We chat every Tuesday night at 8:30-9:30 pm CST. All are welcome, especially EarlyEd teachers, leaders & experts. Co-founded & moderated by @techwnancy @JessicaCabeen & @VealHeidi
Hi everyone! Colleen from Omaha, NE. Author, speaker, consultant, and zookeeper. The bubble has been out of my mouth for a while about ece advocacy. I don't think I can put it back in. #ecechat
A1: Young children are not able to advocate for themselves. Being an early childhood advocate means you are a voice for the voiceless. This includes the families you serve and all learners in your classroom. #ECEchat
A1. Our littlest learners need the highest quality learning experiences-advocating for them, their families and the educators that serve them is essential! #ECEChat
A1. ECE is the foundation of all! We need to ensure quality, DEVELOPMENTALLY appropriate practices are taking place and we are laying that foundation for future success! #ECECHAT
Hello I am a Learning Support teacher in a 3-5 building. Not necessarily an early childhood teacher, but I am interested in hearing the conversation tonight on advocacy! #ecechat
A1. ECE is the foundation of all! We need to ensure quality, DEVELOPMENTALLY appropriate practices are taking place and we are laying that foundation for future success! #ECECHAT
A1) we need to be the ‘voice for the voiceless’ when kids can’t advocate for themselves, or the microphone to amplify their voices when they do! #ecechat
A1: Early childhood is the foundation of education. We must advocate for it's importance, professionalism, band most importantly, our young learners who deserve high quality, dap, instruction and learning environments. #ecechat
A1 They can’t advocate for themselves in the vast world. It’s up to those of us with the developntal knowledge to amplify their voices and advocate on their behalf. #ECEchat
A1: Because they can't advocate for themselves. Not to sound cliche, but they are our future. They deserve the absolute best, and it's up to us as EC educators to make sure they have it. #ecechat
ECE advocacy is important because our children and families depend on it! I’m always surprised by the lack of knowledge regarding ECE with other educators. We cannot expect people to implement or change if they do not know. #ECEchat
A1: The first eight years lay strong foundations for life success. We need to ensure children have access to developmentally appropriate experiences and environments. And that includes #play! #ecechat
A1, part 2) also we need to assume that when others know better, they do better. And as informed early childhood advocates, it is our responsibility to share what we know for the greater good of more children. #ecechat
A1: We need to advocate for young learners as they often can’t advocate for themselves yet. And by advocate, I mean educate! Educating adults on why ECE is crucial- parents and other educators. #ECEchat#ASD4ALL
I feel that it is my job as an educator to teach my students how to be an advocate for themselves at a young age. It is important for them to realize that their voice is valued and needed! #ecechat
A1: Because they can't advocate for themselves. Not to sound cliche, but they are our future. They deserve the absolute best, and it's up to us as EC educators to make sure they have it. #ecechat
A1 I agree with all your answers...we must help policy makers find the balance of high expectations and developing the whole child-specifically SEL and self regulation #ECEchat
A2: Formally you join advocacy groups and organizations like @NAEYC Informally you start speaking up to coworkers, admin, and parents on the value of DAP in your classroom. Invite them in! Show them why it matters #ECEchat
A1- Helps support quality educational experiences for early childhood students, and provide appropriate supports for students at the young years. #ecechat
A2- formally, use the platform you have to Inform and educate. Share. Let others experience the joy. Informally, lead through action. Let it be known it’s not what’s best for adults but for our littles! #ECECHAT
A2: I think one of the best ways to advocate is to model! Show your students, families, and co-teachers what being an #ECE teacher is by incorporating developmentally appropriate practices. I also love sharing research that I find with others! #ECEChat
A2) formally it should be infused to every aspect of our professional lives. We should walk the walk and advocate by example. Informally—take advantage of every moment to share what we know. Like, grocery store lines 😀 #ecechat
A2: Knowledge is power! Use every platform you can to share and educate others both in and out of education. Always speak positively about the work of early childhood education! #ecechat
A2: formally- there is powerful research that supports what we do. Informally- I am passionate. I take pride in my work even when I’m not at work. I hope this is an example to others that I am a change maker, not a babysitter. #ECEchat#ASD4ALL
A2 Formally, I keep current on what’s going on politically in my state and nation, I vote, I participate in organizations that advocate for early learners. #ECEchat
A2 Informally, I continue to learn & grow my knowledge & understanding in the vast field of early childhood education, I share what I learn with others through informal conversations, I facilitate professional learning aligned to best practices in ECE. #ECEchat#ECEchat
A2: I am a presenter, so I often get the opportunity to advocate to other professionals and parents. I find many opportunities on social media from an informal perspective. #ECEchat
hi #ecechat! I'm Sara, a K teacher in Lake Tahoe, NV. We've had 2 snow days in a row - I'm looking forward to seeing my kiddos tomorrow. :) Thank you for the distraction from the SOTU tonight.
