Hey Mindful Parents- March 2024

Where is the playground at my preschool?

Why does Hidden School have sticks, wood, barrels, ladders, rocks and dirt for my kids to play with? It is open-minded toys for kids to use their imagination. They know how to play on playgrounds. Unfortunately, there is only one way to use a slide or swing. But with open-ended toys kids can build and make what ever they want. They use their problem solving skills and imagination.

I don't use playgrounds and do not care for forest schools because I want kids to learn how to play in their own backyards, or anywhere in nature! Pictured: a child built a dinosaur skeleton using wood scraps in the backyard.

Do you ever feel like you don't understand your boy? At all the different stages they go through they say boys are easier. Here is a book for understanding boys that I read 20 years ago. It is an old book but is a classic as far as understanding what boys need.

It is broken down my ages/ years and has timeless information about their needs and desires. And there is NOT one for girls? But It is worth the read if you have boys. It was published in 1995. click here for the book

  Calm down- DON'T SAY IT!

We can't bombard children with these words. Their brains are beginning to develop self regulation at age 2. Self Soothing is what an infant does. Self - regulate is when a child is upset and can be calmed downs with support. Even then it is a broad spectrum of what children can do. And a calm adult is there to regulate emotions. We still need to be there for them, hug them, be present for them. Data should show that they are improving with regulation.   Gottman Institute: emotions age by age   Sensory is important so hit the beach this summer. Play with Playdough. Give your baby a (clean) paint brush to chew on, (clean) make up brush, cucumbers, red peppers, celery or else they won't want it when they get bigger. Their taste buds are better than ours and they are more likely to taste various foods between the ages 4-7 months. Help Form their tastebuds!   NPR

Remember in the past news letter I raved about the Upstart. The Department of Education is not happy with Waterford getting the 13.9 million dollar grant. They feel this could have been used in the classes and at expanding early childhood services. Instead they say Utah is keeping the funding for children that stay home with parents versus in child care. Tisk, Tisk, Tisk. click here for article

Emotional Learning curriculum for schools is beginning to get foothold in schools.

Embraced in 101 countries and 25 languages, Conscious Discipline’s foundation of safety, connection and problem-solving is leading a revolution of the heart as concepts initially applied in the classroom extend to every facet of our lives.

This is professional development tools for educators. This does not mean schools are using it. But it is a step closer to schools starting to pay attention to emotional learning for children of all ages.

I know that if teachers and administrators strove to be more present with children they children would feel heard, especially for all ages. There is a parent package for $700. LOL

But teaching emotional learning is not difficult and does not require all these tools. You do not need the puppet, books, dolls, stories. Let it come natural. Through play and natural consequences. to solve that problem consciously.

If you have any areas you want to problem solve regarding your child's behavior- I am here to help! Let me know and lets find a way to help the behavior and not just replace it with anew behavior.

White Pine trail is up Little Cottonwood canyon. It takes about 15 min to get there from Sandy Utah. It is a great little trail for little kids to walk across a bridge, see a river, and explore a trail. It is labeled a moderate trail but can be easily explored by little ones 50 ft in. You should not plan on making it to the lake with children. Check it out this summer to next week with your little one. Set aside time to explore nature. They will love it! call it an adventure dress appropriately go when they are fed, and rested set boundaries and stick to it (don't go off the trail, stay together) give them ideas of what they can do...throw rocks in river, find different leaves, rocks, listen for sounds of animals, jump off of rocks, pick up heavy rocks... kids will do what their little body needs but adults still have to teach them limits of what is dangerous or risky.

Sign Up for the my summer program. It is once a week for 4 weeks. 2nd annual Summer Program Thursdays 8:30-11:30am. June 20- manners June 27- animals July 11- mud exploration July 18- water day Children age 3-8 years $135 for 4 weeks. Siblings are buy1/ get 1 free. Participation does not guarantee admission to preschool. An application for the preschool is separate. See website for details.

