PreK+K Sharing Turns THREE with a HUGE Give Away!

OH HAPPY DAY!!! Collaboration turns THREE!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
WIN OVER $300 Worth of ECE PRIZES!!!

If you had a baby born on November first of 2011, that child is now quite the independent young whizz kid: singing, playing, discovering, building, digging, jumping, questioning and exploring at every opportunity! And that's just what happens around here at our collaborative blog ALL!THE!TIME! 

Month in and month out: it is a thrill to see our collective efforts of contribution to the Early Childhood field continue. Three years is a long time! I am so very proud of the 750 articles that fly united here under our collaborative banner. This is now something of an encyclopedia of sharing!

What an honor and thrill to wear the crown of editor-in-chief and rub elbows with these dignitaries and authors. I stand in awe and gratitude for the dedication of these professionals who go above and beyond the call of duty to share their best. My heart is full. THANK YOU. 

It is time for a CELEBRATION! 

In honor of our latest milestone we've gathered some happy prizes for a VERY lucky winner! I will be giving away a set of all three of my picture books. Each of my books include a CD insert inside, as the text of that book are the lyrics to one of my earlier songs. I write on the first of every month and this is my body of work here at the collaborative. You can get better acquainted with my work and travels over at my blog: Rainbows Within Reach. 

The first to jump into the give-away spirit was our very own "Simply Kinder" Jennifer! We have had the amazing opportunity to be together on several memorable occasions, the latest of which culminated in my visiting her school wearing my author hat and then the four of us taking a JEEP tour across Sedona, hubbies included. If you want to see a picture of me levitating over Red Rocks click here, but most likely you want to see what Kadar is cooking up at all things Simply Kinder! Here are her contributions around our Sharing collaborative. 

It was her brilliant idea to ask EduCents to get involved and involved they got! The lucky winner will receive a gift certificate for $100 worth of goodies from the EduCents vault of unique shopping opportunity! Think of the VALUE of that prize on the little lives you impact! 

This summer I had the great good fortune to have the brilliant Deborah McNelis stay in our summer haven for a delightful visit! She was our #GuestEduCelebrity in the spotlight of one of our #TeacherFriends Twitter Chats. We tweeted together in real time! What a hoot! I also got to eavesdrop on her conversations with China on spreading her amazing 'brain-work' around the world. Deborah is donating her brain packet for 'Thriving at Five.' I know the winner will glean much from her awesome set of cards and their professional presentation. We will see each other next at the Redleaf author's reception at NAEYC.  Visit her website, Brain Insights for all the latest! Deb's articles here at the collaborative are simply amazing. 

Next up! Our lucky winner will receive a set of FOUR CDs from one of our founding {and most consistent} contributors, MISS CAROLE! We go back in the 'way-back' machine a VERY l-o-n-g time! Let's just suffice it to say that my hubby has had birthday pizza in Miss Carole's dining room on more than one occasion! We have been the guests more times than I can count in the windy city home of the gracious hostess, Miss Carole. Ages ago the two of us got to co-present at a national convention of the American Library Association. Seeing Carole's snowball blizzard unfold in real life is an amazing experience! Visit her articles here at the collaborative or her website Macaroni Soup for her latest adventures. We have Dallas-NAEYC hugs slated for next week at her booth! 

What a complete delight to have two digital products donated by one of our newest authors. I can always count on Terri's enthusiasm and support when I have yet another of my last minute ideas. Terri has contributed her two best sellers to our incredible prize package. The two of us have yet to meet in real life, though our plans to do so are scheming all the time. When ever I have an opportunity to travel WEST I think of Terri! One of these times we're going to have all of our ducks in a row and it is going to happen. Terri blogs at "Kinder Kapers" and has a growing list of articles here under our PreK+K Sharing banner as well. 

Ask and you shall receive. Dr. Ellaine Bailey-Miller is one of those 'get results' type of people! She is a dynamo and power house for certain. I have gotten to observe her organizational skills and insight upon her invitation to give the keynote at Auburn University several years ago for their state conference. It has been a pleasure to watch her children grown up over the years of our continued interaction. She writes for us on so many issues near and dear to the youngest in our midst. She contributes a copy of "The Scientist in the Crib" for the lucky winner. Thanks Ellaine! 