A2: formally- there is powerful research that supports what we do. Informally- I am passionate. I think about my kids when I'm not on the clock. #ECEchat
Q3: Many (not all) leaders and peers might not understand Developmentally Appropriate Practices. How do you explain and support the best practice strategies you are using in your ece classroom? #ECEchat
A3: Research, data, and theory can often be the love language for leaders and policy makers. Put Piaget in your back pocket and be prepared to pull him out! #Ecechat
A2 Honestly, this is one of the main reasons @techwnancy & I co-founded #ECEchat in the 1st place, as a way to advocate for early learners & build a PLN of EC educators dedicated to connecting, growing, learning & sharing for the sake of our youngest students. #ece#earlyed
A2 Honestly, this is one of the main reasons @techwnancy & I co-founded #ECEchat in the 1st place, as a way to advocate for early learners & build a PLN of EC educators dedicated to connecting, growing, learning & sharing for the sake of our youngest students. #ece#earlyed
A3- Don't overthink it. Meet each child where they are, and work from there. DAP is built on research and theory. I've been at workshops where the appropriate type of pencil for Ss to use was debated. Whichever type of pencil is most comfortable for the S is good. #ecechat
A3: Research! There is evidence and data to support DAP. When I train other ECE teachers, I always provide them with the research to share with this that may not understand. #ecechat
A3. Show them the research. Show them how much is learned through hands on activities and play vs a worksheet. Engage in conversation and help spread the awareness that is DAP! @kadominickrisd this is soooo your wheelhouse... whatcha got for this one!?!! #ecechat
A3 This year I am finding that not all my kids' parents understand developmentally app practices. I'm spending more time than ever explaining what we do and why my Ss are doing it and why I believe it's right. Lots of @Seesaw and cxns bt CCSS & their kids #ecechat
Q3: Many (not all) leaders and peers might not understand Developmentally Appropriate Practices. How do you explain and support the best practice strategies you are using in your ece classroom? #ECEchat
A3) a balance of knowing the research (& having copies of info ready to share) and inviting people in to see the magic of early childhood. Hard to remain uninformed after that combo! #ecechat
A3- That said, best practices involve using strategies that help Ss develop those skills that set the foundation for their future learning. Ss will show you when they are ready. Constantly support and guide them along the way. #ecechat
A3: Building the capacity of early childhood practitioners around advocacy for DAP through support and training compounds the power of just one voice. At the heart of advocacy is good teaching. Teach. Teach. Teach. #ECEchat
A3: I like to explain how child development and DAP go hand in hand. DAP is the foundation! I also like to use @NAEYC resources for extra support. We as a society put so much pressure on our students that we often forget that they are CHILDREN and LEARNING #ECEChat
RT Q3: Many (not all) leaders and peers might not understand Developmentally Appropriate Practices. How do you explain and support the best practice strategies you are using in your ECE classroom? #ECEchat
A2: Be armed with knowledge. Speak of early childhood from a place of professionalism and respect. Share in as many ways as possible all the things our youngest learners are capable of and what more they can do with a strong developmentally appropriate foundation #ecechat
😊😊😊It’s been such a rewarding experience. I have to give a huge shoutout to @katyphinney & @JessicaCabeen as #ecechat co-moderators/leaders! They are such inspiring advocates for #ece & make me want to continue to be better & do better. #ironsharpensiron
In reply to
@fourmonkeypress, @katyphinney, @JessicaCabeen
A3: Let your data and student growth speak for itself. Use Twitter! Introduce the less knowledgeable leaders to the more knowledge. Thanks to @erinalex650@fearlessleader4 for supporting ECE #ASD4ALL#ECEchat
A3: We're a play-based program, so I've gotten a lot of practice explaining this over the years! I just explain to people that what we do is research-based, best practices. #ecechat
I agree, Luisa! When doubters or skeptics, or folks who just don't know, see ece ed in action, they are often impressed with how much the littles can do! #ecechat
