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STEAL THIS IDEA 🥧

What a fun way to end the week with a little pie 😉!

There are so many good pies to try out. You could change it up and do savory pies or pizza pies. 🍕

💚JA

#earlychildhoodally
#Earlychildhoodleadership
#leadershiptip
#Earlychildhooddirector

STEAL THIS IDEA 🥧

What a fun way to end the week with a little pie 😉!

There are so many good pies to try out. You could change it up and do savory pies or pizza pies. 🍕

💚JA

#earlychildhoodally
#Earlychildhoodleadership
#leadershiptip
#Earlychildhooddirector

Guest Readers 🤩
March is Reading Month

Love guest readers coming in anytime of year!

March is a perfect time to try it out if you never have done it before.

Check out my stories for my tips!
Also, have a highlight for Reading Month.

💚JA

#earlychildhoodally
#Earlychildhoodleadership
#leadershiptip
#Earlychildhooddirector

Guest Readers 🤩
March is Reading Month

Love guest readers coming in anytime of year!

March is a perfect time to try it out if you never have done it before.

Check out my stories for my tips!
Also, have a highlight for Reading Month.

💚JA

#earlychildhoodally
#Earlychildhoodleadership
#leadershiptip
#Earlychildhooddirector

Thank you to Dr. Sommer Jabbar Pearson Director of Inclusion & Belonging at Grand Rapids Chamber for sharing some valuable information on Ramadan.

As we navigate serving families, children and the community it is essential we support them.

I have some books you could read and share.

💚 🌙 JA

#earlychildhoodally
#Earlychildhoodleadership
#leadershiptip
#Earlychildhooddirector

Thank you to Dr. Sommer Jabbar Pearson Director of Inclusion & Belonging at Grand Rapids Chamber for sharing some valuable information on Ramadan.

As we navigate serving families, children and the community it is essential we support them.

I have some books you could read and share.

💚 🌙 JA

#earlychildhoodally
#Earlychildhoodleadership
#leadershiptip
#Earlychildhooddirector

That’s a Wrap!

Black Children’s Book Week is always a personal favorite of mine.

Let me know what new books you will be trying this year as you explore authors, illustrators and books that look like the children and families we serve.

💚JA

#earlychildhoodally
#Earlychildhoodleadership
#leadershiptip
#Earlychildhooddirector

That’s a Wrap!

Black Children’s Book Week is always a personal favorite of mine.

Let me know what new books you will be trying this year as you explore authors, illustrators and books that look like the children and families we serve.

💚JA

#earlychildhoodally
#Earlychildhoodleadership
#leadershiptip
#Earlychildhooddirector

Excellence in Action ⭐️
Black History Month Staff Edition

I loved this idea Karen & Ashley did to honor their Black staff members. They crafted this note, made gift bags & included a personal note for each of them.

I think a great deal about belonging and this is such an excellent way to express it. In a climate of uncertainty it is critical we continue our efforts of building and strengthening relationships.

❤️JA

#earlychildhoodally
#Earlychildhoodleadership
#leadershiptip
#Earlychildhooddirector

Excellence in Action ⭐️
Black History Month Staff Edition

I loved this idea Karen & Ashley did to honor their Black staff members. They crafted this note, made gift bags & included a personal note for each of them.

I think a great deal about belonging and this is such an excellent way to express it. In a climate of uncertainty it is critical we continue our efforts of building and strengthening relationships.

❤️JA

#earlychildhoodally
#Earlychildhoodleadership
#leadershiptip
#Earlychildhooddirector

Join Me!

Can’t wait to present on Belonging & all the things we can be doing to foster connection.

More information in stories!

🙌🏼 JA

#earlychildhoodally
#Earlychildhoodleadership
#leadershiptip
#Earlychildhooddirector

Join Me!

Can’t wait to present on Belonging & all the things we can be doing to foster connection.

More information in stories!

🙌🏼 JA

#earlychildhoodally
#Earlychildhoodleadership
#leadershiptip
#Earlychildhooddirector

Blind Book Date 📚

Have you done a blind book date with your staff? Such a fun, easy and great way to connect.

