Nadirchat

We proudly introduce our newest book, Taylor Please Stop Talking, available on Amazon.com PRLog (Press Release) - Aug. 12, 2013 - ONTARIO , Canada   Taylor loved to talk. From the minute she woke up until the time she went to bed, she had something to say. She told adventure stories and school yard stories, bus ride stories and supermarket stories. She invented fantasy stories, ghost stories, and dragon stories. And everything would have been fine if suddenly and unimaginably, everyone hadn't begged her, implored her, beseeched her to please stop talking. And so she did. But having gotten what they wished for, her family, classmates, friends, and especially her Grandpa missed the magic of Taylor �s never-ending commentary on life. In a moment of quiet sadness, Taylor �s Grandpa is able to break her silence by imparting a bit of wisdom that restores Taylor �s voice and her faith in herself. What could he have possibly said?

How many times do you hear a particular sound, or find yourself singing a really old song, or smell something that evokes a powerful memory? More often than you think. Scientists have identified that the part of the brain that is in charge of processing sensory data is also in charge of creating strong emotional memories.  This lends credibility to the rich sensory based experiences we share with children in the early years. As teachers we should consider that most facts are forgotten shortly after tests are completed, but the memories created by seeing, doing, smelling, and living last a lifetime!

 A simple floral bouquet can inspire beautiful pieces of art. The smell, texture, and crisp bold color. All these element contributed to the experience. These children were more than happy to collaborate.              

This particular experience was wonderful to watch for many reasons; the manner in which Rosie (2.5 year old) held her pencil (from a palm grip to pincer grasp), the multitude of circles she created before she added facial features to several, the exchange she had with the mirror and the sheer joy she expressed when she saw the results of her "work".

In what seems to be a long time ago, 2004, I took a trip to Italy, not to visit family, but to see the world renowned schools of Reggio Emilia. I joined an American Study Tour, Crossing Boundaries, knowing that my work as an Early Childhood Educator would be changed forever. Little did I know that the two weeks I spent immersed in this pedagogy would define me both as a woman and as a teacher. I began my career in 1981 and have taught young children in several settings becoming a supervisor in 1989 and then eventually going on to be an owner of three schools.  I have always felt a tremendous affinity for children. For lack of words I will simply say that they are remarkable. What I came to realize and knew to some extent, as I began to study the Reggio Approach in 2000, is that we must commit as teachers to share the journey of learning and most importantly the walk of life with our students. To that end, upon my return from my trip, a major upheaval began in the school where I was...

When Loose Materials Meet Imagination!