HOT OFF THE PRESS! Our lucky winner will receive Carolyn Kislowski's newest and coolest digital download product called "Book Ends: Writing Prompts for Author Studies." What could be nearer to my heart? Carolyn is also 'newish' around these parts, but settling into her date with the bestest of front-line-Kinder-teacher insight every month! I've just realized that she lives in the area our youngest went to college. Cue 'Small World' music. My favorite fall-memory? Driving through her hillsides. If only we had known each other then! Learn all about Carolyn at her blog, "Holding Hands and Sticking Together" which tells you a lot about this dear heart. Or read her articles contributed for over a year, here at our community. 

Carie. My sweet Carie. I have written numerous articles about how the two of us met one another and all of the interactions that have taken place since our first encounter. Carie's contribution now is that of a kindergarten teacher, but prior to her central Illinois classroom? She served our country for nine years in the Army, with a year of active duty in Iraq. The woman is energy, enthusiasm and eagerness all rolled into one. Think dynamo, think Carie. She is contributing her Kindergarten Office digital download. I saw them in action in her classroom and knew that others would WANT them! Find Carie's thoughts at "Kindergarten Hugs" or around here, too! 

There are so many things that come from the blogging experience. Growth. Friendships. Learning. People. Insight. Professionalism. Staying with it/blogging/writing over the long haul reaps all sorts of additional rewards. I just recently received a copy of Dr. Julianne P. Wurm's book, "More Working in the Reggio Way" as a result of my own trip to Reggio and reflections on this incredible approach to working with children. She found ME! I have promised a review of her book and then promised to pass it on to a lucky winner! Talk about perfect timing! I have been turning the pages and learning so much from her insight. As promised I will pass my copy to our lucky winner! 

To conclude. Insert drum......roll....... 

Without a doubt the author that receives the most readers month after month after month is our very own Deb Chitwood!!! It is amazing to see how she weaves together a modern Montessori approach around themes and freebies that she searches the cyber-globe to collect into her monthly contributions. Not only does she write from the heart and soul of experience, making every teacher and parent's work easier, but she professionally networks her article out to the wider world as well. I always wonder if she has more minutes in her hours, or how I might follow in her footsteps to learn how she juggles it all! We came so close to meeting in Colorado, but alas, she was moving even further westward at the time. Meeting this powerhouse is at the top of my blogger bucket list. Visit her comprehensive blog, "Living Montessori Now" or spend the day in her contributions to our collaboration. In either place you will be blessed. Our lucky winner will receive a copy of her eBook, "Montessori at Home or School: How to Teach Grace and Courtesy." From the title alone, you know why we adore this woman!  

*** THIS JUST IN! ADDITIONAL PRIZEs JUST ADDED! 

It is TOTALLY my fault that I had this give away idea at the last possible moment. Some of our authors will be discovering our fun once the Halloween hoopla settles down. 

I have just heard from our national dance expert, Connie Dow that she is contributing a copy of her first book, "Dance, Turn, Hop, Learn" to sweeten the grand prize. Connie's articles are gathered here for your reference. You will want to learn more at her website.  

True to form. I can ALWAYS count on Bill Corbett! He has just found out about our party and is adding a copy of his book to the loot pile. You can learn more about Bill at his site, Cooperative Kids or read back through his many articles in support of parents. 

How lucky are you feeling? 

I know you REALLY want to win this GRANDEST of GRAND prizes! 

I've made the Rafflecopter SUPER easy! 

You get entries for following our blog, tweeting or pinning. 

EASY-PEASY!

Good luck! 

I threw in some extra digital downloads for runner-ups! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The whole reason that it finally dawned on me that this birthday-milestone was about to unfurl, is that we are packing and leaving for NAEYC at dawn. In many ways the annual NAEYC conference is the before and after watershed marker of my calendar year. 

THIS YEAR. NEXT THURSDAY! I will be presenting on Nov. 6th at 1:00 in the afternoon in room D222!!! I am very grateful to Zaner-Bloser for their continued support and sponsorship! If you're attending NAEYC, by all means I invite you to come! Bring a friend! The title of my workshop is, "ABC, 123, Just for Me: Movement and Music make Fine Motor Fun." This is the official launch of the two videos we shot earlier this year for Fine Motor Fun. Before and afterwards please meet me at my booth #1119.

