Expectations and Emotions Effect Learning

On Monday we had the privilege to learn from Dr. Judy Willis for our professional development day at WCS.  Dr. Judy Willis is a board certified neurologist from Santa Barbara, California who has been fascinated with how the brain learns.  She was so highly interested in understanding the impact emotions and expectations have on learning that she embarked on her own research.  In the process, to inform her research she felt compelled to become a classroom teacher.  She wanted to see first hand how students respond to instruction in a school setting.  I quickly realized how lucky I was to get such valuable information on a typical in-service at my school. I thought I knew quite a bit about the brain and her presentation would be a review, but, oh was I wrong. There is so much more I have yet to learn. I was fascinated the entire six hours of Dr. Willis's presentation and I left with my brain full but wanting more.
 If you are a 'learning and brain research junkie' like I am I think you will enjoy hearing her speak. I have added a video clip from one of her presentations a few years ago. This clip is 25 minutes long, so grab a snack and take a break while you watch.  Dr. Judy Willis TEDxASB

 Dr. Willis has authored many books and the next one on my reading list will be How the Brain Learns Best.  Here is more information about Dr. Willis if you want to learn more:
https://www.edutopia.org/users/judy-willis-md

I am very thankful for the wonderful opportunities for professional development I have at Collegiate.
Gratefully,
Becky

Early Childhood Physical Education: Dad's Day 2016 is out of this world!

Kathy Wagner and the EC team did not let the rainy weather spoil our special day on Friday.  Thank you Kathy for providing extra activities when we had to move Dad's Day inside last Friday.  These photos show the joy on the faces of the children and their dads!

Early Childhood Physical Education: Dad's Day 2016 is out of this world!: Click here to view pictures in the above slide show. Even though "the force" seemed against us for our Early Childhood &quot...

Thank you for joining our school family

School is off to a great start and the teachers, staff and I want to commend you parents on a job well done. You have prepared your child for a successful transition to school. I imagine you are feeling as proud and relieved as we are.  Getting young children ready to make a major change to their daily routine can seem overwhelming, but you all did it beautifully!  For your efforts I give you my gratitude and appreciation. We will work diligently as a team throughout the year for your child's optimal school experience. One of the tenants of our philosophy is to develop a sense of belonging in each child.  This sense of belonging, like in a family, will develop empathy and motivation in each child.  These emotional and social skills will lay the foundation on which optimal learning occurs. There are a myriad of other benefits as well which we will discuss in more detail at our parent discussion groups.  Here is a link to a brief video of the Conscious Discipline basics by Dr. Becky Bailey.  Please take a minute to watch this video to learn more about our approach to classroom management and join us on Sept. 21st at 8:15am to learn more. Video: Conscious Discipline Basics
Gratefully,
Becky and the WCS early childhood team

I love this time of year

I love this time of year.  It has been a joy to see the children make a successful transition from home to school. School started smoothly this week with great energy and positive expectations for the experiences we will share together. I especially appreciate the support and affirmation the parents offer the teachers as we embark on this special journey. Teaching is a unique profession in that every year one gets to start over from the first day of school.  The teachers have worked diligently to prepare their classrooms and curriculum. They have planned every detail from the first minute of the first day to ensure that the classrooms flow smoothly and every child feels at home.  We are a school family and all are welcome here.

Parenting Perspective Brings Peace of Mind

Over the past week I have been reflecting on the enormous impact mothers have on the children I serve.  At Mom's Day on Friday I witnessed over 200 children sharing nature-inspired activities with their mothers. I enjoyed watching the special moments each mother and child experienced together and the unconditional love shared. Collectively when looking at the entire group I noticed the beauty of diversity. I was reminded that the relationship between mother and child is uniquely designed by the family culture each stems from.  There is not a magic formula to be a good mother or one right way to parent a child. The mothers I know work hard to be a great mothers.  They love their role as mother and put much thought and energy into taking great care of their children.  If I could do one thing to help moms, I would help them understand that their child needs nothing more than their time. If you are a mom please hear this: "You are perfect just the way you are! Stop reading parenting blogs of the 'super moms', stop comparing your life to a 'pinterest perfect' image and just be you! You are all your child needs to be a healthy, well-adjusted human being. Trust yourself as a mother. I do!"
With love and gratitude,
Becky

Please enjoy this article from Tedtalks on this topic.
Reflecting on Parenting Around the World

Raising Kids Who Care

I found this today and want to share it with you.  Our work with children each day are full of these opportunities.  Teachable Moments: Three Great Tips for Raising Kids Who Care

Spring-like weather brings excitement!

Warm weather in February makes me smile, big, grinning from ear-to ear smile! I have been dreaming of what the first growing season would look like on our new outdoor play environment and it is almost here!  Each day as I walk across the campus I admire the beauty of the new space and say a quiet word of thanks to everyone who made it possible. I am thankful to the teachers, the designer, the builders, the landscaping team, the committee, the givers and the doers! Each one played an irreplaceable part in the successful completion of the project.  I am in awe that this wonderful space was built in record speed and with such beauty and purpose. I am reminded how special it is each time I tour with a new family and it takes their breath away.  I love telling the story of how it was designed to inspire children to love nature and to love learning. Soon, on our March 11 professional development day, I will meet with the teachers and staff to start planning our first planting season. There are so many possibilities and the best is yet to come. As with all things in nature gardens, the mysteries of spring will delight our senses as new life grows from the barren winter landscape.  I can hardly wait!