The Power of Connecting with Multilingual Learners

Using Art to Manage Big Feelings

Welcome to a journey into the world of emotional intelligence and the transformative power of art in early childhood education. In today’s episode, we are joined by Lanika Flores, a passionate advocate with over two decades of experience in nurturing young minds. Lenika’s background spans from classroom teaching to educational coaching, and today she offers invaluable insights into how art can be a conduit for children to explore and express their emotions. 

Topics Discussed in This Episode

[00:00:00] Introduction

[00:01:40] Lenika’s background and why she’s here to talk about using art in the classroom and managing feelings

[00:02:55] Where Lenika’s interest in art and using art in the classroom comes from

[00:05:51] How a regular teacher who’s not an expert in art can support art in the classroom

[00:09:08] Things to bring into the classroom to inspire children to explore and create

[00:11:42] Bringing children’s art and feelings together 

[00:18:37] Classroom organization and setting boundaries around art materials 

[00:21:26] Inviting teachers to be thoughtful in implementing art activities

[00:23:16] Whether educators get something out of art experiences alongside children

Resources

Kate Cline

Lenika Flores

What to Know about CLASS and Children with Disabilities

This episode dives into the world of special education, focusing on the importance of individualized interactions in the classroom. Today’s guest, Mary-Margaret Gardiner, a seasoned educator, shares her insights and experiences in working with special needs children. 

The discussion ranges from understanding each child's unique cues and needs to effective strategies for classroom observations. Mary-Margaret highlights the importance of understanding each child's individual needs and cues, and how teachers can use that understanding to foster powerful interactions that support unique learning styles.

Topics Discussed in This Episode

• [00:01:38] Mary-Margaret’s background
• [00:05:19] How the guiding principles of Class 2nd edition apply to all children, including those with special needs
• [00:07:41] How teachers can effectively interact with children who don’t like to interact
• [00:11:51] Attending to the needs of children with and without special needs in the same classroom
• [00:18:16] Addressing challenges in interacting with children who have developmental delays
• [00:22:29] What observers need to know about special needs when they go observe a classroom
• [00:28:27] Which tools observers use 
• [00:31:30] Strategies Mary-Margaret wants educators to know 

Resources

Mary-Margaret Gardiner  

Resources for Educators  

Recommendations for Using CLASS in Inclusive Early Childhood Programs  

The Power of Connecting with Multilingual Learners

Unravel the world of bilingual education with our special guest, Karen Nemef, a celebrated author, consultant, and staunch advocate for high-quality early learning experiences for young multilingual learners. Throughout this episode, Karen enlightens us on the power of bilingualism, offering a profound understanding of what it means to be a dual language learner and the importance of connecting with these children in their languages, regardless of their proficiency level.

Karen brings her expertise to bear as she shares fascinating research-backed evidence, demonstrating that supporting a child's home language not only helps them excel in English but in other languages too. She discusses the concept of "banking time" when teacher and student speak different languages, offers practical tips on how to engage with a child who speaks a different language, and emphasizes the critical role of building a genuine connection with the child through nonverbal skills and shared play materials. 

Topics Discussed in This Episode

• [00:00:51] Karen’s background and current role
• [00:04:25] How to define a multilingual or dual language learner
• [00:06:50] The strength of bilingualism 
• [00:07:19] What interactions look like when children and teachers speak different languages
• [00:09:39] What the research says about how multilingual learners can thrive in the early childhood education setting
• [00:13:52] How teachers can learn to interact with students in their home languages 
• [00:16:39] Training teachers on the importance of listening
• [00:17:50] Banking time when you don’t speak the same language as the child 
• [00:23:02] The multiple reasons to involve the parents and family of the child
• [00:24:27] Key takeaways for teachers to practice with their students 

Resources

Karen Nemeth

Karen on Facebook

ELLs / DLLs in Early Childhood on LinkedIn

Language Castle

Conectando en Medio del Trauma: Estrategias Para Navegar los Comportamientos Desafiantes

En los últimos años se ha visto un aumento en las conductas desafiantes en el salón de clases. El trauma tiene mucho que ver con este comportamiento, por lo que hoy tenemos a la Dra. Johayra Bouza, para ayudarnos a entender la conexión que existe entre lo que se vive en casa y lo que sucede en el salón de clases, así cómo desarrollar estrategias para navegar los eventos de conducta desafiante y cómo comunicarlo a las familias para fomentar que estas estrategias también se apliquen en casa.

Tópicos discutidos en este episodio:

[04:16] ¿Cuáles son las razones del comportamiento desafiante?

[07:38] ¿Cómo manejar la frustración y controlar los comportamientos desafiantes?

[17:30] Conectar con las dos partes del conflicto.

[21:52] ¿Cómo comunicar las conductas desafiantes a los padres?

[27:10] ¿Cómo fomentar que las familias se conecten con los niños y niñas en casa?

[29:20] Estrategias para implementar desde hoy.

Connecting Amidst Trauma: Strategies for Navigating Challenging Behaviors

In today’s episode, we explore the difficult topic of student trauma and challenging behaviors in the classroom. Joining us today is Dr. Johayra Bouza, an educator who has walked the path from poverty to academia, thanks to the dedication and support of her teachers. Dr. Bouza brings her rich insights and practical advice to address these pressing issues that have been amplified due to the pandemic and its associated social isolation.

Throughout this episode, Dr. Bouza provides invaluable advice on how to manage student trauma and challenging behaviors in the classroom. She underscores the importance of recognizing the trauma that teachers themselves may be undergoing and shares effective coping strategies. From deep breathing exercises to setting boundaries and validating emotions, Dr. Bouza offers a range of strategies to handle difficult situations. Additionally, she discusses the critical role of understanding the child, engaging them in calming activities, and fostering positive parent-teacher relationships. 

Topics Discussed in This Episode

• [00:00:39] Dr. Bouza’s background and current role
• [00:05:22] The reasons for changing student behaviors and more challenging behaviors
• [00:07:23] The kinds of behaviors students are exhibiting in the classroom these days
• [00:09:09] Ways to cope with more challenging behaviors
• [00:17:50] Communicating with parents about challenging behaviors
• [00:26:06] Strategies teachers can share with families to help them connect with their students
• [00:29:04] Concrete strategies teachers can use for children exhibiting challenging behaviors

Resources

Dr. Johayra Bouza