tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15932919.post1263091939570251314..comments2024-03-26T07:07:14.304-07:00Comments on Teacher Tom: Dog CratesTeacher Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14606781724784785338noreply@blogger.comBlogger9125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15932919.post-42374755314459927942016-10-02T02:03:04.490-07:002016-10-02T02:03:04.490-07:00I grew up with three older brothers , one younger ...I grew up with three older brothers , one younger (so sweet...didn't mix well w/the older ones) ( this is not to post) and I just wonder if the negotiations were done in loud voices, barks, commands about the doors and getting in and out, or actually "playing" something. Others suggested adoption, etc. <br /><br />I tried out being a tomboy, once, and it was all about running atop a huge snow pile, but we weren't "doing" anything that could keep my interest.<br /><br />Interpersonal skills...tend and befriend...everything I love about being a "girl."<br /><br />I love your blog and read it daily. I read the past posts and I have always noticed a lot of boys get in the pics and I actually have to calm the little girl in me with the three wild brothers and hope the girls aren't relegated, instinctively, away from the boy action. I would move myself away from the wildness of boys. The vacuum cleaner post and using the cord to run around was too much for me.<br /><br />One year you mentioned there were no girls, so I knew not to look for them. <br /><br />I guess I am looking at the pictures to see if the boys are actually controlling the space and the girls are adjusting to where they can fulfill their day....or even the boys who aren't as active. <br /><br />As a teacher, I always gravitated toward the wildest boy and made sure he was never labeled as "bad." One 4 year old was all over the classroom, but I discovered he liked maps, so we drew a way for him to "map" out his plan for his day. The paper was filled with John Nash brilliant mind lines, but it focused him and he self-managed. He was extremely smart and the kids no longer ran from him, but engaged.<br /><br />My brothers lost their father to cancer rather quickly, so I am always sensitive to the emotions of a "wild" boy, the unique personality and needs.<br /><br />I mention all of this because I see a kindred spirit in you. Thank you for not posting this.<br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15932919.post-51211318646349175912011-05-06T19:30:29.592-07:002011-05-06T19:30:29.592-07:00this is awesome! what a fun challenge, huh? we wer...this is awesome! what a fun challenge, huh? we were happy to be a part of it, too, and i'm glad it led me to finding your wonderful blog! i'll be following along on fb now - find us, too!jen @ paintcutpaste.comhttp://paintcutpaste.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15932919.post-17262038514649379392011-05-06T04:44:33.557-07:002011-05-06T04:44:33.557-07:00ha! yes! we've done dog crates too! great f...ha! yes! we've done dog crates too! great fun.kristinhttp://preschool-daze.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15932919.post-50142289757304381102011-05-05T22:24:08.215-07:002011-05-05T22:24:08.215-07:00A perfect example! It's not about playing with...A perfect example! It's not about playing with pets or dog crates. It's about the negotiation that goes on. When the kids get out our marble maze, they are only allowed two marbles, originally because I didn't want a floor full of loose marbles. But the conversation, the cooperation, the negotiation that goes on turned out to be fantastic! <br />By the way, on the subject of storage, boy, do I hear you!Barbara Zaborowskinoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15932919.post-52517540217079841322011-05-05T09:02:50.067-07:002011-05-05T09:02:50.067-07:00The kids had fun! Although I feel compelled to add...The kids had fun! Although I feel compelled to add that this underscores the point I was trying to make a few weeks back about Aspergers and preschool. <br /><br />For a student on the spectrum, when an activity get to a point where the chaos/distress level is that high, anything they could be learning about cooperation gets obscured by their easily-flooded senses. I'm sure it was joyful and invigorating for our NT (neurotypical) boys, but it would have sent my son screaming from the building in his preschool days (or, more likely, screaming toward an unsuspecting classmate). What's "fun" for NT kids can be hell-on-earth for a kid on the spectrum. And in that sense, play-based curriculum isn't always ideal.<br /><br />Maybe that speaks to the "where are the girls" question, too. Or maybe most of them were painting butterflies with me at the art table. They loved it!Floor Piehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06533240227865369012noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15932919.post-80288879921463691982011-05-05T08:50:34.284-07:002011-05-05T08:50:34.284-07:00The exploration with the crates is so cool. You ne...The exploration with the crates is so cool. You never cease to surprise and inspire me, Tom.<br /><br />But I want to get back to your first comment - and echo it loudly. A preschool should have 4 times more storage than classroom space. Or maybe just a separate warehouse next door. We need space for all those treasures we find and collect.Scotthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11397525011462974857noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15932919.post-58730107083470490102011-05-05T07:00:06.024-07:002011-05-05T07:00:06.024-07:00I enjoyed reading this Tom!
There is always good p...I enjoyed reading this Tom!<br />There is always good philosphy in your posts - really much of what children need to learn for life seems to be available in this activity! :)<br /><br />It will be interesting to read more - I agree with mrstwigg - possibly putting some stuffed animals, or ponies - and relating the play to pets may bring the girls.<br />BrendaMullin Avenue Workshophttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09489785153205822301noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15932919.post-90178838720509158472011-05-05T06:49:36.382-07:002011-05-05T06:49:36.382-07:00I'm not sure how comfortable you are suggestin...I'm not sure how comfortable you are suggesting play ideas -- but in my experience if you say, "let's try playing pet adoption" the girls will come running to you.mrstwigghttp://mrs.twigg.canoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15932919.post-43790912521361222732011-05-05T06:42:35.061-07:002011-05-05T06:42:35.061-07:00Love it! The room with all of them sitting there ...Love it! The room with all of them sitting there is a riot! Come on Teacher Tom, I know that's where you put the naughty kids when you're tired of them right? :)<br />Seriously, I LOVE that they have so much fun with those. Their like little forts and caves. What a blast!Pumpkin Delight (Kimberly)https://www.blogger.com/profile/15754292671421221960noreply@blogger.com