Meet Miss Jessica and My Teaching Philosophy

Hey Mindful Parents- January 2024

 

Follow Us Follow on Instagram Thursday, January 26, 2024 This is more of a monthly guide. I can't do this everyday. :) Forward this email to anyone that might enjoy it. Sign up for this email on my website. scroll to the bottom of my website and enter your email in the popup. sign up for email Summer time is coming. Sign up for the 4 week program starting June 20th- July 15, $135 for 4 weeks.   2024 Summer Program

  I have only heard positive feedback regarding Upstart. Upstart is a reading program through Waterford, a private school. It is funded for a few states through a grant. What is the best amount of time to allow your child on the computer? ABC mouse did a study and 15 min. 3 times a week shows benefit. Anything more or less is not as effective. And don't push too early for ABC's, wait until they start asking, "What letter is that?" or "What does that say?" or age 4-5 years.   Register for Upstart  

Register for Kindergarten for 2024-2025 Children have to be 5 years old by Sept. 2.

  Canyons District

What are the expectations for a child in Kindergarten? Click below to go to Utah State Board of Education. The information lists skills, that with enough practice and support, can be done independently by your child.  click here USBE Utah State Board of Ed. begins to count to 20, identify's rhyming words, tries new things, hop, skips, runs, eats independently, scribbles, draws to express an idea...

The Children’s Center Utah is partnering with UCEBT in Salt Lake for a comprehensive 3-part webinar series where experts address your burning questions, offering guidance, strategies, and support to empower you on your parenting journey. Attend just one or all three! These webinars are FREE to attend. We will be emailing you reminders and the Zoom join link for each of these webinars as it gets closer. These webinars will be recorded and will be sent to everyone who registered. February 13, March 12, April 9 6:00 p.m. - 6:45 p.m. MST   Learn More

What are other states doing about this problem?

New Jersey recently incorporated the DREAMS Program, which provides school districts throughout the state with trauma-informed and healing-centered training and resources, including training in the Nurtured Heart Approach. What is Utah doing for Mental health in our schools?

Here is what Utah is debating right now for our school:

Rep. Mike Petersen, R-North Logan, has proposed a bill that would require all Utah public schools to display framed copies of the Ten Commandments(at least 16 by 20 inches). Critics of the bill, including Rachel Laser of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, say it violates the U.S. Constitution and creates a divisive environment. [Salt Lake Tribune) What is Utah doing to support teachers? I will be listening today to the Utah State board of Early Educators today at 1pm. I'll let you know next newsletter.   Nurtured Heart Approach

We will celebrate Ground Hog Day at the Hidden School on Feb. 5. We will have a celebration, practice using our manners, and eat donuts with utensils, and watch to see if Phil sees his shadow.

If Candlemas be fair and bright, Come, Winter, have another flight; If Candlemas brings clouds and rain, Go Winter, and come not again.   History of Groundhog Day see our groundhog day tickets ready to print Apply for the Hidden School before it's too late.

Your child should be 3 by November of the year they want to attend. They can begin the year they are turning three in August. Apply for 2024-2025/ 2025-2026

's Day by Jessica Dahl Ivins I am starting a newsletter that will go out to signed up emails on my website, see link on Right hand side "mindful preschool". Enjoy the sample above. go here to sign up for my monthly newsletter starting 2024! Happy New Year!

