PureFUN

The Importance of Play

mo — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 02:26:07 +0000

Play is essential to the social, emotional, cognitive, and physical well-being of children beginning in early childhood. It is a natural tool for children to develop resiliency as they learn to cooperate, overcome challenges, and negotiate with others. Play also allows children to be creative…

What’s Behind A Temper Tantrum? Scientists Deconstruct The Screams…

mo — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 01:53:35 +0000

Children’s temper tantrums are widely seen as many things: the cause of profound helplessness among parents; a source of dread for airline passengers stuck next to a young family; a nightmare for teachers. But until recently, they had not been considered a legitimate subject for science.

The environmental safety of toys…

mo — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 01:47:39 +0000

Nothing says “happy childhood” like a brand-new toy, a playground set, or an afternoon of arts and crafts. Unfortunately, just like bubble baths and pajamas, these items can contain chemical or physical dangers to children of which parents need to be aware.

7 games to play with your preschooler (win!)

mo — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 01:37:57 +0000

http://blogs.babycenter.com/products_and_prizes/7-games-to-play-with-your-preschooler-win/

Exchange Everyday: Lead Teacher vs. Assistant Director

mo — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 15:51:51 +0000

Exchange EveryDay
Lead Teacher vs. Assistant Director
November 1, 2011

In her article, “Building Effective Teams Through Delegation and Recognition,” in the Exchange Essential: Building an Effective Team, Youthland Academy’s Amanda Siderits challenges…

“Reconsider the typical organizational structure that appoints an Assistant Director and consider instead having several lead teachers. This structure can encourage ambitious teachers who are seeking opportunities for growth or acceleration in the center. Instead of appointing one assistant director, you can recognize several strong teachers with a prestigious job title and appropriate center responsibilities….

“The director plays the role of chief delegator, and like any good delegator, he/she must understand everyone else’s job and monitor their performance. There are simple ways of staying on top of the lead teachers, such as requiring weekly reports and conducting weekly 20-minute meetings with the group to touch base. It is the responsibility of the director to define what is expected of each lead teacher, provide necessary training, and follow through with consequences and rewards.”

PF University Tip:

mo — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 20:51:53 +0000

For students who struggle with friends
•    Arrange “buddy time” (time to play with a compatible peer)
•    Model center time behavior
•    Give the student responsibilities
•    Teach replacement behaviors
•    Stay in close proximity during unstructured time
•    Plan instruction for teaching social skills (stories, role play, peer problem solver)

PF University Tip:

mo — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 20:49:25 +0000

For students who struggle when following directions:
•    Use visual cues
•    Keep directions simple and sequenced
•    Break procedures down into small steps
•    Demonstrate
•    Partner with a peer

PF University Tip:

mo — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 20:45:53 +0000

For students with a high activity level:
•    Have short group times
•    Plan for transitions
•    Offer a limited number of choices
•    Offer high interest activities
•    Define physical space
•    Make sure his/her hands are busy

Socialize!

mo — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 19:30:35 +0000

Check out our Parent Connect Facebook page!

Click here!

Ask an Expert

mo — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 19:28:48 +0000

Pam Stevens, Child Care Operations & Training

pam@purefuninc.com