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About Jacki Leader

Jacki Leader has been involved in the field of Early Childhood Education for many years and in many different positions. She has her Bachelor’s degree in Child Psychology from the University of Minnesota and her Masters in Educational Psychology from Arizona State University. She has been an adjunct instructor for University of Cincinnati’s online ECE program since 2002 and currently works with student teachers. She also teaches at Cincinnati State. She is a consulting trainer for 4Cs as well as a private early childhood consultant. Previously, she was the director and lead preschool teacher at Miami University Hamilton’s Campus Kids for over 11 years. Jacki is also the accreditation and quality chair for Cincinnati Association for the Education of Young Children.

Learning Outdoors: Words of the Woods

“Live in each season as it passes; breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit, and resign yourself to the influence of the earth.” ― Henry David Thoreau, Walden Henry David Thoreau had a deep connection to nature that permeated his … READ MORE

How to Learn and Relax with Chalk Art

As I sit down to write this blog, we are in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Everyone, including our children, have been cooped up, house bound and are dealing with major cabin fever. The one outlet my family and … READ MORE

The Patterns of Nature

Mathematics is the science of patterns, and nature exploits just about every pattern that there is. — Ian Stewart   This profound quote illustrates the connection between math and nature. Nature supplies us with wondrous examples of math: the hexagon of … READ MORE

The Need to Move: Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence

The perfect pirouette of a ballerina, the art of a sculpture, or the gravity defying layup of a basketball player. What do these three people have in common? They all possess bodily-kinesthetic intelligence.   Howard Gardner defines bodily-kinesthetic intelligence as … READ MORE

Fall is in the Air: Observe, Explore, Document

The change in the temperature has signified that fall is upon us.  The crisp air and cooler temperatures bring significant observable changes outside.  A wonderful and common activity to do with children in the fall is to observe the changing … READ MORE

Explore Musical Intelligence

“Music is the art of thinking with sounds.”  – Jules Combarieu Many years ago, I had a boy in my program who loved to dump out the toys in the bins, turn the bins over, and drum to his heart’s … READ MORE

Explore Existential Intelligence and Nature

  One of my favorite nature advocates, Richard Louv, author of Last Child in the Woods, explains the importance of children’s connections to nature below:   “Wonder is when you are 3-4 years old, you go out in your backyard, … READ MORE

5 Best Ways to Welcome Spring with Your Senses

Spring is upon us, and our senses will be barraged with the sights and sounds of the changing season. What a great time to explore the emergence of spring through our 5 senses!  Consider what spring opportunities you can offer … READ MORE

What Can Children Learn from Animal Tracks?

It is a special thrill when a child finds an animal track outside.  When you happen upon one, you realize you have discovered a visible clue: who came before us? where did they go? will they return? If you are … READ MORE

Mud Day Part 2

International Mud Day will soon be upon us (June 29th).  Preparing for Mud Day will help make the event fun for all ages.  Consider where the best outdoor place is to have your mud day event.  Make sure to have … READ MORE