Joseph and Mary and the Rockefeller Tree

Once upon a time Mary Kremper took her first steps onto American soil. It was a hot and humid August day. She paused as she stepped off the vessel in awe. New York was a sight to behold. The dust did not give a hint of the deep depression that would come to take America by suprise. Her seventeen year old vocabulary did not know a word of English. “Itt vagyok,” she whipered. I am here. 
Mary had two dimes in her wool coat pocket. She kept them in her left pocket because she had a hole in her right pocket. She wondered the streets of New York for three days. It was overwhelming. She slept on the side of the store until the owner told her to get out or else she would call the orphanage. She only wanted to come to New York, like a rebellious teen running away, she did not have a plan. 
That is when she was on a corner watching the people cross the street when Sandra was picking up her laundry. She noticed Mary on the corner. Sandra noticed something about Mary's stout figure. She returned with her bag and asked Mary if she had anywhere to go. Sandra asked her if she would like to come home with her. Mary did not have to think about it, she clutched Sandra's arm and off they went. Sandra offered Mary a job cooking in the kitchen. Sandra family enjoyed Mary's German Hungarian cooking.
Sandra adopted Mary into her family. Sandra’s family was known as the Hilton’s. They were of German Hungary descendants. Mary learned English easily. Sandra’s brother worked in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. He knew of a Hungarian gardener that worked for him in Titusville. He told Sandra that he was a good gardener with talent. Sandra did not care about the green thumb, she wanted to introduce the two Hungarians. “We need to introduce Mary to Joseph,” Mary told her brother with the excitement.
Sandra invited Joseph over for dinner with her brother. Joseph Varanyak was born in the United States. However his family had moved back to Hungary when he was three. When he was seventeen he learned he was from America and he headed back to find his future. They introduced Mary and Joseph and it was instantaneous. Joseph had never seen simplicity and beauty as he saw under Mary’s navy felt hat held tightly with hatpins. She saw his hard working hands and memories of her father’s farm in Hungary flooded her day dreams. They only spoke in Hungarian. Talking English was fun, but talking in her tongue was natural. They arranged to be married three months later. Three seemed to be her lucky number. 
One month after they were married they received a wonderful gift from Joseph’s boss. Conrad Hilton purchased Joseph and Mary their first piece of land. “You are talented with your hands. Put your mind and hands to work and build a tree farm,” Conrad advised Joseph. Joseph did and the Farm came to be known in Mercer County, New Jersey as the Varanyak Farm.
It was 1931 and Mary and Joseph were about to celebrate their first Christmas on the Varanyak Farm. They strolled toward the back of the property relishing this moment of their first Christmas. Joseph was the gardener; however, he was not the one that spotted the tree. “This is the tree, it’s perfect,” She told Joseph.  
Joseph went to work to unearth the 4 foot Norway Spruce. They carried it to their home in a bucket. Decorating it was a delight, even during the Great Depression. After Christmas, Mary and Joseph planted it outside their home. Mary bore a son three years later, then twin boys. She continued to care for the tree. Cow manure was the main ingredient. Mary went to the tree to share her cares, tears, fears, pain, happiness and dreams.  
In 1933 Mary remembered hearing about the first Rockefeller Tree in New York. She did not dare say it out loud. One day my little Norway Spruce will make it to New York. Little did she know that the first Rockefeller tree happened in 1931 by construction workers decorating it with tin cans and scrap paper. 
Her pain came with the debilitating accident of her oldest son. He suffered a construction accident and she had to make the heart breaking decision to admit him permanently to a nursing home.  
Mary and Joseph taught their twin sons, Bill and Bob, how to run the farm. “Mom, what are you doing with that cow manure?” Bill and Bob asked their mom. Mary would stir and liquefy the manure in a bucket for the tree. "Feeding the tree. This tree is going to be in New York one day!" The tree continued to grow; meanwhile, Bill and Bob grew up. They graduated in 1952 and worked for their father. The Norway Spruce that was once 4 feet was now a little more than 20 feet tall.  
Mary lived another 46 years. Her husband, Joseph passed and the boys took care of the farm. Bill did some traveling around the world, but eventually returned home. In 1998 Mary Kemper Varanyak passed. She did not get to see her tree make it to New York.
Dreams do not die. Bill and Bob continued working the Varanyak Farm. One March Day in 2008, Bill noticed a helicopter hovering their property. Little did he know they had spotted their mother's tree. Two days later, the late David Morvak knocked on their door and said, “I think your tree would look great at the Rockefeller Center!” Bill and Bob were astatic. The tree was about to go to New York, from country to City, just as their mother had done in 1929.

December came quickly with a snow storm early. Bill looked out the back door one morning after the snow storm and saw a blue bird sitting on the Norway Spruce. The blue bird was rare in the middle of winter, especially after a snow storm. The next day came and the blue bird was still there. The blue bird stayed for 3 days in the 72 foot spruce. Then after the third day came, the trucks and chainsaw showed up. The blue bird was gone. Mary had continued her lucky three day trend. The boys knew the tree was happily on its way to New York. However, the tree did not have to wait three days to find direction. A New York City Parade awaited the tree!

By Jessica F. Ivins
Thank you to Bill Varanyak for the telephone interview in September 2011

This is non-fiction, however, there were some added information to clarify the story. I was not sure what vessel she came over to NY in or what she said when she got here. Bob said it was the Queen Mary, but it did not land here until 1936. Needless to say, Mary Kemper did land in NY and wonder the streets for three days. Their older brother did have an accident. Mary did want the tree in Rockefeller center. The tree was found by the famous helicoptor eyes of David Morvak, and the rest is history.

