Comments for Growing Children

Comment on Life can be a lesson plan by roylcoblog

roylcoblog — Thu, 16 May 2013 15:24:58 +0000

This is so true. We take everyday experiences for granted whereas children are being exposed to these experiences with a view of everything as new and exciting. Certainly many didactic aspects can be learned first-hand through these everyday encounters.

Comment on The Changing Face of Early Childhood in Ohio by angiegood

angiegood — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 16:33:52 +0000

So glad to hear that other states are stealing second for their kids! Thanks for reading – Angie

Comment on The Changing Face of Early Childhood in Ohio by Dragonfly Diva

Dragonfly Diva — Sat, 13 Apr 2013 00:02:48 +0000

How exciting! As someone who has worked within Pennsylvania’s STARS system for 11 years now, change is a part of continuous quality improvement and stealing second for the children. It is exciting and scary all at the same time and it can be a lot of work. In the end though when you see the fruits of your labors paying off in the opportunities for the children and families and the benefits your teachers are experiencing, it is so, so, so worth navigating the new path and taking those risks. Good Luck!

Comment on Random Acts of Experimentation by Elizabeth Sloan

Elizabeth Sloan — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 13:55:32 +0000

While I do understand the need for young children to explore (I am a preschool teacher after all) I still have to stand my ground that there is a proper time and place for such events. Young children have a difficult time distinguishing rules from the different places they go to, though it’s not impossible as I have plenty of children that act different in my class than they do at home.

The problem I have is that though children should explore and the activity he was doing was a good experiment it was still a bad place to do it. I understand some homes are okay with this, and that is the parents right. I personally would never let my future child play like that at the table. There are plenty of places in which a messy activity could be done without interrupting a meal time.

I think that, as a society, we spend so much time letting children explore and express themselves that we forget to teach them how to be a functioning human. While children should be able to express themselves creatively as well as explore and experiment with their environment we also have a responsibility to teach them how to properly function in our society.

Comment on Random Acts of Experimentation by Josh Craig

Josh Craig — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 14:01:29 +0000

The purpose of this post was to encourage adults to show awareness of a young child’s need to explore their world. Infants, toddlers and preschoolers are by nature sensory seeking. The need to squeeze something, to hear a delicate or loud sound, to apply knowledge of cause and effect are so strongly innate that to deny them may result in frustration, fatigue and shut-down.

I agree that table manners are a worthwhile cause and contribute immensely to a civil society. However, each of us may have differing opinions about table etiquette. What is proper in your home may not be someone else’s.

I also believe that he knows what is acceptable at one place may not be acceptable at another. For instance, what he does at our house may not be acceptable at his grandparents house; or he may not be able to do some things at school that he can do at home. To me that contributes to his social development in a positive way. I would also submit that without all the situational context of this one event one runs the risk of misinterpretation.

To me, this was a successful adventure and immensely powerful in learning opportunities.

Comment on Random Acts of Experimentation by Jamie

Jamie — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 20:37:43 +0000

I am not sure how this was a complete disregard of table manners. Eli had plenty of insight to spread out a napkin to catch most of his mess. A lot of times in an early childhood setting, we begin at an early age to teach when and where certain activities or expectations are acceptable. A child may be allowed to jump on the couch at home but at school it is not okay. At home it may be okay to experiment with liquids and containers at the table but at grandma’s house it isn’t okay. I believe this is important for a child’s social development.
I think it is best to remember that what works in one household may not work in another and all cultures have differing ideas on table manners.

Comment on Random Acts of Experimentation by Elizabeth Sloan

Elizabeth Sloan — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 11:15:21 +0000

I don’t understand how it is acceptable to allow a child to completely disregard table manners. I’m all about children learning about science at a young age and messes aren’t a problem, but when you allow a child to play at the table like that you are taking away from their social development. If he wants to experiment with his juice box, fine, just separate that activity from the meal table.

Comment on Discover your strengths! by Nicole

Nicole — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 21:29:06 +0000

I am so glad that you are able to see the strength in sensitivity! I believe we wouldn’t be where were are or who we are without it. The world needs people who are sensitive, as well as people who are analytical or commanding or includers!! Continue to be who you are, and use it as a positive in your work and life!!

Comment on Discover your strengths! by Nicole

Nicole — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 21:23:43 +0000

Thank you, Karen!! I was the lucky one to have been on the journey with you Our team was Mighty!

Comment on Science with infants and toddlers? You’re doing it already! by Christine Fields

Christine Fields — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 17:58:26 +0000

Janine, Thanks for the comment! You are right, science is for everyone!