each statewide program is required to conduct a home visit and a family fun night. One innovative program is modeling shared reading or interactive read alouds as part of their home visit. What an amazing connection and opportunity to connect with families and share one simple strategy that will have positive outcomes for their child! My new quest is to find a grant so that the book can be left in the home. Imagine if this would be followed up by a language and literacy focused family fun night! Two positive opportunities to share an important experience with all families prior ot the first parent conferences!pam elwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11861019535737306381noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3975398354372272791.post-27001474177386003142011-08-24T07:03:00.001-05:002011-08-27T16:19:37.925-05:00Social Stories for Back to SchoolTwo new teachers worked to create a short social story that will be shared at home visits prior to school starting. The short story features 4 pages with 2 pictures per page that depicts photos the journey from the drop off point/bus stop into the building, past the secretary, down the hall, into the classroom, to the coat hooks and then two interest areas (blocks and group time). Each picture features a friendly person that will be there on the first day to help. So picture of entrance with Principal, picture of crosswalk/stop sign with Principal, entrance to building with secretary, down the hall with the teacher, to the door of the classroom with both teachers, etc... We made a colored "permanent" book to stay in the library area and then photo copied one for each child in black/white. The teachers will share the story at the home visit and then leave the book for the family. Way to go early educators!!!! pam elwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11861019535737306381noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3975398354372272791.post-50545874226228806242011-03-20T14:31:00.002-05:002011-03-20T14:32:07.349-05:00Authentic Assessment: Please Define!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlc4VdIqJVPXakg7wbHRwiCfTE9Z9rkwTfuMYOIzppfYKa-f12BnvKDMrIxgfmwutxG7jFtAkDYzZchXygkrjaOUbxlVUNIM4fJqFGKgwCq1yKl9C_xsJ_4rc79oV_4vNPenuAj2W7hsU/s1600/DSC_1287.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlc4VdIqJVPXakg7wbHRwiCfTE9Z9rkwTfuMYOIzppfYKa-f12BnvKDMrIxgfmwutxG7jFtAkDYzZchXygkrjaOUbxlVUNIM4fJqFGKgwCq1yKl9C_xsJ_4rc79oV_4vNPenuAj2W7hsU/s320/DSC_1287.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I find myself in an unexpected and interesting collaboration. I am contributing to a revision of an authentic developmental assessment for B-6. What do you need from your assessment system? How does it enable you to make instructional decisions. What are the problems? Which areas do you feel need to be represented? strengthened? omitted? How can you manage tier one assessment with a group of children in a classroom setting? I look forward to your thoughts!pam elwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11861019535737306381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3975398354372272791.post-18285431278759487282011-03-20T14:13:00.000-05:002011-03-20T14:13:16.133-05:00Perfect Early Childhood Assessment<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWLNfuCHhYy3agbfCfmyFIp8INMaZ02XdJ2BPZiVhyphenhyphens51I7sM5xP_x7pMiJg_-XQx79zuijF1wqokBV2HDyMzIPcpM-R-NEEpaHkBBw3Q4CzGiUn-TPx3lTN8BwcPbVa9-DGkDWK9HIrs/s1600/DSC01466.