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...
11 days 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...
18 days 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...
25 days 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 1 month 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...
about 1 month ago • 2 min read
Hey Reader! Many young children are wiggly, loud, and constantly on the move, especially at this time of year. You might find yourself saying, “Let’s walk!” for the tenth time before 10:00am… or wondering how they still have so much energy when you feel completely drained. (Just me?) Here’s the good news:When children move their bodies, they’re not just “getting energy out.” They’re building balance, coordination, strength, and confidence. And the best part? You don’t need extra supplies or a...
about 2 months ago • 2 min read
Hey Reader! It’s center time, and one of your children is completely absorbed—stacking blocks, knocking them down, and starting all over again. You’ve already said, “Clean up!” a few times… but nothing. No response. No eye contact. No movement. It’s easy to think, “He’s just not listening.”So now what can you do? Because getting frustrated and repeating yourself yet again isn’t working. Start With a Reflection Before correcting behavior, try this simple shift: Say what you see—like a mirror....
about 2 months ago • 2 min read
Hey Reader! This time of year, the days are long, your energy is low, and routines can start to feel…automatic. But what if you could spark curiosity in just a few small ways—without adding more to your to-do list? Here are three simple ways to bring wonder back into your classroom tomorrow: 1. Add a Tiny Twist A tiny shift could be something as simple as: adding a few leaves to a sensory bin, offering a new way to stack blocks, or changing the order of songs during circle time. These small...
about 2 months ago • 2 min read
Hey Reader! It’s April. The classroom rhythms are familiar.The children know the routine.You’ve worked hard all year to build something special. And if you’re honest… it’s also a little easier right now to let some things slide. You skip a transition cue.You stretch circle time a little longer than usual.You assume, “They already know what to do.” It’s subtle.But it matters more than we think. By this point in the year, children feel comfortable. That’s a gift. But comfort without consistency...
2 months ago • 2 min read