Let Them Play!

Playing IS Learning.
Playing IS a child's work.
They are never too old to play.
Imagination and creativity are key!

Lots of times kids grow up too fast. They give up what people may call childish things way too soon. Time can fly. Time passes. Children need all the time they have to be children. They deserve to have the time to just be kids. It is their right. It serves them well into their adulthood.

Kids should not be forced to give up their toys and games once they reach a certain age. Toys can fuel their imagination. Games can foster their creativity.

Children should always have access to school and arts/crafts supplies. Different types of papers, markers, paints, glues, pens, pencils - and more! These are seemingly basic tools that give a child endless possibilities to express themselves. After all, art is life.

Another thing children should always have access to is a library. They need to be surrounded by books. Books of all types and genres. Books that will inspire them and ignite their inner desires. An unlimited supply where they get to choose what they want to read and when. Public libraries are amazing. All kids should have a public library card.

Of course children need responsibilities but they should never be expected to give up their childhood to rush into things that we have and need to be doing as adults. They have the rest of their lives to do these things. Lets teach our children not to rush time. Not to wish the days aways. Not to have the desire to grow up and be an adult. Childhood is short. It does not last long. We should value all the time we have with our children being little.

Children are not little adults. They are simply children. They still need to be respected and valued. Their voice needs to beard. They are not less but they are also not just little adults. We have to let that sink in. We should never underestimate children but allow them to soar beyond what we can ever imagine possible for them. We must supply the tools. They look up to us. Children need them but you know what? We need them too and many times more than they may need us. That is the truth.

Children value the time we spend with them. Let them know that we love them and not only by our words but more so by our actions.

So, get silly and have fun. Make new memories. Take lots of pics and enjoy life. Kids are our treasures, for sure.

xxoo,
Dany

A Super Power

When you hear him say, "Autism is my superpower!", it is amazing. The word autism, in our home, is not a taboo word. It is one of empowerment. It is one to embrace.

He is not lucky; he is blessed. Blessed that he can speak, blessed that he can hear, blessed that he can walk, blessed that he can eat and live a healthy and happy daily life of a child.

Autism does not inhibit him. Rather it inspires him and pushes him beyond limits that society has placed before him.

He did not speak until the age of three and half. He was at doctor appointment after doctor appointment. He saw many specialists. He also went to speech therapy and occupational therapy outside of school. He started Pre Kindergarten, in pull ups and not yet able to verbally communicate. He was placed on the middle of the spectrum and was given a label.

I am thrilled to say that he is high functioning and thriving! With LOVE and dedication, with hard work and determination and with acceptance, his world is one of joy without limits.

I often forget that he has an autism diagnosis. He is like every other typical child yet at the same time, so very unique.

If a parent does not want to admit or accept that their child has autism and does not seek out help, they are doing a disservice to the health and well being of their child. There is nothing to be ashamed of.

To learn of JJ's journey please refer to the archives where I have his stories posted.

Any questions or comments, please feel free to contact me.

There is still so much to share.

xoxo

Dany

Let's Play!!!

Playing is Learning

Constructive Kinder Tools

• Toys - All kinds. Traditional and more so non-traditional toys such as cardboard boxes, wooden spoons, plastic cups, paper plates and things of that nature that children find exciting and stimulating.
• Writing Utensils- All Types and Varieties. Pencils, Pens, Crayons, Markers, Hi-Lighters, Colored pencils, Chalks, Lead etc.
• Paper Products- All Sizes, Shapes, Colors, Varieties. Lined Paper, Graph Paper, Construction Paper, Newspapers, Magazines, Junk Mail, Note Pads, Butcher Paper, Tissue Paper etc.
• Art Supplies - All Varieties. Paints. All Sizes of Brushes, Sponges, Water Colors, Glue, Paste, Stapler, Staples, Paper Clips, Buttons, Glitter, Pom Poms, Straws, Pipe Cleaners, Craft Sticks, Beads, Cotton Balls, Foam Sheets, etc. (Collage Materials)
• Books- Visually Stimulating, Picture Filled, Engaging Characters and Plot. All Shapes, Sizes and Variety of Authors. Fiction and Non-Fiction
• Classroom Environment- ANYWHERE not just at a desk or in a school but outside in nature, a store, etc. LEARNING happens everywhere.

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Constructive Kinder is...(but not limited to)

• Hands -on Active Learning- Using Tools such as blocks, macaroni, marbles for early math and tools such as scrabble pieces, logos, play dough for early literacy 
• Child Lead - Activities and projects based upon what the child is interested in learning and exploring on any given day.
• Integrates Play across the curriculum
• Integrates arts and crafts into math and reading
• Creative and Open Ended
• Guides and also Gives room for optimal learning
• Uses non traditional learning instruments
• Engaging and Sporadic
• Child Focused
• Teaches the Whole Child- Learning begins at the social emotional level
• Fun and Beneficial
• Inside, Outside, Here and There...

