Hey Reader! Week 3 of our summer series on books! For many families groceries show up at the front door or are picked up curb-side from the store. Not only do children rarely see the process of planting, growing, and harvesting food – they rarely even see any other food options than what is in their own pantry! A fun conversation with author Sarah Philpott shed some light on why gardening and farming experiences matter so much in early childhood classrooms. (just click on the graphic below to...
10 days ago • 2 min read
Hey Reader! It’s week 2 of our summer book series! Few books capture the beautifully busy minds of young children quite like If You Give a Mouse a Cookie. Have you ever thought about that? One simple cookie quickly turns into milk, straws, mirrors, haircuts, sweeping, drawing, naps, and eventually… another cookie. Children laugh because the story feels familiar—and honestly, every early childhood teacher smiles because it feels familiar to them too! LOL! Young children are naturally curious,...
17 days ago • 2 min read
Hey Reader! We’re starting a summer newsletter series with a focus on early childhood books. We’re starting today with a Super Simple Science Series by Brock Eastman. I also got to interview him on the podcast. It was WILD! You might want to check it out on our YouTube Channel because we even did some live science experiments!! Bridging the Gap Between Science and Faith Science and faith are often viewed as being at odds with each other. However, for young children, these fields can be...
24 days ago • 2 min read
Hey Reader! In the busyness of our classrooms, sometimes it’s hard to pause long enough to reflect on what’s actually happening. There are diapers to change, lessons to prepare, parents to update, and children who need our constant care and attention. Taking a few moments to reflect each day may be one of the most important habits/practices that a teacher can do. Reflection (pausing to intentionally consider) helps you move beyond simply “doing activities” (aka, babysitting) to intentionally...
about 1 month ago • 2 min read
Hey Reader! This transition into summer doesn't always feel like a vacation does it? Instead, you might find yourself feeling "at your wits' end" and "dragging a burden" that feels far heavier than you were meant to carry. After a long school year, it’s easy to default to "leaking trust systems" like hustle, control, or silence. (Curious about where this terminology came from? Listen in to the conversation with Debbie Simmons in this week’s podcast episode – just click the graphic below. We...
about 1 month ago • 3 min read
Hey Reader! Sometimes all it takes to re‑engage children is a change in scenery/location! Outdoor sensory bins are simple to set up, easy to adapt for all ages, and packed with learning opportunities. This time of year…they’re the best way to add extra activity and vitamin D to your day! When children scoop, pour, dig, and explore outside, their bodies and brains work together in powerful ways. Here are five easy outdoor sensory bin ideas, along with the learning outcomes they support. Try...
about 2 months ago • 2 min read
Hey Reader! Have you felt overwhelmed this year? Maybe even this week you’re feeling a little exhausted and maybe even a little burned out? I had a conversation with Dr. Melissa Ewing recently about how we can build resilience (the capacity to withstand or to recovery quickly from difficulty). She provides some really practical tips: Renew your mind - The majority of our thoughts every day are negative and even untrue (aka “automatic negative thoughts” A.N.T.s) When that happens, we must...
about 2 months ago • 2 min read
Hey Reader! Physical movement is important for all ages in early childhood—not just for large and small muscle development, but for all learning. Movement helps children focus, remember, and stay regulated. Today, I’m sharing simple, realistic ways to add more movement into your day, no matter the age of the children in your classroom. Transitions: Move It Like This! Walking quietly in a straight line is hard for preschoolers—and often leads to behavior struggles. Instead, turn transitions...
about 2 months ago • 2 min read
Hey Reader! Does your storytime (especially Bible time) need a little pick-me-up at this point in the year? Young children learn best when they can see, move, touch, and participate. When Bible stories become something children experience, not just hear, the message begins to take root in ways that are way more fun and, therefore, more impactful!!! Bible stories are full of action, emotion, and wonder—and young children naturally respond when we invite them into that experience. Our Bible...
2 months ago • 2 min read
