Leading Early Education in the 21st Century

Let me start my Childhood Web with my older sister Rebecca and my younger brother Joseph . I was the middle child and was always the child that looked at what my sister was doing that I shouldn't do. I was also the one that had to be there for my brother. These two shaped my childhood because they were part of me. When I needed help in school or I got in trouble my teachers would walk me over to my sisters classroom to have a "chat." I in turn helped my brother with his school work and became his personal tutor. He was a big influence in me becoming a teacher.  I was very family oriented so all my influences and the people who nurtured me, cared about me, and made me feel special came from my immediate family. Above is a photo of my family before my younger brother came into the picture a few years later. I was 4 years old here, and this was a few months before I entered into preschool. My father was the one who would come up with fun learning activities for m...

Have you ever heard of Bucket Filling schools? These are school which implement a behavior management strategy called Bucket Filling. This is when students carry around an invisible bucket. With good behavior you are filling your bucket, with acts of kindness your not only filling your bucket but you are filling someone else's as well, with negative behavior you are taking out of someones bucket and emptying yours. A great book to have in the classroom to go over how someones actions can effect self and others. #oneofmyfavorites

My Husband and I in preschool, entering kindergarten. So young and so impressionable.

My daughter at her Early Childhood Education Center. Being in the field of Early Childhood Education and working at an ECEC for infants and up I felt it important for my daughter to have this experience. She began daycare at 3 months and the first two weeks I saw improvement in her grasp, her reach, and I could see her observing her environment more. In just 5 months you can see her growth in movement, communication (ASL), and her feeding. Its amazing what infants are capable of. #proudmomma #ECEmattersforyoungminds

What do you see when looking at this drawing? Here is what I see: - Beginning writing skills as the child began to draw the lines for her rain. I watched her fine motor skills as she was drawing using her pincer grasp. - She drew herself and her friend. I can see her making friends, creating connections and strong bonds with a trusting students. - She prefers to hangout with this one individual and cares for her as she writes her name in the bubble, protecting her from the downpour. Here she is developed in social emotional skills. - She knows how to write her letters although not in the correct order.  - She is understanding human anatomy showing a clear head, body, arms, feet, hair, eyes, nose, and mouth. - She is ready for Kindergarten this upcoming school year.

A lot of teachers don't realize a lot of what they teach is through demonstration. Just like children learn from their parents, and mimic their parents, they see their teachers as these influential adults in their lives.  Have you ever realized, or maybe recall yourself doing this, calling your teacher mom or dad by mistake. I recall being embarrassed about, not so much saying it but saying it naturally, like I was really calling my mother.  We have to lead by example in every aspect within the field of Early Childhood Education. For example, doing a lesson about healthy eating and bringing in health foods for your breakfast in the morning and for lunch so students can see you are eating healthy in your personal life as well.  LEAD BY EXAMPLE! Thank you for responding! CHILDREN, CUTE, EDUCATION, INSPIRATIONAL, LIFE, LIFE LESSONS, LOVE, PRETTY, QUOTE. (n.d.). Retrieved May 13, 2018, from https://favim.com/image/574666/

Welcome to my BLOG! My name is Elsie B, I am an early education leader focused on guiding educators in curriculum planning, classroom environmental structure and positive approaches in classroom management. Please enjoy these great inspirational quotes, stories, and resource. Can't wait to hear from everyone!