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWLNfuCHhYy3agbfCfmyFIp8INMaZ02XdJ2BPZiVhyphenhyphens51I7sM5xP_x7pMiJg_-XQx79zuijF1wqokBV2HDyMzIPcpM-R-NEEpaHkBBw3Q4CzGiUn-TPx3lTN8BwcPbVa9-DGkDWK9HIrs/s200/DSC01466.jpg" width="137" /></a></div>So I find myself on this amazing but unexpected journey. I am contributing to a comprehensive B-6 developmental assessment. So I ask you...what does a good assessment (classroom based) look like? What do you need it to do/inform? What areas of development do you rely on the assessment to guide the instruction (if any). I truly am in need of your input. I have some ideas, but it has been awhile since I managed a classroom of 20 or more preschoolers and used a comprehensive tier 1 assessment. If you could list your top 10 things an authentic (feel free to define authentic) assessment must do...what would they be?pam elwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11861019535737306381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3975398354372272791.post-19250983302812463692011-02-27T07:46:00.001-06:002011-02-27T07:51:32.637-06:00Irresistible Ideas for Play based Learning<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqaKtTBi93T9eiOzy7NRxbPeZ1RA4G6BqyHiu5dtmeXQYu2XYrIik4TCPbxvFwIJRKuexRN9vUvpD-G2qvuJq-Et60ldp7lb_lePqbY1zzs_r3vN7XiGLTBysNETiJfzlHXj_QvBJEDRM/s1600/181670_198355780176051_185893078088988_729771_4252986_s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqaKtTBi93T9eiOzy7NRxbPeZ1RA4G6BqyHiu5dtmeXQYu2XYrIik4TCPbxvFwIJRKuexRN9vUvpD-G2qvuJq-Et60ldp7lb_lePqbY1zzs_r3vN7XiGLTBysNETiJfzlHXj_QvBJEDRM/s320/181670_198355780176051_185893078088988_729771_4252986_s.jpg" width="213" /></a>This might be my favorite creative link to date.<br />
Love the ideas, the message and the process.<br />
Check out their <a href="http://www.facebook.com/posted.php?id=121305887884646&share_id=164770970202176&comments=1#%21/pages/Irresistible-Ideas-For-Play-Based-Learning/121305887884646">facebook page</a><br />
and make sure and take a look<br />
at the photo's and blog!pam elwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11861019535737306381noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3975398354372272791.post-35900762857462520342011-02-26T17:12:00.001-06:002011-02-26T17:12:56.205-06:00Welcome Kent StudentsFeel free to browse through posts or check out some of the blogs that I recommend. Blogspot of the day is from <a href="http://blog.ted.com/2010/09/07/the-child-driven-education-sugata-mitra-on-ted-com/">TED</a><br />
There are many TED talks and TEDxchange discussions related to early childhood.<br />
enjoypam elwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11861019535737306381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3975398354372272791.post-20989956565304875422011-02-25T08:12:00.001-06:002011-02-27T07:52:00.704-06:00Language Castle BlogMarch is post a creative and exceptional blog a day month....for me!<br />
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Here is the first <a href="http://languagecastle.com/wordpress/">Language Castle</a><br />
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enjoy...pam elwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11861019535737306381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3975398354372272791.post-62325696356543873152011-01-07T05:33:00.001-06:002011-02-27T07:52:51.819-06:00Meeting standards through play<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCl74EwKqpbcBRez9PNWZWrQ3mPfQpI6Ra-r5pjXv3In0k3_mupJzMGAz-A5VG4pgIUHohb4LRHi4qZbYyuUgTQrlP4hcD8Q7-OF9R3rxfusiNeej66YCRj63iL_xAhXxj89tc1pplyK4/s1600/167464_1638168546949_1018813439_2545049_4972060_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCl74EwKqpbcBRez9PNWZWrQ3mPfQpI6Ra-r5pjXv3In0k3_mupJzMGAz-A5VG4pgIUHohb4LRHi4qZbYyuUgTQrlP4hcD8Q7-OF9R3rxfusiNeej66YCRj63iL_xAhXxj89tc1pplyK4/s320/167464_1638168546949_1018813439_2545049_4972060_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Accountability is not the way you might describe this picture, but that is exactly what I hope you see. As we strive to meet a variety of child outcome and program standards, we are pressured to produce results. This play experience fully engaged seven children for 45 minutes. During this session, children problem solved, asked questions, negotiated physical space (both