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“…taken together, significant initiatives in the three areas of food, media, and outdoor space could have enormous impact on the quality of children’s everyday lives.” — Juliet B. Schor, Born to Buy
Nature Journals for children! Research suggests that children spend more time inside than outside and that many children are unfamiliar with their natural surroundings, even their own backyards. Why not invite and inspire children to participate in their natural surrounding by using a nature journal? A nature journal is a simple format of writing and drawing ideas about the natural world that reaffirm the importance of the natural world.
Are you aware that Better Kid Care provides comprehensive curricula in early childhood development?
The Better Kid Care curricula follows the PA Core Body of Knowledge and offers multiple course titles to choose from. Each course offers numerous Distance Education lessons, providing a well-rounded approach to obtaining your professional development. View the entire Better Kid Care Distance Education curriculum on line at www.betterkidcare.psu.edu and choose your course of study today!
Featured Distance Education: Social Studies and Young Children Course
I Want! I Want! I Want! – This lesson takes a hard look at advertising and consumer culture and its effects on young children and their families. Early childhood educators will look carefully at their own programs and practices to identify ways they can reduce the effects of media on the children in their care. Early childhood educators are encouraged to look carefully at their own programs and practices to identify ways they may unknowingly support media’s influence on the children in their care and to determine changes to be made. This lesson contains a lot of valuable information for parents to use to get some control over the media influences on their children and help children become educated consumers. The Parents Count and Choosing Great Toys handouts are good pieces to offer parents.
Available as a Mail-based or Web-based Learning Unit. Please specify which version you would like when you register.
To order any of these lessons call 800-452-9108 or visit us on the web at www.betterkidcare.psu.edu
Health through play and the outdoors
The Loss of Children's Play: A Public Health Issue
Reversing the decline in children’s health requires a multi-pronged approach. Diet and exercise are already getting increased attention. Another vital but overlooked factor is the loss of free play, especially active outdoor play, initiated and directed by children themselves. Read this policy brief from Alliance for Childhood here.
Children in the Outdoors: A Literature Review
This literature review, by Dr. Sarah-Anne Munoz, published by the Sustainable Development Research Centre on behalf of the National Sustainable Development Centre with support from the Forestry Commission, examines existing research on health and the outdoors – highlighting the key ways in which researchers have, thus far, examined the links and reported causality and effects. Children have been identified as one of the key social groups that could gain health benefits from use of the outdoors – but also one that requires evidence-based policy directed towards their needs (Nilsson, 2007).
Welcome Spring!
Spring Resource Page from Better Kid Care – Spring is an exciting time for teachers of young children. It signals changes are coming and is often a time to reorganize, exercise, connect with nature, plan fresh ideas, learn something new, and follow up on observation and assessment of the children who have been in your care all year. It’s a wonderful time of year to look back at how children have grown and plan for new growth. For some programs, it signals an end to the year together and for others, it is a hint to start planning for summer! Visit the Spring Resource Page here.
Turn the PageObserving Nature
Salamander Rain: A Lake and Pond Journal, by Kristen Joy Pratt-Serafini, published by Dawn Publications, ISBN 1584690178. Learn about lakes, ponds, and wetlands from a kid’s point of view.
Near One Cattail: Turtles, Logs, and Leaping Frogs (Sharing Nature With Children), by Anthony D. Fredericks, published by Dawn Publications, ISBN 1584690704. What creatures live in a bog-boggy place?
Keeping a Nature Journal: Discover a whole new way of seeing the world around you, by Claire Walker Leslie, published by Story Publishing LLC, ISBN 1580174930. This book shares how to observe nature closely, sketch with confidence, keep accurate records, narrate the changing seasons, and more.
My Nature Journal: A Personal Nature Guide for Young People, by Adrienne Olmstead, published by Pajaro, ISBN 0967245915. A unique keepsake journal specifically designed to help children build a lasting personal connection to nature.
More…
Handbook of Nature Study, by Anna Bostford Comstock, published by Comstock Publishing/Cornell University Press, ISBN 0801493846.
The Burgess Bird Book for Children, by Thornton Burgess, published by Dover Publications, ISBN 0801493846.
Are you looking for articles to share with your families? Do you need information for your parent/family bulletin board? Family Time / Work Time shares easy-to-read articles for busy parents and caretakers with a focus on Building Strong Families.
You are welcome to print and share these publications with your friends, family, and other childcare providers.
TV in childcare?
By Nancy Wilson,
Early Childhood Program Specialist
Some childcare providers in both home and center programs tend to use television and videos as a “baby sitter” for the children in their care. However, children do not actively engage in learning while watching television or videos. Also, pediatricians recommend no television for children under the age of two because it can interfere with their development. Do you know what’s on the schedule every day at your child’s childcare? Read the full article here.