Making Bread (edited)

Flour in the air,
Flour in her hair.
Flour on the door,
Flour on the floor.

What a chore,
Flour is here and there.
She's painting her arms,
Her cheeks powder fair.

No more sweet rosey smiles.
Just sifted flowered,
giggles in the air
with the bleached flour

Dusty white pats,
on black springy twists.
Baby brown hands,
now lightly white.

Flour everywhere,
time to be...
Clean.
brown with rosey cheeks.

it's tacit...
I love her brown
I love her white
oh, what a chore
I adore.

Utah and Mental Health for Children

Governor Cox and his wife are advocates for mental health, especially for early childhood. This is nice to have the state working on these troublesome topics. We have a shortage of therapists in Utah and we have one of the highest suicide rates. It is a thought that altitude has something to do with that but with rates rising everywhere there has to be other factors. It is higher is rural areas. And there is a rise in teen girl suicide thoughts and ER visits.

 I hope that if I can teach children at an early age cooping skills that this will be instilled into their very nature as a human. I believe early childhood to be one of the most important times of a person. And we know that there is massive brain growth, more than any other time in a persons life, and more connections are made during the 0-3 age. Such a wonderful age. And one of the biggest take away of the Mental Health Summit last week was CONNECTION.

“The child who is not embraced by the village, will burn it down to feel its warmth.” Taken from When you wonder, You’re Learning: Mister Rogers’ Enduring Lessons for Raising Creative, Curious, Caring Kids. 

 Babies are always communicating.

 Pay special attention to your child and see how they ask for help? 

How do they tell you they want something? 

Do they show anger?

 How?

 When I see children at my school the first thing we establish is it is okay to feel emotions.

 It is good to ask for help. I will help you learn to express emotions and how to let emotions go.

 Kids are all different. Some hold grudges, some are more jealous. Some are naturally mad, and some naturally happy. Some let things go easier than others. Some go from 0-60 in 1 second, and some look at the situation and take a while to process what is happening.

 Children have a strong instinct to protect themselves. The will hit if someone gets in their space. All these things are who they are. I don't want to change them, just help them deal with the strong emotions. Some kids might lack emotion. Excitement is okay too. 

 Welcome to the Hidden School. Where we solve problems, let emotions come and go with the flow of life. We also have extra time if we need to talk. Because in public school, there simply is not enough time to have emotions when the teacher has 12 kids in the class. Not to mention...in High school, kids are afraid to ask because teachers are so overwhelmed with the work load. And that is one loss of connection. Another loss of connection is less play time on the playground. Kids are not able to connect with other kids because of the time limit allowed to have unstructured play.

Helpful website for toddlers

helpful website for teens

Intermountain Health support

More from Mister Rogers’ book: “it is the deep relationship between instructors and students…that hold the key to ending the soul-numbing disenfranchisement that so many young men experience at school.”

“When children feel bonded to you they are less likely to violate your expectations.” 

“The need for human connection is more than a warm, nice-to-have feeling— it’s a biological imperative.”

- Mister Rogers’. My hero

PRESCHOOL CURRICULUM 21st century

What do you think of when you hear PRESCHOOL? Do you want to send you child? Are you sad? Do you want to control every environment your child will be in? Do you just want a break from your child? Worried? Happy? Stressed?

All emotions are valid. Talk yourself through this. It will be okay.  Some people think it is time to teach your child the ABC's. But before you you teach that we should be teaching them to identify feelings. MAD, HAPPY, SAD, EXCITED. This will help them to understand themselves. NOT the ABC's. And they are egocentric at this age any way. ABC's come naturally and so do most things kids need to learn.

Have you ever had a teacher teach a lesson and you didn't care for the content or their voice? Well, how do you think a kids feels? When a child is not interested they get up and run around. They leave the area. They do not sit still. I taught in the classroom and can tell you that there are some kids that will sit through a lesson and some kids will not. What do teachers do with the kids that won't sit? Get a $379 CUBE chair and make them sit. Give them a toy in the cube chair so they do not disturb the other children. That child is getting nothing out of it. The other children may get something out of it. Are they listening? 

