Educatormama

It’s been a couple years since I posted here. FB reminded me I needed to make a post so that I can hold this space. If you’re looking for me you can always find me over Raising Resilient Children. I’m pretty active over there 😉

Hello everyone! I wanted to take this moment to thank all my followers! It’s been an amazing journey to this point. I think like many, the pandemic has been a turning point, and I am no different. EducatorMama has evolved so much and I am grateful to all the families I have worked with over the years and all the possibilities we explored together. The time has come for me to officially announce that I have closed my physical doors indefinitely, and will be pivoting into a new and exciting role building a platform for parents and caregivers. In this new space I will be working with a much larger age range and extending my expertise to a broader audience. I will remain true to my foundations in sustainability, accessible play opportunities and supporting families, but I will also be developing new narratives and exploring new dynamics as I support the growth of children, parents & caregivers. At this time I would like to invite you to come along for my next journey of Raising Resilient Children with Tara Gratto M.S.Ed., MA, OCT.

The importance of unstructured play.

To read the full article from the American Psychological Association, which includes ideas to help anxiety and foster development: https://www.apa.org/topics/covid-19/children-unstructured-play

How have you been playing recently? Let us know in the comments!

Important topics can’t wait. Powerful books are life changing. This is one of those books.

Kids Book About Racism, June 1, 2020 The Seven Hills School Video

Today I took some time to learn more about anti-racism. To reflect on my privilege and bias. To listen to the Black Lives Matter movement. As an educator it is my duty to be a life long learner and my responsibility to share this knowledge with those who look to me. Take a moment to read this article and watch the videos. What we say matters, what we do matters more.

https://nmaahc.si.edu/learn/talking-about-race/topics/being-antiracist #.XtAUDP1hkpI.facebook

As I build a new program online dedicated to ways of raising resilient children, the recent world events have given me pause to reflect on the importance of having conversations with children about race, inequity, feminism, love, culture, diversity, science, the planet, etc. For me, many of these conversations stem from books because they provide a portal into a child’s mind. In my preschool I called these ‘The Changemakers’. These are just some of the people you can introduce to your child to delve into important conversations. Let these people be part of their world and part of their play. This is when you will know you’ve started to build their viewpoint. The book alone won’t make this happen, you must actively engage them in the learning process by asking questions, making assertions and pausing for reflection. It’s never too young to build diversity.

What brings you joy? Picture books, gardening, dairy free deliciousness & supporting local are my top picks!!

There couldn’t be a more fitting story for what we were experiencing leading us to this point. So simple and beautiful yet, so impactful.

Early years activity (PK-Gr 1/2): as we spend more time indoors, how can we pause and capture nature’s beauty? Draw a window shadow picture. For variety, draw one on a cloudy day, one on a sunny and compare. Put some objects in the window to cast unique shadows. Take this activity outside and draw sidewalk shadows or dirt path pictures.

Happy Mother’s Day!

Making my first socks, introducing my kids to a Canadian classic and pondering big things. I hope you are all enjoying your day in ways that are meaningful for you!!