If you are in the Dallas area on Tues., Nov. 4th you are cordially invited to the ZB kick-off reception that begins at 4:00 with hors d'evours and PRIZES at your favorite Dallas restaurant. Reach out to me for that location so that I can add you to the guest list! 

Now how can I be of further service to you? How about a couple of links to some of my favorite articles for November! Just click the picture to leap over to my blog! 

Earlier I wrote about the inherent potential for racism to unfold in our over-simplified observation of Thanksgiving with young children. I know we all mean well, but every year we need to take a harder look at what we present to our youngest on the reality of history. 

 

If you still have time for a few Fall Leaf Color Projects, 

this RoundUP is for you! Granted there are some jack-o-lanterns mixed in, but the seasonal tree colors win the day!

One of my favorite RoundUPs of the last month was this one that includes 56 Easels in the Early Childhood classroom. If you're a creative-type I know you'll get a kick out of looking over my shoulder! 

For those of you that like to plan well ahead, here are some Christmas possibilities.

Can't wait to see you in Dallas! 

Good luck with our Give-away!

Here's some photos of earlier NAEYC fun with the authors! 





Where's our picture from last year? 
Will need to scout about a bit!  

RIGOR in the Early Childhood Classroom

RIGOR in Kindergarten and Preschool

This past weekend I gave my first Keynote for the annual FL-AEYC conference. BIG thrills! Big HAPPY thrills!!! Barely 24 hours later we began the transition of moving into our new-to-us, little home in Vero Beach, FL. It's good to be making new friends amid the palm trees. 

Just as exciting was the opportunity to hear the opening keynote by, Ronald Davis "Staying Positive in Negative Times." Mr. Davis had a lot to say on the topic. What resonated with me was his tangent about the importance of PLAY! He shared that he has a continual need to offer parent training on the topic, as he experiences so many parents bent on an academic experience for their preschool children. Of course he was 'preaching to the choir' and was often interrupted with applause. 

Surrounded by moving boxes, considering topic possibilities, his words and experience got me to thinking about the topic of RIGOR in early childhood, especially kindergarten. So to jumpstart my article for today, I asked through my various social networks what others felt about the topic of 'RIGOR' being bandied about so frequently these days. Here's the enthusiastic response I received in just a couple of hours. 

"Check out this post. It is very good about RIGOR!" 

~~ Amber Osterman

Kindergarten Rocks

[***Note from the editor:  I just LOVE LOVE LOVE that Amber gives a link right back HERE to our collaborative blog, to an earlier article written by our own contributing author Jennifer Kadar.] 

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"I found a PowerPoint last year by Barbara R. Blackburn 'Rigor is not a 4-letter Word': Rigor is creating an environment in which each student is expected to learn at high levels, each student is supported so he or she can learn at high levels, and each student demonstrates learning at high levels.' (Blackburn, page 16.) 

I think that those 'high levels' are relevant to the ability of the child."

~~ Ashley via my FB fanpage

[***BTW: Here's the link to Barbara R. Blackburn's site and blog.]

"Rigor means to provide the students with opportunities to stretch their brains and require them to really think critically about the skills they are learning. It means to not get stuck on the lower level of Bloom's just because they are Littles. Branch out! Provide your students with engaging, hands on activities that go all the way to the top of Bloom's. Just because it is rigorous doesn't mean it can't be fun! Kindergarten is no longer 

'A is for apple.'

Photo from Deanna Jump's Collection 

What does a paleontologist do? Hands on learning is fun. They had to dig for the bones. Clean them off and study them to determine which dinosaur they belonged to... a T-Rex or a Triceratops. Then after all of the pieces were cleaned off and sorted out they had to work in teams to put the dinosaur bones together! Rigorous and FUN!" 

~~ Deanna Jump

Mrs. Jump's Class 

"Even though Kindergarten is an animal all it's own when compared to other grades, rigor still applies. We still challenge our students to work their hardest, reach higher levels and achieve as much as they can. Rigor in kindergarten is simply different because there are no pencil-paper assessments in the end; it's all performance based." 

