Hi everyone, this is one of my favorite quotes for anytime I think that I cannot do something.  It might be giving a presentation, deciding to finally finish my masters, or running an Obstacle Course Race (OCR).  It applies to the world of early childhood education as well. We all need a little encouragement at some point.

I remember my first year as a lead teacher for Head Start we had to give a test called the NRA, it was a standardized test for preschoolers.   It was confusing and completely inappropriate for early childhood, and my kids were upset afterwards.  I told them something like the quote above that I knew they were very smart, the test was done, and now we  can play.  We got out the instruments and had a parade to celebrate how awesome we were.  We created a word wall, drawing, and other things to show how awesome we were.  Before we had to do the test again at the end of the year, I had the kids to look at all the things we had did and learned.  I reiterated to them again that I knew they were super smart and could do anything.  I often find myself wondering how those kids are doing now.

 The quote above is one of my favorite that has to do with teaching. When I was teaching I tried to find ways to engage all of my kids and make learning fun. Yes, it stretched me and I had to put in extra hours, but it was worth it to see when the "light bulb" would light up for each of the kids.  As a director I copied this quote and gave to all the staff to hang up as a reminder to not make the child conform to our way of teaching but to conform our way of teaching to the child. This is one of the reasons I don't think there is such a thing as a learning disability, just a learning difference.

Thank you for following my blog and please leave me feedback. Below I have posted  pictures of my family.  We love to get muddy together.