Our blog had a great 2021, and we want to give a shout-out to our bloggers, authors, and readers! 2021 was challenging in many ways, and we’re thankful that you’re here to make our blog what it is. You are amazing!
Today we’re rounding up the top posts from 2021. Got a favorite we didn’t include? Drop it in the comments.
1. How to Transition to In-Person Learning: Ideas and Suggestions from Students
To help with students’ transition back to the classroom, author Richard M. Cash, Ed.D., reached out to a few students to ask them about their fears, anxieties, and hopes for what is to be our “new normal” and shares those in this post.
2. How to Use Mental Health Check-Ins to Address Students’ Social and Emotional Needs
Author and school counselor Stephanie Filio, M.Ed., explains how quick and intentional interactions with students help them develop a larger belief that there are people who recognize their existence and care about their well-being—helping meet their social and emotional needs.
3. Perfectionism in Children: How Parents Can Help Bright, Complex Kids
Author Jean Sunde Peterson, Ph.D., discusses when perfectionism can become a problem and offers parents and other invested adults advice for helping bright, complex kids lessen the burden of perfectionism.
4. 12 Creative Ways to Find Funding for Your Classroom
Author Shannon Anderson and classroom teacher for 25 years shares the creative ways she’s found to pay for things over the years, from fundraisers to grants.
5. How Amanda Gorman’s Inauguration Poem, “The Hill We Climb,” Empowered One Middle School Class
Middle school teacher Isaiah Moore built a short-notice lesson around Amanda Gorman’s inauguration poem and shares his experience with his class.
6. The Importance of Intersectionality in Empowering Underrepresented Gifted Students: We Are More Than You Think We Are
Joy Lawson Davis, Ed.D., explores the importance of intersectionality in empowering underrepresented gifted students and provides suggested strategies for educators and schools.
7. Activities for Every Day of Week of the Young Child®
The Week of the Young Child is a springtime celebration of young children and their families. Lydia Bowers and Shawn Forster share activities for each themed day of the week. Watch for Week of the Young Child 2022 from April 2 to 8.
8. Social Emotional Stories: Helping Kids Connect
In this post, author Barbara A. Lewis shares the social and emotional power of stories and shares discussion questions and activities connected to The Ugly Duckling for use in classrooms.
9. 3 Outdoor Creative Movement Activities to Support Children’s Mental Health
For Mental Health Awareness Month, author Connie Bergstein Dow shared three creative movement activities kids can do outside to support their mental health.
10. How to Include Self-Care for Educators in Professional Development
Author and middle school counselor Stephanie Filio reminds educators that as more emphasis on intentional SEL practices with students is made, professional development can also employ willful tasks and tools to strengthen staff self-care.
11. 6 Ways Educators Can Create Safe Spaces for Students of Color
Middle school teacher Isaiah Moore shares six factors that will help educators succeed when collaborating with other educators to create safe spaces for students of color.
12. How to Build Empathy and Trust During Circle Time
Author Lydia Bowers shares how early childhood educators can create a circle time that’s intentional and meaningful.
13. Resolving Conflicts in Early Childhood Education: Sweat the Small Stuff
Coauthors Chris Amirault, Ph.D., and Christine Snyder, M.A., says that when it comes to conflict in the workplace, you should invest time and energy into small situations. They explain why in this post.
14. How to Help Kids Make Friends During the Pandemic
Author James J. Crist, Ph.D., shares ways to keep kids connected to each other, including helping them make new friends, that can help reduce the negative fallout from the pandemic.
15. 9 Tips for Creating Inclusive Movement Activities
Author Connie Bergstein Dow offers tips for modifying creative movement activities to be inclusive of all children.
16. How to Mentor New Teachers During COVID-19
Mentors can be hugely beneficial to new teachers. Principal Andrew Hawk shares seven ways to mentor new teachers during COVID-19.
17. 9 Ways to Create Structure and Reduce Anxiety in Children During the Summer
Routine and fun aren’t mutually exclusive! Author Summer Batte shares ways to create structure and reduce anxiety in children during the summer months.
18. Children’s Book Authors to Follow on Social Media
Looking for a way to connect with Free Spirit authors beyond their books and our blog? Many of them are on social media! Check out just a few of our children’s book authors and where you can find them in this post.
19. How Trauma Impacts Students’ Motivation
Author and school counselor Stephanie Filio, M.Ed., explores how trauma can affect students’ motivation and how to respond to the changes in their motivation.
20. 7 Ways to Foster Kindness in Your Virtual or Hybrid Classroom During the Pandemic
Author Naomi Drew, M.A., shares seven simple ways to integrate kindness into your classroom.
21. How to Improve Children’s Sleep with Mindfulness
It is hard to function at your best if you are sleep deprived. Author James J. Crist, Ph.D., shares how mindfulness can improve children’s sleep.
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© 2022 by Free Spirit Publishing. All rights reserved. The views expressed in this post represent the opinion of the author and not necessarily Free Spirit Publishing.