When they are playing with pretend weapons, do you let them do that?

we believe that self initiated inquiry will happen through play based learning

play for us involves a lot of nature materils, and at the moment I have ALL boys and they spend a lot of time using art materils

our school is an IB PYP school and we are trying our best to authentic inquiries and that really needs lots of free play

My forest school hasn't opened yet, but part of my daily schedule is going to be Exploration and Discovery time. What

* to have authentic

its their social emotional learning!

How to handle violence in the play?

and bad guys playing

yes that is what we do!

bad guys are powerful!

I have a great book called "Super Hero Joe" that helps in this play

What I am planning on doing is after this Exploration and Discovery time, having a sharing session where children can talk about what they observed and learned. I want the children to be very involved and to share their ideas and really feel they have ownership of the program.

I don’t allow gun play at school but other weapons are ok

It's important for us to be able to show through documentation, the learning that is happening! But also have the knowledge and educational foundation to talk about their learning.

this point is the most stressful thing.. teachers will always worry about academics.. phonics..reading and even writing!

I believe the academic elements are important too, but can definitely be integrated into play. I am also a credentailed elementary teacher and I know how rigorous the Kindergarten and elementary school curriculum are. Not only are the skills themselves important, but so is the self-confidence and motivation that comes along with having these skills. When I taught preschool, I integrated academic skills into play in a fun, non-stressful way.

Ha! That is so funny that you said that about what words you use to talk about time. My son wakes up every morning and says “is it play time, Mommy?” Everything that isn’t nap time or meal time he calls “play time”

I add many art and play based program in my academic program, they learn it so fast and it's easier to understand.

Have you heard of Concious Competency?

does that include on a playground?

Our Schedule has a one hour block of indoor play and then a one hour block of outdoor play in the morning between breakfast/lunch and then we do the same 2 blocks in the afternoon after nap

How do you feel about weekly themes?

Do you think weekly themes are too structured and teacher driven, rather than child driven?

(you answered my question)

I have some themes that I am thinking of using, but I also would like to ask the children what themes would interest them.

I think you just answered my question!

I use themes but they are flexible. They are scheduled to change every 2 weeks but I follow their interests in when we switch.

We have been studying color and trains for 10 weeks now!

That's exactly what I am thinking about doing Erin!

I planned a bunch of themes and a tentative schedule but reorganize them and lengthen them as necessary. We just started a Farm theme and they are all SUPER engaged so I am already planning to expand this one to 4 weeks and then reassess.

I use a curriculum web and continually add materials as their ideas change.

We are definitely on the same wave length Erin:)

I think my role is facilatator...

facilitator

and sometimes observers

I have a hard time deciding when I should engage and when I should observe - I am always afraid of interrupting their play!

join their playing.. player ..

yes, they are all between 18-26 months

got it

When I taught at a preschool, we were given a list of weekly themes, curriuclum, skills, etc. We also all did the letter of the week (which I know you are not a fan of!). I am more of a structured person, so it never really occurred to me that this was not the best approach.

I feel like every parent in San Francisco wants to hear those buzz words of Montessori, Reggio, Waldorf, and Language Immersion and see “play based” as lower quality

I think sometimes teachers can get caught up in quantity rather than quality! We think we have to get through a long list of topics and skills, so we become conditioned to not be as flexible with planning and scheduling.

yesss - it’s all about the trust right!? It’s hard to trust that the kids are going to learn what they need to know without us directing it

I use Kaymbu and the CA DRDP to document and communicate the learning on a daily basis.

I use Brightwheel to document and communicate with parents

Erin- It's tough to find that balance and be confident about it.

absolutely!

I also agree with you about Buzz words- Montessori, Reggio, etc. I'm not even sure parents understand all the different philosophies!

I would know if it it possible to see pictures for the environment and even videos if it is possible

I want to buy your book, what is the title?

Excited to learn more about it

Environment questions for next time - what are the best things to include in the environment for toddlers? What are the best open ended things to include for kids who are still putting everything in their mouth...etc.

Thank you so much!