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

Natalie Grebe Pretend Play. Dramatic Play. Likely these are some of the first terms you encountered when learning to teach in a childcare setting. Children pretending, acting, and vocalizing the world around them is certainly not a recent concept. What has changed however, is how we as early childhood teachers can support this type of...Read More

Erin DelRegno I don’t know about you, but much of my time as a child was spent playing outdoors. For example, I climbed trees, jumped in rain puddles, rode my bike, and played hide-and-seek. I stayed outside until dinner time, but that isn’t something that happens anymore. So much natural learning takes place outdoors. Wouldn’t...Read More

By Bobbi Philson Is it an interest center? Is it a play area? Is it both? Does it matter? A play area needs: Play materials Space An interest center needs: Clear definition Materials for a particular kind of play Materials organized by type and accessible to children Furniture if needed Appropriate space for the type...Read More