~~ Jennifer Gibbons

Teaching with Grace, Adventures in Kinderland

"Debbie you always ask questions that make me think, I love what Jennifer said. We have been talking about this in our PD. Rigor is not more math problems and bigger numbers. In Kindergarten just because a student can count to 100 does not mean that the student understands what that is, or the place value concepts involved. Rigor is being able to think through a problem and solve something new and different, using knowledge they have, and then being able to find the words to explain it. In Kindergarten we are continually adding to their simple knowledge base, then using what they know to challenge them to use that in a way to solve problems. The toughest part for a kinder kid is then finding the words to express what they did and what they were thinking. Their vocabulary is still so limited in that regard. Hands on problem solving, finding their own words to express themselves... that is rigor in Kindergarten. Far more important than if they are adding and subtracting numbers."

~~ Terri of Kindergarten Kapers

"Does rigor apply to kindergarten? Absolutely! Students are never too young to start learning and developing critical thinking skills. In this day and age of rigorous standardized tests, I have an obligation to my students to start preparing their thought process for the higher level thinking that will be required of them in the future. When you think of Blooms Taxonomy it can be applied to any age or grade, any subject matter or lesson. If I am going to help my students reach their highest potential, rigor must be apparent in my classroom."

~~ Amy Biddison

Teaching in Blue Jeans 

***Those quoted above don't seem to have any particular 'distaste' for the word RIGOR when applied to kindergarten. HOLD THE PHONE. The conversation heated up as the morning unfolded. Here are some passionate educators with a different response to these same five letters. 

"Having a rigorous curriculum alongside exploratory learning permits ECE students to bloom! 

We need to find a balance!" 

-- Miss Sarah via Twitter {@MissAsKinder}

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"A rigorous kindergarten classroom is one not filled with worksheets, simple mind-less tasks. A rigorous kindergarten classroom is filled with MEANINGFUL activity that is authentic with lots of real-world connections and uses. A rigorous kindergarten would have student exploring, questioning and creating. It would be about the "process" and not the "product." I believe a rigorous kinder classroom is one that 'opens the world' to the 5 and 6 year old, not one that places them in 'square holes.'While a kinder teacher needs to test in order to see where his/her students are academically so you can work from there to help build them up, but testing as a standard practice should be limited to say the least. Students don't learn more because they are tested more. A rigorous teacher is continually pushing them to deeper and deeper thinking and wondering, not more and more. Does that make any sense? I HATE the word rigorous for kinder.... I think it's part of what's wrong with our country. We continuously try to outdo other countries.... but that's comparing apples to oranges. All the great Americans were great because of their creative thinking, questioning, wondering ~~ not because they scored well on an exam." 

Jeannie Partin 

Kindergarten Lifestyle  

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"When education pundits and politicians use the word 'rigor' it makes me think: mortis. Rigor is a code word for the death of play-based education and the imposition of a direct instruction model consisting of worksheets and 'drill and kill'. The overwhelming preponderance of educational research shows that direct instruction models simply do not work with young children and result in far worse outcomes in the longer term, both educationally and socially." 

~~ Alec Duncan, Australia 

Child's Play Music 

"Great comment Alec! The use of the term 'rigor' makes me think of pushing children toward adult dictated learning rather than following the natural drive to learn in the way brains learn best. Developing brains need opportunities to grow and mature in healthy ways through extensive play, free exploration, lots of movement, pretending and experimentation.... well before academics."

~~ Deborah McNelis

Early Childhood Brain Insights

[***I asked for insight in a couple of different FB teacher groups. When you see that one contributor is replying to a previous comment -- that is how it unfolded.]

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Here are the other interactions I received on Twitter.

You'll notice they are decidedly 'shorter' as limited by that format. These responses are from folks who are actively involved in the Monday #Kinderchat on Twitter. I have included their Twitter address for your ease in continuing a conversation with them directly.  

"Rigor evokes visions of drill and kill/worksheets. No fun learning." 

~~ Michelle @MauiMickey

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"Rigor reminds me of dead people, getting stiff." 

~~William @wmchamberlin

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"Rigor = Mortis" 

"I prefer VIGOR in regards to education."

"Rigor: rigid, inflexible, flat, difficult, harsh. 

Vigor: active, engaging, lively, challenging.

Rigor = death. Vigor = life." 

 ~~ Miss Night @happycampergirl

Miss Night Mutters

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"Vigor not rigor." 

