Mud Play

On March 20, 2023 By aprilzajkoIn Booklists, Building, Early Childhood Education, Food Education, Gardening, Learning Environment, Loose Parts, Mud, Natural Materials, Nature, Nature Art, Outdoor Classrooms, Sensory, Trainings with April's Teaching TreeLeave a comment

I know that mud can feel like a HUGE barrier in an outdoor classroom. So NOW is the time to think through the obstacles. (Actually well before mud season is even more ideal, but let’s take action NOW.)

Set up a time to talk with your coworkers and share information with currently enrolled families so that your muddy play area can be a YES space. Children thrive with daily outdoor time, so canceling outside play time for the entire mud season is NOT an option. Mud builds healthy immune systems, supports physical and cognitive development, and so much more.

I have compiled a FREE “Mud Play Resource” to hopefully make mud easier this year! In this resource you will find links to:

Mud Play articles to share with families
Mud Curriculum Ideas for teachers
Mud Kitchen Resources for teachers
Children’s Books about MUD!

Three steps for embracing mud play! (And then three cheers for bringing back mud pies!)

Muddy Mindset for Staff ~ even BEFORE mud season, schedule a conversation with your teaching team about their perception of mud play. Come to a consensus about your program’s ‘mud rules’ and ensure that children hear the same message from all staff. Perhaps pre-read a Mud Play article and talk about the Pros & Cons at a staff meeting. {During mud season, continue the conversation, document the children’s learning and JOY with mud. Then revisit your ‘mud rules’ after mud season. Step by step is how we make change.}

Muddy Solutions – if you have extended ‘mud seasons’ at the beginning and end of winter….consider investing in Muddy Buddy types of suits, have a place to hang them to dry, and a system for drying boots. Having functional systems for dealing with muddy gear when coming in and how to manage so the indoors space isn’t too hard to clean. {Would fundraising or grant writing make gear more accessible for your children? Think NOW about how to set yourself up for success in the future.}

Mud Chat with Families ~ even BEFORE mud season, prepare families for what to expect. Remind them of your messy clothes policy, share mud articles about why it’s valuable to play outdoors even when it’s muddy, get their support in sending in extra dry clothes, and build in an understanding of what you need for this season to be successful. We need to work in partnership with our families. If families have a bunch more laundry as a result of being in your classroom, they are going to understand the WHY.

Art Prompt Project 2023

On January 11, 2023January 11, 2023 By aprilzajkoIn Art Classes, Staff Wellness, Trainings with April's Teaching Tree, Wellness1 Comment

{drumroll please} I am so excited to invite you to join me for my virtual ART PROMPT Project 2023

I believe that as WE explore different art materials, mediums, textures, sensory materials, loose parts and art processes our connection with our own personal art practices are fortified and our playful sides are ignited!

Maybe your last art class was way back in middle school, or maybe you haven’t picked up a paint brush in decades. Or maybe you are already doing art pretty regularly but are always up for new ideas. My ART PROMPT Project 2023 series is for ANYONE who wants a little nudge to explore their creativity...no art experience is necessary.

I believe that we can move past perfection, and remember that our purpose in making art is to find our JOY!

When we carve out time for our OWN creativity, we awaken and remember the simple joy of creating. Experiencing “process art” (not worrying about outcome) will you feel FREE in other areas of your life.

ART PROMPT Project 2023 will be sent at the beginning of each month. If you are already on my email list the prompt will be delivered to your inbox. The first one will go out Thursday, Jan. 12th, 2023 where we will be exploring Painted Papers!

The subject line will start with Art Prompt: so look in your inbox for an email from April’s Teaching Tree with the subject line = Art Prompt: I know inboxes get full but it will be fun to be part of this YEARLONG journey! Several people have already responded and said they were excited to have a monthly nudge to remind them to make art!

If this project sounds exciting…I’d love to hear what art materials you hope we explore in our monthly prompts. Do you already have a personal art practice? What holds you back? ~ HIT REPLY and tell me!

Not on the April’s Teaching Tree email list? Send me an email or DM me your Name and Email and I will add you!

“I’ve seen women insist on cleaning everything in the house before they could sit down to write… and you know it’s a funny thing about house cleaning… it never comes to an end. Perfect way to stop a woman. A woman must be careful to not allow over-responsibility (or over-respectability) to steal her necessary creative rests, riffs, and raptures. She simply must put her foot down and say no to half of what she believes she “should” be doing. Art is not meant to be created in stolen moments only.” ― Clarissa Pinkola Estés, Women Who Run with Wolves

With gratitude,

April

Growing Outdoor Classrooms ~ Spring 2023

On January 13, 2022November 29, 2022 By aprilzajkoIn College Courses, Online PD, Outdoor Classrooms, Trainings with April's Teaching TreeLeave a comment

Growing Outdoor Classrooms

3-credit course through Castleton University

Taught virtually by April Zajko, M.Ed.