📕 ❤️JA

#earlychildhoodally
#Earlychildhoodleadership
#leadershiptip
#Earlychildhooddirector

Blind Book Date 📚

Have you done a blind book date with your staff? Such a fun, easy and great way to connect.

📕 ❤️JA

#earlychildhoodally
#Earlychildhoodleadership
#leadershiptip
#Earlychildhooddirector

Hallway Connections
Black History and Inventors

This hallway connection for families, children and staff that highlights Inventors is so IMPORTANT!

Hallways can create learning touch points.

Here are a few that they highlighted:

⭐️John Burr Lawnmower
⭐️George Crum Potato Chip
⭐️Lyda Newman Hair Brush
⭐️Garret Morgan Traffic Light ⭐️Powell Johnson Eye Protection

Check out stories today for book ideas on how to bring Black History Month alive in your program.

💚JA

#earlychildhoodally
#Earlychildhoodleadership
#leadershiptip
#earlychildhooddirector

Hallway Connections
Black History and Inventors

This hallway connection for families, children and staff that highlights Inventors is so IMPORTANT!

Hallways can create learning touch points.

Here are a few that they highlighted:

⭐️John Burr Lawnmower
⭐️George Crum Potato Chip
⭐️Lyda Newman Hair Brush
⭐️Garret Morgan Traffic Light ⭐️Powell Johnson Eye Protection

Check out stories today for book ideas on how to bring Black History Month alive in your program.

💚JA

#earlychildhoodally
#Earlychildhoodleadership
#leadershiptip
#earlychildhooddirector

Clothespins & Sticks 🐎

When Sarah messaged me about this fun activity she did with her classroom last week I couldn’t wait to pass it along.

First, another teacher, mentor & friend of hers had shared it with her. 🙌🏼 🙌🏼 I love teachers who share and nurture one another.

The children were able to help organize it which is even better! Different kinds of sticks, clothespins, a few printed pictures and horses. You wouldn’t need to pictures or horses but for this group it made sense.

This activity encouraged problem solving, small muscle work and was something new the children hadn’t tried. Something we don’t talk enough about. Yes, children love repetition & the need novelty.

The great news is that easily can be put in a basket to explore again or be part of the block area.

Give it a try!

Have a wonderful Monday!

💚JA

#earlychildhoodally
#Earlychildhoodleadership
#leadershiptip
#earlychildhooddirector

Clothespins & Sticks 🐎

When Sarah messaged me about this fun activity she did with her classroom last week I couldn’t wait to pass it along.

First, another teacher, mentor & friend of hers had shared it with her. 🙌🏼 🙌🏼 I love teachers who share and nurture one another.

The children were able to help organize it which is even better! Different kinds of sticks, clothespins, a few printed pictures and horses. You wouldn’t need to pictures or horses but for this group it made sense.

This activity encouraged problem solving, small muscle work and was something new the children hadn’t tried. Something we don’t talk enough about. Yes, children love repetition & the need novelty.

The great news is that easily can be put in a basket to explore again or be part of the block area.

Give it a try!

Have a wonderful Monday!

💚JA

#earlychildhoodally
#Earlychildhoodleadership
#leadershiptip
#earlychildhooddirector

💜 Lavender Heart Garland 💜

This was so fun to play with! Making lavender heart garlands was a quick setup, therapeutic, smelled awesome and as creative as we wanted.

💜JA

#earlychildhoodally
#Earlychildhoodleadership
#leadershiptip
#earlychildhooddirector
#earlychildhoodplay

💜 Lavender Heart Garland 💜

This was so fun to play with! Making lavender heart garlands was a quick setup, therapeutic, smelled awesome and as creative as we wanted.

💜JA

#earlychildhoodally
#Earlychildhoodleadership
#leadershiptip
#earlychildhooddirector
#earlychildhoodplay

Valentines/February Ideas 💕

Lots of low cost ideas to celebrate all the 💕❤️ this month.

What’s some of your favorites to do this time of year?

❤️JA

#earlychildhoodally
#Earlychildhoodleadership
#leadershiptip
#Earlychildhooddirector

Valentines/February Ideas 💕

Lots of low cost ideas to celebrate all the 💕❤️ this month.