Constructivism

What is Constructivism?

Learning is an ADAPTIVE activity.
Social interactions PLAY a role in learning.
EXPERIENCE and prior understanding play a ROLE in learning.
KNOWLEDGE is CONSTRUCTED by the learner.
LEARNING is situated in the context where it occurs.
CONSTRUCTIVIST LEARNING is:
HANDS-ON
WONDERMENT
EXPLORATION
DISCOVERY
MEANINGFUL
USEFUL
MOVEMENT and NECESSARY.

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LEARNING takes place through the STIMULATION of a child's ideas and helping to reflect upon them according to the theory of CONSTRUCTIVISM. The child is the ACTIVE creator of their own knowledge. Constructivism encourages children to LEARN new ideas. Constructivism also encourages children to use their own experiences in which they can create their own mental models.

LEARNING is FUN

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CHILDREN interpret information from their unique personal perspective of their previous experience. With constructivism, children may learn through observation, participation and interpretation of their own views of the environment in which they are in.

With the CONSTRUCTIVIST THEORY, the child takes an active role in CONSTRUCTING his own understanding rather then receiving the understanding from a teacher, caregiver, etc.


LEARNING is EXCITING

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PLAYING = LEARNING

To Teach is to Learn

Education is crucial. It is vital for our children to not only learn to love but LOVE to LEARN. I love teaching children and little do they know they teach me more than can be imagined. I not only teach what I love but I LOVE what I TEACH.

Yes that is true…teaching is learning. I am seeing that more and more everyday. When we love, we learn and when we love what we learn, we teach…
CLICK HERE TO VIEW

Coloring the World

April 4, 2015 by danyloor

We are coloring the world. Education is everywhere.




We create. We learn. We teach. We create. We create learners. We teach. We create. We create teachers by coloring the world.
Stop by.www.Facebook.com/loorducation to see what we have been up to..and there’s more to come!!!

An Inspiring Award....

http://loorducation.wordpress.com/2015/01/02/i-am-the-proud-recipient-of-the-inspiring-blogger-award/

Happy New Year Readers!  I appreciate you all, everyone of you who take the time and read my words, From the bottom of my heart, thank you foLOORs!!!
The lovely J from http://jsackblog.wordpress.com/ has given me the honor of Inspiring Blog Award. I love reading J’s blog because she has a profound way of expressing her  written words. I can relate to her. Her words are touching and very meaningful. We have many things in common. We have become great friends through the power of written expression. I am happy that our paths have crossed. I always follow along on her journey and read her blog. It is great stuff and I am really touched that she has given me a blogger award for inspiration. It means so very much.
There was a list of questions I was to answer upon receiving this nomination. You can read them below as I am glad to share them with you all.



Very Inspiring Blog Questions

1.Why did you start your blog?

Well, I first started my blog because it was a mandatory element for one of my last classes in my Master of Education program. I started a blog because I had to post topics from class and about all things related to education. I never would have thought to start a blog if it was not for that class. I am so glad that I did. My blog has turned into something special and really got me into writing especially when I decided to write my first non class post. It was about my son. That was in September of 2013. From that very first post of sharing part of my son’s autism journey, I was hooked. From there I started writing frequently, sharing a little more of his journey each day, along with the stuff that was need to be done for class. Ever since, I became a blogger.

2. What is the book that you have read that has touched you the most?

The book that I have read that has touched me the most is The Four Agreements, by Don Miguel Ruiz. But then there is The Secret by Rhonda Byrne. Those are 2 great, inspiring books of wisdom. They have really touched me and made an impression on my life to stay strong and be positive. As well, we are so much more than we believe ourselves to be.

3. If you could eat dinner with a famous person who is still living, whom would you choose?

Oprah Winfrey. I admire her. She is very strong and empowering to women all over. She is an inspiration to go out and chase your dreams. She is very successful and always pays it forward. She is a role model in my eyes.

4. Where is the one place you have visited that gives you complete calmness?

One place that I have visited that gives my complete calmness is Quito, Ecuador. That place is peaceful and beautiful. You can smell hopes and dreams in the air. The landscapes are wonderful. The weather is amazing. The total atmosphere is beyond aww inspiring. And..that is to say the least. I love going to Quito and I feel very blessed to have been there many times with my husband and several times with our son, too.

5. Are you a bucket list person. If so name one thing on it?

I would not say I am a bucket list person but one thing that I really would love to do is to travel to Africa and stay there for a month to teach the children. I would bring them gift boxes of school supplies and clothes. I would help them read and play games with them. I believe that they would teach me so much more than I would teach them. This is definitely something that is dear to my heart. I would document my time there. In that way, I can show the children here how fortunate they are and how really good we have it. That, in turn, can inspire others to pay it forward. This can be done through donations among other positive things.

