The Reflective Teacher Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Talking with Children about Death: Erin Weisman Feb 02, 2020

Show notes

Our Guest, Erin Weisman, was a warm and knowledgeable expert on speaking with children on the topic of death. She invites teachers to talk with children about death using straightforward, basic language. Erin pointed out that children are naturally curious about death and they do not attach emotions that adults may have to the idea of death. If you’re an EC educator, death will come up in some capacity; Erin’s episode is a must-listen that builds confidence when speaking to children on the topic.

Erin Weisman is currently a preschool teacher at The Gan HaYeled PreSchool in Washington, D.C. She spoke at the 2019 Paradigm Project Conference on introducing death to children and has worked with children for years in many important roles.

Managing Challenging Behavior: Eileen Flicker Jan 02, 2020

Show notes

Eileen Flicker was the perfect match for our episode on managing challenging behavior in the classroom. She has been an advocate for children and families for over 30 years and is the co-author of “Guiding Children's Behavior: Developmental Discipline in the Classroom”. Eileen’s approach to handling challenging behavior is four-fold, with a big focus on observations and individual interventions. She recommends being proactive rather than reactive and stresses the importance of limits, patience, and attention for children with challenging behaviors.

Currently, Eileen works as an early childhood education specialist.

Eileen’s Twitter handle is @EileenFlicker and/or reach out to her via email: esf2009@tc.columbia.edu

**Parent Communication: Fostering Parent-Teacher Relationships** Dec 01, 2019
Show notes

**Diana Ganger**
Parent Communication: Fostering Parent-Teacher Relationships The Reflective Teacher Podcast
Meet our guest
Our guest this month, Diana Ganger, is a professional coach, mentor and huge inspiration to us. Her background in social work makes her connection and care to and for people authentic and visible. Upon beginning our interview with Diana, she asked, “How do you create an environment where family is so visible?” She is passionate about her work in Jewish early childhood education and always asking important questions to drive excellence and new ways of thinking and learning.
Currently, Diana works as a coach/consultant in education and organization management. She is also a co-founder of an intergenerational program called Ideal 18. Diana worked for 20 years as the director at Moriah Early Childhood Center and the later as the program director for JECEI.
Diana Ganger can be reached via email: dganger1818@gmail.com
To find out more about her intergenerational work, visit Ideal18.

“The more a parent belongs, the more the child belongs.”

— Diana Ganger

Teacher Takeaways

Fostering Parent-Teacher Relationships…

Take any opportunity to get to know parents better.
Nourish the relationship; it will make it stronger and better throughout.
Learn together. Read books, articles.
Ask yourself: how is my classroom set up?
Is it welcoming?
Does it represent your families?
Think about families from the beginning to send the message that they matter.
Preview what may come. Make the uncomfortable, comfortable.
Be transparent.
Paraphrase what you are hearing from them: “I want to make sure I understand…I’m hearing…”
“We know it’s hard to hear_____. We need your help with _____.” Is one way to begin a difficult conversation and let parents know you want to partner with them.
Don’t wait to tell them things you are noticing.
Give parents positive regard.

Resources

Referenced in the Interview

**Mindfulness in Teaching Ft. Erin Thorkilsen** Nov 01, 2019
Show notes

**Erin Thorkilsen**
Mindfulness in Teaching The Reflective Teacher Podcast
Meet our guest
Erin Thorkilsen has been an educator for the past 18 years working as an elementary classroom teacher, adult and children's yoga and mindfulness instructor, and teacher of teachers. She is a frequent speaker for topics such as mindfulness for parents and teachers, effective language with children, and mindfulness practices for young children including speaking at the Mindfulness in Education Conference in 2017 and 2018.
Currently, Erin is the Director of Associate Teachers and a kindergarten teacher at Greens Farms Academy and a yoga teacher at Saraswati's Yoga Joint. She holds a M.S. in Elementary Education, has taught at public and private schools in New York, Martha's Vineyard, New Zealand, and Connecticut, and leads yoga teacher training, workshops, and international retreats for adults.

““Mindfulness provides space, a pause. You’re able to make more thoughtful decisions.””

