How Preschool Teachers Do It
Episodes
280: The Background Music Debate with Cindy and Alison
27 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Is background music helpful, or does it overstimulate children? Join Cindy and Alison for a lively debate about background music in early childhood cl...
279: Pronounciation Strategies with Cindy and Alison
20 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Do you know a child with a minor pronunciation challenge and/or who does not qualify for speech therapy? While nothing can replace a good speech thera...
278: Strategies for Creating Belonging with Cindy and Alison
13 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Laying a solid foundation for a child's belief that they belong includes more than hanging family photos and having books about different cultures. Jo...
277: Meet Anger with Love with Cindy and Alison
06 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Anger + Anger = More Anger, BUT Anger + Love reaps something else entirely. Join Cindy and Alison for a discussion about the power of meeting children...
276: Cameras for Classroom Scientists with Cindy and Alison
29 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What are ways children can use cameras to record science experiments and more? Add the classroom scientist, building inspector, and more to your class...
275: Knowing Your Own Intelligences with Cindy and Alison
22 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Howard Gardner taught that there are multiple intelligences. His theory helps us to understand why and how to individualize our teaching, but have you...
274: Stages of Empathy Development with Cindy and Alison
15 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Did you know that theorist Dr. Martin Hoffman identified four Stages of Empathy Development? Empathy might be most apparent to us among older children...
273: The Purpose of Small Group Learning with Cindy and Alison
08 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
For too long, the focus of working with small groups of early learners was the production of crafts. Small group time supports deeper learning than cr...
272: Stop Putting Square Pegs into Round Holes with Cindy and Alison
01 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Why are we trying to get infants, toddlers, and two to do things that are not age or developmentally-appropriate for them? Why do we do that with olde...
271: When Is It Time for Team Sports with Cindy and Alison
25 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The ages at which children can be enrolled in team sports seem to get younger and younger all the time, but are they ready for it? In this episode, Ci...
270: The Three Types of Play with Cindy and Alison
18 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Did you know there are three types of play that children should experience each day? Join Cindy and Alison for a discussion about how to include spont...
269: Are You Overstepping with CIndy and Alison
11 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Do the children really need your help, or should we let them try for longer? Do we step in, or should we let them figure it out? Cindy and Alison disc...
268: When They Miss Home with Cindy and Alison
04 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We are living in a digital era, which has benefits and pitfalls. One benefit is the way it can connect people. Join Cindy and Alison for a discussion ...
267: The Benefits of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Early Education with Cindy and Alison
26 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
While AI software is new and somewhat scary, it is possible that artificial intelligence can be used to help early childhood teachers, children, and f...
266: Rough Landings with Cindy and Alison
19 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Returning to an early childhood program can be rough after a fun weekend, long weekend, or extended break. Cindy and Alison discuss that rough landing...
265: What Inclusion Looks Like with Cindy and Alison
12 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Early childhood programs can implement policies and practices of inclusion of all children. Join Cindy and Alison for a discussion about what it means...
264: The Foundation is in the Math with Cindy and Alison
05 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Recent studies show that math is the key to foundational skills for young children, yet the emphasis has almost solely been on literacy skills. Join C...
263: The Value of Money with Cindy and Alison
29 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ideas about money, its value, and spending it begin in early childhood. Cindy and Alison discuss ways to help young children understand the value of m...
262: Weather Keeping You In with Cindy and Alison
22 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If the weather is keeping you in, how are you offering the children opportunities to have vital gross motor time? Join Cindy and Alison for a discussi...
261: Does Your Admin Know Early Ed with Cindy and Alison
15 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Even with all we know about the importance of early education, private and publicly funded early education programs may be under the supervision of pe...
260: Co-Designing with Cindy and Alison
08 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What if children helped us design early childhood spaces by providing insights, feedback, and clues about what draws them in? Children of all ages can...
259: Choices, Breaks, and Stuff with Cindy and Alison
18 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Join Cindy and Alison as they take their own advice (some of which they have been giving you for years!).Check out our website: https://www.howpresc...
258: Why STEM Became STEAM with Cindy and Alison
11 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Remember when early childhood programs focused on including STEM activities, and then all of a sudden, the acronym became STEAM? Join Cindy and Alison...
257: Proud of the Little Things with Cindy and Alison
04 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Adults often express pride and teach children about being proud when big things happen. Join Cindy and Alison for a discussion about teaching children...
256: Being Music Makers with Cindy and Alison
27 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Just like children are makers of art and creators of dramatic play scenes, they should be given the chance to be music makers! Join Cindy and Alison f...