Education needs reforming. The younger kids are always on the back burner of getting help. Colleges are starting to recognize that Freshman need support because of the high drop out rate and suicide rate. And high schools are trying to help kids. Middle school is starting to have calming rooms and grade school has more psychologist and calming rooms for students and teachers. And Preschool is Preschool. 

Obviously, kids and adult need some more help with the sky-rocketing anxiety and suicide rate. Let's teach kids how to recognize anxiety before it becomes habitual thought. Help them develop skills before it's a problem. DBT, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, is a new therapy that teaches that you can cope and there may be more than one truth. Everything isn't black and white. If we look at Piaget's theory 

We learn that he found 4 specific stages we learn from.

Now. If we are the genius human's that we claim to be wouldn't we perfect education by now. No. We know a lot but the only education system that follows Piaget's theory is the Swiss. They start formal education at age 7. In the United States they start at 5. Preschool is optional in the US and Kindergarten is optional in some states (Utah). With our knowledge of our learning stages the United States Education System still doesn't listen to the specialist. They continue to begin teaching kids younger and younger. 

What happens if a child skips a stage of learning? What if he doesn't get enough sensorimotor experiences?

A child will not skip a stage of Piaget's theory. Does that mean that we must go through each phase. In my experience if a child doesn't get sensorimotor, they are still in that phase for a while longer. 

Do they move on to the next stage? Do we still believe kids are capable of Formal Operational Stage in the 21st century? Kids are much more immature than in the 20th century. 

So the reason we can't perfect being a human is because as soon as we figure out what it means, it changes!

However, the Sensorimotor has not changed much. Baby Einstein tried to mess with this stage by teaching babies to talk on the television.  

It didn't work.

So! All this points to teaching kids more...

Here is my curriculum. 

So have fun and remember all this above means PLAY WITH YOUR CHILDREN.

TIPs for Parents 101

Do we really want to change a child's behavior? Yes and No.

This is so true. They are smarter than we give them credit for.

Think of the old saying, if you make the "man" think it was his idea he 'll like it better. I think this goes for anyone. If you think you came up with the solution you WILL try harder. 

We often grab things from our children without realizing it. When they become older we may grab their phone when they do not give it when we say. Can you imagine how mad you'd be if someone grabbed your phone? Alway be polite. 

If you have to intervene...do it once verbally and afterward non-verbally. They like the engagement. Every person does something because they get something out of it. This is psychology 101. So they enjoy the argument. Children are figuring out life. Don't give them the connection/ what they want. They WILL disengage the undesirable behavior once they realize you will NOT engage. 

Be patient!!

 

Nothing takes place of Interactions

 How can you tell a good school from a not so good school?

Does a good school let child cut with knives?

NO, a good school allows as many interactions to take place as possible. 

 Ratio is 1:4. Kids are not afraid to speak up and are allowed to feel heard. 

Does a good school let child cut with knives?

NO, a good school allows as many interactions to take place as possible. 

 Ratio is 1:4. Kids are not afraid to speak up and are allowed to feel heard. 

I would say to judge a place by interactions. Wholesome interactions. Supportive interactions. Learning interactions. If the ratio of teacher/ child is too low, 1:1 it may not get enough interaction. That is why mom's know it is easier with 2 kids vs. 1 child. Because 3 is more fun than 1 and 3 is also a number that is pleasing to the eye in the arts. 3 is also a significant number, with many stories. But don't make this your determinant for having another child. 

In this video the child is talking on the phone that his father called him on. His father is in the other room. He has 2 other adults supporting him in his interactions. He is 15 mos. and has the typical babble talk with connotations. 

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Self guided study to understanding language. 

I believe the most interesting thing about Language is that we all acquire it. We do not have to have sit down lessons on. We learn by doing. We make mistakes. We create new rules. Then, slowly after 3-5 years we got it. Our language continues to grow until age 12-13.  By then we have it. Ages 0-3 are the most important years for learning language. We begin listening to language in the womb and continue learning as long as we want. If you are in a dual immersion class we will be able to write and speak, but interacting will always be a struggle until we do it. Interactions are the best. 

Next in my self studies are : How do cell phones interrupt interactions? 

Click below  to read the study: 

Language study in early childhood 

I delved ... here are the highlights:

By way of summation, according to the behaviorist (e.g., Skinner [9], children learn language through reinforcement and association, whereas Chomsky took the view that children have an inborn capacity for language understanding and use.

