Blog Relaunch and Giveaway!

Hi everyone!

First of all, thank you so much for stopping by my NEW AND IMPROVED blog! I've been blogging since July 2014 but just received this beautiful makeover courtesy of Megan at A Bird in Hand Designs. She does amazing work! Up until now, my blog hasn't been the prettiest or fanciest out there, but the best part of my journey has been becoming involved in this group of teacher bloggers who I can now truly call friends. Thank you for all of the support and encouragement and love along the way! I have met some of the sweetest, smartest, and most creative people through blogging. I was so nervous to start, but I'm so glad I did. It's been one of the most rewarding things I've ever done.

If you know me, I'm so glad you're here! Your support means the world to me. If you don't know me, welcome to Research and Play! My name is Holly Hodges, and I teach kindergarten in Southern California. This is my sixth year of teaching, my second year in California. I taught two years in Colorado and two in Tennessee, where I'm from! My passion is kindergarten, and I couldn't imagine teaching another grade (even though I'm up for the challenge!).

100th Day in 2012 in Tennessee!

Christmas in 2013 in Colorado!

Beach Field Trip in 2014 in California!

 My "why" behind creating Research and Play comes from the name itself. I was doing an animal research project with my kindergarten class in Colorado when one day a student came up to me and said, "I love doing research! It makes me feel so smart!" Kindergartners say and do things that many people would not expect someone their age to do. I am constantly impressed by the knowledge and skills that my students have. One of my favorite things ever is when a visitor to our classroom walks away and says, "Wow, I didn't know kids could do that in kindergarten!" It's one of those feelings where your heart swells with pride and you can't help but smile. Kindergartners are capable of so many amazing things!

Leading a small group, no big deal.

BUT OF COURSE, I am passionate about PLAY! If we aren't playing in kindergarten, we are doing children a disservice. Play is one of the great equalizers. Even if you aren't that good at reading, you aren't strong in math, your writing might be hard to understand, you can still play! So many important life skills can't be explicitly taught, but are rather discovered in authentic, play-based situations. Play often, play together, play learning games and silly ones. Just play! Like Einstein said, "Play is the highest form of research." I hope that my blog conveys the beauty of both of these ideas. Young children can do hard things AND enjoy being young!

Loose parts inquiry: Have you ever brought a branch into your classroom? You should!

And now for the best part of your visit today......THE GIVEAWAYS! Enter below, and good luck! And thank you again for stopping by. I hope you do it again! Much love!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


a Rafflecopter giveaway


a Rafflecopter giveaway


a Rafflecopter giveaway