The important thing about a problem is not its solution, but the strength we gain in finding the solution.
– Seneca

Holly Delgado, writing in an article that’s the foundation for the Out of the Box Training, “Translating Play-Based Learning for Families,” describes a typical interaction between a parent and their child at the end of a preschool day. When asked what the child did all day, it’s typical that the reply may be, “nothing.” Young children aren’t always willing or able to provide a blow-by-blow description of their daily activities. That may be why families feel they need to see “evidence” of learning coming home, such as worksheets. They may not truly understand the deep, authentic learning taking place in play-based programs.

Delgado offers administrators and educators tools they can use, such as documentation and other strategies, to provide families with evidence of learning. Delgado urges a strengths-based approach to assessment. She writes, “Assessing the whole child from a strengths-based point of view helps teachers and families better understand the child’s current level of development. When observations include positive information about the child’s development, family members may feel a stronger connection and desire to engage.”

The Out of the Box Training can be used by administrators who want to to provide tools for staff, by college professors who want to provide information for students, or by family childcare providers who want an effective way to communicate with families.

P.S. We wanted to share a link to a recent statement honoring the life and legacy of Rob Reiner from the First 5 California organization.