255: Being Storytellers with Cindy and Alison
20 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Telling stories builds children's comprehension, language, social skills, and more. Join Cindy and Alison for food for thought about storytelling and ...
254: Should We Say "Brain Break" with Cindy and Alison
13 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Is moving around actually a break for the brain? Are we putting too much emphasis on what children do at tables instead of when they are moving around...
253: Weather! It's Cold or Rainy or Snowy with Cindy and Alison
06 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
It always benefits children (and adults) to go outside and get fresh air. Join Cindy and Alison for a discussion about going outside in almost all wea...
252: Anxiety or ADHD? with Cindy and Alison
30 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Anxiety and ADHD can manifest themselves in very similar ways. Cindy and Alison discuss this similarity as another reason to let go of assumptions abo...
251: Body Budget and Behavior with Cindy and Alison
23 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Did you know that we all have a body budget? We need an amount of everything that fuels the body, and when that budget is off balance, our behavior ca...
250: Halloween or Not with Cindy and Alison
16 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
How did Halloween end up being celebrated in educational settings? What do we do about that with today's knowledge about the importance of cultural re...
249: Is Ignoring Okay with Cindy and Alison
09 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Have you tried to extinguish behavior by ignoring it? We were told to do that for generations. Join Cindy and Alison as they discuss what we now know ...
248: Healthy Sexuality in Early Childhood Part 2 with Cindy and Alison
02 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Cindy and Alison continue the topic of healthy sexuality in early childhood by discussing what we need to teach young children about safe and unsafe t...
247: Healthy Sexuality in Early Childhood Part 1 with Cindy and Alison
25 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Young children are curious not only about the world around them but also about themselves. Human sexual development begins in infancy with everyday ac...
246: The Value of Field Trips with Cindy and Alison
18 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Field trips stopped when the pandemic began. Some programs have never allowed them. Join Cindy and Alison to learn about the value of field trips and ...
245: Are Your Books Mirrors, Windows, and Sliding Doors with Cindy and Alison
11 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Did you know your classroom books should be mirrors, windows, and sliding doors? Join Cindy and Alison to learn what this means and what to look for i...
244: The School Staff Changed! with Cindy and Alison
04 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
When families discover that their child's teacher or the administration has changed, panic can set in. Join Cindy and Alison to discuss why this chang...
243: Observational vs Tech Game Assessments with Cindy and Alison
28 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Did you know that there are game-based assessments that could take the bias out of determining children's learning and progress? Join Cindy and Alison...
242: Surviving Your First Year or Any Year Really with Cindy and Alison
21 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Join Cindy and Alison to hear some tips for first-year teachers that can really work for anyone heading into a new school year. Listen and share with ...
241: Small Teaching with Cindy and Alison
14 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Have you heard of small teaching? Are you already doing this but didn't know? Cindy and Alison discuss this method for planning and introducing topics...
240: Can We Teach Believing in Nice with Cindy and Alison
07 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
When we hear people are not nice, we tend to believe it. When we hear people are nice, we tend to doubt it. Cindy and Alison discuss the possibility o...
239: You're Enough, Girls! with Cindy and Alison
31 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In honor of the Barbie movie's record-breaking release, Cindy and Alison dedicate an episode to the messages girls in the preschool years need to get ...
238: Universal Design in Early Childhood with Cindy and Alison
24 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
How can we ensure that all children will be able to learn the same ideas and be able to express them? Universal design! Join Cindy and Alison to learn...
237: Mind-Wandering with Cindy and Alison
17 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Did you know that mind-wandering can be intentional and unintentional? Did you know that mind-wandering can be beneficial or detrimental? Join Cind...
236: Paying Attention with Cindy and Alison
10 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We tell children to pay attention as if that is a simple thing to do. Cindy and Alison discuss the components of paying attention and all the steps w...
235: The Robot Preference with Cindy and Alison
03 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Children are used to technology giving them answers and those answers being correct. Join Cindy and Alison to discuss experiments being done related t...
234: The Cycle of Misunderstanding with Cindy and Alison
26 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Did you know that 1 in 6 children with autism are expelled from early childhood programs? Join Cindy and Alison to discuss why and what we can do abou...
233: Sleep Habits with Cindy and Alison
19 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Do you know how much sleep children need at different ages? Do you have a routine to help children settle down and sleep? Join Cindy and Alison for an...
232: Benefits and Care of Sand with Cindy and Alison
12 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
It's summertime, and there is no better time to discuss the importance of sand play! Join Cindy and Alison to learn some benefits of sand play that yo...
