How Preschool Teachers Do It
Episodes
184: Looking for Trouble with Cindy and Alison
13 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
When we look for trouble, we find trouble. Many of us know that but don't realize we are doing it. Join Cindy and Alison for an honest conversation ...
183: Seeking Safety with Cindy and Alison
06 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
How should we handle young children's expressions of confusion and fear about the horrific school shooting that took place at Robb Elementary School i...
182: Redefining a Familiar Word with Cindy and Alison
30 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Prepare to have your mind blown as Cindy and Alison discuss the meaning of the word "suspension" as it applies to early childhood settings. How will ...
181: Change with Cindy and Alison
23 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
What happened to us as children that made us so hesitant about change? Cindy and Alison discuss how we can do better with young children as we teach ...
180: Families and the New Normal with Cindy and Alison
16 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In a recent blog article on https://howpreschoolteachersdoit.com, a question was posed about how we involve families in their child's early education ...
179: When to Get Out with Cindy and Alison
09 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
When children are playing, adults should be asking questions and having conversations to extend their thinking. Many adults enter play spaces to do t...
178: Documentation and the New Normal with Cindy and Alison
02 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
It seems that the "new normal" may have arrived. It's time to stop waiting and start re-establishing high-quality practices. Documentation of childr...
177: Fear Tactics with Cindy and Alison
25 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
What are we teaching children when we use fear as a motivation for behaving? Join Cindy and Alison for a discussion about teaching children about beh...
176: Rehearsing with Cindy and Alison
18 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Why are tabloids upset that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge may have rehearsed their children for a public appearance? Could we all learn from that...
175: The Starting Point with Cindy and Alison
11 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Learning begins well before children enter an early childhood program at 3-5 years old. Cindy and Alison discuss the starting point for learning skil...
174: Judge-Free Zones with Cindy and Alison
04 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Join Cindy and Alison in declaring your classroom, program, and/or home a "judge-free zone." Listen to learn why and how we should work to raise a ge...
173: Let Them Talk with Cindy and Alison
28 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
What do children think when adults jump in and answer questions for them? Why do so many adults do that? Join Cindy and Alison for a discussion abou...
172: Bad Experiences with Cindy and Alison
21 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Ever have a bad experience that you realize has stayed with you and impacted your anxiety level and behavior? Do you avoid anything because of someth...
171: Sharing with Cindy and Alison
14 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In a world where we have to discourage sharing because of the pandemic, how can we still teach sharing? What can we do when we have to say, "The pup...
170: Unmasking with Cindy and Alison
07 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Masking mandates are changing, but the children are used to masks in early childhood programs and public schools. How might they react? What might t...
169: When I Grow Up with Cindy and Alison
28 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
We often talk to children about what they want to be when they grow up, but are we focusing them on goals that will last through their lives? Cindy a...
168: A Bad Week with Cindy and Alison
21 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Ever have one of those weeks when everything you do seems to go wrong? Children have those weeks, too. Cindy and Alison discuss how to help them exp...
167: Homework with Cindy and Alison
14 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
At long last, Cindy and Alison talk about their take on homework. Should it be assigned? What should we think about? What would actually be a way t...
166: PenPals with Cindy and Alison
07 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Cindy and Alison reminisce about the many lessons they learned by having PenPals and why we need to bring them back. Be part of the movement to bring...
165: Fairy Tale Expectations with Cindy and Alison
31 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Do all those stories, television shows, and movies give children a false impression of life and happiness? Join Cindy and Alison for a discussion abo...
164: Parents, Guardians, Folks, and Kin with Cindy and Alison
24 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Our words matter when addressing adults as much as they do when talking to children. Being welcoming and inclusive means providing children and adults...
163: The Value of Putting It Together with Cindy and Alison
17 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Learn about another cognitive bias sometimes called the Ikea Effect. Intrigued? Listen to find out what Ikea has to do with teaching and raising you...
162: To Know or To Google with Cindy and Alison
10 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Cindy and Alison discuss a cognitive bias - sometimes called the digital effect, digital amnesia, or the Google Effect - and how that should help us t...
161: Even I Don't Like That with Cindy and Alison
03 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
One trip to a small group breakout room made us think about the activities we don't want to do that we ask children to participate in. Should partici...
160: Live and Let Live in Early Childhood with Cindy and Alison
27 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
It's time to examine your dress code and think about the people in our early childhood classrooms. Are the people reflective of the real world that c...