A3–I am upfront with Ss—“we are playing this game, doing this activity, etc., etc., to help us with ____” sharing brain research with them at a kid friendly level—Helping them become their own advocates! #ECEchat
A3: Without getting on my soap box.. 😅.. our practices must respect child development. I try to educate on developmental stages and ways our classroom practices can meet children where they are. (and produce desired outcomes.) #ecechat
Q3: Many (not all) leaders and peers might not understand Developmentally Appropriate Practices. How do you explain and support the best practice strategies you are using in your ece classroom? #ECEchat
A2: Be armed with knowledge. Speak of early childhood from a place of professionalism and respect. Share in as many ways as possible all the things our youngest learners are capable of and what more they can do with a strong developmentally appropriate foundation #ecechat
A3–I am upfront with Ss—“we are playing this game, doing this activity, etc., etc., to help us with ____” sharing brain research with them at a kid friendly level—Helping them become their own advocates! #ECEchat
sharing your knowledge and opening up a dialogue is a great way to get people to see new ways and ideas to learn together-no soapbox needed :) #ECEChat
A4: Being an advocate for each other can be as simple as treating each other with respect and offering inclusion for all staff at your school! Eliminate the cliques, nastiness and competition. Leadership sets the tone but YOU are in charge of the climate in your school. #ecechat
A4. A strong leader who is knowledgeable and is wanting what is best for kids. @katyphinney has done a fabulous job building us up in #RISDPreK and helped to spread the knowledge and power we hold with upper admin! I know I can call on the other PreK teachers for help! #ecechat
A4. I love checking in on my Kinder Peeps @rachelhawkins06@Taylorae99 just so I can be another sounding board and support! Build one another up. #ecechat
A4: Be willing to learn from others and be willing to teach. There’s always something to take away! My door is always open for others to observe, give feedback, and ask questions! I love connecting with others online and being inspired but what they are doing #ECEChat
A4) supporting my fellow teachers is another one of my top goals! I try to be a balance of listening to what my colleagues say and guiding them along their early childhood journeys. Encouraging them that none of us are perfect, but all on the same journey together. #ecechat
A3: Show them the learning and progress! It really should be as simple as that but we must also seek to broaden our own understandings of research supported practices that respect child development. To be a great teacher, we must be an even better learner. #ECEChat
A4: I try to treat everyone with respect they deserve. We have county-wide EC professional development. I've been with our program for almost 7 years, so I've been around the block. If there is anyone at those PDs who needs help, I listen #ecechat
This here! Yes! Maximize utility. When everyone is operating out of strength, the team and Ss benefit most. Work with each individual stakeholder's strengths, and watch great things happen! #ecechat
A4: Part 2: and lend support whenever I can. I give out my email and it's always open for advice and or/support. I had tremendous support when I became a lead, and I want to pass that on. #ecechat
A4: I feel lucky to be surrounded by coworkers that understand the importance of ECE. I think we push each other to be our best. We’re not necessarily advocating for each other but building each other up. #ASD4ALL#ECEchat
A4 I support by listening to needs of the those I serve and helping to providing the resources, professional learning, and curriculum they need. I work collaboratively with teachers and keep the needs of the kids at the forefront. #ecechat
A4- Be intentional about connecting. Relationships matter. Collaborative culture is built on rapport and relationships. When trust and care are evident, positive outcomes will come about! #ecechat
stand back to help guide them when needed. Let them fall, get back up, and make sure everything is appropriate for them. I was just thinking how Amos, Frobel, Locke, Piaget, Rousseau, Vygotski, and many others would be rolling over in their graves about ECE today! #ECEchat
Yes! I've organized 2 rounds of peer observation and it's always so valuable and well liked. Even though there's a little grousing at the beginning ... :) #ecechat
