Why Your Child Should Engage in Independent Play.
Start early, recommends Giannini, and keep in mind that playing independently isn’t always playing alone. Toddlers want you in the room, so be there for them. “Not only is your presence providing emotional support, you can encourage their play independence with praise.”
How To Raise A Creative Kid
Most adults don’t have “the same creative juices” as kids, says Rachel Giannini, an early childhood specialist at the Chicago Children’s Museum and a former educator.That means it’s easy for parents to pick up a toy and assume what its purpose is. She said the “perfect example” is a block. Many parents would begin building with it, but a child might pick it up and pretend it’s something else.
Experts Agree: Independent Play Creates Successful Adults
Rachel Giannini, Early Childhood Specialist and Content Creator at Chicago Children’s Museum, explains, “It’s important for children to find joy in themselves. A built-in playmate in life is not a guarantee, and children need to learn how to entertain themselves.” As adults who are often tied to devices for constant entertainment, we find this to be truer than ever – and raising kids who are content with themselves and their own thoughts is a solid parenting goal for any of us.
Panelists stress need for educators to play dual role as pre-K policy advocates
The feeling of familiarity seemed to hit home for Rachel Giannini. The lead educator at the Chicago Children’s Museum, as well as a star in the upcoming documentary “No Small Matter,” leads the charge in creating a video blog series on issues in early-childhood education. And based on the widespread exposure the series has gotten, she realized these issues are on others’ minds as well.
How early educators are becoming advocates
Early educators do, however, have tools that they can use to become advocates, including media. One example is Rachel Giannini, the lead educator at the Chicago Children’s Museum. Giannini created “a video blog series on issues in early-childhood education,” and she is featured in the documentary “No Small Matter.”
Rachel Giannini Interviewed on the Soul Survivor Radio
Interview with Early Childhood Educator/Advocate(ECE)Rachel Giannini We discuss the documentary "No Small Matter" and its impact on funding for preschool age children. The stigma society holds towards a preschool teacher. We also discuss teacher wages and advocacy.
Conversations with people who make
Rachel Giannini spent years as a pre-school teacher in the Chicago area. She was so good at it that she has since become one of the subjects of an upcoming documentary about early childhood education called No Small Matter. She was so good at that, that the producers of the movie asked her to take on some of the outreach for the movie via their blog.
From a pediatrician, lessons for dads-to-be
Saleem Hue Penny and his twin toddlers, Elsie and August, fall in a limbo contest at a “PapaPalooza” event June 3 at the Chicago Children’s Museum, which he created after taking Dr. Garfield’s class for fathers. Credit: Rachel Giannini
Korea comes to Chicago
“When you have a child create [an exhibit], they’re creating what they know,” says Rachel Giannini, early childhood specialist at CCM. “An exhibit that looks like the world you live in, just a little different, is really powerful for kids to see.” The exhibit includes lots of interactive components. Giannini says it’s aimed at kids over the age of 5—although littles will find plenty that’s on their level, too.