How Families Impact Educational Success

The most important teachers in a child’s life are their families at home. Although children spend a large amount of their time at school, it is not a replacement for the learning, love, encouragement, and reinforcement they receive from family … READ MORE

Language Development on the Playground

Language development is one of the most important skills children learn through play. Children are learning how to interact with the world. They’re honing their ability to understand others and to express their thoughts, feelings, and needs. The preschool playground … 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

Unbe-leaf-able Leaf Activities

With Fall now being in full swing, there are plenty of leaves to go around. To take advantage of the numerous leaves that are now starting to fall to the ground, there are many leaf activities that the children can … READ MORE

Not Just a Climber

We often hear about the importance of adjusting environments to children’s learning and behavior, but somehow that tends to stop at the door. We head out to the installed, immobile playgrounds and assume that’s just it. However, playgrounds are extensions … READ MORE

All You Need is a Bucket

The next time you head outside with children, try giving each one a bucket. Let them know you are treasure hunters and are going to take a walk and see what you can find. When children have a container for … READ MORE

Outdoor Easter Activities for Preschoolers

Get the children hopping with these outdoor Easter activities: 1.  Color Easter Eggs – Take this messy activity outdoors where egg dye spills are no big deal. 2.  Egg Relay Race – Use your colorful Easter eggs for a relay … READ MORE

Have You Heard of This Old Gardening Tradition?

In Sharon Lovejoy’s book Hollyhock Days, she writes “Sow sweet peas on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17.  It’s one of those old wives’ tales.” The practice of planting sweet peas on St. Patrick’s day comes from an old Irish gardening … READ MORE

Preschool Playground Helpers

Inside the preschool classroom, teachers often assign classroom helpers to assist in the daily activities of the classroom.  Such jobs may include line leader, line caboose, breakfast helper, lunch helper, snack helper, toy detective, meteorologist, electrician (to turn the lights … READ MORE

Happy Thanksgiving!

Looking for a fun activity to do in the children’s outdoor play area to celebrate Thanksgiving?  Try making a Thanksgiving table centerpiece with objects found outdoors in a natural playscape.  Fill a basket with the natural items or purchase a … READ MORE