WEBVTT 00:00:08.460 --> 00:00:12.240 Welcome to the Forgotten ECE, the show where 00:00:12.240 --> 00:00:14.640 before and after school educators, summer camp 00:00:14.640 --> 00:00:18.079 and PD staff and CYWs have a place where they 00:00:18.079 --> 00:00:21.219 are seen, heard and valued. I'm your host, Jamie 00:00:21.219 --> 00:00:32.520 Wankler, and I'm so excited you're here. Hey 00:00:32.520 --> 00:00:35.840 there, and welcome back to the Forgotten ECE, 00:00:36.079 --> 00:00:39.979 the podcast. that puts a spotlight on the educators' 00:00:40.140 --> 00:00:43.259 holes in it down in the most overlooked spaces 00:00:43.259 --> 00:00:46.679 in early childhood education, before and after 00:00:46.679 --> 00:00:50.079 school programs. I'm Jamie Wagler, your host, 00:00:50.320 --> 00:00:53.780 and today's episode is one of those real -life 00:00:53.780 --> 00:00:56.859 -meets -real -needs kind of conversations. We're 00:00:56.859 --> 00:01:00.259 calling it, by we and we die, no time, no budget, 00:01:00.460 --> 00:01:05.019 no... problem, low prep experiences that matter. 00:01:05.140 --> 00:01:08.000 Because let's be honest, between split shifts, 00:01:08.459 --> 00:01:11.560 limited resources, and the constant dance of 00:01:11.560 --> 00:01:14.620 make it work, sometimes planning activities feels 00:01:14.620 --> 00:01:17.920 like just another thing on your already full 00:01:17.920 --> 00:01:21.900 plate. But meaningful programming doesn't have 00:01:21.900 --> 00:01:24.840 to mean more. Sometimes it's about doing less 00:01:24.840 --> 00:01:29.159 but better. If you've ever, ever felt this way, 00:01:29.219 --> 00:01:33.129 this is your episode. Let's just start with some 00:01:33.129 --> 00:01:36.790 honesty. If you're anything like me, you've had 00:01:36.790 --> 00:01:38.769 one of those days where you walk into a room, 00:01:38.849 --> 00:01:41.689 kids are buzzing, energy is high, and the schedule's 00:01:41.689 --> 00:01:44.489 off. And someone casually says, can you just 00:01:44.489 --> 00:01:46.530 do something until snack? And you're standing 00:01:46.530 --> 00:01:49.310 there with what? A broken glue stick, three Uno 00:01:49.310 --> 00:01:52.590 cards, and a roll of tape? Sound familiar? If 00:01:52.590 --> 00:01:56.090 you've ever been handed a storage closet, a plastic 00:01:56.090 --> 00:01:59.250 bin full of tangled pipe cleaners, and told to 00:01:59.250 --> 00:02:02.510 just engage them, this episode is 100 % for you. 00:02:02.609 --> 00:02:04.750 Because here's the reality of before and after 00:02:04.750 --> 00:02:08.009 school. Your planning time doesn't exist. Your 00:02:08.009 --> 00:02:11.069 storage probably shared with six other programs. 00:02:11.330 --> 00:02:15.610 Your prep budget, make me laugh. Your time split, 00:02:15.930 --> 00:02:18.669 scattered, and unpredictable. And yet here you 00:02:18.669 --> 00:02:21.770 are. You show up. You create safety, connection, 00:02:21.990 --> 00:02:25.250 and joy in the small windows between KR. You 00:02:25.250 --> 00:02:29.150 are constantly improvising magic and still wondering 00:02:29.150 --> 00:02:31.930 if it's enough. I want to pause here and tell 00:02:31.930 --> 00:02:36.569 you something loud and clear. Low prep doesn't 00:02:36.569 --> 00:02:39.810 mean lazy. It doesn't mean less. It doesn't mean 00:02:39.810 --> 00:02:43.129 you're phoning it in. It means you are being 00:02:43.129 --> 00:02:46.069 responsive. It means you're being intentional 00:02:46.069 --> 00:02:48.229 and it means you're working with what you've 00:02:48.229 --> 00:02:51.409 got just like a great educator does. Take this 00:02:51.409 --> 00:02:54.169 with you. Here's a mind shift I want you to try 00:02:54.169 --> 00:02:57.729 this week. Say it with me. Number one, I don't 00:02:57.729 --> 00:03:00.449 need more materials to create meaningful moments. 