Hey Reader! A recent Common Sense media report said more children have screens and they’re spending more time on them! This is definitely affecting young children’s development in many ways! We’ve all seen it. Lack of motor skills, self-regulation skills, attention span, etc, etc, etc. So what do we do in our early childhood classrooms to support child development appropriately? We are going to provide rich opportunities for PRACTICING these skills. 1. Fine Motor Strength👉 Provide daily play...
13 days ago • 1 min read
Hey Reader! The Adventure of Understanding Boys Loud. Busy. Messy. Wild. If you’ve ever cared for a young boy, you know—he’s a whirlwind of motion and noise. But here’s the truth: Those high-energy behaviors aren’t random. They’re part of God’s intentional design. When we understand how boys are wired, we stop trying to “fix” them and start learning how to guide them toward strength, confidence, and noble character. “As soon as I saw you, I knew an adventure was going to happen.” — Winnie the...
20 days ago • 3 min read
Hey Reader! Here are three tips for effectively teaching scripture to young children in ways that will stick long after they leave our classrooms. Put the words to a beat – a chant or simple melody works great! Add some movement – either simple sign language or body movements, or a stomping or clapping to the beat in tip #1. Add some vocal inflection – this means you’re raising and lowering your voice (the pitch) in memorable ways. Even if you can’t carry a tune, you can move your voice! Why...
27 days ago • 1 min read
Hey Reader! Preschoolers are full of energy, movement, and wiggles—but did you know that some full-body stretches can do more than just help them calm down? These stretching and calm breathing techniques actually support two important senses: proprioception (the sense of where our body is in space) and the vestibular system (the sense of balance and movement). Together, these senses help children feel grounded, coordinated, and ready to learn. Note: These “poses” are taken from common yoga...
about 1 month ago • 2 min read
Hey Reader! Today’s content isn’t “one more thing.” These tips aren’t extra tasks—they’re easy ways to weave faith into what you already do every day. 1. Sing about Jesus. Music is likely already part of your routine. Swap in faith songs: Jesus Loves Me, The B-I-B-L-E, Jesus Loves the Little Children. 👉 Here’s a YouTube link with an hour of scripture songs. 2. Add God to daily tasks. Feeding a baby: “God made your tummy to enjoy this food.” Changing a diaper: “God loves every part of you.”...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Hey Reader! Another tantrum? Another fit? Another meltdown? Ugh. What now? Prevention is always best: strong relationships, routines, and rhythms. But when meltdowns happen, try these 4 in-the-moment strategies: 1. Stay calm + carry on. Regulate yourself first. Kids’ upset triggers ours—your calm helps theirs. 2. Go low + slow. Get on their eye level. Slow your body. Slow your voice. 3. Feel the beat. The brain craves rhythm. Gentle rocking, tapping, or humming helps reset. 4. Take a break....
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
Hey Reader! I recently wore a shirt that felt uncomfortable all day. I kept feeling something scratch my side right above my waistband. All day, I tugged, adjusted, pulled, leaned…I could not figure out what was scratching me! Eventually, late in the afternoon, I finally found a tiny splinter that had gotten caught in the fabric of my t-shirt. Every time I moved, it gently scratched me. Has that ever happened to you? Because of my shirt, I was dysregulated all day. My brain was so busy trying...
about 2 months ago • 2 min read
Hey Reader! I remember my Sunday School teacher telling the story of Noah building the ark with a flannel board! As she told the story, we were allowed to add the boat, the animals, and Noah’s family. I remember moving the animals from the ark back out onto land at the end and then adding in the rainbow as a symbol of God’s faithfulness! Flannel boards aren’t just “old school.” They’re one of the simplest, most powerful tools you can use in early childhood classrooms. What’s a flannel board?...
2 months ago • 1 min read
Hey Reader! When was the last time you pulled out a puppet in your classroom? Whether it’s a sock puppet, a set of finger puppets or a full-fledged hand-puppet, they can be a great tool in your toolbelt for helping children learn in so many ways. Why Puppets Work Puppets capture children’s attention in ways teachers don’t. They create a playful, low-pressure way for children to engage, which is especially helpful at the beginning of the year when trust and comfort are still being built....
2 months ago • 1 min read