What’s some of your favorites to do this time of year?

❤️JA

#earlychildhoodally
#Earlychildhoodleadership
#leadershiptip
#Earlychildhooddirector

10 on the 10th
February 2025

On the 10th of each month I have set the intention to capture 10 moments in my day.

Finding beauty and joy in the ordinary - since that is really where we live our lives.

Today is the 10th and it was a road trip addition as we navigate to warmer climates and SUN! 🌞

⭐️Started our morning with two of our favorite people!
📚Lots of reading…..both in the home stretch.
🌟Posting to @playandlearn & answering messages.
🌈 Love some cute socks
🫖 Getting hydrated at the end of the night.
🎶 Pops loves his playlist.
🥘 Stop for dinner as we get to Bowling Green Kentucky. Our first choice was closed so we didn’t go local we went to Outback.
❤️ Working in the car with quite a view.
🔥Unpacking the car and the sky was dreamy. 💭
🏈 Lots of talk in the car about the Super Bowl and halftime show.

Thanks for following along. I have found I really love this practice each month. Each time it is different and makes me slow down and savor each hour.

Have a wonderful Monday!

💚JA

#earlychildhoodally
#Earlychildhoodleadership
#leadershiptip
#Earlychildhooddirector
#10onthe10th

10 on the 10th
February 2025

On the 10th of each month I have set the intention to capture 10 moments in my day.

Finding beauty and joy in the ordinary - since that is really where we live our lives.

Today is the 10th and it was a road trip addition as we navigate to warmer climates and SUN! 🌞

⭐️Started our morning with two of our favorite people!
📚Lots of reading…..both in the home stretch.
🌟Posting to @playandlearn & answering messages.
🌈 Love some cute socks
🫖 Getting hydrated at the end of the night.
🎶 Pops loves his playlist.
🥘 Stop for dinner as we get to Bowling Green Kentucky. Our first choice was closed so we didn’t go local we went to Outback.
❤️ Working in the car with quite a view.
🔥Unpacking the car and the sky was dreamy. 💭
🏈 Lots of talk in the car about the Super Bowl and halftime show.

Thanks for following along. I have found I really love this practice each month. Each time it is different and makes me slow down and savor each hour.

Have a wonderful Monday!

💚JA

#earlychildhoodally
#Earlychildhoodleadership
#leadershiptip
#Earlychildhooddirector
#10onthe10th

Give it a TRY!

Have you ever tried loose parts with vertical play? Loose parts are often explored on a table. Changing it up for children creates interest and increases curiosity.

💚JA

#earlychildhoodally#ECLL
#teamearlychildhood #familychildcare#playandlearngrcc
#GrandRapids#EarlyChildhoodLeader#EarlyChildhoodLeader#ecewins

Give it a TRY!

Have you ever tried loose parts with vertical play? Loose parts are often explored on a table. Changing it up for children creates interest and increases curiosity.

💚JA

#earlychildhoodally#ECLL
#teamearlychildhood #familychildcare#playandlearngrcc
#GrandRapids#EarlyChildhoodLeader#EarlyChildhoodLeader#ecewins

PUT A FRAME ON IT!

Try using empty picture frames as workspaces on tables. Place fabric underneath to enhance the display and keep parts from rolling off the table. The frames and fabric become part of the loose part construction.

Simple, yet it works every time.

💚JA

#earlychildhoodally
#Earlychildhoodleadership
#leadershiptip
#earlychildhooddirector
#loosepartsexplorartion

PUT A FRAME ON IT!

Try using empty picture frames as workspaces on tables. Place fabric underneath to enhance the display and keep parts from rolling off the table. The frames and fabric become part of the loose part construction.

Simple, yet it works every time.

💚JA

#earlychildhoodally
#Earlychildhoodleadership
#leadershiptip
#earlychildhooddirector
#loosepartsexplorartion

STEAL THIS IDEA 🏖️

How fun is this low cost high impact staff pick me up? My friend Kristen shared this with me and it’s too good to not pass it on.

Ending the month on a high. We will always be best building communities and creating belonging.