00:03:00.629 --> 00:03:03.550 I'll give you a second. I am the curriculum. 00:03:03.810 --> 00:03:07.090 Try it. Oh, beautiful. Loud and proud people. 00:03:07.189 --> 00:03:13.650 I can do more with less on purpose. Yes. Let's 00:03:13.650 --> 00:03:16.090 stop thinking of no budget as a limitation and 00:03:16.090 --> 00:03:18.330 start thinking of it as a creative invitation. 00:03:18.770 --> 00:03:20.750 Do this with your team on your own. A journal 00:03:20.750 --> 00:03:22.909 prompt. Think of a time when something really 00:03:22.909 --> 00:03:24.949 simple led to an amazing moment of connection 00:03:24.949 --> 00:03:27.830 or play. What were you doing? What did the kids 00:03:27.830 --> 00:03:30.990 love about it? What made it work? Write it down. 00:03:31.449 --> 00:03:35.590 Celebrate it. That's pedagogy in action. I also... 00:03:36.120 --> 00:03:37.719 I'm going to give you something else to do today 00:03:37.719 --> 00:03:39.479 because I'm just full of things to give you. 00:03:39.639 --> 00:03:42.400 Grab a stack of sticky notes. Write one low prep 00:03:42.400 --> 00:03:45.659 idea on each that has worked for you, big or 00:03:45.659 --> 00:03:47.960 small. Stick them up in the staff room or share 00:03:47.960 --> 00:03:50.879 them with a group chat. Create a living wall 00:03:50.879 --> 00:03:54.659 of ideas that say, look what we can do even when 00:03:54.659 --> 00:03:57.659 the resources are tight. And I challenge you. 00:03:57.960 --> 00:04:00.979 I challenge you, no photocopies, no printables, 00:04:01.060 --> 00:04:04.240 no themed craft. Only repurposed materials, imagination, 00:04:04.560 --> 00:04:09.479 and real world inspiration. You will be amazed 00:04:09.479 --> 00:04:12.419 at how capable, inventive, and connected your 00:04:12.419 --> 00:04:16.180 class or program become. I'm gonna say it one 00:04:16.180 --> 00:04:18.779 more time for the folks in the back. You are 00:04:18.779 --> 00:04:22.980 the resource. Your creativity, your patience, 00:04:23.240 --> 00:04:26.360 your willingness to experiment and adapt. That. 00:04:26.759 --> 00:04:29.300 is what turns an ordinary day into something 00:04:29.300 --> 00:04:32.519 unforgettable. And you're doing that every single 00:04:32.519 --> 00:04:35.420 shift. Low prep doesn't mean cutting corners. 00:04:35.459 --> 00:04:38.579 It means centering relationships over perfection, 00:04:38.839 --> 00:04:41.920 connection before curriculum. It means trusting 00:04:41.920 --> 00:04:44.160 kids and yourself to make something meaningful 00:04:44.160 --> 00:04:47.279 out of what's right in front of you. Next, I'm 00:04:47.279 --> 00:04:49.220 going to dive into the three core principles 00:04:49.220 --> 00:04:52.779 that make low prepping programs not only doable, 00:04:53.019 --> 00:04:56.170 but deeply impactful. While I'm switching gears, 00:04:56.329 --> 00:04:58.829 take a moment to follow this podcast so you get 00:04:58.829 --> 00:05:03.769 up -to -date episodes of The Forgotten ECE. If 00:05:03.769 --> 00:05:06.810 you like my musical interlude, so great. All 00:05:06.810 --> 00:05:09.470 right, let's break this down. Low prep experiences 00:05:09.470 --> 00:05:11.889 aren't about flying by the seat of your pants 00:05:11.889 --> 00:05:14.329 or just filling time. They're about responding 00:05:14.329 --> 00:05:17.290 to what's needed in the moment. and setting up 00:05:17.290 --> 00:05:20.629 space for kids to be creative, curious, and connected. 