159: Are the People High Quality with Cindy and Alison
20 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
We talk about high-quality curriculums, environments, and other aspects of early childhood settings, but how do we figure out if the adults are behavi...
158: The Nonsense We're Raised With...with Cindy and Alison
13 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Erik Erikson taught us that young children struggle with initiative vs. guilt. That guilt plays out for a lifetime. Listen to Cindy and Alison discu...
157: If Only Teachers Knew with Cindy and Alison
06 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
As promised during their episode about what they wish families knew, Cindy and Alison discuss what they wish teachers knew about families, children, c...
156: Brains, Tech, and Timing with Cindy and Alison
29 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Now that use of technology has become an even bigger part of the lives of young children, what do we do about their screen time? Cindy and Alison dis...
155: If Only Parents Knew with Cindy and Alison
22 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Cindy and Alison share their top 3 lists of what they wish parents knew about young children. Share yours with us at HowPreschoolTeachersDoIt.com and...
154: When Kids Lie with Cindy and Alison
15 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Why do children lie and what should we do about it? Cindy and Alison discuss children and lies - a topic that pushes many buttons for adults.Check ou...
153: How To Do Holidays with Cindy and Alison
08 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In today's diverse and interconnected world, it is important to think about our approach to acknowledging holidays in early childhood settings. Join ...
152: Repetition and Truth with Alison and Cindy
01 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
What is the connection between repetition, learning, and truth? Join Cindy and Alison for a discussion about the impact of repetition on learning and ...
151: Dramatic Play with Cindy and Alison
25 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Why is it important for early childhood rooms to include the choice of dramatic play every day? Listen to learn the role dramatic play holds in the d...
150: Growing Into Their Own Footsteps
18 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Humans have a natural tendency to make assumptions. Sometimes, those assumptions unintentionally put the achievements of families on their children. ...
149: Education Isn't Done To Children
11 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
For too many generations, children were recipients rather than participants. Join Alison and Cindy for a lively conversation about the fact that educ...
148: Tough Teacher-Family Conversations
04 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Have you had to have a tough conversation with a teacher or family and dreaded it? No one likes uncomfortable, difficult conversations, but they cann...
147: The Kid Who Stays in Blocks
27 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
What should we do about the children who want to play in the same classroom interest area all the time? What should happen when the child always head...
146: About Those Goals
20 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Do you feel like you set goals and have trouble accomplishing them? Get a good start at the beginning of this school year. Cindy and Alison discuss ...
145: Reinvigorating Read Alouds
13 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Are our approaches to read alouds actually supporting the foundational skills for reading comprehension? Maybe not. Cindy and Alison discuss how to ...
144: Labor Talk: The Workforce Shortage
06 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Cindy and Alison discuss the "Catch-22" situation many early childhood programs find themselves in. You are not alone!Check out our website: https:...
143: The Impact of Less Play in 2020-21
30 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
We thought social-emotional and self-help skills would be the most greatly impacted. Current studies show that's just the tip of the iceberg. Join C...
142: Pop-Up Show and Tell
23 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Show and tell has been an early childhood staple in classrooms everywhere. Can it be done in a more developmentally appropriate way? Join Alison and...
141: Anxiety of the G.O.A.T.
16 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
When children have a talent, how much pressure is put on them to continue to excel? Are we paying attention to signs of anxiety and people-pleasing? ...
140: Are Families Responsible for Kids' Behavior?
09 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Are families responsible for their children's behavior when they are not there? When does a family's responsible come into play? Consider this blame...
139: When the Crying is Contagious
02 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Emotions can be contagious. Why does everyone start crying when one child cries and what should we do about that? Cindy and Alison discuss this topi...
138: Teaching True Bravery
26 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
What does a child being brave look like? Or maybe we should ask - What doesn't it look like? Join Alison and Cindy for a conversation about the mess...
137: Fear of Mistakes and Failure
19 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Is the fear of mistakes and failure stopping all progress in your early childhood setting or home? Cindy and Alison discuss why that happens and how ...
136: Evidence of Kids' Knowledge and Learning
12 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
If crafts are not evidence of learning, then what is? Prepare to be impressed by what real evidence of children's existing knowledge and new learning...
135: Why the Creative Arts Matter in Preschool
05 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
What is creativity and how does it help young children? Cindy and Alison discuss the many expressive and behavioral benefits when children bring thei...
134: For Your Summer (or Anytime) Learning
28 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
It's the requested recommendation episode! Cindy and Alison discuss where you can learn reputable information about helping children with challenging...
