Diana Ruiz Fuentes’ Post

Play isn't just about having fun—it's FUNdamental to a child's growth and learning! Recent research highlights how play supports the development of physical, cognitive, social, emotional, and creative skills in early childhood. As occupational therapists, we recognize the profound therapeutic benefits of engaging in playful activities. From building towers to singing and dancing, each playful interaction helps children develop crucial skills and strengthens their bond with caregivers. Read more about the science of play here:

Play is key to building executive function skills for young children--and for all of us! Learning to prioritize, plan, revise, and redo builds resilience and creativity. Playing alongside kids let us develop our creativity alongside the kids in our lives. Great article clarifying these links at The LEGO Foundation. #parenting #teaching #play #creativity #teaching #teacher #earlyed #language #ef

🌟 Did you know that a childs brain develops more in the first three years than at any other time? 🌟 Play is not just fun – it's fundamental to their development! 🧠💡 At The LEGO Foundation, we’ve teamed up with UNICEF to explore how playful interactions help children grow. From building towers to playing hide-and-seek, these activities enhance physical, cognitive, social, and emotional skills. Discover how you can turn everyday play into powerful learning moments and support children's development with simple, fun activities. 🎨🎶🧩 #ChildDevelopment #EarlyLearning #LearningThroughPlay

Awaken the Genius Within! In a world where there's so much violence and crime, where children often struggle to find their identity and purpose, it's crucial to build a curriculum that empowers them to discover their unique talents, passions, and untapped potential that lay dormant within each child. Let's focus on awakening the genius within our children, helping them find fulfillment and become positive forces for change in society. Remember, every child wants to be successful, so let us give life to learning and Awaken Genius in children! #MichaelMeade#AwakenGenius#TherapyInEducation#EmpowerOurYouth#Ubuntu#Identity#Belonging#Purpose#NoMoreExclusion#EarlyIntervention

The Power of Observation: Nurturing Young Minds In the hustle of our daily lives, it's easy to overlook a simple truth: children don't just listen, they observe. 👦👧 As parents, educators, and mentors, understanding the profound impact of this observation is key to unlocking the potential of the next generation. Follow Renu Soni for more #ObservingMinds #ChildhoodCuriosity #ParentingInsights #LittleLearners #InquisitiveMinds #CuriousKids #EyesOfInnocence #ParentingJourney #MindfulChildhood #GrowingThroughObservation #WatchLearnGrow #WisdomOfChildren #TinyThinkers #NurturingLittleMinds #ObservationLearning #KidCuriosity #ParentingMagic #ObservantExplorers #renusoni

🌍 In a world rich with diverse opinions and beliefs, teaching our kids to navigate disagreements with kindness and openness is more crucial than ever. Our latest blog explores practical strategies for fostering empathy and understanding in our children. Discover how to help them appreciate different perspectives, develop critical thinking, and engage respectfully with others. 🔗 Read the full blog here: https://lnkd.in/giVFMHh6 #KindnessMatters #EmpathyInAction #ParentingTips #DoingGoodTogether

Building a Community in Education "Ubuntu philosophy guides us in building a classroom community rooted in empathy, respect, and interconnectedness. By fostering a culture of inclusivity, understanding, and shared humanity, we can combat violence, hate, and bullying in society. Let's embrace Ubuntu's principle of 'I am because we are' to create a safer, more compassionate world for all. #UbuntuEducation #EndViolence #SpreadLove"

What do early childhood educators worry about in exploring race and culture? • Not doing it "right" or using the wrong terms, or that your own biases or prejudices could show up • Parents' polarized, possibly litigious reactions • Not sure how in-depth to go, how to talk about the violent past, or worried about planting harmful ideas that kids don't already have. These concerns all surfaced at November's gathering on Developing Race Consciousness. We have felt them all; and we also have experienced Reggio-Inspired methods as tools to support this kind of inquiry, for both adults and children. Join Christy Spencer and Rie Algeo Gilsdorf at an online Network event this Thursday. We'll have open dialogue about aspirations and anxieties, what's worked and when, and how to give everyone (including yourself) grace to recover from the inevitable stumbles. Details and registration at https://lnkd.in/gzDQBpqQ #reggioemilia #earlychildhoodeducation #professionaldevelopment #deeplistening #systemschange #mindsetreset #culturechange #dialogue #crossculturalcommunication #racialequity #antiracismeducation

🌟 Happy International Children's Day! 🎉 Today, we celebrate the bright futures, boundless potential, and pure joy that children bring into our lives. Every child is a universe of possibilities, and it's our duty to nurture and protect their dreams. Let’s take a moment to reflect on how we can make the world a better place for our children. Whether it's through education, love, or support, every small action counts. ✨ Here are a few ways you can make a difference today: 🌟 Spend quality time with a child – listen to their stories, play games, and be present. 🌟 Support children's education and well-being in your community. 🌟 Advocate for children's rights and raise awareness about the issues they face. Remember, children are not just our future, they are our present. Let's cherish their innocence, foster their growth, and celebrate their uniqueness. 🌈 And here’s a question for you: What does your inner child need to experience life more fully? Our children remind us that life is an adventure, and we should approach it with curiosity and a desire to explore new ways and ideas. Let’s learn from them and rekindle our sense of wonder. #InternationalChildrensDay #FutureLeaders #CelebrateChildren #InspireGrowth #CherishInnocence #InnerChild #LifelongLearning

Young people are under siege from hyper-s*xualised media, advertising and the worst aspects of pop culture. In a range of new offerings for schools, MTR delves into global research on how s*xualised imagery distorts views on bodies, relationships, and s*xuality. She also draws from hundreds of personal stories young people have shared with her. Students will learn to critically evaluate how these toxic messages harm their self-image and relationships, impacting their physical, emotional, and social development. They will discover how to clarify their values, enforce boundaries, resist harmful cultural forces, and build relationships rooted in mutual respect and empathy. If you’d like to book Melinda for your school, women’s event, community or youth group, please email: melinda@tankardreist.com or DM here. #melindatankardreist #schools #students #presentation #workshop #speaker #medialiteracy #popculture #media #advertising #socialmedia #onlinesafety #values #relationships #consent #coercivecontrol #redflags #greenflags #gaslighting #lovebombing #bodyimage #mentalhealth #childsafeguarding #childprotection #womensafety #childsafeculture #harmfulsexualbehaviours #vawg #boundaries #respect #relationships #socialchange