Dates: March 13 – May 31, 2023.

Times: This online course will be taught using a FLEX model. There will be FIVE Zoom sessions that students are encouraged to attend in real time. Each session will be recorded and uploaded so students can also watch at their own pace, if preferred.

Zoom sessions will be on Monday evenings from 6-8pm: March 20, April 3, April 17, May 1, & May 15

Format: Online

Zoom synchronous meetings (or watch the replay)
Self paced modules of content and submission of work

Location: Online; Technology Tools: Zoom and Google Docs

Cost: $1,100

Course Description:

Every outdoor classroom is as unique as the school or program that designs and builds it. Whether you are starting from scratch, transforming a traditional playground into a nature-inspired play area, or expanding an existing outdoor classroom, this course will help you define and prioritize design elements for your space. Research confirms that learning outdoors promotes child development and learning in all domains – physical, cognitive, and social/emotional. By understanding the benefits of outdoor learning, participants will discover ways to share information with stakeholders as a powerful way to communicate the value of creating nature inspired learning spaces

Audience: Early Childhood Educators (PreK – 3rd grade)

Instruction Information:

April Zajko, M.Ed. is a Licensed Early Childhood Educator and Reading Specialist. Her bachelor’s degree was earned at Delaware State University, and her master’s degree was earned at University of Virginia. Her passion for lifelong learning led her to study in-depth about place-based learning, mindfulness, holistic development, nature-inspired approach to early childhood, and creating supportive learning environments for all children.

Deadline to register: February 14, 2023

Registration steps:

Fill out the registration form to hold your spot. (Registration is limited to 20 students per semester.)
Mail payment – Course payment of $1,100 is payable by check to the Fairbanks Museum. This is due 2 weeks from the time of registration. Please mail your check to: Fairbanks Museum, Attn: Karina Weiss, 1302 Main Street, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819
Confirmation of registration will be emailed to you once payment is received.

For additional course or registration information, please contact April Zajko for more information ~ aprilzajko@gmail.com

Course Goals

To explain the developmental benefits of learning in an outdoor classroom and create buy-in with stakeholders within your school or early childhood program.
To develop a vision map and action plan for developing an outdoor classroom that meets the need all children.
To define obstacles, develop solutions, and create a funding plan in order for the outdoor classroom to be established and thrive for years to come.
Establish or expand the outdoor classroom that meets the developmental needs of young children

Course Objectives

Through participation in this class, the student will be able to:

Recognize the differences between an outdoor classroom and traditional playground
Describe the significance of nature-based education in early childhood (preschool through 3rd grade) and name the developmental benefits from learning in an outdoor classroom.
Demonstrate ways to share information with stakeholders about outdoor classrooms as a way to communicate the value of creating nature inspired learning spaces
Explore ways to get buy-in from stakeholders and discuss ways to assemble in inner circle of supporters
Design a vision map of your outdoor classroom with multiple phases of implementation
Research ways to secure funding to build or expand outdoor classrooms
Develop an action plan for creating an outdoor classroom based on your vision and research.

Outdoor Classrooms Community Conversations

On March 14, 2021 By aprilzajkoIn Community Conversations, Trainings with April's Teaching TreeLeave a comment

I am excited to announce my “Outdoor Classroom Community Conversations” that are open to anyone who is interested! Throughout the Spring of 2021, April’s Teaching Tree will lead two monthly *FREE* community conversations about outdoor classrooms & nature-based education.

April Zajko, M.Ed. is dedicated to building community & deepening our roots for nature-based education

Format for these conversations:

10-15 minute slideshow and discussion led by April Zajko

15 minute guided small group activity using ‘break out rooms”

30 minute whole group conversation

Other details:

Community conversations will be on Zoom (to get the link – email aprilzajko@gmail.com )

No registration required

FREE

There will be NO certificate or PD hours for attending since this is an informal conversation.

You are welcome to invite friends and share the link.

NOTE: These sessions will be recorded and will be posted on April’s Teaching Tree on Facebook & Instagram.

