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WHERE PLAY MEETS BRAIN DEVELOPMENT
Gross motor activities are essential for young children. Check out a few simple gross motor activities and songs that support young children’s ability to regulate their bodies and emotions.
May 15
EXPLORING NATURE IN EARLY CHILDHOOD
Spring has arrived in Larimer County, and it’s the perfect time to explore the outdoors with children - or bring a little of our local nature indoors! From the rolling foothills and Poudre River trails to backyard gardens and community parks, the area is full of opportunities for curiosity, observation, and hands-on learning. This month, we’re focusing on gardening, plants, and ways to connect children with the natural world right here in our community. MAKING THE SCIENCE INT
Apr 14
FUNDS OF KNOWLEDGE: USING STRENGTHS TO TEACh
We all bring unique strengths and experiences — our “funds of knowledge”-- into our work with children every day. If you’re curious to learn more about your own strengths, consider taking this free strengths assessment. It’s a quick and engaging way to reflect on what you naturally do well and how those strengths show up in your classroom. WHAT ARE FUNDS OF KNOWLEDGE, YOU MIGHT ASK? Funds of Knowledge are the skills, values, and ways of knowing that children, families, and pr
Mar 12
SNEEZING AND COUGHING AND GERMS - OH MY!
This month we are taking a moment to pause and focus in on handwashing - a routine that can sometimes feel repetitive (and even exhausting) with young children, but is necessary to the health and safety of the entire classroom community. When approached with intention, handwashing can become more than just a task to get through; it can be a moment of connection, learning, and care. In this edition, we’ll share practical tips, playful strategies, and supportive tools to help m
Feb 11
SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL TIPS: SUPPORTING REGULATION IN JANUARY
Returning from winter break can bring big feelings. Try these simple supports: Reconnection First: Warm greeting, extra snuggles, and a few minutes of play help children feel grounded before routines begin. Slow Transitions: Use visuals, gentle reminders, and simple choices to support calm cooperation. Co-Regulation Tools: Infants: Humming, rocking, predictable routines Toddlers: Label feelings, breathe together Preschoolers: Cozy spaces, sensory tools, simple breathing Quic
Jan 15
THE POWER OF OBSERVATION: SEEING GROWTH IN ACTION
As educators, one of our most valuable tools is our ability to see children deeply - to notice, document, and reflect on their learning as it unfolds. Observation isn’t just about watching; it’s about truly understanding how each child is growing, what interests them, and where they might need a little more support. When we take time to observe and document, we begin to see patterns - the quiet persistence of a toddler stacking blocks again and again, the joy of a preschooler
Nov 5, 2025
FAMILY PARTNERSHIPS IN EARLY CHILDHOOD
This month, we’re exploring the importance of family partnerships in early childhood. What do strong school-family relationships look like in everyday practice? What role do teachers and caregivers have in bridging school and home environments? And why is it that building open, trusting connections with families can sometimes feel challenging? These connections are at the heart of young children’s growth and learning - and by nurturing them, children feel seen, families feel
Oct 9, 2025
SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL TIPS
In the busy, beautiful world of early childhood classrooms, challenging behaviors are bound to happen. But when they do, try this simple mindset shift: Connect first, then correct. Why? Because young children are still learning to manage big feelings. When they’re upset, their brains are in a state of stress - they can’t process logic or direction until they feel safe and understood. Connection Before Correction Means: Kneeling to their level and offering eye contact Using a
Sep 3, 2025
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