00:05:20.949 --> 00:05:24.889 So there are three core principles to guide your 00:05:24.889 --> 00:05:28.350 planning when you have no time, no budget, and 00:05:28.350 --> 00:05:31.829 zero patience left for scrolling on Pinterest. 00:05:32.269 --> 00:05:35.490 Principle one, leverage what they love. Instead 00:05:35.490 --> 00:05:38.910 of asking them, what should I do? Ask, what are 00:05:38.910 --> 00:05:41.490 they already into? Tuning into the children's 00:05:41.490 --> 00:05:44.790 interest is your best shortcut. to engagement. 00:05:45.009 --> 00:05:47.850 If they're talking about Beyblades, Minecraft, 00:05:48.329 --> 00:05:51.649 Taylor Swift, or even slime, that is your entry 00:05:51.649 --> 00:05:54.829 point. You don't need to have a theme craft or 00:05:54.829 --> 00:05:57.730 structured activity. You just need to create 00:05:57.730 --> 00:06:00.470 space for their passions to show up and play. 00:06:00.709 --> 00:06:03.189 Try this. Set up a talk table with magazines, 00:06:03.730 --> 00:06:07.050 post -it notes, markers, and let the kids make 00:06:07.050 --> 00:06:10.069 fan boards of whatever they're obsessed with. 00:06:10.480 --> 00:06:13.199 This will help give you ideas on where to engage 00:06:13.199 --> 00:06:14.879 their interests or where their interests are 00:06:14.879 --> 00:06:17.240 already engaging and you can pull from. Build 00:06:17.240 --> 00:06:20.000 storytelling or role -playing around pop culture, 00:06:20.160 --> 00:06:24.439 moments they care about. Kids can direct a commercial, 00:06:24.579 --> 00:06:27.079 act out a Pokemon battle, or even design their 00:06:27.079 --> 00:06:30.480 own superhero. Create a rotating What's Trending 00:06:30.480 --> 00:06:33.240 poster in your room where kids can write or draw 00:06:33.240 --> 00:06:35.899 their interests. Use this to spark spontaneous 00:06:35.899 --> 00:06:40.139 programming all week. Educator tip! Just listen 00:06:40.139 --> 00:06:42.699 during snack. Their conversations are the richest 00:06:42.699 --> 00:06:45.399 curriculum you'll ever find. Okay, okay, okay. 00:06:45.779 --> 00:06:49.879 Principle two, process over product. Say it with 00:06:49.879 --> 00:06:54.220 me. It doesn't have to look good to be good. 00:06:54.459 --> 00:06:56.740 Sometimes we feel pressure to send kids home 00:06:56.740 --> 00:06:59.920 with something quote -unquote finished. So families, 00:07:00.019 --> 00:07:03.100 see the value in our programs. But honestly... 00:07:03.399 --> 00:07:06.279 Some of the most meaningful learning happens 00:07:06.279 --> 00:07:09.199 mid -mess, mid -idea, and even mid -failure. 00:07:09.339 --> 00:07:13.680 Let's try this shift. Instead of let's make bracelets, 00:07:13.699 --> 00:07:16.240 say let's explore pattern making with beads. 00:07:16.420 --> 00:07:18.959 Instead of let's do crafts, say let's create 00:07:18.959 --> 00:07:21.680 with scrap paper and see what stories emerge. 00:07:22.199 --> 00:07:26.250 Display the process. Take photos of the building, 00:07:26.370 --> 00:07:29.329 testing, trying, failing, laughing, add captions 00:07:29.329 --> 00:07:31.850 from the children like, we weren't sure this 00:07:31.850 --> 00:07:34.930 would work, but we kept trying. Oh, and bonus 00:07:34.930 --> 00:07:38.029 tip, make a quick display board titled what we're 00:07:38.029 --> 00:07:40.970 working on instead of what we made. Watch how 00:07:40.970 --> 00:07:45.589 that subtle shift invites more exploration. There's 00:07:45.589 --> 00:07:49.769 less pressure put on the creation and more on 00:07:49.769 --> 00:07:52.449 the creating and more emphasis on that creating. 