Latest Blog & News
How Can Drawing an Imaginary Invention Help Preschoolers Explain Their Thinking?
11/02/2026A child’s imaginary invention can reveal far more than a finished picture: it can show how they notice problems, imagine possibilities, and explain what they believe will work. Try this simple drawing invitation to make children’s reasoning visible, and explore Teacher-Child Interactions... How Can Drawing an Imaginary Invention Help Preschoolers Explain Their Thinking?
When Should You Wait, Prompt, or Help as a Child Puts On a Coat?
11/02/2026A coat transition can become a daily tug-of-war—or a small, confidence-building lesson in independence. Knowing when to pause, offer a cue, or provide hands-on help lets you support children without taking over; Supporting Children’s Independence offers a deeper, three-hour online learni... When Should You Wait, Prompt, or Help as a Child Puts On a Coat?
How Can After-School Crafts Include Children Who Find Cutting and Assembly Difficult?
11/02/2026When scissors, small parts, or multi-step directions turn craft time into a barrier, children can miss out on the creativity and peer connection after-school programs offer. The Monster-Friendly Classroom: A Guide to Supporting Students with DCD provides a starting point for considering supports for... How Can After-School Crafts Include Children Who Find Cutting and Assembly Difficult?
What Can Educators Change When a Child Hears Directions but Struggles to Follow Them?
11/02/2026A child may hear your words and still be unsure what they mean, what to do first, or how to shift away from an absorbing activity. Small changes to language, timing, routines, and classroom conditions can make directions easier to follow; for school-age settings, explore The Monster-Friendly Listeni... What Can Educators Change When a Child Hears Directions but Struggles to Follow Them?
How Can Children Practice Asking Permission Before Touching During Everyday Play?
11/02/2026A child reaching for a friend’s hand, hair, or toy can turn an ordinary play moment into a valuable lesson in respect. Providers can make “ask first” concrete through warm modeling, short phrases, and repeated practice woven into the day; ChildCareEd’s Teach with Respect! cou... How Can Children Practice Asking Permission Before Touching During Everyday Play?
Which Seasonal Classroom Materials Should You Save, Repair, or Retire?
11/02/2026A seasonal reset can clear clutter while preserving the materials children still enjoy and learn from. Use the Preschool Seasonal Materials Inventory Form to organize your review of what to save, repair, store, or retire. For focused guidance on choosing age-appropriate materials that support develo... Which Seasonal Classroom Materials Should You Save, Repair, or Retire?
How Can Child Care Teams Manage Winter Clothing and Family Handoffs Without Rushing?
11/02/2026Winter arrivals can turn a familiar doorway into a bottleneck of boots, mittens, wet coats, and hurried goodbyes—but a thoughtful system can make room for both practical tasks and personal connection. Use the Winter Arrival and Departure Checklist for Preschool Classrooms to help organize clot... How Can Child Care Teams Manage Winter Clothing and Family Handoffs Without Rushing?
How Can School-Age Children Show What They Know When Handwriting Gets in the Way?
11/02/2026A screen activity earns a place in the classroom when it helps children think, communicate, create, or explore in ways that meaningfully support learning. Use Teaching Digital Balance: Healthy Screen-Time Habits for Ages 3–12 to guide reflection on purposeful technology use and its place along... How Can School-Age Children Show What They Know When Handwriting Gets in the Way?
How Can Educators Decide Whether a Classroom Screen Activity Adds Enough Learning Value?
11/02/2026A screen activity earns a place in the classroom when it helps children think, communicate, create, or explore in ways that meaningfully support learning. Use Teaching Digital Balance: Healthy Screen-Time Habits for Ages 3–12 to guide reflection on purposeful technology use and its place along... How Can Educators Decide Whether a Classroom Screen Activity Adds Enough Learning Value?
Who Checks Food-Allergy Precautions When a Classroom Celebration Changes the Usual Menu?
11/02/2026A celebration can change the menu, the classroom routine, and the adults handling food, making clear responsibility for allergy precautions essential. Use the Safe Meals, Safe Students: Food Allergy Safety Guide for Childcare Staff to support your team’s preparation and conversations about foo... Who Checks Food-Allergy Precautions When a Classroom Celebration Changes the Usual Menu?