6. What is the goal for your blog?

I want people to read and feel inspired. A goal is to keep the readers engaged and coming back for more with posts that truly come from the heart with passion. With that will come featured publications with highly reputable sites that will share with with the world.

7. What is a day well spent to you?

A day well spent is a day that is with my husband and son. One filled with laughter and cuddles. A day where we smile, have fun and enjoy one another’s company among great food, books and TV or spending quality time together going out.

8. How do you start your day?

I start my day by getting myself ready along with our son. I make an organic green smoothie before breakfast each morning. Then I will usually make coffee and breakfast.  On school days, I get my son up and ready for the day. I pack his lunch bag and give him his vitamins. He eats a little something then we wait for the bus to pick him up. After, I get my husband all set. The kitchen gets cleaned up and the day of creativity begins.

9. What is your favorite holiday and why?

My favorite holiday is Christmas. It is my favorite because it is such a special day. A day of love to celebrate the birth of our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Not too many words can explain it, but the day is magical and peaceful. It is so special to see children believe. We can learn so much from them. The smell, the wonder..everything.

10. Are you where you want to be professionally and if not, what will you do about it?

I am working on many things. I love to multitask, it is how I can stay focused. If I become overwhelmed with one thing, I can go continue working on another project. I always like to have something to do. I am working on promoting myself throughout all social media platforms. I am documenting all of my work. I am making a name for myself. I share my passion for education, art and autism and encourage and help others along the way. I put passion in everything I do and have faith and believe that my dreams are coming true. It is important to keep a positive attitude. I have my Bachelor of Science degree in Child Studies with a concentration in early childhood education as well I hold a Master Degree in Education with a concentration in teaching and learning. I am an educator, artist, autism advocate, photographer….the key thing is to keep me believing in me and know that God put this desire in my heart to share it with others. For that, I am thankful and blessed. I will keep on going, enjoying the journey that I must create to open doors.

11. What is your favorite quote?

“When I was 5 years old, my mother always told me that happiness was the key to life. When I went to school, they asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I wrote down ‘happy’. They told me I didn’t understand the assignment, and I told them they didn’t understand life.”
-John Lennon

If I would nominate a blogger for this award it would be right back at J, http://jsackblog.wordpress.com/ She is a very inspiring blogger <3
I will have some nominations. They will be coming up. Stay tuned.

Thank you!!!!
It is such an honor.
Dany

My Work

Little Collages of Work

By: Danielle Loor M.Ed., BSCS
loorducation
making. learning. fun
Early Childhood Education – Resources, activities and more.
Available for ordering. Custom Orders available.
Sensory, Hands -On…original and hand crafted.
Activity Sheets/Packets, Flash Card Sets and more…
http://www.loorducation.com
(475) 212-2679
loorducation@gmail.com

Little Hands, Big Learning

All in One Place

Danielle Loor M Ed

 FACEBOOK- http://www.facebook.com/loorducation

 BLOG- http://www.loorducation.blogspot.com/

TWITTER- www.twitter.com/loorducation

INSTAGRAM- www.instagram.com/loorducation

PINTEREST- www.pinterest.com/loorducation

WEBSITE- www.loorducation.com

GOOGLE+ https://plus.google.com/.../113148653358818348343/about

TUMBLR - https://www.tumblr.com/blog/loorducation

STUMBLEUPON -http://www.stumbleupon.com/stumbler/Loorducation

TSU - https://www.tsu.co/loorducation

LINKEDIN - https://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=266178370&trk=nav_responsive_tab_profile_pic

ABOUT ME -http://about.me/loorducation

Thoughts of the Day

It is important that children develop a sense of wonder and enlightenment and with that they can create within themselves a true love for learning. Learning should never be forced,only encouraged. We all learn in different ways and when the time is right for us. Children are unique and as I always say education should not be  a one size fits all approach. Education should be fun, engaging and differentiated. Education should fit the needs of the learner at that exact time when the teacher is educating them. At the same time, we as educators are learning so much from children. They can truly open our hearts and minds and guide us to view the world through magnificent eyes.

At Loorducation - learning is hands on and FUN!!!
The Whole Child is taught and teaches us at the same time.

Making. Learning. Fun.
Activity and Play based learning.
Early Childhood Education
A different approach,

Specializing in hand made sensory items, games and projects. Educational arts and crafts, learning packets and so much more. Come check us out around the web.

All items we use as tools are available for purchase and can be shipped to you.

See what Loorducation offers:
www.loorducation.com
www.facebook.com/loorducation..and all over social media.

www.constructivekinder.weebly.com
(project developed in graduate school - a glimpse at the pedagogy of loorducation)

Thank you.

Peace, Love, and Education,

Dany Loor - BSCS, M.Ed.
founder/creative director at Loorducation

Making. Learning. Fun.

I am dedicated and passionate about making learning fun. I wish for all children to develop a healthy, strong love for learning. My philosophy is – learning is best hands on and using all senses so children get the optimal experience.