~~ Heidi @hechternacht

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"Sharing what I found in a google search: 

vocabulary.com 

'rigorous' curriculum is double edged sword.

I look 4 balance."

"Evokes harshness in teaching and learning." 

~~ Faige @DuboisEducator

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"Rigor is often difficult for the sake of being difficult. Not the purpose" 

~~Matt @MattGomez 

MattBGomez Kindergarten Teacher

I felt compelled to go back to the Picmonkey-drawing board and offer up at least one visual using the word 

VIGOR 

after the substitution was made by more than one twitter contributor. 

Is this distinction in terminology nitpicking and splitting hairs or is it the very substance of two different camps, two different approaches, two different educational paradigms?  

By all means please leave your thoughts in the comment section down below. 

How do you make the distinction? 

What age group do you work with?

Where do you fall on this continuum? 

What I know for sure? I'm all about the VIGOR! I also know that RIGOR in the 'right hands' can be an exceptional educational experience as well. Student first. Holistic. Play-based. Open-ended RIGOR that is. Can't you go at 'Reggio' in an extra-ordinary RIGOROUS way? That's what I'd do if I were queen of ECE! 

Wherever you fall on the continuum of 'RIGOR-to- VIGOR', I know for certain that children learn best when they are active, engaged, enthusiastic and MOVING! I put together a set of three of my 'brain break songs' into one zipped file. It is available at our Early Education Emporium, with all three songs in Mp3 format, with simple lyric sheets included. 

While in Orlando, the video below was filmed during my closing workshop..... which will give you 'complete' instructions for my circle dance "Higgeldy Biggeldy." A special gigglie-gaggle of a hug in appreciation to Danielle for her impromptu filming. She knows how rattled I get about technology and was a complete angel in ALL of her efforts on my behalf Saturday. 

AKKKKKKKKK video will not import properly from Facebook. Twill check and make every effort to insert it -- as soon as possible.

{Yes, this was the occasion when holding a water bottle in one hand and a microphone in the other, that I spoke into my water bottle as I proceeded with my presentation. Truly a first! I may have even called her by the wrong name in my exhaustion...... and yet she's still my super-fave!} 

Have you seen any of my previous articles with oodles of teacher reflections included? Here's the one from my own blog where teachers discuss the importance of 'CUTE' in their classroom environment. 

Or the one on the 'ROLE of PLAY in K Today.'

Last month my article here was on the ABCs Crisis. 

I've had a couple of happy favorite articles on my own blog in the past month you'll want to consider! 

Here's a super-clever article filled with APPLES and especially sweet use of graphs and estimation. 

The article on my blog currently is this one.....I'm really appreciative of this 'concept' in helping young children grasp the passage of time by documenting their Halloween costumes from year to year in a TIMELINE. 

I just pulled together a RoundUP of Chicka-Chicka Boom Boom ideas. 

Hope that you have an amazing month.

Today is October 1st! The annual 'pinking' of the calendar. Debbie Clement is a two time survivor of early Breast Cancer. She has gone from surviving to thriving and continues to pray for a CURE on behalf of all those whose lives have been forever altered due to BC.

She is thrilled to continue in her role as 'Editor-in-Chief' here at the collaboration and travels around the country sharing of this exciting group of contributors, writing about topics theat are near and dear to their hearts.

Follow her personal blog, "RainbowsWithinReach" where she shares her author/illustrator, music-lady adventures and join over 134,000 following her on Pinterest. She attempts to tweet and share via her FB fanpage, Sulia, Instagram,  Google+ and LinkedIN. 

Technology in Early Education: Virtual Visit Giveaway!

Technology Advances: Virtual-Visits

Welcome to June! Summer is just around the corner. For many of our readers, summer is a time of planning and rejuvenation. Others continue to march along -- from another hemisphere, just midway into their school year or from job descriptions that provide care for children year round. WELCOME!

Whatever your role. Thanks for your continued readership here. Our little umbrella expands. We have a lot to celebrate. We now have 1000+ followers. A delightful milestone for certain. So let's celebrate! 
It's time for a BIG Giveaway!