00:07:52.920 --> 00:07:56.519 Principle three, repeat with purpose. Here's 00:07:56.519 --> 00:08:00.000 a secret. Come closer. Are you listening? Can 00:08:00.000 --> 00:08:04.339 you hear me? You don't have to invent new activities 00:08:04.339 --> 00:08:07.220 every day. Repetition actually builds confidence. 00:08:07.579 --> 00:08:10.639 Ritual builds community and predictability builds 00:08:10.639 --> 00:08:13.439 safety. Kids thrive when they know what's coming. 00:08:13.560 --> 00:08:16.800 And you thrive when you're not reinventing the 00:08:16.800 --> 00:08:20.060 wheel. Create a rhythm for your week that gives 00:08:20.060 --> 00:08:23.120 you structure, but still leaves room for spontaneity 00:08:23.120 --> 00:08:27.279 and flexibility. Try this week flow. Monday movement, 00:08:27.439 --> 00:08:29.779 which includes outdoor challenges, team games, 00:08:30.199 --> 00:08:34.799 etc. Tinker Tuesday. Dem. Building. Deconstructing 00:08:34.799 --> 00:08:38.340 old tech. I love, love, love, love letting kids 00:08:38.340 --> 00:08:41.029 take apart technology. If you've listened to 00:08:41.029 --> 00:08:44.690 me before, I talk often about the engine I let 00:08:44.690 --> 00:08:46.950 the kids take apart that I got donated. I've 00:08:46.950 --> 00:08:49.610 also let them take apart typewriters, old computers, 00:08:50.710 --> 00:08:53.730 cell phones. They love, love, love to explore 00:08:53.730 --> 00:08:56.750 the ins and outs of different technology. Wonder 00:08:56.750 --> 00:08:59.889 Wednesday. Natural exploration, mystery bags. 00:09:00.149 --> 00:09:03.769 See what happens. Think Tank Thursday. Creative 00:09:03.769 --> 00:09:05.970 problem solving would be a great thing that happens 00:09:05.970 --> 00:09:09.269 there. Group projects. And then finally, free 00:09:09.269 --> 00:09:11.690 chores Fridays. The kids lead the way. Even just 00:09:11.690 --> 00:09:14.389 naming the days gives it a purpose. I want you 00:09:14.389 --> 00:09:16.389 to reflect on this for a second. What is something 00:09:16.389 --> 00:09:18.970 your group loved doing last week that you never 00:09:18.970 --> 00:09:21.370 repeated? And can it become a regular routine? 00:09:21.610 --> 00:09:24.289 Maybe it's a game that you had outside. Maybe 00:09:24.289 --> 00:09:26.990 it's creating your own superheroes. Maybe it 00:09:26.990 --> 00:09:29.789 was building houses and telling stories with 00:09:29.789 --> 00:09:32.960 them. Anything. Anything at all. Remember. follow 00:09:32.960 --> 00:09:35.960 their lead, honor their process, and repeat what 00:09:35.960 --> 00:09:39.539 works. That's your new low prep framework. And 00:09:39.539 --> 00:09:42.379 it's not about doing less. It's about doing what 00:09:42.379 --> 00:09:46.259 matters more. Ready to get practical? Let's see. 00:09:46.759 --> 00:09:51.960 It is time to fill your toolkit. These activities 00:09:51.960 --> 00:09:55.059 are budget -free, set up light, and are rich 00:09:55.059 --> 00:09:58.700 in relationships, creativity, and meaning. Most 00:09:58.700 --> 00:10:02.039 importantly, They work with mixed age groups 00:10:02.039 --> 00:10:05.480 and can be flexible depending on how much time, 00:10:05.559 --> 00:10:09.000 space, and support you've got. I actually, you're 00:10:09.000 --> 00:10:11.899 so lucky, I actually have 10 experiences for 00:10:11.899 --> 00:10:14.440 you. So if you aren't already concentrating on 00:10:14.440 --> 00:10:16.840 my voice, start concentrating now. I mean, I 00:10:16.840 --> 00:10:18.279 don't know how you cannot because I'm a little 00:10:18.279 --> 00:10:22.919 obnoxious. Hello, I'm here. All right, I'm done. 00:10:23.000 --> 00:10:26.769 I'm done. One, loose. Parks Nature Tray. Take 00:10:26.769 --> 00:10:29.230 the kids outside, let them collect leaves, rocks, 00:10:29.370 --> 00:10:31.870 sticks, flowers, whatever they find. Bring it 00:10:31.870 --> 00:10:34.509 inside, add some egg cartons, string, or muffin 00:10:34.509 --> 00:10:37.570 tins, and let them sort, pattern, arrange, and 00:10:37.570 --> 00:10:40.250 create. This is beautiful because it's open -ended, 00:10:40.370 --> 00:10:42.409 that involves sensory, and it's collaborative. 