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Exploring science is an exciting and wondrous part of early childhood. Innately curious, young children seek to investigate and discover “how their world works.” They question; they look; they listen; they talk about their findings. They investigate the passage of light through various materials; how insects crawl on the ground; and what sinks, what floats, and why!Read more: Early Childhood News

Whether you’re a seasoned preschool teacher or this will be your first year teaching, the start of a new school year is an exciting time! Before the big day arrives, here are a few tips for the first day of the school year:  1.    Establish a Routine Your Students Will Become Familiar WithRoutines can help give preschoolers a sense of security. While you may be anxious for the first day, your students may also be feeling a mix of emotions…

Early childhood classrooms serve as the physical environment for adults and young children for most of their waking hours. Although it is important for classrooms to be attractive to the eye, it is equally, if not more important, that they function effectively.Read more: Early Childhood News

It’s never too early to help children take baby steps toward independence! Infants Place babies on a warm floor surface and place favorite toys just a bit out of reach. Babies will strive to reach for interesting toys. They will be proud of their victory as they stretch and wiggle to get the toys they love to chew on or bang with.Read more: Scholastic

The Outdoor Classroom's vision is simple: children benefit from spending more time outdoors, especially in natural places. Its goal is equally simple: to increase the quantity, quality, and benefits of outdoor experiences for children. Here is an overview of the key features of the Outdoor Classroom. Read more: Community Play Things

Summer’s over, and your classroom will soon be filled with children who are eager to learn, but a little unsure of the new classroom environment and their place in it. Ease the transition and set the tone for a school year full of fun and learning with the following activities.Read More: Early Childhood News

I have a 4-year-old child in my class who is very good at expressing herself, but she doesn't seem to understand a lot of what others say to her. That limits her ability to follow directions and to interact with other children. What can I do to help her?   I have seen a number of children just like the child you describe. They can talk up a storm, but they have trouble responding to what other people are communicating. This…

As a preschool teacher, it’s important to engage with your students throughout the day and extend their learning beyond your lesson plan. Snack time is a great time to do just that! From teaching children about manners to practicing fine and gross motor skills, there are many learning opportunities for you and your students. Here are three ways you can turn snack time into learning time:  1. Help Children Learn to Be More IndependentWith your guidance, you can show your preschoolers…

Play is many things to many people. For most of us, it is a self-selected, self-directed activity that children carry out for pleasure. In fact, many leaders in our field, such as David Elkind, Vivian Paley, and Lilian Katz have referred to play as “children’s work” because it provides rich opportunities to learn concepts such as cause and effect (“If you hit a tower of blocks, it will fall down.”) and time relationships (“I will play dress-up with you after…

Try these songs, games, and strategies to help children get to know each other as a new school year begins. Learn one another’s names Sing songs that incorporate children’s names as a fun way for everyone to get to know one another. Try the chant “Who Stole the Cookie from the Cookie Jar?” or other songs that use children’s names. Children will join in, have a blast with the silly rhymes, and learn one another’s names all at the same…