New! SEL Exchange from CASEL (Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning)
CASEL (Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning), whose mission is to establish Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) as an essential part of education has announced the SEL Exchange, their new information and networking tool. Each month, SEL Exchange highlights news, resources, and collaboration opportunities about the research, policy, and practice of social and emotional learning.
“We envision a world where families, schools, and communities work together to promote children's success in school and life and to support the healthy development of all children. In this vision, children and adults are engaged life-long learners who are self-aware, caring and connected to others, and responsible in their decision-making. Children and adults achieve to their fullest potential, and participate constructively in a democratic society.”
To find out more about SEL Exchange Click here.
Get CDA Help from Better Kid Care:
From the Council for Professional Recognition
Children of 2020 is coming! – A follow-up book to the popular volume, Children of 2010 (published in 1998), by Valora Washington and JD Andrews. This new book guides readers to prepare for a better tomorrow for children now, and in 2020. National leaders present up-to-date analyses of progress and challenges in 22 topic areas organized around three major themes:
CounciLINK, the CDA Council for Professional Recognition’s Newsletter, will provide special notice of purchase information prior to publication availability. Sign up for the CounciLINK here.
The following information highlights upcoming professional development opportunities available for early childhood practitioners:
April 8-10 – Delaware Valley AEYC, Delight in Discovery, Philadelphia, PA, www.dvaeyc.org
April 8-11 – National Association of Elementary School Principals convention and expo is "Mission Possible: Enrich Your World and Beyond", Houston, TX, http://nieer.org/news/event.php?EventID=269
April 9 – Move Over Emeril, Penn State Extension, State College, PA, contact 814-355-4897
April 9-10 – Building Blocks Conference IX, Westmoreland County Community College, Youngwood, PA (Westmoreland LICC, Westmoreland IU#7, United Way, PAEYC), http://paprom.convio.net/site/DocServer/save_the_date.pdf?docID=6721
April 10 - Central Susquehanna AEYC Conference, Williamsport, shmondanipour@stepcorp.org
April 11-13 – National Conference on Family Literacy 2010, San Antonio, TX, visit http://nieer.org/news/event.php?EventID=273
April 11-17 – Week of the Young Child, http://www.naeyc.org/woyc
April 20 – 26th Annual NACCP (National Association of childcare Professionals) National Conference, “Winds of Change”, Chicago, Ill., http://nieer.org/news/event.php?EventID=271
April 21-22 – “My How Our Garden Has Grown: Celebrating 45 Years of Head Start in Pennsylvania", Harrisburg, PA, www.paheadstart.org
May 4-7 – Children, Youth and Families At Risk (CYFAR) Conference 2010, San Francisco, sponsored by 4-H National Headquarters, USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), visit http://www.certain.com/system/profile/form/index.cfm?PKformID=0x8671618c74
May 7 – The Joy of Learning: Supporting all young children’s learning from toddlerhood through preschool, The Children’s League Center, Columbus, OH, contact 614.253-6933 or email suzannes@childhoodleague.org
May 14-15 - Pittsburgh AEYC, Creativity: Where the Future Begins, Pittsburgh, PA www.pghaeyc.org.
May 21 – Toddler Communication (Part 2 of 3), Penn State Extension, State College, PA, contact 814-355-4897
May 24-25Higher Education Diversity Institute, State College, PA, http://www.pakeys.org/pages/get.aspx?page=EarlyLearning_Diversity
June 4 – Shake Rattle, and Roll (Part 3 of 3), Penn State Extension, State College, PA, contact 814-355-4897
June 6 – NAEYC National Institute for Early Childhood Professional Development, Phoenix, AZ, http://www.naeyc.org/institute/
July 11-14 – Second Annual National Principals Conference for Elementary School Principals, Columbus, OH, 617-354-3820
October 13-15 – Early Childhood Education Summit, State College, PA, http://www.earlychildhoodsummit.org/
October 17-20 – Connecting Children with Nature Action Forum, Nebraska City, Nebraska, visit http://www.worldforumfoundation.org/wf/wf2010_nature/index.php
December 9-11 – Zero to Three National Training Institute, Phoenix, Arizona, http://www.zttnticonference.org/
The 2010 NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children) Week of the Young Child will be held April 11 through April 17, 2010. The theme for the 2010 Week of the Young Child will be "Early Years Are Learning Years®." NAEYC is also offering a variety of sub-themes for the Week of the Young Child. These sub-themes can be used for each day or as a means of tailoring the Week of the Young Child to your specific program, school, or community. Visit NAEYC’s web site for useful resources, planning ideas, and to share your celebrations. Go to http://www.naeyc.org/woyc
Early Education
Help Make Sure Every Child Is Counted in the Census – Children have been undercounted in every census since the first one in 1790. The Census Bureau has partnered with Nickelodeon in an effort to use Dora the Explorer to help spread the word and explain the importance of counting each child. There are fliers and toolkits designed to help organizations that reach children communicate the benefits of census participation. Find out more at http://2010.census.gov/partners/toolkits/toolkits-dora.php
Census in Schools - The 2010 Census — a count of everyone living in the United States — is fast approaching! Census questionnaires will be mailed or delivered to every household in the United States in March 2010. We are working on lesson plans, maps, teaching guides, and other informational materials to help teachers and students learn about the importance of the Census. Visit often to keep up with the latest information and materials available from Census in Schools and the 2010 Census. http://www.census.gov/schools/
Families
Get Ready to Read! – Come explore the new area of the Get Ready to Read! Web site designed especially for Spanish-speaking parents! Now Spanish-speaking parents have a one-stop location for fun literacy activities to try at home, a place to learn more about preschooler milestones in development and tips for how to talk with their child's teacher about questions concerning their child's development. Click here.