00:10:42.590 --> 00:10:45.129 It's great for quiet groups or transition periods. 00:10:45.629 --> 00:10:48.490 Next, the floor is lava. If you haven't done 00:10:48.490 --> 00:10:51.049 this, oh, you need to do it. Use cushions, chairs, 00:10:51.289 --> 00:10:53.970 cones, string, anything to set up an obstacle 00:10:53.970 --> 00:10:57.490 course in or outside. Challenge them to get from 00:10:57.490 --> 00:11:01.009 point A to B without touching the floor. Let 00:11:01.009 --> 00:11:04.029 them redesign the course next. And if you want 00:11:04.029 --> 00:11:06.250 to add some music besides you singing, the floor 00:11:06.250 --> 00:11:11.370 is lava. You can actually play on Spotify, probably. 00:11:11.549 --> 00:11:15.340 The floor is lava. It's a song. Check it out 00:11:15.340 --> 00:11:17.779 if you haven't heard it already. It works because 00:11:17.779 --> 00:11:21.179 movement and creativity equal regulation goals. 00:11:21.500 --> 00:11:25.120 Kids build leadership and take turns naturally 00:11:25.120 --> 00:11:29.379 in games like this. Number three, sticker storybooks. 00:11:29.580 --> 00:11:32.340 Fold paper into mini books. Give them a pile 00:11:32.340 --> 00:11:34.580 of random stickers. Challenge them to create 00:11:34.580 --> 00:11:37.899 a full story only using stickers as the characters 00:11:37.899 --> 00:11:40.419 are setting. This works because it sneaks storytelling 00:11:40.419 --> 00:11:42.960 and sequencing and creative thinking into the 00:11:42.960 --> 00:11:46.889 project. It takes zero to no crap, and there's 00:11:46.889 --> 00:11:51.110 tons of laughter. Number four, tin foil sculptures. 00:11:51.809 --> 00:11:54.929 Hand out sheets of aluminum foil. That's it. 00:11:55.110 --> 00:11:57.830 Let them twist, shape, and build. It works because 00:11:57.830 --> 00:11:59.970 it's great for fine motor skills and imagination. 00:12:00.350 --> 00:12:03.870 There's no mess and no cleanup. You are welcome. 00:12:04.389 --> 00:12:10.570 Number five, five golden rings. Nope. Five is 00:12:10.570 --> 00:12:13.809 actually mystery bag provocations. Fill a bag 00:12:13.809 --> 00:12:16.870 with three random items, a spoon, string, button, 00:12:17.009 --> 00:12:20.549 feathers, etc. Kids pull out an item and create 00:12:20.549 --> 00:12:23.850 a story, invention, or drawing using all three. 00:12:24.350 --> 00:12:28.110 This promotes divergent thinking and kids love 00:12:28.110 --> 00:12:30.610 randomness. And the stories they come up with 00:12:30.610 --> 00:12:33.730 will be hilarious, I assure you. Number six is 00:12:33.730 --> 00:12:37.250 shadow drawing. Take small toys outside, place 00:12:37.250 --> 00:12:39.830 them on paper in the sunlight, and have the kids 00:12:39.830 --> 00:12:42.879 trace the shadows and differentiate. Turn them 00:12:42.879 --> 00:12:45.279 into scenes. This works because science meets 00:12:45.279 --> 00:12:48.559 art. Kids get curious about light, angles, and 00:12:48.559 --> 00:12:51.919 change over time. Number seven, reverse engineering. 00:12:52.379 --> 00:12:55.460 Give them an old keyboard, a broken phone, or 00:12:55.460 --> 00:12:59.019 toy car and screwdrivers. Supervised, of course. 