Q5: Being an advocate for children and teachers also requires you to be an advocate for yourself! How do you take care of yourself so you can meet the needs of the kids you serve? #ECEchat
A5: Self-care is not selfish! I learned that the hard way. Now I try to do something little for myself everyday. My favorite thing to do is leave my kind husband with 4 kids and dinner dishes and take a bath. #ecechat
A5. At the beginning of the year I really struggled to find that balance. I finally said stop. Home time is for me and my own little person. I need to be present for our family to be happy and that’s what I do. I try not to do a lot of wrk before her bedtime. #ecechat
Hey @JoAnnWardMN and @SusanKentMN! Minnesota legislators, past and present, in the chat tonight! Fierce advocates for early learning and their parents and remarkable women. #ECEChat
Q5: Being an advocate for children and teachers also requires you to be an advocate for yourself! How do you take care of yourself so you can meet the needs of the kids you serve? #ECEchat
A3). I make it a point to disconnect. Sometimes for a few hours, sometimes more (depending on how long my pup will sit still with me 🤣) reading, watching mindless TV & eating good food, time with my husband & friends all help me recharge. #ECEChat
A5- Self-care is VITAL! Did I mention it was VITAL? :-) It is so important to make time for yourself. Saturdays are my schedule-free days that are so valuable to me. Allows me to take a break from the busy-ness, and relax. Energizes me for the week ahead. #ecechat
Rt Q5: Being an advocate for children and teachers also requires you to be an advocavate for yourself! How do you take care of yourself so you can meet the needs of the kids you serve? #ECEchat
A5: I’m trying to establish a healthier work/life balance! It can be difficult when you are so passionate about what you do! I’m really working on being present at home and with my family. I also love to #treatyoself with shopping and spa days #ECEChat
Last school year I figured out when I could best run and workout and have been pretty good about keeping that schedule up this year. It works for me and helps everyone around me to have better days! :) #ecechat
A5: Often I want solutions instantaneously. When I can’t find a way to do what I do better, I practice self care. I recharge with my family. I put my trust in my coworkers. I go for a walk or a class at the gym. I TRY to practice patience! #ECEchat#Asd4ALL
A6. Share the story-get back into classrooms more and share the learning with others...and of course follow the #ECEChat and retweet the work of our awesome PLN
A6- As an every day thing, it is so important to be AUTHENTIC! Be yourself, and be the best you can be for your students, families, fellow educators, and yourself. Be honest with yourself and others. Love what you do, and operate in your passion. #ecechat
A5: This question made me think of this tweet I saw earlier. The key to me is doing work I love. I do commit to unplugging Friday evening through Sunday morning. #ecechat
Do you believe work steals your free time away? Work does not steal from you; work adds value to your life. Work helps you become your best self. Work is how you contribute to the world and the people around you.
K-8 Motto for the week: Both work and play are a part of my day.
A6) this week I want to share some cool brain research I read for my @Creighton graduate class with my team about the effect of stress on developing brains. Totally nerding out about the physiological things that happen to our brains. #ecechat
I will be an advocate for my Ss this week in my data conferences speaking about their strengths, I will advocate for myself/teammates when necessary, and I will advocate for myself and the support I need for my Ss. #ECEchat
Thank you so much #ECEchat#PLN. I LOVED hearing your stories of advocacy tonight. Through writing I am an advocate for kiddos and teachers. Feel free to check out my latest book The Burn Book to help you extinguish any burn you may be feeling. 🔥🔥 https://t.co/p0JeqtVyMU
Yes!! I always say that the day I stop learning is the day I need to stop teaching, because at that point I will no longer be an effective teacher. #ecechat
A6: My class is participating in #GSPD2019 tomorrow which focuses on play-based learning. I am hoping to share and inspire families and colleagues about the benefits of play! We are very excited about @GSPlayDay 😄 #ECEChat
