Leah Zabari (assisted with ChatGPT) Playing with sand is more than just a fun pastime at the beach or a sandbox; it offers a wealth of benefits that support a child’s development and well-being. Sand play is a versatile activity that engages multiple senses and promotes various skills. Whether you’re building sandcastles, digging tunnels, or...Read More

by Angel Avery-Wright Dramatic play areas are often very popular with children. Children can dress up, cook dinner, take care of a baby, serve food at a restaurant, or take the cat to the vet. Materials that enhance dramatic play are plentiful. Dolls, plastic food and dishes, appliances such as a refrigerator and stove, tables...Read More

By Angie Marshall Do you sometimes feel exhausted at the end of the day because of the conflicts that are occurring in your classroom? Do the children in your classroom need a lot of support in managing their emotions and getting along with their peers? If you answered “YES” to either of these questions, this...Read More

Lisa Mulliken At the start of each workday, the first thing I do is refer to the “to-do” list that sits on my desk. The list gives me a visual picture of what I need to accomplish each day and crossing things off the list gives me a feeling of accomplishment. I recently had to...Read More

Angel Avery-Wright How often do you hear yourself saying, “Stop throwing the blocks” or ‘That’s not how we play with blocks” or “Throwing blocks at your friends will hurt them?” Is this something you say once in a while, or do you find yourself saying it frequently? Do you find yourself sitting in the block...Read More

Beth Simon with assistance from ChatGPT August 9th marks a special day that bookworms eagerly anticipate – Book Lovers Day! As early childhood educators, we understand the profound impact that books can have on young children’s development and learning. From sparking imagination and curiosity to fostering language and literacy skills, books hold the power to...Read More

Angel L. Avery-Wright Having children move throughout the day promotes cognitive learning and physical health while reducing behavioral issues. Moving helps children focus better. “When you move, you stimulate all the nerve cells that we use to think with, and when you stimulate those nerve cells, it gets them ready to do stuff,” said Dr....Read More

Beth Simon with assistance from chatGPT Amelia Earhart, an aviation pioneer and trailblazing adventurer, continues to inspire generations with her courage, determination, and passion for exploration. As early childhood educators, we believe in nurturing children’s curiosity and encouraging them to dream big, just like Amelia did. On July 24, 2024, we celebrate Amelia Earhart’s birthday,...Read More

The third editions of the Environment Rating Scales, like the first and second editions, cover a broad range of development including language, cognitive, social-emotional, and physical development as well as addressing children’s health and safety.Read More

Erin DelRegno Evans “Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood.” Fred Rogers  Who doesn’t remember playing when they were young? Coming up with your own games, playing outside almost every day whether sunny, snowy,...Read More