💚JA

#earlychildhoodally
#eca
#ECLL
#teachersofinstagram
#preschool
#playandlearngrcc
#EarlyChildhoodLeader
#earlychildhoodleader
#ecewins

STEAL THIS IDEA 🏖️

How fun is this low cost high impact staff pick me up? My friend Kristen shared this with me and it’s too good to not pass it on.

Ending the month on a high. We will always be best building communities and creating belonging.

💚JA

#earlychildhoodally
#eca
#ECLL
#teachersofinstagram
#preschool
#playandlearngrcc
#EarlyChildhoodLeader
#earlychildhoodleader
#ecewins

Souper Bowl ✅ Cereal Bowl 🥣

I love to find ways to engage families, children and staff in low effort, high impact experiences.

Here are two “STEAL ME” ideas you can make happen. They are similar in setup.

🙌🏼 Gather 2 boxes/laundry baskets
🙌🏼 Print out Eagles and Chiefs football team signs
🙌🏼Let families know they can vote for who they want to win with a SOUP CAN or BOX OF CEREAL.
🙌🏼 Have children make signs.
🙌🏼 Discuss with children where the food will be going.
🙌🏼 Once the game is done have children count the number to see who your programs winner is.
🙌🏼Let families know who the winner was. Make a big thank you banner.
🙌🏼Deliver food to food bank/church/community center or little food banks closest to your program.

🏈 🦅 JA

PS I love the idea of a 3rd container with a sign that says ANYONE ELSE or LIONS 🦁. 😘

PSS If this doesn’t work in your program and you are hosting a Super Bowl event think about including it in your plan.

#earlychildhoodally#ECLL#GRCC#teachersofinstagram#preschool#infant#toddler
#teamearlychildhood#EYtalking#earlyyearsatheart#familychildcare#playandlearngrcc
#GrandRapids#EarlyChildhoodLeader#EarlyChildhoodLeader#ECEwins

Souper Bowl ✅ Cereal Bowl 🥣

I love to find ways to engage families, children and staff in low effort, high impact experiences.

Here are two “STEAL ME” ideas you can make happen. They are similar in setup.

🙌🏼 Gather 2 boxes/laundry baskets
🙌🏼 Print out Eagles and Chiefs football team signs
🙌🏼Let families know they can vote for who they want to win with a SOUP CAN or BOX OF CEREAL.
🙌🏼 Have children make signs.
🙌🏼 Discuss with children where the food will be going.
🙌🏼 Once the game is done have children count the number to see who your programs winner is.
🙌🏼Let families know who the winner was. Make a big thank you banner.
🙌🏼Deliver food to food bank/church/community center or little food banks closest to your program.

🏈 🦅 JA

PS I love the idea of a 3rd container with a sign that says ANYONE ELSE or LIONS 🦁. 😘

PSS If this doesn’t work in your program and you are hosting a Super Bowl event think about including it in your plan.

#earlychildhoodally#ECLL#GRCC#teachersofinstagram#preschool#infant#toddler
#teamearlychildhood#EYtalking#earlyyearsatheart#familychildcare#playandlearngrcc
#GrandRapids#EarlyChildhoodLeader#EarlyChildhoodLeader#ECEwins

Year of the Snake 🐍

This Wednesday marks the start of the Chinese New Year. It is the Year of the Snake. Books are always an excellent gateway to conversations with young children exploring how our communities celebrate.

Some of my favorite facts:

🏮 The holiday lasts 15 days!
🏮 Red is a lucky color.
🏮 Families gather together for dinner.
🏮The Lantern Festival is celebrated on the evening of the 15th day.
🏮 The dragon 🐉 is a symbol of good luck.

💚JA

#earlychildhoodally#ECLL#GRCC#teachersofinstagram#preschool#infant#toddler
#teamearlychildhood#EYtalking#earlyyearsatheart#familychildcare#playandlearngrcc
#GrandRapids#EarlyChildhoodLeader#EarlyChildhoodLeader#ecewins

Year of the Snake 🐍

This Wednesday marks the start of the Chinese New Year. It is the Year of the Snake. Books are always an excellent gateway to conversations with young children exploring how our communities celebrate.