00:12:59.240 --> 00:13:02.159 Let them safely take a part and ask questions. 00:13:02.200 --> 00:13:05.299 It promotes tinkering, focus, and logic, and 00:13:05.299 --> 00:13:07.919 it feels empowering to take real things apart. 00:13:08.340 --> 00:13:12.559 Number eight, human machines. In small groups, 00:13:12.720 --> 00:13:16.259 kids become parts of a machine, making sound, 00:13:16.600 --> 00:13:18.899 movement, rhythm. Another child has to guess 00:13:18.899 --> 00:13:20.700 what they are. A blender, a washing machine, 00:13:20.759 --> 00:13:23.840 a popcorn maker. This works because it promotes 00:13:23.840 --> 00:13:27.580 teamwork, listening, creativity, and again, lots 00:13:27.580 --> 00:13:30.940 and lots of giggles. And it's great for indoors 00:13:30.940 --> 00:13:34.200 or outdoors. One of my favorites, a mini talent 00:13:34.200 --> 00:13:36.919 show. Set a timer. Give the kids 10 minutes to 00:13:36.919 --> 00:13:38.940 prep. Then each child performs something like 00:13:38.940 --> 00:13:41.840 a dance or a joke or a magic trick, a drawing 00:13:41.840 --> 00:13:46.120 reveal, etc. Singing. Keep it optional but exciting. 00:13:46.379 --> 00:13:48.879 This works because it builds confidence, empathy, 00:13:49.059 --> 00:13:52.600 and audience etiquette. Plus, zero materials 00:13:52.600 --> 00:13:57.460 are needed. Number 10. Final. Fold a piece of 00:13:57.460 --> 00:13:59.820 paper in half. You are going to create a do -it 00:13:59.820 --> 00:14:02.399 -yourself board game kids can design their own 00:14:02.399 --> 00:14:05.200 board game complete with rules characters and 00:14:05.200 --> 00:14:08.879 challenges then they play test each other's it 00:14:08.879 --> 00:14:11.120 works because it combines literacy and logic 00:14:11.120 --> 00:14:14.480 and collaboration and they get to be the creators 00:14:14.480 --> 00:14:16.399 not just the players and this is an excellent 00:14:16.399 --> 00:14:18.919 activity to pair a older child with a younger 00:14:18.919 --> 00:14:21.799 child and work get them to work together all 00:14:21.799 --> 00:14:24.600 right want to make it easy for you here's a bonus 00:14:24.600 --> 00:14:27.669 takeaway Create a low prep grab bin in your room. 00:14:27.750 --> 00:14:30.250 Fill it with dice, paper scraps, straws, buttons, 00:14:30.409 --> 00:14:33.009 tinfoils, clipboards, tapes, and it becomes this 00:14:33.009 --> 00:14:36.830 launch pad for dozens of ideas. Also, post a 00:14:36.830 --> 00:14:39.169 what can we try today list on the wall. Include 00:14:39.169 --> 00:14:41.269 five to ten of these ideas so older kids can 00:14:41.269 --> 00:14:43.889 self -select activities, giving them voice and 00:14:43.889 --> 00:14:45.809 ownership. Again, this can be done with group. 00:14:45.909 --> 00:14:48.090 You can sit and have a small group with some 00:14:48.090 --> 00:14:49.629 of the younger kids and having the older kids 00:14:49.629 --> 00:14:51.750 do this self -select activity. Whatever you want. 00:14:52.159 --> 00:14:55.779 Oh my goodness. So many great ideas. I hope there's 00:14:55.779 --> 00:15:00.480 some takeaways for you. 10 tested, trusted, and 00:15:00.480 --> 00:15:04.580 truly doable experiences that cost you nothing, 00:15:04.740 --> 00:15:07.470 but give your kids everything. So we've talked 00:15:07.470 --> 00:15:09.990 about the pressure to do more with less time, 00:15:10.049 --> 00:15:13.090 less budget, less space. And we flipped that 00:15:13.090 --> 00:15:16.009 script because you and I both know that this 00:15:16.009 --> 00:15:19.629 work was never about perfect crafts or flashy 00:15:19.629 --> 00:15:21.789 programming. It's