231: Jokes and Child Development with Cindy and Alison
05 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
It's fun to make children laugh, AND it is educational! Cindy and Alison discuss why children find different types of jokes funny at different ages an...
230: That IS a Serious Problem with Cindy and Alison
29 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
"Stop being silly." "You will be fine." "That's not a big deal." Did you grow up receiving these messages in the face of your emotions? We know better...
229: What is Cultural Humility with Cindy and Alison
22 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Many of us have heard of cultural responsiveness and cultural competence. Less known is the practice of cultural humility. Join Cindy and Alison to di...
228: The Other Areas of Learning with Cindy and Alison
15 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
With so much focus on literacy and math, what learning opportunities are lost? Join Cindy and Alison for a discussion about the other areas of learnin...
227: Can't Summer Be Fun with Cindy and Alison
08 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Once again, there are articles discussing pandemic learning loss and proposals to not have summer break. Join Cindy and Alison for a discussion about ...
226: The Expectation Gap with Cindy and Alison
01 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The expectations of teachers in early education have changed drastically. Today's college and credential students may have expectations of job respon...
225: Interests and Interviews with Cindy and Alison
24 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
When we think about collecting information about children's progress, we often focus on anecdotal notes and running records. Join Cindy and Alison to ...
224: The Most Interesting Children with Cindy and Alison
17 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Much like there are great movies no one is watching, there are very interesting children no one is noticing. Our lives and their lives can be enriched...
223: ASL for All with Cindy and Alison
10 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Why do we only teach children sign language when they don't yet have language skills or for specific situations? Cindy and Alison discuss the benefits...
222: Talking About the Doctor with Cindy and Alison
03 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Do you worry about going to the doctor? Do you have a fear of seeking help for medical issues? That perspective on going to the doctor may have been s...
221: Check Your Books for This with Cindy and Alison
27 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever stumbled upon a page in a favorite older children's book and realized you should not read that to the children? Join Cindy and Alison fo...
220: Reflection and Gratitude Skill Building with Young Children with Cindy and Alison
20 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
If we were taught how to reflect intentionally and have a gratitude practice when we were young, it would be a part of who we are as adults. Cindy and...
219: Fighting Discrimination Against Men in Early Education with Cindy and Alison
13 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Three years ago, Cindy and Alison discussed the need for more men in early education settings. It is now 2023, and the issue seems to not be improving...
218: Unlearning for the Sake of the Children with Cindy and Alison
06 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Sometimes, we need to be willing to unlearn practices or ideas we have held onto for a very long time. Soon it will be spring - a perfect time for unl...
217: Gender, Parents, and Policies with Cindy and Alison
27 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Should families know up-front that we will let the children pick whatever dress-up clothes or roles they want during free play? Is it time to be proac...
216: When Adults Disagree with Cindy and Alison
20 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
When you disagree with a co-worker or other peer, the most professional thing to do is to go directly to that person first. How do you do that? Diff...
215: Food Fears with Cindy and Alison
13 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Why are children afraid of trying new food? There's an answer to that question that will blow your mind! Join Cindy and Alison to find out what caus...
214: When to Go Rogue with Cindy and Alison
06 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
When is it okay to pivot from the curriculum or do things that are not in the plan? Join Cindy and Alison to discuss when and where to draw a line on...
213: Early Education is Like Improv with Cindy and Alison
30 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Join Cindy and Alison for a lively discussion about the similarities between early childhood education and being a good improv comedian.Check out our ...
212: From External Reward to Self-Motivation with Cindy and Alison
23 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We know that children need their good deeds acknowledged, so we have stickers, pompom jars, certificates of recognition, and other tools. Slowly but ...
211: Inspiration from MLK Day with Cindy and Alison
16 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Join Cindy and Alison for an episode inspired by the day commemorating the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Use this opportunity to think...
210: One Positive Early Childhood Experience with Cindy and Alison
09 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We often discuss Adverse Childhood Experiences but rarely discuss Positive Childhood Experiences (PCE). Join Cindy and Alison to learn about one impa...
Jan 2 2023 Holiday Rewind- Crisscross Applesauce and Other...
02 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Join Cindy and Alison for a very special rewind of an episode recorded so long ago that we didn't record a video! We hope you enjoy this episode abou...
Lost Episode: Teaching Play with Cindy and Alison
26 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this lost but still very relevant episode, Cindy and Alison talk about how we can support children's understanding of how to play. Teachers today ...
209: Starting Fresh with Cindy and Alison
19 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The New Year is upon us, and we can start fresh! What can you leave in the past? Cindy and Alison talk about starting fresh with our experiences, i...
