Behavior charts are designed to help children visualize their behavior in real time and they are popular because they are simple to implement and seem to keep classrooms running smoothly. But beneath the surface, there is a darker side to these systems and they can wind up undermining a child's intrinsic motivation to do good and leave them feeling emotionally unstable in the classroom. Join me as I discuss better ways to elicit the positive behavior you want from the students in your classroom.

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In today's episode I talk about the importance of giving children freedom to create. We’ll explore why creativity matters, how freedom fuels it, and simple ways you can encourage the imagination of the children in your classroom every day.

Visit the show notes for links to some of the resources I use in my art cart.

Show Notes:

www.playbeforepencils.com/podcast

In this episode we'll explore the topic of guided play, the role it has in a child-led classroom, and how to expertly execute it.

Show Notes:

www.playbeforepencils.com/podcast

In the final episode of my Unintended Consequences of Teacher-led Classrooms, I explore the topic of building relationships in the early childhood classroom and comparing how relationships might differ in teacher-led classrooms vs. child-led classrooms.

Teacher-led classrooms are so focused on instruction that there is often little time left for observation. When this powerful tool is left out of the assessment equation, teachers are at a disadvantage in understanding what their students actually know and where they could use some extra support.

Show Notes:

www.playbeforepencils.com/podcast

Welcome to week 2 of my series "Unintended Consequences of Teacher-led Classrooms". Today we'll take a closer look at play in teacher-led environments and how a focus on following instructions and completing tasks can have a negative impact on a child's development when they take precedence over play.

Show Notes:

www.playbeforepencils.com/podcast

In this 4-part series, we will explore the unintended consequences of teacher-led models of education in early childhood classrooms. This week we are exploring the consequences of not offering choice to students and how a child-led model better supports their growth and development through choice.

Show Notes:

www.playbeforepencils.com/podcast