fine and gross motor) made and tested predictions, enhanced social skills and most importantly laughed and expressed excitement and joy each and every time a marble made it successfully through the maze. Representation and retelling would complete this activity and add to the experience so that it would demonstrate children's development in all 50 learning outcomes aligned with the curriculum. This is the measure of "worthiness" for activities and instruction. Step back and reflect on each moment you are "instructing". Look at each child's expressions. Listen for the joy. Base your planning and decisions on providing rich and meaningful play based programming as you articulate how you best learn with children and surpass the standards!pam elwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11861019535737306381noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3975398354372272791.post-57037593578704000542010-12-19T21:38:00.000-06:002010-12-19T21:38:15.264-06:00all is calm, all is bright<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2FY_s3gI0qGQHzcCfMfIoELGQyq4yTFH_BcquNaLg1pIwnx1SXU-MFBB9MOkrdJR49Ld5VVeKZrxp_0HbHBUvflqq14P_5G_88nxFXvF7C9fQYJDc2Zb_9M1oKjW-YB3T_5pXEEwyaIU/s1600/DSC_0975.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2FY_s3gI0qGQHzcCfMfIoELGQyq4yTFH_BcquNaLg1pIwnx1SXU-MFBB9MOkrdJR49Ld5VVeKZrxp_0HbHBUvflqq14P_5G_88nxFXvF7C9fQYJDc2Zb_9M1oKjW-YB3T_5pXEEwyaIU/s320/DSC_0975.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Tonight we finish the second of many holiday celebrations. I have a personal challenge. We hosted our annual toy party, where everyone brings a toy and we deliver to the local shelters. It is very nice to have a focus to gather family and friends, but I am also going to give charitable gifts this year. So pick a cause, donate as much as you can afford in the name of a person you would struggle to buy for. Here are a few ideas. Children's books to a local Head Start or preschool. Food or toys to the local animal shelter. Toys, coats, mittens to the local woman's shelter. Take a pic, a copy of the receipt and a nice handwritten note and "wrap" for the person who you donated "from". Tis the season.pam elwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11861019535737306381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3975398354372272791.post-74381323963848851102010-12-07T07:27:00.004-06:002010-12-07T07:48:00.081-06:00One moment in time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3qqpVkjrEDKw70_qKSOVhyphenhyphen2-WLLMde8or1jsKXxfwtl0K4Gl5nzUbpG89A4NGakeL-XP-EWCkAEili0jlEFf0FVO2TRAL161FlmNX7TU5YRs4EpLWsL0sYGB7F6CTnuj8j97-OGuv-n0/s1600/MVC-185S.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3qqpVkjrEDKw70_qKSOVhyphenhyphen2-WLLMde8or1jsKXxfwtl0K4Gl5nzUbpG89A4NGakeL-XP-EWCkAEili0jlEFf0FVO2TRAL161FlmNX7TU5YRs4EpLWsL0sYGB7F6CTnuj8j97-OGuv-n0/s320/MVC-185S.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>In my role as an EC consultant I talk the language of standards. Working to assist state funded programs prepare for accountability or verification visits consumes the field. I walk in with early learning standards, program standards, assessment standards, teaching standards, administrative standards, health standards and curriculum guidelines. Wow...right! No wonder we are on "initiative overload". There is truly only one question that we are accountable for. A single purpose to guide each instructional decision. <i>Is this moment worthy of this child's time? </i>Watch, listen, learn and respond intentionally! That is the true human standard. We must become authentic quickly...we cannot rewind and correct moment's that are not optimal for all children. The remarkable thing is that you will know by their engagement when you have figured it out. Join in the laughter and become genuinely curious with them. The rest will become clear as the children make the connections to the standards with you!pam elwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11861019535737306381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3975398354372272791.post-42421620490279722982010-12-04T08:03:00.002-06:002010-12-07T07:48:39.146-06:00let the children play<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKpBc_ghYnOsNc_GH2OTtGXOoIxUp0yWRlEBpJ6lcsKU6IetGod1HwTTPv3d_DwpCH9LBlW1QEwsabBDAGMe8ncOntSgdVwjOjvVznyT9EVyUSlgpW4AdcF6hYSd9qMUkv6pMd8duX6_U/s1600/play.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="106" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKpBc_ghYnOsNc_GH2OTtGXOoIxUp0yWRlEBpJ6lcsKU6IetGod1HwTTPv3d_DwpCH9LBlW1QEwsabBDAGMe8ncOntSgdVwjOjvVznyT9EVyUSlgpW4AdcF6hYSd9qMUkv6pMd8duX6_U/s320/play.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><a href="http://progressiveearlychildhoodeducation.blogspot.com/">let the children play</a>pam elwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11861019535737306381noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3975398354372272791.post-37556966692594766462010-12-03T19:11:00.003-06:002010-12-06T07:22:00.231-06:00Something about play<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_AybsJiJeirVtGBaZnOs1g2DUOXdU_ZowlaExfbt4_kicmVUgJ5-ml6fE7MZNRbAleLdK-RUN9wkXBvr5aGS3bcDwIM7EU8_pkZs2YJlsq6i8HQn41VsI7mtySTjuAT29xZraLto0WoM/s1600/DSC_2120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_AybsJiJeirVtGBaZnOs1g2DUOXdU_ZowlaExfbt4_kicmVUgJ5-ml6fE7MZNRbAleLdK-RUN9wkXBvr5aGS3bcDwIM7EU8_pkZs2YJlsq6i8HQn41VsI7mtySTjuAT29xZraLto0WoM/s320/DSC_2120.JPG" width="320" /></a>In early childhood we talk the language of play.We admire play from a distance, but when we are cornered...by anyone with concerns for "academics" we crumble a bit. Children right now need play advocates. Study and read to understand the research and the value. Become fluent in the language of play so that you may talk the benefits and the development that play promotes. Spend time in quiet self guided play. Listen to your self talk. Reflect on how your play unfolds. Play is critical and necessary for many of life's problems. Ensure that all children know how to play and have uninterrupted play experiences with rich materials that allow for exploration.<br />
Become a play advocate...please!pam elwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11861019535737306381noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3975398354372272791.post-31365991497751769562010-11-11T16:56:00.002-06:002010-11-12T03:07:11.063-06:00Outdoor Classrooms: A Celebration<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs5e9G5n9JcZOBpryPX68idaPP_0dbM3znDqKns3eqf_Il05CArxWxoxUp68sOVeoH23PXCMIwM58gxDV8LOLSz4Yd3CsGSLuW-EXAPN-Tl3pwNQ6FN8FlauwPsNbAOcXicFqc4GCt39s/s1600/46637_10150269939400054_314615820053_14561009_785169_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs5e9G5n9JcZOBpryPX68idaPP_0dbM3znDqKns3eqf_Il05CArxWxoxUp68sOVeoH23PXCMIwM58gxDV8LOLSz4Yd3CsGSLuW-EXAPN-Tl3pwNQ6FN8FlauwPsNbAOcXicFqc4GCt39s/s320/46637_10150269939400054_314615820053_14561009_785169_n.jpg" width="320" /> </a></div>Yesterday I was able to visit all my early childhood sites in my hometown. Here is one of our green spaces for children, at the Ann Wickman Child Development Center.We have had many conversations over the past several years and opportunities with "experts" to consider the importance of connecting children with Nature. I would like to think of these green spaces as part of my legacy for children, and hope that in some small way, I have influenced the development of these amazing spaces. There are many ways to begin to make connections for families and young children. Start small...but dream big. The Nature Forum and Dimensions have been instrumental in providing focus for the development of these outdoor classrooms. I can sit and watch children in these spaces all day long....any season... and remember the joy of my childhood and the importance of places like Pilot Grove Park!pam elwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11861019535737306381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3975398354372272791.post-52623340214213130272010-11-09T20:31:00.000-06:002010-11-09T20:31:26.861-06:00Hello EC teachers and Kent students<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLGEgXZ_cQAvBvfgchj6QnyNfjdZi88Bw3wr8Cx-scfCn92-X-8AbF8OuyuZY4D-6cAlkreexlPl2p6-_pmvsy0tcdYxEp9_oM5bJypxpDO6KMqmKR6M2jPnqmPEdLFvmxcshAD-gpFwA/s1600/DSC_0979.