A lot can happen in a month's time! At the urging of 'Miss Barbara' I gave my first "Virtual Visit" as an author/illustrator, music-lady. INCREDIBLE. Barbara became familiar with my music, while teaching in Chicago. She is now teaching on the Virgin Islands(!!) I am certainly willing to go to her directly, but alas budgets did not exist for such a brainstorm............ drumroll. 

"Let's use technology to connect the dots!" Not as good as hugs in person and walking on the beach on her island, but making eye contact and singing together ~~ albeit through a screen ~~ was a brilliant second choice and a fun adventure. 

Now look what's happened since that initial experiment. 

"Time 4 Kindergarten" hosts a 'Virtual Visit' with Debbie Clement

I did some brain-storming with a network of 'Kinderland' bloggers and asked for volunteers to help me gain experience in cyber school visits. I've had an amazing whirlwind introduction to virtual visiting. My guinea pigs BFF blogger-buddies provided the perfect 'test-drive' among friends. I've been all OVER the country in these last couple weeks.

In the last 3 weeks I have made 9 additional 'virtual-visits' to classrooms and multi-purpose rooms from Oregon to Maine and Michigan to Texas, with stops in Missouri, Nevada and California. My cyber-school visit to Oklahoma was the day after the tornados. Being able to offer some up-beat fun in the midst of the sorrow was a way to pay-it-forward. 
I'm HOOKED! 


On my own blog, "RainbowsWithinReach" I have just created a 'tab-at-the-top' for this concept. Within the tab I have the blog articles written by my guinea pigs willing friends, that include little video clips of the fun, and all kinds of insight into connecting the dots.

I'm new to Rafflecopter, but will use it as the vehicle to manage the celebration for my increasing technological ability and our collaboration here hitting 1000 followers! You have a week to enter. Follow the breadcrumbs and like me here and there and everywhere for additional chances to win. 

****The winner will receive a gift certificate, {valid for 12 months} to redeem for their very own, cyber-school visit. My virtual visits have been averaging 40 minutes. Having a projection screen has been necessary for the internet interaction. The required entry is your leaving a comment below with your email so I can contact you in the event of your winning. 

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Now for some other goodies for my sharing this month. I just this minute published an 'encyclopedia' on the importance of rhyme as part of the KBN (Kid Blogger Network) Top 10 Series. HUGE number of resources!!!  
MEGA MEGA MEGA SUPERLATIVE. 

Here's an article with some clever end-of-year ideas from my concluding the year on-site Author school visits this year.  

Seeing all of the various ideas  during my school visits, motivated me to write my own little sentiment that I then captured at Picmonkey and translated into a FREEBIE pdf Printable. My poem will always be free at our cyber-store mall, the Early Education Emporium. Just pop over there to download. 

If you're still in EOY [end-of-year] mode, I know you'll appreciate my RoundUP of ideas garnered last year in this article, too. 

This is the month of June!

It's time to turn our attention to all of the daddy-men in our lives.

Here's a RoundUP of Father's Day Festivities: poem, card and bulletin board idea. 

Earlier this week I had an on-site school visit to an elementary building of only K+1st grade. 

Talk about Excellence-in-Education!

I took hundreds of photos in our brief morning together.

Here's a glimpse into Heidi Feskanin's classroom.  

The wall-to-wall bulletin board took my breath away, as Heidi had directed her kinders to create the art in response to my song "You're Wonderful" which was to be part of their EOY serenade for parents. How fun that the kinder-kiddos got to meet the author in person and share their own creativity! 

[Heidi's incredible room prompted me to create the tag: 'classroom crashing' on my blog and now I have to cull through past articles to get other incredible rooms categorized. I have a few already in the category. I know how much you enjoy looking at the rooms of others.] 

The 5 runner ups in our Rafflecopter Giveaway will receive the digital files of 
"You're Wonderful" 

as their thank you gift. 

The file includes two Mp3s: a sung version and an instrumental, 
a sign language chart and the music notation. 

Don't worry if you're already on summer hiatus, 
this classic song of mine,
would be perfect to launch your new year on the horizon! 

-- Debbie -- 

If it's June that means the official COUNTDOWN to Vegas has begun in earnest. I have 45 days until my OPENING KEYNOTE for the international gathering of the kindergarten brethren at the Venetian. 

If you're coming, you'll see many of my Kinderland bloggers join me on stage for my opening number! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway