Before my work with Preston Blackburn, I was an Early Childhood Education (ECE) Teacher, working most of my decade-long career with two and three-year-olds. When I explain to other educators, I understand how difficult it can be to manage AND meet the standards required of us, I truly do. However, what if I could tell you that incorporating our curricula into your lesson plans is far simpler and easier than you can imagine-would you believe me? Truth be told, I know because I’ve done it! I took what I observed and learned from Preston in classes and training, and applied them to my classroom, and noticed significant changes in not just my students, but myself as well. Because of Preston, I understood how vital it was to allow my students to move and just be kids, which allowed me to show up for them exactly the way they needed me to.
Let’s create a scenario where our curriculum (and movement!) can easily be incorporated. You’re in your classroom, perhaps in circle time, working on language arts, or teaching addition, and your students become restless. They’re increasingly becoming fidgety, maybe getting up and walking away or asking to use the restroom because their bodies are itching for movement. This is a perfect time to pause what you’re doing, and give them exactly what they need: big physical play. In this scenario, I may put on some fun music and dance all the “sillies” out or choose a simple game from our curriculum that can easily be done indoors. For example, I could choose “If You Are Wearing.” (with or without the parachute) and name something some of my students are wearing. Any children who fall into that category would do 5 jumping jacks, walk backwards to my desk, or balance on one foot. Super easy!
Our curriculum is designed to seamlessly slide into the curriculum you are already using. Each game gives you:
- the amount of time the game should take
- the equipment you need, if any
- introductory questions to keep children focused
- The Pivot to Play® Power Bar so you know what of our 18 Strengths and Skills are targeted in the activity
- An assessment
- …and fun!
And the best part about our curriculum? It comes with professional development. Not only are you raising the level for your students, you will be empowered with mind-blowing information to share with parents and administrators on the power of big physical play.
The whole idea behind our curriculums is to make incorporating them as seamless for you as possible. Feel out the room, observe your students and then choose from a vast variety of ideas and games that we offer. Even mix it up once you’re familiar. The days we have planned out don’t have to be followed exactly. Shaking it up, even encouraging your students to choose, keeps it fun and fresh. Plus, it promotes teamwork, independence and creative thinking skills! Our goal is to bring back play, especially in classrooms, but also in a way that doesn’t add extra stress for educators. Ultimately, we want this to be enjoyed by students and teachers alike because movement is something that should be fun for everyone involved!
A teacher who recently completed the 4-year-old Power Package said that she loved the way she is held accountable for learning the importance of play in her young children and is looking forward to incorporating the Pivot to Play® curriculum into her existing culture-based curriculum.