Some of my favorite facts:

🏮 The holiday lasts 15 days!
🏮 Red is a lucky color.
🏮 Families gather together for dinner.
🏮The Lantern Festival is celebrated on the evening of the 15th day.
🏮 The dragon 🐉 is a symbol of good luck.

💚JA

#earlychildhoodally#ECLL#GRCC#teachersofinstagram#preschool#infant#toddler
#teamearlychildhood#EYtalking#earlyyearsatheart#familychildcare#playandlearngrcc
#GrandRapids#EarlyChildhoodLeader#EarlyChildhoodLeader#ecewins

Free Montessori Conference

Will you be joining me for the Childhood Potential Conference?

I am always so curious about Montessori. This conference has it all:

* The conference is FREE to join!
* The conference starts on 27th of January, 2025 and runs for 5 days
* There will be 9 live Q&A sessions during the conference
There are 40 amazing speakers including experienced Montessorians, bestselling authors and world-class educational experts.

Head to my stories for the link to signup.

Let me know if you have any questions.

💚JA

#montessoriconference #onlinemontessoriconference #childhoodpotential
#earlychildhoodally

Free Montessori Conference

Will you be joining me for the Childhood Potential Conference?

I am always so curious about Montessori. This conference has it all:

* The conference is FREE to join!
* The conference starts on 27th of January, 2025 and runs for 5 days
* There will be 9 live Q&A sessions during the conference
There are 40 amazing speakers including experienced Montessorians, bestselling authors and world-class educational experts.

Head to my stories for the link to signup.

Let me know if you have any questions.

💚JA

#montessoriconference #onlinemontessoriconference #childhoodpotential
#earlychildhoodally

Simmer Pot
Hygge Edition ❤️

Winter is a perfect time to have a Simmer Pot DIY station for staff. The Play and Learn staff partnered with the ECLL recently for this timely little winter pick me up.

💚JA

#earlychildhoodally#ECLL
#teachersofinstagram#preschool
#infant#toddler
#teamearlychildhood
#earlyyearsatheart#familychildcare#playandlearngrcc
#GrandRapids#EarlyChildhoodLeader#EarlyChildhoodLeader#ECEwins

Simmer Pot
Hygge Edition ❤️

Winter is a perfect time to have a Simmer Pot DIY station for staff. The Play and Learn staff partnered with the ECLL recently for this timely little winter pick me up.

💚JA

#earlychildhoodally#ECLL
#teachersofinstagram#preschool
#infant#toddler
#teamearlychildhood
#earlyyearsatheart#familychildcare#playandlearngrcc
#GrandRapids#EarlyChildhoodLeader#EarlyChildhoodLeader#ECEwins

Bring on the Hygge 💚

You may have heard about the Danish concept of Hygge. Simply it focuses on enjoying the comforts of everyday routines. It leans into feelings of being cozy, simplicity and contentment.

With our cooler temperatures in the Midwest it’s a great time to revisit how that might look in a classroom/program. I believe it has a positive outcome for children and staff. How might you make your classroom a bit more cozy?

Some of my favorite ideas:

💡 Lighting- when possible use lamps, string lights and LED candles.
💡 Explore how you can cozy up in reading/book area. Can you add pillows, individual blankets or other cozy items.
💡Can you slow down small group and large group reading with lowered/dim lights and instrumental music to set the tone?
💡Can you offer warm drinks for adults and children?
💡Spend time cooking with children and eating what you have made.
💡Make a compliment chain of all the kind things happening.
💡Audit your day and see what areas can use a dose of calm. Plan intentionally new ideas.
💡 Find ways to incorporate “dens” & “caves” for children to nestle.
💡Explore essential oils and diffusers if possible in your room.
💡Go on a silent nature walk.
💡Add family pictures to the classroom
💡Have children bring slippers.
💡Declutter an area to lessen the visual effect.
💡Increase opportunities to explore natural materials.

If not in your program I encourage you to explore it personally. 🤗

💚JA

#earlychildhoodally#ECLL#GRCC#teachersofinstagram#preschool#infant#toddler
#teamearlychildhood#EYtalking#earlyyearsatheart#familychildcare#playandlearngrcc
#GrandRapids#EarlyChildhoodLeader#EarlyChildhoodLeader#ecewins

Bring on the Hygge 💚

You may have heard about the Danish concept of Hygge. Simply it focuses on enjoying the comforts of everyday routines. It leans into feelings of being cozy, simplicity and contentment.

