[Shannon G]

Taking time to praise God and pray through a favorite Psalm is always helpful for me. Stopping to look up at the clouds and take a breath. Stretching. Getting outside either to walk, play with littles, or work in the garden. Going to the beach at sunset and taking pictures. Be a little silly with the kids–sometimes “tag” looks like teacher being a pizza-hungry T-rex, with elbows tucked at my side, and hands curled into two-fingered T-rex “claws” to tickle the arms of any “pizza” she can manage to reach.I also have found that taking a little extra thought into how I’ll prep my classroom for a day or a season has a big impact. I like to post key reminders for myself that are inspirational or helpful to walk kids through problem-solving, etc. Little touches of decor can be great! And also bringing in new and engaging items or activities to celebrate the beauty and wonder around us–can be as simple as grabbing a couple flowers from the garden for kids to touch, see, and smell at circle time; or not-so-simple: e.g. if it’s snowy outside, I love to bring snow into the classroom in a large tub or cooler, and we use it for art–each kid gets a tray with some snow to make a “sculpture”, and then we also use watercolor paint or food coloring in water to paint our “sculptures”. (This also turns into a science activity, naturally!)

[Shannon G]

At our center, it goes along with Washington State Administrative Code. Screen time “must be educational, nonviolent, age-appropriate, and culturally sensitive.” Alternative activities must be available, screen time must not be during meals or snacks. Screen time must be no more than one hour per day, and no more than 2.5 hours per week. We don’t use screen time with our toddlers and 2-year olds; for 3-5 year olds it’s connected to specific learning activities, or for special occasions.