The Benefits of Structured Physical Activity for Early Childhood Programs
Structured physical activities are usually led by a qualified adult and include organized sports, guided play, and school PE programs. Structured activities are important throughout a person’s life,...
View ArticleCool New Preschool Center Ideas
We’re all familiar with the classic preschool and kindergarten learning center activities that involve blocks and books, but if you’re looking for something fresh in this new year, here are some ideas...
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Where Project Based Learning Starts
To an outside observer, a peek into a classroom filled with engaged young children may look chaotic and that every child is doing their own thing. That is usually the case as the interests and skill...
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STEAM for Early Childhood – Science
By now, educators are aware that the focus of education is shifting to the skills embedded in STEAM—science, technology, engineering, the arts, and math. If our country is going to remain competitive...
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STEAM for Early Childhood – Technology
By now, educators are aware that the focus of education is shifting to the skills embedded in STEAM—science, technology, engineering, the arts, and math. If our country is going to remain competitive...
View ArticleSTEAM for Early Childhood – Engineering
By now, educators are aware that the focus of education is shifting to the skills embedded in STEAM—science, technology, engineering, the arts, and math. If our country is going to remain competitive...
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Science with a Song – The Musical Connection to STEAM
Author: Maryann “Mar” Harman, Founder of Music with Mar, LLC STEAM refers to Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Math. Music is part of the Art portion and very much belongs in the mix for all...
View ArticleCelebrate with “Cake”!
Cakes take a front row seat in many celebrations. Baking a delicious confection to share with friends is enhanced by the creativity that goes into designing the cake top. These decorated and...
View ArticleHelp! I Have to Teach Kindergarten Art
By Ginny Streckewald, M. Ed. I had always wanted to be an Art Teacher. While pursuing this dream, I found myself student teaching in a small community elementary school. My art classes ranged from K...
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The Power of Routines in Early Childhood Classrooms
Author: Ginny Streckewald, M. Ed. I have been an early childhood educator for many years and have had the privilege of spending my days in the classroom and on the floor-literally- with infants,...
View ArticleEarly Childhood Education: The Power of Play in Physical Education
School is not strictly about academic development, particularly when it comes to early childhood education. Numeracy and literacy are key, but so too is the moral, social, and emotional development...
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Storytelling: Multisensory Literacy
Author: Ginny Streckewald, M. Ed. The road to literary begins long before a child sees a book. Scientists tell us that babies can hear their mother’s voice in utero. Pregnant mothers are encouraged to...
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Storytime: A Magical Learning Time in Early Childhood Classrooms
Author: Ginny Streckewald, M. Ed. Who doesn’t like a little ‘magic’?! Incorporating storytime into the routine of a young child’s day creates a connection to early literacy that seems almost magical in...
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Littlest Learners: 10 Ideas for Circle Time
Circle time with preschoolers can go south quickly, especially if you’re relatively new to the whole early learner experience. Gathering 15 to 20 small children together on colorful carpet squares and...
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Sensory Learning: Sand & Water Activities for 3-Year Olds
Children use all their senses to learn about the wonders of the world that surrounds them. The colors and shapes found in nature astound them. The sounds of car horns and barking dogs alert them to...
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Five Reasons for Outdoor Play
Most 3 and 4 year olds enjoy the stimulation of new experiences. They are like little sponges just waiting to absorb information. Adults may interpret that to mean that any new experience in any...
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Sticky Fingers and the Importance of “Process Art”
If your preschoolers are painting with bath poufs and bubble wrap, the odds are good that you have a firm understanding of “Process Art”. And if you neglect to offer up a model project for your early...
View ArticleVisit Childcraft at the 2016 National Head Start Conference & Expo
Childcraft, award-winning early childhood education brand, will be demonstrating its latest solutions at the 2016 National Head Start Conference and Expo, May 16-20 in Nashville, Tennessee. As part of...
View Article5 Ideas for Dramatic Play in Early Childhood
Dramatic play is a critical part of any developmentally appropriate early childhood education program. Young children learn best through play. By giving children time to engage in imaginative play, you...
View ArticleEngaging Early Childhood Learners Through the Use of Manipulatives
In today’s world, even our youngest children are engaged in some type of electronic entertainment for a great deal of time each day. The digital entertainment might be in the form of television,...
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