Ms. Graham ABC Teaching & Homeschooling

Social emotional learning 🩵 In the early years, fostering social emotional learning and play is essential. Through play, kids discover, regulate emotions, and build empathy. Social interactions teach cooperation and communication, vital for relationships. Integrating these into nature-based activities connects children with the environment, nurturing emotional intelligence and well-being 🌳 #natureschool #preschool #forestschool #outdooreducation #lexingtonky #homeschoolmom #kentuckymom #freeplay #alternativeeducation #homeschool #unstructuredplay #unschoolers #montessori #waldorfeducation #evergreennatureschool #lexingtonkynews #summercamp2024 #summercamp

Unschooling vs educational neglect

TikTok · Skyler 301 likes, 39 comments. “Replying to no one should have to endure educational neglect, but your educational neglect was not “unintentional unschooling.” When we equate neglect with unschooling, we silence the voices of grown unschoolers and make it harder for us to critique the philo...

Farms! I have always thought that this would be an excellent replacement for middle school 🥰

#handrenseavey #jobs #farms #highschool #bmi #iq #farming #solutions #problemsolving

As a mom of 4, this image hit hard. I never ever considered how much time and effort it takes to feed our babies. I just did it, without a second thought.

"The Importance of Being Little" by Erika Christakis argues for a shift in how we approach early childhood. The book champions fostering a child's natural curiosity and love of learning through play, exploration, and strong relationships rather than the current focus on academics in early childhood education. This is a must-read for parents, educators, and anyone interested in fostering a nurturing and stimulating environment for young children. Here are some key takeaways:

1. Embrace the Journey: Many parents view childhood as a race to get children "ready" for kindergarten or beyond. The Importance of Being Little reminds us that childhood is a valuable journey in itself. Don't pressure your child to achieve specific academic goals at a young age. Focus on creating an environment that sparks their curiosity and allows them to learn and explore at their own pace.

2. Motivation Matters More Than Rewards: Traditional methods often rely on rewards (stickers, praise) and punishments (time-outs) for behavior management. Christakis argues that these extrinsic motivators can undermine a child's intrinsic motivation – the natural desire to learn and explore. Instead, focus on open communication and positive reinforcement. Help them understand the impact of their actions and the natural consequences.

3. The Power of Play: Play is not just about fun and games; it's essential for a child's development. Through open-ended play (think building blocks, dress-up, imaginative scenarios), children explore their creativity, problem-solve, develop social skills, and learn about the world around them.

4. Building the Foundation: Feeling loved and accepted unconditionally is crucial for a child's well-being. The Importance of Being Little emphasizes the importance of strong, secure relationships with caregivers. This sense of security allows children to feel safe to take risks, explore their environment, and learn new things.

5. Conversations, Stories, and Songs: Formal lessons aren't the only way to help your child develop language skills. Everyday interactions like conversations, storytelling, and singing are filled with rich opportunities for language learning. Engage your child, ask open-ended questions, and listen attentively.

6. Emotional Intelligence: The Importance of Being Little goes beyond academics. Helping children understand and manage their emotions is vital. Validate their feelings, teach healthy coping mechanisms, and model emotional intelligence yourself.

7. Unstructured Time: Freedom to Explore, Freedom to Learn: Children learn best by doing and exploring. Provide unstructured time for them to follow their interests and curiosity at their own pace. This allows them to develop a love of learning, independence, and a sense of self-discovery.

8. Boundaries Provide Security, Not Stifle Growth: While The Importance of Being Little advocates for freedom and exploration, it doesn't mean a lack of boundaries. Clear and consistent limits create a safe and secure environment for children. Set age-appropriate expectations and provide guidance in a loving and respectful way.

9. Beyond Peers: The Irreplaceable Role of Adults: While peer interaction is important for social development, Christakis reminds us that children still crave adult connection. Spend quality time with your child, engaging in activities they enjoy, talking, and building a strong bond.

10. Lifelong Learners and Responsible Individuals: By prioritizing exploration, play, and positive relationships, you nurture your child's natural curiosity and love of learning. This, in turn, lays the foundation for them to become confident, responsible, and lifelong learners who are intrinsically motivated to explore the world and reach their full potential.

BOOK: https://amzn.to/3WCbuOb

You can get the Audiobook for FREE when you register for Audible Membership through the same link above

A beautiful poem by Gio Evan encapsulates some of the reasons we have chosen to prioritize traveling with our children

Why homeschooling hours are much less than public school hours:

My kindergartener *can* finish his schoolwork by 9am. He does occasionally if he feels like jumping right into his academics. Our daily academics include a math lesson, phonics, reading and writing. Most times he eases into the day with an audio book or listening to a podcast and we don’t finish till the afternoon, but on days when he really wants to get it done and feels focused and determined to do so, he can. When I previously shared this, I had a few feisty teachers come at me saying I couldn’t possibly be getting done as much as they do, but we do in fact. On a good day, maybe more. We all know class sizes are way too big most places. Between classroom management, dealing with behaviors, and teaching younger kids how to do every little thing it takes to function in a school, we save a lot of time in their absence. In the classroom having well-oiled systems and procedures is crucial, but even with those in place it takes time to teach to a group of diverse learners. The rest of our day is used for play, art, science, whatever the day has ahead of us. It’s one of the many perks I’ve found in homeschooling. Earlier this week we finished everything by 11am and decided to go out to lunch. The restaurant was dead as everyone was at work and school. #homeschool #homeschooling #kindergartenhomeschool #secularhomeschool #secularhomeschooling #formerteacher #teacherturnedhomeschooler #homeschoolcommunity #teachersofinstagram #homeschoolersofinstagram

If you are in the Ottawa/Gatineau area, this will be a phenomenal program 💖

I need this reminder often 🥰

A sweet reminder ❤ Credit: @aaronlesue #family #parenting #toddlers #love #mums #dads