The Hatch Early Learning Blog

Get the latest early childhood learning blogs from the Hatch Early Learning Experts

10 Ways to Celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week This Year

At Hatch, we believe every week should be Teacher Appreciation Week. But next week is officially Teacher Appreciation Week — so we hope you’re planning an even bigger “thank you!” for all your amazing teachers.

Whether you plan on decorating classrooms or loading up on your teachers’ favorite treats, there’s no better time than Teacher Appreciation Week to show your teachers how much they mean to your learning program.

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Applying the TPACK Framework When Choosing Technology for Early Childhood Education

It has long been established that in the early childhood classroom, learning is best approached as playful business. And why not? The joyful practice of learning how to assemble healthy meals with pretend food, or the rhythmic expression of acting out the lifecycle of a butterfly presents the opportunity to spark excitement for even the most reluctant of learners. In fact, encouraging our youngest students to develop a lifelong love of learning must be initiated in a fun, carefree way especially considering their minimal attention spans. Throughout the literature on early childhood education, best practices for learning through play in offline learning environments are well-substantiated. However, in our increasingly digital world, researchers are suggesting it is time we make space for innovation.

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Celebrating English Language Learners in Early Childhood

English language learners are an important segment of the early childhood population to consider when designing supplemental instructional tools. The complexities of addressing children’s native languages within curriculum primarily designed for English-speaking students presents teachers with a challenge. However, some supplemental instructional tools can save teachers valuable time, boost confidence and overall feelings of efficacy for children attempting to learn a new language, and further unlock levels of proficiency for English language learners.  

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Using Data To Inform Instruction

Alex Post Miller
Oct. 25, 2022

Data collection and analysis is inherent to teaching and learning. Whether or not educators intentionally collect data, they are constantly using information about the children in their class to inform instruction. However, how educators collect, analyze, and use that data when broken down can be formalized in a process that can lead to more powerful results for all children. Plus, at the end of the day can ultimately help save educator’s time in planning and reporting out information to families and administrators.

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Learning Sciences to Boost Kindergarten Readiness with Ignite by Hatch™

Alex Post Miller
Aug. 5, 2022

“Relevant learning outcomes must be well defined in cognitive and non-cognitive domains, and continually assessed as an integral part of the teaching and learning process. Quality education includes the development of those skills, values, attitudes, and knowledge that enable citizens to lead healthy and fulfilled lives, make informed decisions, and respond to local and global challenges.” – Incheon Declaration for Education, 2016

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How to Find Funding for Your Teachers’ Professional Development

When it comes to your teachers’ professional development, there’s so much to consider. Not only do you have to think about you’re their individual learning styles, but you also have to remember just how difficult professional growth can be when time is so limited. Even with those constraints aside, there’s always another looming barrier to overcome — funding.

At Hatch Early Learning, we understand how important supporting your teachers with high-quality professional development programming and tools really is. That’s why we’re here to help you identify funding sources available outside the typical ways you find funding and how you can apply it to support your teachers.

Here are two more funding resources to tap to help take your teachers to the next level in professional development:

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5 Ways to Incorporate Mindfulness in Early Childhood Education

Introducing your children to mindfulness is one of the most effective ways to ensure their success both inside and outside of the classroom. Whether you want to help kids improve focus, enhance their social-emotional learning, or help them stay on track academically, the benefits of mindfulness will have a lasting impact on their health and well-being. All you have to do is practice!

If you’re looking to add a mindfulness practice to your teaching toolkit, here are a few proven strategies to effectively incorporate it into your learning program:

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Ignite Learning Support at Home

Family and parent involvement is a crucial part of any child’s early education. Caregivers may not think of themselves as teachers, but they play an important role in their child’s lifelong learning. While schools provide rich learning environments for children, we know that parents and families are a child’s first and most important teacher. 

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4 Books to Celebrate National Family Literacy Month

National Family Literacy Month ends today, but that doesn't mean we have to stop reading together! When it comes to instilling a lifelong love of reading among children, families play a critical role. That’s why it’s so important to encourage parents to read aloud to their children at home during and beyond National Family Literacy Month.

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How One Preschool Administrator in Louisiana Uses Ignite to Boost Kindergarten Readiness

Like most early childhood educators, the main goal of Lola Vallaire-Thomas, a preschool administrator in Louisiana’s Vermillion Parish Early Childhood Network, is to prepare her early learners for kindergarten. But it’s not always easy, especially when there’s a disconnect between city, district, and state standards, and the Gold objectives her program is expected to meet.

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5 Creative Ways to Prepare Children for Assessments

Understanding where a child’s strengths lie — and where room for improvement may exist — is critical when it comes to academic success. While assessments will shine a light on the skill areas that need more attention, it’s more effective to identify where additional support is needed before test time. This way you can tailor classroom experiences that not only boost learning, but make it even more enjoyable!

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