Category: Uncategorized
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The Purpose of Reading
Learning to read is an amazing accomplishment that, at first blush, seems rather simple. Learn the graphic system for the specific language (in this case, the English alphabet), learn the phonemes/sounds that are tied to the letter/grapheme and schmush those sounds together and you have words, words make sentences etc. etc..more on all that to…
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Why observation matters!
When we observe, we take note of what is. We use our senses to see, hear and touch that which just ‘is’. Observing children is importing to learning about what they know, how they approach new or familiar activities, people, materials, foods and events. Learning how to sit back and just watch and listen without…
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What does “early” literacy look like?
What is literacy? The short answer is that it is the use of some sort of symbol, or set/combination of symbols to represent and idea, and the idea is begin communicated to another person without spoken language, but through their interpretation of the symbol(s). Memory and language are deeply linked, so it would stand to…
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Balance: how much help should I provide?
We all want to help young children when they need help. Balancing what a child needs with what they want isn’t always easy. Sometimes we are in a hurry or rushing and just need to get those shoes on! Young kids can accomplish a lot and can spend a good deal of time working through…
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Learning through Play
Play. What is happening when a child is playing. Play occurs in the context of active engagement. As long as a child is interested, actively engaged and partners in responsive interactions, play continues. I would add that if not completely child initiated, it is at the very least child directed and enjoyable. Developmentally Appropriate Practice,…
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Routines vs. Schedules
I LOVE routines. Routines provide a predictable flow and providing your new baby with a routine not only shapes your day, it takes advantage of your baby’s ability to learn and develop expectations over time. The human brain looks for patterns- any kind of pattern! Sound patterns in music and language, visual patterns in spacing,…
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Hello World!
It’s time to take the plunge and introduce myself. My name (as you may have already guessed…)is Margaret. Little people are my most favorite people on the planet. I have invested my entire life learning as much as I can about babies, toddlers, preschoolers and school aged kids. Pretty much since my first babysitting job…
Margaret Watkinson 