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLGEgXZ_cQAvBvfgchj6QnyNfjdZi88Bw3wr8Cx-scfCn92-X-8AbF8OuyuZY4D-6cAlkreexlPl2p6-_pmvsy0tcdYxEp9_oM5bJypxpDO6KMqmKR6M2jPnqmPEdLFvmxcshAD-gpFwA/s320/DSC_0979.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>How do you support Inquiry? Teachers are the impetus for joy, excitement and wonder. What have you done lately that created a wave of wonder? We can either stop and become part of a teachable moment, or we can create a teachable moment. I am not convinced that one is superior to the other. Done well, both are good ways to become responsive and intentional teachers. I would love to hear about your moments of wonder....please share here!pam elwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11861019535737306381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3975398354372272791.post-51837094213668352782010-09-12T21:50:00.002-05:002010-11-11T21:28:44.518-06:00Accessing the General Curriculum<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5NQ48faPW9fdVB4sPo-ce5tG9XTDrlUbojTF3eg9XfLQPxyiz8-9RV55muh9YG9KOXmzaLU6Nz-29phsJomVc0Pg1MEc-FuFD7EvCygpHxOYqhzEXGYm2LpLmEn1q240DMpwiCS4cOAQ/s1600/DSC_1167.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5NQ48faPW9fdVB4sPo-ce5tG9XTDrlUbojTF3eg9XfLQPxyiz8-9RV55muh9YG9KOXmzaLU6Nz-29phsJomVc0Pg1MEc-FuFD7EvCygpHxOYqhzEXGYm2LpLmEn1q240DMpwiCS4cOAQ/s320/DSC_1167.JPG" /></a></div>Going to try and get this going again, for anyone interested. Write more later. Welcome if you are visiting from one or more of my courses. Fall is here and we are trying hard to carve out a few more days of relaxation and carry that summer mood into all our days. A toast to you!pam elwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11861019535737306381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3975398354372272791.post-48207252836948913092009-10-27T10:14:00.001-05:002009-10-27T10:22:55.815-05:00Professor Elkind's Blog - Just Ask BabyProfessor David Elkind's blog. The blog part is free. Check it out<br />
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<a href="http://www.justaskbaby.com/blogs/professor-elkind">Professor Elkind's Blog - Just Ask Baby</a>pam elwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11861019535737306381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3975398354372272791.post-4740211926445329202009-10-21T09:23:00.004-05:002009-10-21T09:31:09.840-05:00Early Childhood Exchange: World Forum and Bonnie's BlogInterestingly enough, Bonnie Neugebauer from Early Childhood Exchange and a founder of the Nature Collaboration began a blog about the same time as I did this fall. In the age of accountability and pressure, I have been asked by a few, what is the purpose of this blog, what are we supposed to do with it, who is it for? I was reading <a href="http://www.worldforumfoundation.org/wf/bonnie/">Bonnie's blog</a> today and here is what she says about starting a blog. <span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><i>Debra Sullivan shared thoughts with me about community: ”We don’t know what amazing and powerful things w</i><i>e might be able to accomplish if we create strong communities.” How do we create these communities in our world today? It occurs to me that this blog might be one way . . . </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This blog maybe part of a solution and a