The Connection Between Spiritual Development and Kodo Kids
I am sitting here holding a wooden pebble in my hand as I reflect on how Kodo Kids and I met. This wooden pebble is just one of the many beautiful materials created for children by Kodo Kids. Here is...
Introduction to Spiritual Development with Young Children
Kodo Partner - Deborah Schein I started my career in 1972 as an educator and later as a Director of a Jewish early childhood program. I then moved to a low-income urban setting, where I created a classroom-based upon the...
Introducing New Materials to Support the Toys and Games Interest Area
How many times have you played peek-a-boo with a child? Too many to count, I would assume. Children naturally engage in games starting at a very early age, hiding themselves with their hands or with a blanket draped over them. As...
Making Cleaning Simple During Challenging Times
Cleaning and sanitizing have always been an important part of the early childhood classroom, but now, it is the ‘hot topic’ when discussing Back to School. How are we going to clean and sanitize everything every hour of the day? ...
Sand and Water Play Is Irresistible!
Most young children love squishy, messy, slimy, and gooey things. Very few can resist a stomp through a puddle, or the satisfaction of mixing up a really nice mud pie. There’s something compelling about the feel of soft warm sand, sudsy water, or cool crisp leaves. It’s no wonder sensory play and exploration are a staple in early childhood programs. And it’s no surprise that natural sensory materials like sand and water can be both calming and energizing, resulting in focused sustained engagement.
Beyond Recess – Playgrounds Today
Playground Memories I recently came across a few old photos of my kindergarten playground. The space was basically a concrete pad that featured monkey bars made of pipe, a slide, a painted hopscotch court, and a bench. It didn’t have...
Coping in Times of Emotional Stress
My heart is breaking….my brain is swimming…my emotions are raw… How do you put on paper what you are feeling during this time? As an educator and one that worked diligently to provide a safe learning space for all children,...