208: The Behavior Committee Metaphor with Cindy and Alison
12 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Sometimes, we should look at how other fields handle complicated situations and consider how that could help us in early childhood education. Challeng...
207: Skill or Performance Deficit with Cindy and Alison
05 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
What is the difference between a skill deficit and a performance deficit? How can that impact my teaching? Join Cindy and Alison for a discussion ab...
206: Confidence Builders with Cindy and Alison
28 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
For people to believe they can learn and do new things, they need confidence. Cindy and Alison discuss strategies we can use to help children build t...
205: Mind What You Say with Cindy and Alison
21 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Common words and phrases can have cultural implications or can be taken in ways we don't intend. Join Alison and Cindy for a discussion about being c...
204: Don't Sugar Coat It with Cindy and Alison
14 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
With all good intentions, we often fail to be honest with children about what it takes to learn something new. Positivity can be toxic and we need to...
203: Effort or Mastery with Cindy and Alison
07 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Are we so focused on what children have and have not mastered that our communication about children's efforts are minimal at best? Cindy and Alison d...
202: Wanted! Special Education Bridges with Cindy and Alison
31 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Do you struggle with how to help all of the children in your class? All children benefit from inclusive classrooms where general education and specia...
201: Phonological Awareness with Cindy and Alison
24 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The foundation for later decoding of words and reading may be different than you think and different from how you were taught. Join Cindy and Alison ...
200: Best and Worst with Cindy and Alison
17 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this special 200th episode of "How Preschool Teachers Do It," Cindy and Alison share the best and worst advice they received for their work with yo...
199: Scary Traditions with Cindy and Alison
10 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Respecting and validating children's emotions should take place consistently, even when holiday or family traditions are the cause for big feelings. ...
198: Making Friends with Cindy and Alison
03 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Just like all other skills, the ability to make friends is learned in stages and over time. Join Cindy and Alison to learn about the step-by-step mas...
197: Problem Detectives with Cindy and Alison
26 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
One of the behavioral challenges in early childhood is that children think their big emotions are the problem. Cindy and Alison discuss how to help c...
196: Physical Activity and the Brain with Cindy and Alison
19 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Why is it important to have both structured and non-structured gross motor activity? Cindy and Alison discuss the importance of planning for brain co...
195: Clean Up with Cindy and Alison
12 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Why have we concentrated on making cleaning up the center of teaching responsibility? Cindy and Alison ask... and answer.... this question and more i...
Lost Episode: Don't Buy the Behavior Bag of Tricks
05 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Human behavior is complex. It requires thought, analysis, and an approach that teaches children life lessons. While the research shows that teaching...
194: Science Areas with Cindy and Alison
29 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Gain inspiration for revitalizing the often ignored, sometimes neglected science area in your classroom. Cindy and Alison share ideas!Check out our w...
193: Food for Thought with Cindy and Alison
22 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Our relationship with food starts in the early childhood years. We have to think about our approach when children refuse to eat, when we are acknowle...
192: Dump the Kitchen with Cindy and Alison
15 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Why is the dramatic play area always a kitchen?! Cindy and Alison talk about inspiring ways to rethink the dramatic play area as you plan for a new s...
191: The Other Exceptional Learners with Cindy and Alison
08 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
When we hear the phrase "exceptional learner," we may think of children who receive special education services. Special education students are except...
190: The Separation Anxiety Dilemma with Cindy and Alison
01 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
As we head toward a new school year, we need to think about the connection between how we've handled separation anxiety and the ethics that guide our ...
189: Are Learning Styles A Myth with Cindy and Alison
25 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Is it a myth that people are auditory, visual, or kinesthetic learners? Listen to this episode to learn about the origins of the concept of learning ...
188: Not Your Average Episode with Cindy and Alison
18 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
How do we effectively individualize our teaching based on the brain development and needs of each learner if so many of our tools and traditional ways...
187: More Sponaneity, Less Impulsivity with Cindy and Alison
11 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Do you know the difference between impulsivity and spontaneity? Do we do too much of one and not enough of the other with early learners? Cindy and ...
July 4 2022 Holiday Rewind
04 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Thank you to everyone who voted for which episode would be our July 4 Holiday Rewind. It was a landslide! Enjoy this new introduction with updated i...
186: Screen for This! with Cindy and Alison
27 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Children have been screened for vision and hearing for years. Cindy and Alison discuss other screenings that we should consider conducting and why.Ch...
185: The Professional Development Episode with Cindy and Alison
20 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Professional development is essential; yet, it feels like a chore based on achieving hours instead of knowledge. Join Cindy and Alison for a discussi...