You want to provide the best early childhood experience for children and their parents. But you don’t have easy access to high-quality training. We provide you with relevant, research-based, and Biblically-sound training and on-demand courses so that you and your staff can confidently care for and teach young children.
Back to School: Put on your oxygen mask first
|
Hey Reader! A new school year brings fresh faces, new routines, and endless opportunities to make a difference in the lives of young children. It also brings long days, overflowing to-do lists, and the temptation to put everyone else's needs ahead of your own. As teachers, we're natural caregivers. We comfort crying children, encourage worried parents, support teammates, and solve problems all day long. But here's an important reminder: Taking care of yourself isn't selfish—it's good stewardship. When you're physically, emotionally, relationally, and spiritually healthy, you have so much more to give to the children and families God has entrusted to your care. As you embark on this new school year, consider adding these simple habits to your daily routine. Care for Your Body Your body is one of the greatest tools you bring into the classroom.
Small choices made consistently can make a big difference. Care for Your Heart Teaching is emotionally demanding. Take a few moments each day to pause and ask yourself, "How am I really doing?" Celebrate small wins, extend yourself grace when things don't go as planned, and remember that one difficult day doesn't define your effectiveness as a teacher. Care for Your Relationships Don't carry the weight of the school year alone. Encourage a teammate. Share a laugh during lunch. Ask for help when you need it, and be quick to offer it in return. Healthy relationships make hard days easier and joyful days even sweeter. Care for Your Spirit Before you pour into little hearts, spend time allowing God to pour into yours. Read a few verses of Scripture before your day begins. Pray during your commute. Thank God for moments of joy throughout the day, and place your worries in His hands before you go home. Jesus often stepped away from the crowds to rest and spend time with His Father. If He needed those moments of renewal, we do too. As you begin this school year, remember this promise: "Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." — Matthew 11:28 The children in your classroom don't need a perfect teacher. They need a healthy, grace-filled one. Praying you have a joyful, meaningful, and well-balanced school year as you continue the important work God has called you to do. Cheering you on this week! -Your ECCN team P.S. If you don't want to receive these weekly emails anymore, no hard feelings. Click HERE to be removed from this list. (You'll still receive other emails from us based on past preferences.)
|
Early Childhood Christian Network
You want to provide the best early childhood experience for children and their parents. But you don’t have easy access to high-quality training. We provide you with relevant, research-based, and Biblically-sound training and on-demand courses so that you and your staff can confidently care for and teach young children.
Hey Reader! One of the beautiful things about spiritual formation in early childhood is that it happens through repetition, relationships, and routines—not just formal Bible lessons and chapel. Here are two practical, developmentally appropriate ideas for each age group: INFANTS (0-12 months) Blessing Time – As you rock, feed, or soothe a baby, quietly pray over them: "God, thank You for Emma. Help her grow strong and know You love her." Gentle repetition builds an atmosphere of love and...
Hey Reader! As a new school year begins, it's the perfect time to focus on one of the most important parts of your classroom—not your lesson plans or classroom décor, but your relationships with families. For many children, you'll spend as many waking hours with them as their parents do. That's why it's so important to build a true partnership from the very beginning. Take time to learn about each family. Ask about siblings, grandparents, pets, favorite activities, family traditions, or...
Hey Reader! The first few weeks of school are some of the most stressful (I mean, who can blame those littles for crying a little in such a “strange” place!) and also some of the most critical in setting the trajectory of your year. We often want to jump quickly into curriculum and “teaching”. Afterall, we’ve got 26 letters to teach and about 500 great ideas for crafts, math games and read-alouds ready to go! Stop for a moment and take a breath. We’re giving you permission (actually, we’re...