about being present. It's about 00:15:21.789 --> 00:15:24.070 those connections we make. It's about making 00:15:24.070 --> 00:15:27.149 kids feel like they belong. And it's about finding 00:15:27.149 --> 00:15:30.470 joy in the in -between moments. I just want you 00:15:30.470 --> 00:15:32.389 to take a moment to reflect. If you're listening 00:15:32.389 --> 00:15:34.529 to this on your way to work, in between split 00:15:34.529 --> 00:15:37.129 shifts, or while cleaning up yet another Lego 00:15:37.129 --> 00:15:39.929 explosion, I want you to pause just for a second 00:15:39.929 --> 00:15:42.789 and ask yourself, what is one simple thing I've 00:15:42.789 --> 00:15:46.169 done lately that sparked joy or connection? Maybe 00:15:46.169 --> 00:15:48.029 it was letting a child lead a game they invented. 00:15:48.090 --> 00:15:50.129 Sitting down and coloring beside them with no 00:15:50.129 --> 00:15:52.649 agenda. Turning a cardboard box into something 00:15:52.649 --> 00:15:56.669 magical. That counts. That matters. That is care. 00:15:56.889 --> 00:16:00.990 And it doesn't cost a dime. I would love it, 00:16:00.990 --> 00:16:03.570 love it, love it, love it if you guys could pick 00:16:03.570 --> 00:16:08.470 one low prep idea from this episode and try it. 00:16:08.490 --> 00:16:11.389 Just one. Ask yourself what surprised you about 00:16:11.389 --> 00:16:14.570 it or how the kids responded or what did you 00:16:14.570 --> 00:16:16.210 notice about yourself during the experience? 00:16:16.450 --> 00:16:20.250 Write it down. Share it with a colleague or better 00:16:20.250 --> 00:16:23.269 yet, share it with me. I'd love, love, love, 00:16:23.289 --> 00:16:25.269 love to hear how it goes. Tag me on Instagram, 00:16:25.470 --> 00:16:31.259 missjamie__rec. DM me or use the hashtag TheForgottenEC 00:16:31.259 --> 00:16:33.620 so we can celebrate the magic you're creating 00:16:33.620 --> 00:16:37.480 even when it's scrappy and spontaneous. Here's 00:16:37.480 --> 00:16:40.340 the thing. You don't need a Pinterest board or 00:16:40.340 --> 00:16:43.279 a five -bin system to be a phenomenal educator. 00:16:43.580 --> 00:16:47.360 You just need your eyes open, your heart soft, 00:16:47.600 --> 00:16:50.779 and your courage intact. And on the days when 00:16:50.779 --> 00:16:52.840 you don't have those things, you just need to 00:16:52.840 --> 00:16:55.679 show up and that, my friend, is enough. Low prep 00:16:55.679 --> 00:16:57.980 doesn't mean you've dropped the ball. It means 00:16:57.980 --> 00:17:01.759 you know how to roll with what you've got. It 00:17:01.759 --> 00:17:05.119 means you're adaptable, creative, and resourceful 00:17:05.119 --> 00:17:08.619 as hell. It means you're doing real work in the 00:17:08.619 --> 00:17:12.299 real world with real kids, and you're doing it 00:17:12.299 --> 00:17:14.440 beautifully. Thank you so much for spending your 00:17:14.440 --> 00:17:16.859 time with me today. Thank you for being one of 00:17:16.859 --> 00:17:19.660 the educators that refuses to be forgotten. I 00:17:19.660 --> 00:17:23.380 see you, I value you, and I am so glad you're 00:17:23.380 --> 00:17:31.849 here. Thank you. Amazing listeners for your support. 00:17:32.009 --> 00:17:34.390 Don't forget to follow me on Instagram at Miss 00:17:34.390 --> 00:17:37.529 Jamie underscore R -E -C -E. Give a star rating 00:17:37.529 --> 00:17:39.890 and leave a review. Have something you want to 00:17:39.890 --> 00:17:42.130 hear about in relation to before and after school 00:17:42.130 --> 00:17:45.069 programs or full day summer camp? DM me or comment. 00:17:45.230 --> 00:17:47.750 Again, thank you so much and happy learning.