Explore choosing art materials and the art process in this virtual training for family child care providers. Develop an understanding of process art, explore various materials that support drawing, painting, and 3D art, and finally, identify your role in facilitating exploration.
Explore the importance of music and movement for children in this virtual training for family childcare providers. Identify the cognitive, linguistic, social-emotional, and physical benefits of music. Reflect and plan on ways to incorporate music in your program.
Explore the precursor mathematical concept of comparison, children’s understanding of this PMC, and how adults can scaffold children’s developing thinking and communication skills in this virtual training for family child care providers. Building an understanding through investigation, video analysis, and reflection (self or with colleagues).
Explore the mathematical big ideas of measurement, children’s understanding of these big ideas, and how adults can scaffold children’s developing thinking and mathematical practice in this virtual training for family child care providers. Building an understanding through investigation, video analysis, and reflection (self or with colleagues).
SPARK Learning Lab is excited to partner with Calm to support Indiana early childhood education and care and out-of-school professionals by providing access to a free premium subscription to Calm through February 2024. Calm is open to individuals who own, work or volunteer in an Indiana-based early childhood education or out-of-school care program, as well as the household family members and dependents of those individuals.
Explore behavioral manifestations of trauma in children and ways to talk to children and families about trauma/emotionally sensitive experiences in this virtual training for family child care providers. Discuss the impact of negative Social Influencers Of Health (SIOH) and their impact on children and their families. Lastly explore provider wellness, with information on recognizing different types of provider stress and ways to improve wellness.
Explore the definition of trauma informed care (TIC), including the challenges of finding a consistent definition in this virtual training for family childcare providers. Explore how to implement TIC practices, using the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration (SAMHSA) and the difference between traumatic exposures and traumatic stress, as well as typical and atypical psychological responses to trauma experiences
Looking at the sky is a simple and relaxing activity that fosters observation and creativity skills. It can change your perspective of the world as you have to explore a broader view. Children can see different animals or flying objects, some we may have missed if we don’t look up. They can also observe cloud formation and shape. Develop their creativity in describing what clouds look like and the stories the clouds are telling us. Next time you are outside, encourage children to look up and explore the sky. You can invite them to this activity by simply laying down a blanket or, if available, providing binoculars!
One of our favorite and must exciting activities is exploring worms. To start, we first figure out where worms live; often, children have seen worms out on the sidewalk or crawling on dirt and have a good idea of where to search for more. Exploring all the places in our outdoor space where they can live—asking children where they saw them and where they could have crawled under. By taking on this approach to finding the worms, we set the groundwork to learn more about worms’ habitat. Plus, it is fun to look for clues.
Once we decide where to look, the fun and messy part starts, children can use their hands, or I provide shovels so they can dig in the dirt. Figuring out what children are comfortable with is key; some will love to touch the dirt, while others may not want to. The same can be said for when we find a worm. Some children are curious and want to pick them up immediately. Others may want to see them from afar. We give children space and allow them to go at their own pace in the exploration.
If they are touching the worm, we talk about kindness, responsibility, respect, and compassion for the worm. Years ago, when we saw a worm or bug, I would immediately say, “look with your eyes, we might scare it or hurt it”. Over time I have learned the importance of having children experience holding insects, animals, and materials. I had to shift my thinking, and instead of avoiding the touching. I began to trust the children. Talking with them about how we treat animals and how we want to make sure we are caring for nature. Allowing them to take responsibility and feel proud of how they care for others helps them develop a great sense of self.
Explore the importance of observation and assessment in this virtual training for family childcare providers by defining observation and assessment, then analyze how assessment and observation are utilized. Finally, explore the role of families in assessment.