Early Math Matters: Preparing preschoolers to succeed – With increased public attention on the value of high-quality early childhood education, the pressure to perform has trickled down to our youngest students, and preschools are taking a closer look at their math programs and making adjustments that will prepare “little learners” for the challenges of elementary school. And parents are always searching for better ways to boost their youngsters’ mastery of early math. Find ideas at the National Center for Learning Disabilities here.
Nature
April 11-17 - National Environmental Education Week, connects educators with environmental resources to promote K-12 students’ understanding of the environment. Register for EE Week and join a national network of educators dedicated to increasing the environmental literacy of K-12 students. You will receive certificates of participation, free online resources, information on professional development and funding opportunities, and access to discounts and special offers on educational materials for EE Week participants. Register today at www.eeweek.org/register.
Join the Natural Teachers Network. By joining, you will find support for your efforts, through teacher-to-teacher connections and sharing. Additionally, the Natural Teachers Network plans to provide a Natural Teachers toolkit, with resources that will help you continue to act on your conviction that “nature is often the best teacher." Go to http://www.childrenandnature.org/movement/naturalteachers
Health and Well Being
National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day (Awareness Day) is a day for everyone to promote positive youth development, resilience, recovery, and the transformation of mental health services delivery for children and youth with serious mental health needs and their families. On Thursday, May 6, 2010, Awareness Day will mark its 5th anniversary, as well as a first-time focus on the topic of early childhood. Find out more at http://samhsa.gov/children/
Grants, Funding, & Opportunity
Green Thumb Challenge - This initiative of the Green Education Foundation calls on classrooms and schools to plant 10,000 indoor or outdoor gardens during the spring of 2010! GEF’s Web site provides gardening instructions, checklists for school approvals, plot location guidelines, container garden suggestions, funding resources, garden plans, vegetable and flower suggestions, and more. Summer student internships and community service programs will be available, along with an online professional development course for teachers. For more information, visit www.greenthumbchallenge.org.
Target Foundation Grants - The 2010 Target Store Grant program, a giving effort of the retail chain's foundation, will focus funding on Field Trip Grants, Early Childhood Reading Grants, and Arts Grants. Find out more here.
NAEYC Institute Scholarships Available - Thanks to contributions to the Building a Lasting Legacy Campaign, the Association is able to offer Conference registration scholarships for its 19th National Institute for Early Childhood Professional Development to be held in Phoenix, Arizona, June 6 to 9, 2010. Visit the NAEYC Web site http://www.naeyc.org/legacy
NAEYC Accreditation Scholarships - NAEYC understands that fees for NAEYC Accreditation may present a challenge in the current economic climate. Find out more at NAEYC Accreditation Scholarship Program or call 1-800-424-2460.
Build-A-Bear Workshop® Giving Programs - Deadlines: April, July, and October Champ–A Champion Fur Kids grants for children’s health and wellness are awarded twice each year to programs with measurable outcomes that make the world a healthier and happier place for kids. Go to http://www.buildabear.com/aboutus/community/grants/.
Annie's Grants for Gardens - Annie's offers a limited number of small grants to community gardens, school gardens, and other education programs that connect children directly to gardening. Visit http://www.annies.com/grants_for_gardens.
Fruit Tree 101 - This program of The Fruit Tree Planting Foundation brings fruit tree orchards to schoolyards, so students can make a positive environmental impact at their school, while creating a source of tasty snacks for decades to come. Click here to download an application.
New subscribers can join by clicking this link: http://eepurl.com/dRhWg..
View archived Better Kid Care E-Newsletters here.
Reflections…
Let's hear from you! Email your ideas to crb16@psu.edu or call 814-865-7894.
Disclaimer: Where trade names appear, no discrimination is intended, and no endorsement by Penn State Cooperative Extension is implied.
Feature article:
This article was developed by Christine Belinda, Early Learning Specialist, for the Penn State Better Kid Care Program.
Week of the Young Child