Teaching with CLASS®

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

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  

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

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.

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

In today’s episode, Rommel Mendez, a toddler teacher with over a decade of experience, shares his valuable insights and practical strategies for fostering trust, sensitivity, and emotional security in the classroom. 

His approach emphasizes meeting children where they are, understanding their unique needs, and equipping them with tools for self-regulation. The conversation also touches on adapting activities to cater to individual needs and interests, fostering relationships with parents, and handling issues like sensory overload.

Topics Discussed in This Episode

• [00:01:05] Rommel’s background and current role
• [00:02:57] How teachers can build trust with toddlers
• [00:05:08] How teacher sensitivity impacts behavior in the classroom 
• [00:07:40] How to help individual students with problems like sensory overload 
• [00:09:35] Maintaining mindful expectations for students and modeling behaviors
• [00:12:23] Promoting growth and development in a sensitive way
• [00:16:53] Combining sensitivity with adaptability
• [00:18:09] Strategies that teachers can implement immediately to adapt activities or increase their awareness and responsiveness

Hoy está con nosotros Rommel Mendez, maestro de niños pequeños en CPLC EHS-Phoenix. Con más de 10 años de experiencia trabajando con CPLC, Rommel viene a conversar sobre cómo la sensibilidad en el salón de clases puede ser una herramienta para entender mejor a tus estudiantes y facilitar el proceso de adaptación de las lecciones, resultando en una mejor experiencia en el salón de clases.

Tópicos discutidos en este episodio:

[02:39 - 04:04] Sensibilidad del maestro y la maestra para generar confianza en los niños.

[04:04 - 06:19] ¿Cómo afecta la sensibilidad del maestro al comportamiento del niño en el salón de clase?

[06:19 - 10:54] ¿Cómo manejar los momentos de sobrecarga sensorial?

[11:07 - 14:07] Planificar actividades tomando en cuenta la individualización.

[14:07 - 17:12] Adaptaciones de las lecciones sobre la marcha y cómo afecta los cambios en la rutina.

[17:12 - 21:54] Estrategias que puedes implementar desde hoy.

In this episode, we discuss the profound impact of classroom relationships on learning and development. Today’s guest is Kate Matthew. Kate is a co-author and Project Director of the STREAMin3 curriculum model from the Center of Advanced Study of Teaching and Learning (CASTL) at the University of Virginia. Today she shares enlightening insights that underscore the crucial role that relationships between educators and students play in shaping successful learning environments.

Drawing from her wealth of experience, Kate shares practical strategies and innovative techniques such as 'banking time', a unique approach aimed at bridging the gap with students who find connection challenging. Listen to today’s conversation to learn about how educators can fortify these critical relationships by offering choice and autonomy activities coupled with acceptance, interest, and responsiveness.

Topics Discussed in This Episode

• [00:00:56] Kate’s background and current role
• [00:02:05] Ways for educators to start thinking about their relationships with their students
• [00:05:23] What educators can do to foster their relationships with children
• [00:11:24] Making relationship-building a priority
• [00:14:12] Weaving relationship-building into academics
• [00:15:13] What to do when forming relationships doesn’t come easily and how banking time can help
• [00:19:05] How to unlock the relationship superpower in the classroom
• [00:20:17] More resources for listeners

Resources

Kate Matthews

Streamin3 Curriculum

ECE Resource Hub

Banking Time

The process of fostering children's critical thinking and problem-solving skills can be challenging yet rewarding. In today’s episode, you’ll hear an enlightening conversation with early childhood education expert, Shawn Kaplan, about the art of cultivating thoughtful interactions in children and unlocking their cognitive abilities.

With 30 years of experience in the Early Education sector, Shawn Kaplan has supported Teachstone, the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE), and local school districts as a consultant with CLASS-related learning applications and improvement plans. Shawn has also supported Family Child Care programs as a Quality Coach, worked in infant through PreK in both private and public programs, held leadership roles in the private sector, and managed non-profit programs.

Listen to the episode to hear Shawn’s insights on fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills in children. The episode offers practical advice on enhancing children's cognitive abilities, understanding their non-verbal communication, and promoting their inherent creativity. Furthermore, Shawn introduces us to the innovative Architects of the Mind program, which aims to nurture advanced problem-solving skills in children.

Topics Discussed in This Episode

• [00:00:50] Shawn’s background
• [00:01:44] What it means to have children explain their thinking
• [00:02:44] How explaining their thinking helps children develop cognitive skills
• [00:05:41] Ideal moments for these interactions between students and teachers
• [00:09:38] Leaning into transitions
• [00:12:26] Reminders teachers can use to push that kind of thinking in students
• [00:14:48] How asking students to explain their thinking connects to the other four indicators of quality of feedback
• [00:18:38] How to have these kinds of interactions with children who are non-verbal or special needs
• [00:21:01] How educators can balance guidance and allowing children to think independently
• [00:23:48] Strategies for teachers to implement in the classroom 
• [00:26:24] Encouragement and grace for educators

Resources

Shawn Kaplan

En el episodio de hoy tenemos a Zaidaliz Beltrán e Iris García como invitadas, ambas iniciadas como maestras de preescolar en Head Start y actualmente consultoras en varios programas de Head Start en Puerto Rico y afiliadas CLASS Trainer - Pre-K. Iris y Zaidaliz han trabajado juntas por más de 20 años, les gusta viajar, entrenar y hacer largas caminatas.

En esta conversación escucharás la importancia de planificar transiciones entre las actividades a lo largo del día, cómo benefician estas transiciones al desarrollo de las funciones ejecutivas cuando son bien implementadas y algunos ejemplos de cómo hacerlo apropiadamente.

Tópicos discutidos en este episodio:

[02:12 - 06:46] ¿Cuántas transiciones se hacen en el día? Y ¿Cómo pueden manejarse esas transiciones?

[07:01 - 09:35] ¿Qué dice la evidencia sobre las transiciones y el tiempo que se invierte en ellas?

[09:38 - 13:13] ¿Cómo estructurar los momentos de transiciones?

[13:24 - 15:24] ¿Qué efecto tienen las transiciones en el aprendizaje?

[16:06 - 19:18] Una historia que ilustra estrategias para fomentar el interés y participación de los niños y niñas en el salón de clase.

[21:08 - 22:45] Estrategias que puedes implementar desde hoy. 

[23:04 - 26:06] Curiosidad intelectual e ideas finales.