Building on the Wonders of Childhood

Empowering Educators in Building the Power of Early Childhood Education.

Changing Hearts to Change Behaviors: A Charlottesville Response
September 11, 2017

Changing Hearts to Change Behaviors: A Charlottesville Response

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.22″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.0.7″ text_font=”Times New Roman||||” hover_enabled=”0″ border_style=”solid” content__hover_enabled=”off|desktop” content_last_edited=”off|desktop”] As we saw in reports from Charlottesville and other cities around the U.S. last month, groups like the KKK, neo-Nazis, and other white supremacists are acting with greater confidence than they have in decades. Marginalized people and groups continue to feel even less safe than […]

Institute Blog 0 4 min read
What we do, and what we say matters!
August 21, 2017

What we do, and what we say matters!

It was 15 years ago this August when I was sitting at a table with my parents and their friends at some function I probably didn’t even want to attend.  I was undoubtedly filling my face with cake at the table, having decided I was “way too cool and way too old” to be seen interacting with the group of 5-year-olds […]

Institute Blog 6 6 min read
“Do you believe in Black Lives Matter?”
July 21, 2017

“Do you believe in Black Lives Matter?”

Students in Hilltop’s after-school program asked this question – of their teachers and their friends –  repeatedly this year. Mostly those inquiring were black students. They had heard about Black Lives Matter on the news, and noticed how educators and students in our local Seattle Public Schools were supporting the Black Lives Matter movement. The kids wanted to support the movement too, and wanted to know how Black Lives Matter was supported at Hilltop. They took action one afternoon by making their own Black Lives Matter signs.

Institute Blog 0 7 min read
Authentic Literacy Learning
June 15, 2017

Authentic Literacy Learning

The key to developing literacy is a love of reading that is best stimulated by frequent exposure to letters and books. Reading activities that are forced on children can transform a delight into work. It is best to follow a child’s lead in when, what, and how they want to engage with books and letters, while still offering them ample opportunities in various contexts.

Institute Blog 0 4 min read
Reciprocal Influence
May 31, 2017

Reciprocal Influence

Each time a group of visitors comes to Hilltop, we get to hear their experiences, and their impressions of Hilltop, and we get a glimpse of ourselves through fresh eyes. We had a particularly poignant and revealing visit, recently, with a group of educators working in the Residential Parenting Program at the Washington Corrections Center for Women.

Institute Blog 0 4 min read
May 25, 2017

Active Body Brain Connection – Pre and Post Event Dialogue

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Educator Discussion Series Dialogue 0 22 min read
Mindful Toddlers
May 17, 2017

Mindful Toddlers

I don’t meditate, but I want to be the type of person that does. As a classroom teacher of three-year-olds, I’ve looked for ways to help the group calm down, connect with their bodies, and learn self-soothing skills. But how do I get a three-year-old to meditate, especially when I’m not a practitioner myself?

Institute Blog 0 3 min read
May 8, 2017

Learning Stories – Pre and Post Event Dialogue

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Educator Discussion Series Dialogue 0 25 min read
Toddlers and Trust Falls: Active Play
May 3, 2017

Toddlers and Trust Falls: Active Play

Why do children need to use their bodies – both indoors and outdoors – in strong and active ways? It’s more than just “getting their wiggles out” so they can participate cooperatively in the less active parts of their days. Children deserve access to active – even risky – play, in order to help their brains develop.

Institute Blog 0 6 min read