Currently Scheduled Sessions:

Outdoor Classroom Vision Map – Sunday, March 14, 2021 4-5 pm EST

Outdoor Classroom Overcoming Obstacles – Sunday, March 28, 2021 4-5 pm EST

To get the link – email aprilzajko@gmail.com

Summer Professional Development with April Zajko, M.Ed.

On May 29, 2020 By aprilzajkoIn Early Childhood Education, Online PD, Trainings with April's Teaching Tree, WellnessLeave a comment

Thanks for all those who attended “April’s Teaching Tree” trainings in May 2020! All of our trainings were held via Zoom which worked better than anticipated.

Nearly 200 Vermont based early childhood educators attended trainings this month led by April Zajko! The feedback has been amazing and I appreciate the sense of community and mutual respect that we have in our early childhood field here in Vermont.

Topics in May 2020 included:

Growing Outdoor Classrooms (6 hours) ~ introduction and practical training in how to naturalize your outdoor space

POWER: Path of Wellness, Environment, and Relationships (6 hours) ~ a personal empowerment, self-care, and community care model training offered 1 hour a week for six weeks

Natural Loose Parts (2 hours) ~ explore open ended materials that foster deep engaged play

Visioning Our Future with April & Dawn Irwin (6 hours) ~ a leadership and advocacy course offered 1 hour a week for six weeks

Finding Your Way: Ethical Decision Making (6 hours – offered as 2+2+2 model) ~ explore the NAEYC Code of Conduct and practice with real world and relevant scenarios

Sponsors in May 2020 included:

Building Bright Futures Caledonia, Essex, & Orleans

Let’s Grow Kids – “Make Way for Kids Grant” & Stephanie Carvey in Rutland, VT

Growing with Wonder in Essex, VT & Dawn Irwin

Northern Lights at Community College of Vermont

I hope to offer these same trainings again in June & July 2020! I am also designing “Nature Inspired Teacher” as a 6 hour ONLINE training. Another new training in June will be a 2 hour “Sensory Gardens”. If your network, organization, or center would like to sponsor a training send me an email! aprilzajko@gmail.com

Please follow me at April’s Teaching Tree either on Facebook or Instagram for updates on upcoming trainings & for free ideas on nature-inspired early childhood topics!

June 2020 trainings: (I will update this as more sessions open)

“Finding Your Way: Ethical Decision Making” on June 24 & July 1 ~ There are slots open for my *FREE* 6 hour training funded by Northern Lights- Register on the Northern Lights calendar at: https://northernlightsccv.org/trainings/finding-your-way-ethical-decision-making-for-professionals-21/

My “Sensory Garden” training will be funded by Northern Lights at CCV. The first three sessions are full, so they will open another training on June 24 6-8pm. Registration is not yet open but check back next week on the Northern Lights calendar.

Visioning Our Future with April & Dawn Irwin (6 hours) ~ a leadership and advocacy course offered 1 hour a week for six weeks (FULL)

Thanks again for your ongoing support! Offering high quality professional development for early childhood educators is my teaching passion! I am honored that so many attended my trainings and I hope that they inspire your work with children!

With gratitude,

April Zajko, M.Ed.

aprilzajko@gmail.com

Upcoming Training ~ Active Indoor Play

On November 6, 2019 By aprilzajkoIn Gross Motor, Trainings with April's Teaching TreeLeave a comment

depth of field photography of p l a y wooden letter decors on top of beige wooden surface — Photo by Skitterphoto on Pexels.com

Title: Active Indoor Play

Date/ Time: November 21, 2019 6-8 p.m.

Location: Concord School

Instructor: April Zajko

Cost: $5.00 for non-network members of the Caledonia & S. Essex starting point networks

Description: Childcare providers know that healthy children are ACTIVE all day, but how can we arrange our learning environment to support gross motor play. This two-hour training will help childcare providers feel ready to support gross motor play indoors on days that they can’t get outside. Learn more about the gross motor skills children ages 0-5 should know, explore LOTS of ways to get children moving indoors, explore how to incorporate yoga activities into circle time and transitions throughout the day, and learn how to teach calming and self-regulation with slower movement & breathing activities.

Objectives:

Participants will define gross motor skills for children ages 0-5 years old and will create a binder of resources that will keep kids moving and engaged throughout the day.
Participants will explore a wide variety of indoor gross motor activities that will keep children engaged and burn off excess energy
Participants will learn yoga activities to use at circle time and transitions, as well as learning how to teach calming and self-regulation with slower movement activities.
Participants will explore ways to create a “Cozy Cottage” space in their program for children to use to self-regulate.