With our cooler temperatures in the Midwest it’s a great time to revisit how that might look in a classroom/program. I believe it has a positive outcome for children and staff. How might you make your classroom a bit more cozy?

Some of my favorite ideas:

💡 Lighting- when possible use lamps, string lights and LED candles.
💡 Explore how you can cozy up in reading/book area. Can you add pillows, individual blankets or other cozy items.
💡Can you slow down small group and large group reading with lowered/dim lights and instrumental music to set the tone?
💡Can you offer warm drinks for adults and children?
💡Spend time cooking with children and eating what you have made.
💡Make a compliment chain of all the kind things happening.
💡Audit your day and see what areas can use a dose of calm. Plan intentionally new ideas.
💡 Find ways to incorporate “dens” & “caves” for children to nestle.
💡Explore essential oils and diffusers if possible in your room.
💡Go on a silent nature walk.
💡Add family pictures to the classroom
💡Have children bring slippers.
💡Declutter an area to lessen the visual effect.
💡Increase opportunities to explore natural materials.

If not in your program I encourage you to explore it personally. 🤗

💚JA

#earlychildhoodally#ECLL#GRCC#teachersofinstagram#preschool#infant#toddler
#teamearlychildhood#EYtalking#earlyyearsatheart#familychildcare#playandlearngrcc
#GrandRapids#EarlyChildhoodLeader#EarlyChildhoodLeader#ecewins

Free Montessori Conference

Will you be joining me for the Childhood Potential Conference?

I am always so curious about Montessori. This conference has it all:

* The conference is FREE to join!
* The conference starts on 27th of January, 2025 and runs for 5 days
* There will be 9 live Q&A sessions during the conference
There are 40 amazing speakers including experienced Montessorians, bestselling authors and world-class educational experts.

Head to my stories for the link to signup.

Let me know if you have any questions.

💚JA

#montessoriconference #onlinemontessoriconference #childhoodpotential
#earlychildhoodally

Free Montessori Conference

Will you be joining me for the Childhood Potential Conference?

I am always so curious about Montessori. This conference has it all:

* The conference is FREE to join!
* The conference starts on 27th of January, 2025 and runs for 5 days
* There will be 9 live Q&A sessions during the conference
There are 40 amazing speakers including experienced Montessorians, bestselling authors and world-class educational experts.

Head to my stories for the link to signup.

Let me know if you have any questions.

💚JA

#montessoriconference #onlinemontessoriconference #childhoodpotential
#earlychildhoodally

Steal This Idea 🤤
Charcuterie Board DIY

What a great idea to have staff make their own charcuterie board.
It doesn’t have to be super complicated. Sleeves of crackers, pretzels, cut up veggies & fruits, variety of cheeses and sliced meat.
The boards can be bought in bulk or at discount stores.

This would be an excellent idea for families to be able to contribute. I love seeing staff working together to get the Saran Wrap on. That stuff has a life of its own!

Thanks to my dear friend Kristen sharing this idea.

Happy Friday!

💚JA

#earlychildhoodally#ECLL#GRCC#teachersofinstagram#preschool#infant#toddler
#teamearlychildhood#EYtalking#earlyyearsatheart#familychildcare#playandlearngrcc
#GrandRapids#EarlyChildhoodLeader#EarlyChildhoodLeader#ECEwins

Steal This Idea 🤤
Charcuterie Board DIY

What a great idea to have staff make their own charcuterie board.
It doesn’t have to be super complicated. Sleeves of crackers, pretzels, cut up veggies & fruits, variety of cheeses and sliced meat.
The boards can be bought in bulk or at discount stores.

This would be an excellent idea for families to be able to contribute. I love seeing staff working together to get the Saran Wrap on. That stuff has a life of its own!

Thanks to my dear friend Kristen sharing this idea.

Happy Friday!

