The Early On OT

This is something many of us have been saying for years. What has changed in preschool and kindergarten? Demands for skills that are not age appropriate. The results are increased behavior.

Play-Based Learning in Kindergarten Is Making a Comeback. Here’s What It Means

"“What I was noticing as a kindergarten teacher is that the opportunities for kids to come in and have chances to play, to experiment and test how the world works, were being pushed out for more academic instruction that wasn’t necessarily aligned with where their skill levels were or the experiences they had,” said Christopher Brown, the associate dean for teacher education at the University of Buffalo’s Graduate School of Education and a former kindergarten teacher who taught in the late 1990s. “That’s continued to be a concern with teachers that I’ve talked to for the past 20 years.”

Decisionmakers in some states and districts have begun to heed concerns raised by Brown and other education experts about the direction kindergarten has taken. As a result, some schools are returning play to its prominent role in kindergarten."

READ FULL ARTICLE HERE: https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/play-based-learning-in-kindergarten-is-making-a-comeback-heres-what-it-means/2025/10

Have you recently noticed a lack of vibrant colors in the baby toy section of the store? I sure did! Check out the benefits of using color with babies and toddlers!

Where did all the color go? Have you observed that many baby and toddler toys are in muted colors? I've been quite surprised by the absence of vibrant colors in this specific aisle at the store. This is a change from the past when baby and toddler toys were full of color and contrast. Here is some information on why color is i...

I was recently presented with an opportunity to testify in front of the Michigan House Appropriations Subcommittee on School Aid and Education. It was an honor to work with other Early On Advocates who are as passionate as I am about supporting our most vulnerable population. It was such an honor.

https://mailchi.mp/michiganschildren/speaking_for_kids_ebulletin_3_15_24