"Current policies in the early childhood field ask teachers to treat children as though they exist from the neck up--even though research clearly demonstrates that the mind-body connection is vital to development. Rae Pica, founder and director of Rae Pica Keynotes & Consulting and author of the Moving and Learning series, advocates for active learning and provides easy-to-implement movement activities for child care providers"--
Noting that young children are not developmentally prepared to sit still all day, Pica, an education consultant and author, shows early childhood teachers how to avoid behavior challenges in children by using active learning games and activities. She describes the theory behind the purpose of physical activities and tips for creating a positive learning environment, then provides activities and exercises: circle games for community building, cooperative games to promote prosocial skills, games that foster self-regulation, brain breaks, and relaxation exercises. Each includes the materials needed, how to conduct the activity or game, alternatives or extensions, and curriculum connections. Annotation ©2019 Ringgold, Inc., Portland, OR (protoview.com)
Movement is not misbehavior! Current policies in the early childhood field ask teachers to treat children as though they exist from the neck up—even though research clearly demonstrates that the mind-body connection is vital to development. Rae Pica, founder and director of Rae Pica Keynotes & Consulting and author of the Moving and Learning series, advocates for active learning, not only because its developmentally appropriate but because doing so promotes a calmer, friendlier, and less challenging learning environment.
Section I provides theory, research, and language to advocate for active learning. Section II offers suggestions on how to update learning environments, and Rae offers some of her own past missteps in hopes that readers will be able to learn from her mistakes. Section III contains 200 ready-to-use movement activities that can be easily implemented into the day. Most require no materials, and every activity includes a Curriculum Connection, so readers can understand and clearly explain why the children arent just playing.
Rae Pica advocates for active learning to promote a calmer, friendlier, and less challenging learning environment.