response to 21st century learners. We need to create strong communities that care for all of the members, regardless of age or status equally. We shall see. pam</span>pam elwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11861019535737306381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3975398354372272791.post-2259415923448097152009-10-20T11:54:00.001-05:002010-12-07T07:37:17.353-06:00Light and Shadow: More inspirations from Turtlewings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikAP6YfBF3HqjFOcHVidC9Jjzrucp9_C2WZGGuDoqpaN1bXwX6nLqZ9wmtGrZnKsjLeoUi9f5XL_PnXFB7I-xWk8fbXiAiuX2QvtV00OQHDVxuAySwNo_6gKAMCNjJ9j4LRcmdcQt9fG8/s1600-h/DSC_0262.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikAP6YfBF3HqjFOcHVidC9Jjzrucp9_C2WZGGuDoqpaN1bXwX6nLqZ9wmtGrZnKsjLeoUi9f5XL_PnXFB7I-xWk8fbXiAiuX2QvtV00OQHDVxuAySwNo_6gKAMCNjJ9j4LRcmdcQt9fG8/s320/DSC_0262.JPG" vr="true" /></a>More studies from Turtlewings Creativity Studio. The children were using the overhead as a storytelling experience. Here you see she created the setting and a very elaborate drawing of her character to project. See how nicely the drawing is illuminated. The expectation is that when projected the details will show up. </div><br />
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But there is a problem with the expectation. The shadow of the character does not capture the detail. She continues to experiment realizing that what is related to the shadow is the shape of the paper cutout not the details in the drawing. What do you do as the adult?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4KpMkGeD862gNZQf2-DZShexUm5mxrVfoe_pLWcI1EuR6wIon-l-u4OmZTAWzszuY6ML4v_50L9Aeif-o3q4SNHHdRew6ofFZJ5PNSlgr0vdzLs_J_SYGpeMkegDOxyWj9Xl6RIgms0Y/s1600-h/DSC_0263.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4KpMkGeD862gNZQf2-DZShexUm5mxrVfoe_pLWcI1EuR6wIon-l-u4OmZTAWzszuY6ML4v_50L9Aeif-o3q4SNHHdRew6ofFZJ5PNSlgr0vdzLs_J_SYGpeMkegDOxyWj9Xl6RIgms0Y/s320/DSC_0263.JPG" /></a>pam elwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11861019535737306381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3975398354372272791.post-51498222784527760452009-10-16T11:24:00.001-05:002009-10-16T11:30:26.255-05:00What do we focus on?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkp9wx62VFMMeoVlfv6qH7S1EebLNibpcchVH9QBrdZ1C36qCMmDhZKGHwRZ5Y_jixvakfPMvZMF5ahAT10L_Q_Sc5ry14lc0F4CZ5G67PO2qwaI1BMfBogy4GWIhY_tkE9W5K8rQZQKs/s1600-h/DSC_0060_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkp9wx62VFMMeoVlfv6qH7S1EebLNibpcchVH9QBrdZ1C36qCMmDhZKGHwRZ5Y_jixvakfPMvZMF5ahAT10L_Q_Sc5ry14lc0F4CZ5G67PO2qwaI1BMfBogy4GWIhY_tkE9W5K8rQZQKs/s320/DSC_0060_2.jpg" /></a><br />
</div>Even if you successfully separate your personal life from your professional life :+( , does it feel like there is too much coming at you to prioritize? Let's think... what do I need to do today to meet the needs of one child, tomorrow to meet the needs of some children, next week to meet the needs of the group, Let's start there. Now give yourself permission to focus on that until it is accomplished. We need to start to check things off our list before we move onto the next item. Have a Great Weekend.<br />
pampam elwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11861019535737306381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3975398354372272791.post-77246073475090101672009-10-14T07:35:00.001-05:002009-10-14T07:36:31.551-05:00Exploring Light and Shadow from Turtlewings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5KPYRLdk8kYOIivSBWOa3zMFL8E203qNMaCwxrOeoqLQjSPWz8O259douCEExt1J4Q7bpwoIVoOlZbJsWBMLjLufSAsoqN3G2BFs-JtWJd14ECLfIL66KxHpQ_cMQcPgfst2_qWudk0Y/s1600-h/DSC_0159.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5KPYRLdk8kYOIivSBWOa3zMFL8E203qNMaCwxrOeoqLQjSPWz8O259douCEExt1J4Q7bpwoIVoOlZbJsWBMLjLufSAsoqN3G2BFs-JtWJd14ECLfIL66KxHpQ_cMQcPgfst2_qWudk0Y/s320/DSC_0159.jpg" /></a><br />
