Skip-a-Long Blog

Creating Connections - Safety

Wed, 13 Jun 2018 19:00:00 +0000

In order to grow and learn, children need to feel safe. In order to feel safe, children need to feel connected.

Creating Connections - Baby Doll Circle Time

Wed, 30 May 2018 19:00:00 +0000

Baby Doll Circle Time builds empathy in children and helps raise awareness of others emotions and feelings as well as one’s own behavior and the impact it has on others.

Creating Connections - Rituals

Wed, 16 May 2018 19:00:00 +0000

Conscious Discipline Rituals are a playful means to promote optimal brain development, increase attention span, reduce hyperactivity, build self-esteem, amplify cooperation and facilitate language development.

Creating Connections - Safe Place

Wed, 02 May 2018 19:00:00 +0000

Safe Places are used during times of upset as teaching moments so children can practice active calming.

Creating Connections - Empathy

Wed, 18 Apr 2018 19:00:00 +0000

Empathy requires a willingness to temporarily give up our own thoughts and feelings in order to more accurately understand the thoughts and feelings of other people.

Creating Connections - Executive State

Wed, 04 Apr 2018 19:27:00 +0000

When children are safe, connected, and able to self-regulate, they can enter the executive brain state.

Creating Connections - Power of Intention

Wed, 21 Mar 2018 19:21:00 +0000

The Power of Intention means that mistakes are opportunities to learn.

Creating Connections - Greetings

Wed, 07 Mar 2018 20:19:00 +0000

Greetings afford children an opportunity to build a unique and individual connection with classroom staff.

Phrases to Boost Confidence

Thu, 01 Mar 2018 15:52:00 +0000

Motherly released an article that identifies 25 phrases to boost your child's confidence.

Creating Connections - Elements of Connection

Wed, 21 Feb 2018 19:59:00 +0000

Connection requires four critical elements: Eye contact, presence, touch and playfulness. Eye contact requires getting down on the child’s level to achieve eye contact.

Creating Connections - Choices

Wed, 07 Feb 2018 19:57:00 +0000

Choices provide the option of cooperating with adult wishes while still maintaining the ‘last word’ for the child.

When Children Lie

Thu, 01 Feb 2018 19:40:00 +0000

Research shows that when children lie, it can be sign of intelligence, no matter how frustrating or upsetting it can be..

Creating Connections - Meaningful Jobs

Wed, 31 Jan 2018 19:43:00 +0000

Meaningful jobs help children contribute to the greater good of the classroom.

Creating Connections - Positive Intent

Mon, 15 Jan 2018 20:31:00 +0000

The teacher used positive intent by reframing the intention of the child’s actions.

Celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Mon, 15 Jan 2018 20:16:00 +0000

Today we celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day - a holiday that honors the life, legacy and contributions of a man dedicated to social, racial and economic justice for all.

Creating Connections - Positive Intent

Wed, 27 Dec 2017 19:29:00 +0000

Classrooms at Skip-a-Long centers practice Conscious Discipline to create a "school family" where everyone works together to create a safe, helpful, and educational learning environment.

Creating Connections - Assertiveness

Mon, 11 Dec 2017 20:29:00 +0000

The skill of Assertiveness builds healthy boundaries in life and teaches the values of respect for self and others.

"Mommy, why is the flag halfway down the pole?"

Wed, 04 Oct 2017 18:56:00 +0000

The tragedy that occurred in Las Vegas on October 1 was a horrific incident that may not be shielded from all children's awareness.

Talking to Children About Disasters

Wed, 27 Sep 2017 18:36:00 +0000

Children can cope more effectively with a disaster when they feel they understand what is happening and what they can do to help protect themselves, family, and friends.