— Erin Thorkilsen

Teacher Takeaways

Mindfulness

Children’s mindful practices are most effective when:
Visual
Tangible
Playful
It’s important for teachers to have their own mindful practice(s).
Being mindful as a teacher first allows you to check-in with yourself.
Think: “Can I respond or am I about to react?”
When feeling reactive, model for children by verbally talking through how you’re feeling and how you’ll calm yourself.
i.e) “I’m feeling overwhelmed, let’s take a few deep breaths together.”
Mindful Activities:
Ask “What makes you happy today?” at morning meeting to encourage authentic conversations.
Create a “Mindful Menu” of mindful practices that are quick. Students can lead one of the menu practices each day. Refer to the menu throughout the day, not just in moments of chaos.
Ask “What’s the weather?” Compare emotions to the weather to let kids know that, like the weather, emotions are always changing. i.e) sunny = happy. Use a snow globe as a visual to show this.
You’re never doing it wrong. Even a minute and three deep breaths are effective; go for it!
Kids are already present, they have a sense of awe and joy; they are in the moment. Look for those moments to let them (children) be your teachers.

Resources

Erin’s Book List

“Mindfulness for Teachers” by Tish Jennings
“Mindful Monkey, Happy Panda” by Lauren Alderfer
“What Does it Mean to be Present?” by Rana DiOrio
“Sitting Still Like a Frog” by Eline Snel
For more resources and products (yoga card decks), visit Mindful Yoga Breaks online

Documentation: Sharing the Learning Ft. Sharon Goldman Oct 01, 2019

Show notes

Listen as we talk with guest Sharon Goldman, about documenting children’s work. She shares some awesome practical tips for getting started on documenting and how to use and revisit documentation with your students. She also talks about how you can work with your teaching team to get the most out of your documentation process during the day.

Teacher Language: Guiding Principals Sep 01, 2019

Show notes

Our guest, Tom Hobson (Teacher Tom), is a well known preschool teacher, blogger, speaker, writer and author of the book, Teacher Tom’s First Book.

Listen as we chat about a wide range of topics centered around the way we speak to and interact with young children.

New Beginnings: What Does it Mean to Be Part of a New Group? Jul 29, 2019

Show notes

On this episode, we chat with Jenna Bilmes, Author of the book, "Beyond Behavior Management: The Six Life Skills Children Need." Jenna shares wonderful stories and tips to help teachers prepare for the relationship building and expectation setting that is crucial for welcoming new students to your early childhood setting.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

The Reflective Teacher Podcast

Diana Ganger

Meet our guest

Take any opportunity to get to know parents better.

Ask yourself: how is my classroom set up?

Preview what may come. Make the uncomfortable, comfortable.

Be transparent.

Erin Thorkilsen

Meet our guest

Children’s mindful practices are most effective when:

It’s important for teachers to have their own mindful practice(s).

Mindful Activities:

You’re never doing it wrong. Even a minute and three deep breaths are effective; go for it!

Kids are already present, they have a sense of awe and joy; they are in the moment. Look for those moments to let them (children) be your teachers.

“Mindfulness for Teachers” by Tish Jennings

“Mindful Monkey, Happy Panda” by Lauren Alderfer

“What Does it Mean to be Present?” by Rana DiOrio

“Sitting Still Like a Frog” by Eline Snel

For more resources and products (yoga card decks), visit Mindful Yoga Breaks online

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

The Reflective Teacher Podcast

Diana Ganger

Meet our guest

Take any opportunity to get to know parents better.

Ask yourself: how is my classroom set up?

Preview what may come. Make the uncomfortable, comfortable.

Be transparent.

Erin Thorkilsen

Meet our guest

Children’s mindful practices are most effective when:

It’s important for teachers to have their own mindful practice(s).

Mindful Activities:

You’re never doing it wrong. Even a minute and three deep breaths are effective; go for it!

Kids are already present, they have a sense of awe and joy; they are in the moment. Look for those moments to let them (children) be your teachers.

“Mindfulness for Teachers” by Tish Jennings

“Mindful Monkey, Happy Panda” by Lauren Alderfer

“What Does it Mean to be Present?” by Rana DiOrio

“Sitting Still Like a Frog” by Eline Snel

For more resources and products (yoga card decks), visit Mindful Yoga Breaks online

Related Podcasts

1

2

3

4

5

6