Teaching With The Body In Mind

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TWTBIM_0370 Milk Will Be Spilled Apr 28, 2026

Show notes

Mike reminds us of the inevitable problems that come up each day. If we can remind ourselves of what's developmentally normal for young children, we may be able to catch ourselves before we start crying over that spilled milk. Ross is surprised by the depth of his feelings related to puddles of milk. Joey sometimes feels like crying over dried out markers. As we so often find, the chance to reflect and get some perspective is the key.

TWBIM_0369 He said, "Poop." Apr 14, 2026

Show notes

Joey is looking for insight about poop and pee talk during mealtimes. What drives the urge to say "poop" while eating lunch together? Tom often breaks the taboo and joins in the conversation while teaching more sophisticated vocabulary. Mike notes that the jokes are about making connections. And, let's face it, young children have a limited repetoire when it comes to small talk. Turns out, there's more going on than it might appear when the chatter around the table is all about poop, pee, and toot.

TWTBIM_0368 Literacy in the Body Mar 31, 2026

Show notes

Tom encourages us to consider the connection between physical play and literacy development. Where do children choose to read? In what position? Mike is thinking of how important physical connection is in building a love of reading. A love of books is built upon close physical connections with caregivers. Joey recalls how children actively engage with favorite books--grabbing at the pages and sitting tightly among friends. What about the physical skills that support literacy, such as eye tracking, moving to a rhythm, and vocal production to discern letter sounds? Tom is right again. Reading is so much more than sitting in a chair with a book.

TWTBIM_0367 Bouncing is What Tiggers do Best Mar 24, 2026

Show notes

Inspired by the 100th annivesary of Winnie the Pooh, Mike is thinking about the Tiggers of the world (and our classrooms). Can we enjoy our Tiggers or have we turned into judgemental Rabbits? How can we anticipate their presence and their needs?

TWTBIM_0366 Notice and Reflect Mar 17, 2026

Show notes

How do you notice and reflect on the things children do? Mike recently created a list to prompt reflection on "seven daily things, plus one." Tom recalls listening to a child at play and discovering that they had a knowledge of open pit mining. Ross looks back on photos to reflect on children's interests and abilities. Joey sings the class "anthem" to help children notice and reflect on their own accomplishments. When it's all working, we can create a virtuous cycle where children are engaged in ways that align with our values.

TWTBIM_0365 They Had a Good Day Mar 10, 2026

Show notes

Tom thinks simply telling families, "they had a good day," dispatches nothing. He challenges us to have a story to tell or a beautiful image of the child to share. Mike has observed how choosing photos to share with families offers teachers a chance to pause and reflect. Joey finds that broadly painting things as a "good day" washes over the challenges and hard work that are part of every school day. Ross points out that sometimes there have been lengthy conversations that have happened in the background and we shouldn't judge the "good day" check in out of context.

TWTBIM_0364 It's All Fun and Games Until Dysregulation Mar 03, 2026

Show notes

Ross takes us on a deep dive into the art of teaching. How do we respond when children's big play tips into dysregulation that takes over the group? Tom talks about taking responsibility when we decide to stop play. Joey reminds us that helping children stay regulated requires us to also be regulated, which can be hard to do in a chaotic environment. Mike thinks of a bell curve depicting regulation. Ideally, we can help children re-regulate before they slide over the top of the curve.

TWTBIM Here Comes the Bad Guy Feb 24, 2026

Show notes

How does it feel when the bad guy shows up in play? The children are often eager to have the villain enter. Are we ready to welcome them?

TWTBIM_0362 But That One Time... Feb 10, 2026

Show notes

Our brains are wired to remember "that one time" that the bad thing happened. How can we use our negativity bias to power reflection instead of restriction? What about when "that one kid" did that thing? Does that mean we never offer it again? To anyone?

TWTBIM_0361 Focus and the Phsyical Environment Feb 03, 2026

Show notes

Mike reflects on how the physical arrangement of a space can support children's ability to focus and build inhibitory control. Cold puddles on the floor are a terrible distraction when children are trying to get cozy with a book. Classroom design that helps children find focus also helps children be themselves. Mike and Ross riff on how providing focus does not mean that children's experiences are limited to any one developmental domain.

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