The most distinctive print of a culture has been defined as its language.

 Notably, interaction has a significant role in language acquisition.

Acquisition of a child’s first language begins at birth and continues to puberty (the ‘critical period’). Spada and Lightbown [6]; DeKeyser and Larson-Hall [2] noted that during the first three years of the child’s life, the child gets exposed to the language in his/her environment.

linguistic environment where they can continually hear, interact and communicate in that particular language. 

Language is a social phenomenon. According to Spada and Lightbown [6], children can also be exposed to the language through audio-visual media, but that exposure is without interaction, but, without using the language to express themselves, the children cannot acquire that particular language.

Children communicate first by using different languages, such as body language, sign language and oral language

Therefore, the first words the child learns are those that directly relate to the child’s sensory experience and connect the child to his or her exploration of the environment

age Newborn: This is the first stage of language where children babble and coo according to Tomasello      and Bates [12], just to exercise the articulatory organs in an experimentally random and playful manner.

age 6 mos - 9 mos: the second stage is when the child starts to babble in a pattern similar to the patterns of adult speech, this happens between the ages of six to nine months.

age 12mos. one-word stage, where babies use only one word

age 1 yr 8 mos two word stage, "dada chair"

age 2- 2.5 telegraphic stage, rudimentary sentences, "I good girl."

age 2-  predictable phonological errors or deviations

children first start by over-generalizing the rules

processing the rules of language

a process of development to full competence of the language use leading them to understand the exceptions to the rules

a process of development to full competence of the language use leading them to understand the exceptions to the rules

 language grows organically in the child’s mind rather than artificially constructing it in the process of learning

There is no disagreement about the effectiveness of early language acquisition, but what if the language learner has a positive attitude towards the culture in question. Positive attitudes produce motivations in the students. According to Spada and Lightbown [6], “The overall findings show that positive attitudes and motivation are related to success in second language learning, [and consequently acquiring a second identity]” (p. 56). There are two kinds of motivations at issue in this process: a. Curiosity: A desire to understand a group of people and their way of life; a desire or interest to know why a group of people do things differently from us, or why they believe in so many things that we have never considered. b. Empathy: Upon repeated exposure, one might come to the conclusion that this group of people has a more sensible handle on things than we do. 

What is Mindful Preschool?

During Covid and all my time online I found a children’s conference. It was amazing! It had multiple specialists from teachers, psychologist to mindful practices and the benefits.

Here is a wonderful video from a woman that started a mindful preschool in Seattle, Washington. I have taken classes online at Mindful Schools and continue self-studies of mindfulness. Mr. Rogers was mindful in all his episodes. His same sweater and the consistency of his episodes were a comfort to children.

Why Do Children Need Mindfulness?

As we progress from hunter gather people, and we had to fit in with our society for survival to a smaller clan with the ability to be ourselves has created much more freedom for our children. More choices, more opportunities, more, more, more. Our current lifestyle has shown through statistics that mental health transparency is revealing suicide increase, anxiety increase, and stress increase.

How can we help our children?

This is Dr. Dan Seigel's Wheel of Awareness shows all the things in our lives that cause emotions or feelings. When we are aware of these we can better understand them when the feeling surface. He and many other specialists have been studying the brain and how we can help children understand what is going on inside their bodies. This awareness will help them to be better able to handle life with simple coping skills. Mindfulness is not meditating, it a way of life with AWARENESS. If you can name it, you can tame it, then you will be able to heal it.

And once a child can harness being able to understand their bodies, then they can LEARN. Mental health first. If a teacher understands mental health, brain development, and their capabilities than she can have a better chance of teaching the child academics. And academics are learned through play at this age.

This video says it best what mindfulness is and I am continuing to be inspired by others that are helping children reach their potential.

Is mindfulness in the general education setting?

Mindfulness is definitely a buzz word. More people ie. teachers, universities, legislation, are becoming aware of this opportunity to learn how to help children in their classrooms. It is practiced in some public schools. It is most beneficial if a teacher is mindful all day and sets this example for her students. More phychologist are being hired in public school however, budgets are also a hindrance. But it is just beginning to be at the forefront of needs for children, whereas, all that America cared about is that they could read. America is finally learning that kids can't read if they have mental health needs at the forefront.

