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During this course, we discussed material and aesthetic practices. The google slides proposed a question that I found interesting. "What does it tell children about art materials if they are kept in a locked cabinet only to be brought out and distributed when the teacher wants?" This question inclined my thinking during my observations. Although, I did not see proper material practices with my observation site, this example models an accurate representation of effective classroom material practices. Providing children with the autonomy to decide when, with what , and how to engage with materials such as art supplies. I have benefited from this course through my increased knowledge of how to create a meaningful classroom environment based of effective material and aesthetic practices.

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How to Save Space with a One Shelf Atelier | Reggio inspired classrooms, Reggio classroom, Reggio emilia classroom

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Feb 27, 2020 - Do you feel you do not have the space in your classroom for an atelier? All it takes is one shelf. You could call it a mini-atelier.

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During this course, we discussed effective documentation practices. We analyzed and evaluated different forms of documentation in their effectiveness as well as their organization. Many of the examples that we evaluated in class aligned with this example. This example has many of the attributes that make up an effective documentation for the classroom. This wall designed documentation displays the products that the children made, pictures of the process, captions of interactions, an even provides context to the intention and processes of the activity being documented. This example is representative of the effective documentation practices that have been covered during this course.

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During this course, we discussed schooling (academic) practices. A major theme of this course was focused on the practice of reimagining these outdated schooling practices to fit and meet the needs of children. Reimagining these practices discussed such as school calendars, can be daunting, but result in the creation of a child centered environment. This example is representative of a reimagined alphabet wall. The traditional printed letter wall was reimagined in this example by the allowing of children to create the displayed letter wall for their own classroom. This child creative activity is reimagined with the intention of not only promoting interest in the alphabet, but is also intended to increase the children's understanding of the alphabet. This picture is an example of the types of effective reimagined schooling (academic) practices as covered within this course.

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During this course, we discussed Play practices. A main concept of play practices that was focused on throughout this course was the idea that children's play should not be restricted by adults. This picture is an example of the unrestricted play that children have the potential to explore. Play in restricted in many ways, and the importance of unrestricted play was revealed and analyzed throughout this course. I chose this picture as a representation of a scenario that would (in traditional schooling environments) would either be prohibited or discouraged. Prohibiting children's autonomy in play is a nuanced way of restriction. In this example, the children are playing with nature in their own ways. Activities like this messy sort of play are often restricted, but throughout this course, the importance as well as strategies to reimagine play increased my knowledge and awareness of this play practice concept.

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During this course, we discussed different aspects of discursive practices for children. This image is an example of the concept of children learn better when they feel loved. This course discussed the importances, as well as ways to create a classroom where children desire to be and feel loved, known, and seen. This example is similar to some of the images within the slide decks that covered this section of the course. The way that we speak to children matters, and has more of an effect on the child than adults realize. This course helped adjust my point of view on how I plan to communicate with the children within my future classroom.

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by Laura LeMaster

Did you know the first Saturday of April was Love Our Children Day?

Showing love to our students and children is vital to growing and impacting their young minds.

According to Love Our Children USA, every year over three million children are victims of violence and neglect. Our society seemingly focuses less on the importance of simply showing love and more on the expectations children are "supposed to have". This special day lets love on our kids a little extra, raise awareness for those in need, and be reminded of the fact that this should be a part our everyday lives and not just on a specific day.

See also 25 Things Successful Teachers Do Differently

In honor of the children and this day, here are 10 ways to show some extra care.
12 Ways To Make Sure A Child Feels Loved 1. Make specific and intentional time for them
And don't miss it.

Whether you have one or multiple kids, make time to spend with them one-on-one. "Getting to know them" sounds absurd, but it's actually incredibly important. Learn about them. Build a bond specific between the two of you. Go places and do things that are different; go outside of your normal ice cream shop or family spot.
2. Listen to and recognize them
See #1.

And 'listening' isn't simply hearing, but also involves understanding, caring, and 'getting' a child-who they are, where they are coming from, and what they might need and hope for from you. There are many things you can say to encourage a child, but listening may be even more important.

Listening to and recognizing a child can't be saved for special events or ceremonies, nor does it always have to be praise and acclaim. The simple act of persistent interaction, by seeing and hearing, lets them know they are-well, seen and heard. Y

You'd be surprised how many students don't consistently feel this and will respond by seeking the wrong kind of attention.
3. Help them be creative
Make a craft together. Play with Legos. Get outside. Make up a new game. Paint. Play Minecraft. Build a maker kit. Write a song or a play.

There are endless possibilities, especially if you allow them to lead with their own ideas.
4. Explore (and frame) current events
Helping a child both become aware of what's going on in the world and make sense of it in a healthy and critically-literate way can be among the most important lessons you ever teach them.

Help them understand what's going on and have a conversation not just on the facts, but about what they think and believe while helping them see all of the possible ways of 'framing' these events, and maybe even make it metacognitive-help them see their own thinking, and where those ideas come from.

Whether from news, political, human, data, or any other possible perspective, the reality that how you see the world determines what you see and how you think about it is more crucial than knowing the events themselves.
5. Be physically active with them
Be physically active alongside them.

Exercise is one way, and has countless benefits for you and growing children, physically, psychologically, and more. physical activity is one of the best, easiest (and free) things to do that's usually more fun with someone else.

Not only is the act of exercise beneficial, but teaching kids about it can impact them in a much more positive way than you can imagine.
6. Have a 'together' night
Joining the family together (or another special group) is something that seems to be a lost value in today's society. Bringing everyone together to play charades, board games, team-building games, discuss current events, or simply have dinner at the table will be something all of you cherish.

Cooking with them-or better yet, gardening food that you then prepare, cook, and eat together-sends signals to a child that they are safe, cared for, and learning life skills that transcend formal education.
7. Take time to learn with them
Instead of "what did you do in school today,' use these alternatives; get to the heart of what they're learning and what they're absorbing.
8. Take care of another living thing together
Whether it be your pet or a houseplant, teach them the importance of caring for others by using the living animals and creation around us.
9. Read together
Whether you read to them, with them, or listen to them read, literacy is a common bond that brings people together.

Inspire children by modeling a love for books, writing, and even drama, art, and related 'humanities.' Books that teach children empathy are just one example. They can take you to different lands-even books that can make you happy, or educate. There are so many possibilities and ways to use them, but the broadest message is that you care about them and that they are safe and loved.
10. Connect them with other 'things' that can 'love' them
Whether friends, books, projects, local communities, groups, teams, extracurricular clubs, or any other group, the feeling of acceptance and belonging can help a child feel loved and part of something that gives them a sense of purpose that they can then craft and make all their own.
11. Remember something they said or did 12. Don't give false praise, but rather thoughtful and authentic recognition 12 Ways To Make Sure A Child Feels Loved

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12 Ways To Make Sure A Child Feels Loved

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by Laura LeMaster Did you know the first Saturday of April was Love Our Children Day? Showing love to our students and children is vital to growing and impacting their young minds. According to Love Our Children USA, every year over three million children are victims of violence and neglect.