</div>My class at Early Childhood Institute is titled the Young Investigator and Mathematician. This week we will begin the study of light and shadows. Sounds cool right....well, my sister already hosted this study with children in Brussels. I will post updates to this strand on this page but wanted to get you started with some inspiration from Europe. <a href="http://www.turtlewings.be/?p=163">Check out her blog here!</a>pam elwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11861019535737306381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3975398354372272791.post-82962526873920521362009-10-12T10:58:00.002-05:002009-10-12T12:35:48.495-05:00When adults play<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Sj9fCtF-tbhM5rDhPNlZUrrdo7SsBo4XSI7EHzvGNWcgPxo2e-kG2p1y9UCv6VdeMAXO21VEJEi0itqAD2NJ4q19YZ1s6o9Q6hkSaO9i1SSMcknDdNBwOUQYxgvyrfguOds23ZlMoTQ/s1600-h/DSC_0716.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Sj9fCtF-tbhM5rDhPNlZUrrdo7SsBo4XSI7EHzvGNWcgPxo2e-kG2p1y9UCv6VdeMAXO21VEJEi0itqAD2NJ4q19YZ1s6o9Q6hkSaO9i1SSMcknDdNBwOUQYxgvyrfguOds23ZlMoTQ/s320/DSC_0716.JPG" /></a><br />
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Play workshop at the Iowa AEYC conference.<br />
When adults play with loose parts (recyclables) amazing things happen.<br />
<a href="http://www.slide.com/r/2J7_sOYRzz99zFVe5tQAbjdUkpAJcBpM">Check out the entire slide show!</a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwAKeI8HaMWvlEtpAFFToL4bKXDB74In4zFuaptCzAreRaNqeXpBeEezQDqmALQWk76E6OL4sjPm21ayXaH5IEDi4lFuvT4swlEVNAa4M2T87y0Fvsa-hKjRAY_vyFESLrFSWvx2XWYeg/s1600-h/DSC_0679.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwAKeI8HaMWvlEtpAFFToL4bKXDB74In4zFuaptCzAreRaNqeXpBeEezQDqmALQWk76E6OL4sjPm21ayXaH5IEDi4lFuvT4swlEVNAa4M2T87y0Fvsa-hKjRAY_vyFESLrFSWvx2XWYeg/s320/DSC_0679.JPG" /></a><br />
</div>Allow yourself to reconnect with process orientated play and remember your earliest play experiences. Consider the setting...where were you? Consider the playmates...were there any adults around? Consider the materials...Did you need a power source?<br />
How can we fully support the children in our programs to learn through play?<br />
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What is the true value of play? How can we connect it in our adult minds to Early Learning Standards so that we can support each child through sustained interactions with rich materials?pam elwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11861019535737306381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3975398354372272791.post-78854193012970359712009-10-08T18:46:00.000-05:002009-10-08T19:42:08.722-05:00My Sister Company: From Dandelions to Turtlewings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_-pycXpjgh49XieWxQpcc8J0w1Hr6VmczS68skin46UOJj62wGurJ5CMGmYj7cEwg0G2gDtBkZzoOhSR5BWAaptdVnonmJHr4a3Z53Z7_R5jamnXNN2BNTZBlplX1pFI1RLg24h-nOZ0/s1600-h/7321_145389228874_509018874_2525508_8079959_s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_-pycXpjgh49XieWxQpcc8J0w1Hr6VmczS68skin46UOJj62wGurJ5CMGmYj7cEwg0G2gDtBkZzoOhSR5BWAaptdVnonmJHr4a3Z53Z7_R5jamnXNN2BNTZBlplX1pFI1RLg24h-nOZ0/s200/7321_145389228874_509018874_2525508_8079959_s.jpg" /></a><br />
</div>As some of you know I work both as a public and private consultant. My company is Dandelion Consultation. My sister has an amazing Design Firm in Brussels, Belgium called Turtlewings. Her company focuses on the design aspects of early childhood education from the physical design of the environment to materials workshops with teachers and children. Please follow our amazing journey with parents, teachers, and most importantly children.<br />
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<a href="http://www.turtlewings.be/">www.turtlewings.be</a><br />
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pampam elwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11861019535737306381noreply@blogger.com0