133: We Become Words Said and Unsaid
21 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Are we setting up self-fulfilling prophecies that will impact the children for years? Are we unintentionally shifting their view of themselves becaus...
132 The Crossroads for Respectful Environments
14 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
We are at a pivotal point in our early education systems where we can decide what the future will be for not only our students but also our educators....
131: Building A Motivated Environment At All Levels
07 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Do you want to motivate your students, staff, or even your administrators? Cindy and Alison discuss one key to building a motivated environment. It ...
130: Math Talk: Teach Numbers in Real Ways (Another Lost Episode)
31 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode recorded earlier but never released, Cindy and Alison discuss real ways to teach math in preschool. What's a less real way? Listen t...
129: Helping Kids with End of Year Anxiety
24 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
As the school year draws to a close, young children realize that a big change is ahead. Join Alison and Cindy for a discussion about how to help them...
128: Mixed Ages: What Younger Kids Need to Know
17 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Do you work in a mixed age group or have multiple children at home? Cindy and Alison discuss the explanations we need to give to younger children abo...
127: What Stands in the Way of ECE Innovation?
10 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
What propels more forward motion in a time of change? It may surprise you! Cindy and Alison discuss one potential stumbling block as early education ...
126: The Gift of Mental Flexibility and Being Bilingual
03 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
We knew there were advantages to being bilingual, but we didn't know all this! Join Alison and Cindy to learn about how learning 2 languages when ver...
125: The Hows and Whys of Normalizing Parent Education
26 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Why isn't parent education about child development and developmentally appropriate practice an embedded part of existing systems? How can we expect f...
124: Be a Learning Style Detective
19 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
There's much more to figuring out if children and adults are visual, auditory, or kinesthetic learners than you may have thought. Join Alison and Cin...
123: About That Sticker Chart...
12 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Cindy and Alison discuss one of those "always been done this way" situations - public displays of behavior - their impact, and how we might adjust the...
122: Focus! It's Good for Everyone.
05 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
How present are you when children focus on an object or task? Do you focus with them on what they see? It is good for them and it is great for your...
121: How to Intentionally Connect with Each Child
29 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Now and always, fostering 1:1 relationships with children should be a priority. In this episode, Cindy & Alison discuss Dr. Robert Pianta's "Banking T...
120: One-to-One Time Proves Priceless
22 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
If children learning at home who had 1:1 time with teachers online during the pandemic have pulled ahead of their peers, it proves that we have never ...
119: Skill-Building You Never Learned About
15 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Was your school day divided by subject area when you were a child? Was math time separate from language arts time which was separate from socializati...
118: 1 Year
08 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
For so many of us, this week marks 1 year since our lives changed because of COVID-19. How can we frame what has happened, perhaps start to heal, and...
117: Adapting and Modifying: Two Very Different Things
01 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
There is a big difference between adapting a curriculum and modifying it. Which one is the way to go when taking what teachers are given and applying...
116: Resist the Prompting. Let the Kids Answer!
22 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Sometimes we purposely, and other times we subconsciously, prompt children so they answer questions correctly. Does that really help them to learn? A...
115: Is Silence Really Golden?
15 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Is dynamic learning silent? Have generational messages about children being silent seeped into our classrooms? Join Cindy and Alison for a discussio...
114: Tell Me Their Strengths First: Reframe Your Thinking
08 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
How would the environment change and the children think of themselves if we described them by their strengths instead of their struggles? Alison and ...
113: Are We Creating Damaging Perfectionism?
01 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Without meaning to, are we adding to the children's stress by encouraging perfectionism? Are we setting up an expectation that is impossible to achie...
112: Let Your Young Leaders Lead
25 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
They aren't bossy. They are leaders! Cindy and Alison discuss the importance of fostering the leadership qualities you observe in young children. L...
111: Help Children Sort What They Hear
18 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Children hear the news from the TV in the background, from the adults who think they aren't listening and more. Watch for signs that they are trying ...
110: Good Decision Making: Teach It!
11 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Children aren't born knowing the steps of good decision making. Alison and Cindy discuss the questions to ask children that can become their internal...
109: The Learning Reset, Not Such a Loss
04 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
For years, educators have struggled with the pushdown of the curriculum. Now, the pandemic is forcing the curriculum back up. Is that good news? Is...