Conventional Preschool

What is Conventional Preschool? Hopefully they understand the value of play when it comes to learning.

It may look like the children are just hopping, dancing, singing, coloring and laughing together, but studies have shown that structured play can hone a child’s language, math and social skills. Conventional Preschool generally follows an evidence-based curriculum that line up with the core standards of learning at the kindergarten level.

Teachers are pressured to meet District expectations. They are busy taking data (which takes valuable time away from interacting with the children.) Conventional Preschool Teachers are generally not certified teachers. They are not expected to have skills for mindfulness.

And some schools are so desparate for help they will lower their expectations when it comes to who works with children. There is more to 3-5 year olds than ABC's and 123's. Social and Emotional skills need to be priority at this age. And children require more 1:1 help at this age than any other age. They always have something to add to the conversaton, but in conventional preschool they have to be quiet when the teacher is teaching because there are over 12 children.

This is me in my conventional preschool classroom with my daughter. She enjoys the preschool room still today. Teachers do a great job helping classrooms feel like home, and many home-based preschools are in basements in Utah. In a basement? No sunlight? When I was teaching I was moved to a classroom without windows. This is when I decided to make the bold move and quit the school district job. No windows fro preschoolers, especially the kids who love outdoor play was like losing valuable learning possiblities and mental well-being. When we are stressed, seeing out the window can calm an adult or child. The etheral of the trees, and plants helps calm the soul. Swedish academics show that children do not need academic settings until age 7. Children do not start school in Sweden until age 7 and they are one of the top performing academia around the world. So embrace the home-based preschool program, toss the conventional programs out the window (if they have one) and see the benefits of The Hidden School, Mindful Prechool.

At the Hidden School there is always something happening in our "Mr. Rogers" neighborhood ie. houses being built, trees being cut down, puppies, goats, decomposing apple, or a peregrine falcon crashing into the window while chasing a finch. Just look around where you are standing.

You'll see, your missing whats happening right infront of your nose.

What is Montessori Method?

The Montessori Method encourages self-directed learning that promotes self-confidence, independent thought and action, and critical thinking, while fostering social-emotional and intellectual growth. Education for peace is a foundational component of Montessori education at all levels.

Montessori preschools are focused more on individualized learning. There is less overall structure and more freedom for children to learn at their own pace. Likewise, the Montessori setting encourages a more independent mindset and “work” environment

Each child is valued as a unique individual. Montessori education recognizes that children learn in different ways, and accommodates all learning styles. Students are free to learn at their own pace, each advancing as he is ready, guided by the teacher and an individualized learning plan. Beginning at an early age, Montessori nurtures order, concentration, and independence. Intentional classroom design, materials, and daily routines support the student’s emerging “self-regulation” (the ability to educate one’s self, and to think about what one is learning), in toddlers through adolescents. Students are part of a close, caring community. The multi-age classroom—typically spanning 3 years—re-creates a family structure. Older students enjoy stature as mentors and role models; younger children feel supported and gain confidence about the challenges ahead. Teachers model respect, loving kindness, and a peaceful conflict resolution. Montessori students enjoy freedom within limits. Working within parameters set by their teachers and the classroom community, students are active participants in deciding what their focus of learning will be. Students are supported in becoming active seekers of knowledge. Teachers provide environments where students have the freedom and the tools to pursue answers to their own questions. Internal satisfaction drives the child’s curiosity and interest and results in joyous learning that is sustainable over a lifetime. Self-correction and self-assessment are an integral part of the Montessori classroom approach. As they mature, students learn to look critically at their work, and become adept at recognizing, correcting, and learning from their errors. Montessori supports social-emotional skills. Contemporary research supports the 100-year-old Montessori Method's effectiveness, indicating that children who learn in Montessori classrooms demonstrate stronger social-emotional skills in many areas than children in more traditional environments.

At the Hidden School we strive to use the Montessori method along with mindfulness and a little more freedom. I strive to teach children to be curious about thier own backyard instead of only "at school". Learning is always happening. We are always asking questions. Why does the snow melt on the red color faster than blue? Why is there so much snow falling? Why should we follow rules? Kids ask everything! And I am a mother of 5 grown kids and a grandmother.