108: Introverts are Happy Too (The Lost Episodes #3)
28 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Introverts sometimes need time alone. That doesn't mean we are unhappy! Should we be spending time trying to move introverts from their comfort zone?C...
107: Cindy and Alison's List of But Adults Do That (The Lost Episodes #2)
21 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
There are so many things that we ask children to do but don't do ourselves. Cindy and Alison discuss some of those behaviors and pose the question, "...
106: Ignoring the Crying Child May Not Have Been Great (The Lost Episodes #1)
14 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Cindy and Alison revisit the age-old, "Do we ignore the crying child?" debate on this lost episode. Let us know your thoughts!Check out our website: ...
105: When They Only Want the Boxes- Kids and Real Things
07 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
It's that time of year again when we buy exciting toys and they only want the boxes. What is it about kids and real things? Listen to find out!Check...
104: Teach Kids to Own Their Point of View
30 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Do you know adults who need others to agree or who defend their perspective by saying everyone feels that way? Listen to this episode about teaching ...
103: Making the Best of It: Holidays Closings and More
23 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Now is your moment! Cindy and Alison discuss the opportunity we have to model making the best of it as we face holidays, closings, and more once agai...
102: Ending School Breaks and Snow Days-Have We Gone Too Far?
16 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Remote learning - Just because we can, does that mean we should? Cindy and Alison discuss the potential demise of school breaks and snow days. Liste...
101: Get Out of the Power Struggle
09 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Young children are always experimenting with power. Do you get caught up in their power struggle? Do you find yourself trying harder to control them...
100: Your Questions Answered and A Teaser
02 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Cindy and Alison celebrate 100 episodes by answer listener questions about observing children, advancing careers, and the educational theories and res...
99: Families Assessing Learning: The Hows
26 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Teachers are depending on families of remote and hybrid students to report their children's skills. Is there a good way to get data from families? W...
98: Teachable Moments - It's the Little Things
19 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
"Teachable Moments" is one of those phrases that is used all the time but not always understood. Cindy and Alison talk about teachable moments, what ...
97: Make Transitions Easier for Young Children
12 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Transitions are often the roughest part of an early learner's day. Cindy and Alison discuss ways to make transitions, from one activity or place to a...
96: The ABC's of Challenging Behavior
05 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
What is the best way to figure out the root of challenging behavior? Do your ABC's! Listen to find out how ABC applies to helping lessen challenging...
95: Kids, Guns and Dramatic Play
28 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Why do so many young children play guns? Is there something we should say or do? Cindy and Alison discuss the whys and what nows of weapons during dr...
94: Hybrid School - A New Family School Partnership
21 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Was there ever more of a need for families and schools to work in partnership? Cindy and Alison talk about how that partnership can work (and we don'...
93: The Reality of Reopened Schools: A Glimpse Inside
14 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
What's happening as early childhood classrooms reopen and students return? Cindy and Alison give you a glimpse inside at the good news and the intere...
92: Supporting Kids' Success during Reopening For Their Future
07 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Children are arriving at school and childcare with messages from families that cause anxiety or lack of compliance with COVID-19 rules. Alison and Ci...
91: The True Story of the COVID-19 School Year
31 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Cindy and Alison dig beneath the assumptions, sugar-coated reports and press releases to share some truths so we can have right-sized expectations for...
90: The COVID-19 Shaming is Real
24 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Exactly how much fingerpointing and shaming is about to go on when our schools open and someone tests positive for COVID-19? Cindy and Alison discuss...
89: Not Returning? Reconsider, Reinvent, Rediscover Yourself
17 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Sometimes, life pushes us in new directions. Cindy & Alison discuss the possibilities for those of you who find yourselves wondering, "What's next??"...
88: Homeschool vs Remote Learning - Choose Wisely
10 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Before you disconnect from your school, there are things to consider. Cindy and Alison discuss their research about homeschooling instead of remote l...
87: No Open Door Policy or Visitors-That's an Issue
03 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Want to know what's happening in your child's preschool? COVID-19 restrictions say you can't go in. Now what?? Cindy and Alison discuss this dilemm...
86: COVID-19 & Universal Preschool-Will Public Preschool Happen Faster?
27 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Will the movement toward preschool in public schools speed up due to the COVID-19 impact on childcare? Cindy & Alison propose 4 reasons why it might....
85: Improve Distance Teaching NOW! Time is Being Wasted.
20 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Why aren't we using this time to improve distance teaching? Cindy and Alison discuss 4 reasons why we have to stop wasting this time.Check out our we...