💚JA

#earlychildhoodally#ECLL#GRCC#teachersofinstagram#preschool#infant#toddler
#teamearlychildhood#EYtalking#earlyyearsatheart#familychildcare#playandlearngrcc
#GrandRapids#EarlyChildhoodLeader#EarlyChildhoodLeader#ECEwins

Gentle Reminder!

TRUE change is a PROCESS. A long process with many twists and turns. It is not an EVENT.

So, if you have a bump in your work take comfort in the process.

Cheering you on!

#earlychildhoodally#ECLL#GRCC#teachersofinstagram#preschool#infant#toddler
#teamearlychildhood#EYtalking#earlyyearsatheart#familychildcare#playandlearngrcc
#GrandRapids#EarlyChildhoodLeader#EarlyChildhoodLeader#ECEwins

Gentle Reminder!

TRUE change is a PROCESS. A long process with many twists and turns. It is not an EVENT.

So, if you have a bump in your work take comfort in the process.

Cheering you on!

#earlychildhoodally#ECLL#GRCC#teachersofinstagram#preschool#infant#toddler
#teamearlychildhood#EYtalking#earlyyearsatheart#familychildcare#playandlearngrcc
#GrandRapids#EarlyChildhoodLeader#EarlyChildhoodLeader#ECEwins

💚JA

#earlychildhoodally
#Earlychildhoodleadership
#leadershiptip
#Earlychildhooddirector

💚JA

#earlychildhoodally
#Earlychildhoodleadership
#leadershiptip
#Earlychildhooddirector

What’s You Plan for MLK DAY?

Next Monday as a nation we observe Martin Luther King Jr Birthday . Do you have anything planned for your children/classroom? If not, there is still time! Here are some ideas that you could try out! I always love a breakfast to kick off the day.

Themes that easily connect with Martin Luther King Jr such as cooperation, friendship/kindness and community are ones that resonant in Early Childhood. For older preschoolers exploring the idea of a March and protesting can be appropriate. During this unsettling time in the US children may have additional questions around images that they have seen or heard. Take a few moments to reflect on what you would say to children. As adults we tend to over discuss - keep it simple - answering their questions.

A few activities that you could use:

+Make a wish art activity including children’s wishes. Families can also share their wishes.
+Brainstorm how children feel they would change the world. This could be a small group experience.
+Handprint tracing and cutting
+Friend Art Collage - image shared
+Kindness Bingo - image shared
+Kind picture station - image shared
+Explore books on MLK

What are some of your favorite MLK activities in books that you have used? I would love to share them with our ECA community!

#earlychildhoodally#ECLL#GRCC#teachersofinstagram#preschool#infant#toddler
#teamearlychildhood#EYtalking#earlyyearsatheart#familychildcare#playandlearngrcc
#GrandRapids#EarlyChildhoodLeader#EarlyChildhoodLeader#ECEwins

What’s You Plan for MLK DAY?

Next Monday as a nation we observe Martin Luther King Jr Birthday . Do you have anything planned for your children/classroom? If not, there is still time! Here are some ideas that you could try out! I always love a breakfast to kick off the day.

Themes that easily connect with Martin Luther King Jr such as cooperation, friendship/kindness and community are ones that resonant in Early Childhood. For older preschoolers exploring the idea of a March and protesting can be appropriate. During this unsettling time in the US children may have additional questions around images that they have seen or heard. Take a few moments to reflect on what you would say to children. As adults we tend to over discuss - keep it simple - answering their questions.

A few activities that you could use:

+Make a wish art activity including children’s wishes. Families can also share their wishes.
+Brainstorm how children feel they would change the world. This could be a small group experience.
+Handprint tracing and cutting
+Friend Art Collage - image shared
+Kindness Bingo - image shared
+Kind picture station - image shared
+Explore books on MLK

What are some of your favorite MLK activities in books that you have used? I would love to share them with our ECA community!

#earlychildhoodally#ECLL#GRCC#teachersofinstagram#preschool#infant#toddler
#teamearlychildhood#EYtalking#earlyyearsatheart#familychildcare#playandlearngrcc
#GrandRapids#EarlyChildhoodLeader#EarlyChildhoodLeader#ECEwins

January Ideas 💡
Love this Vision Board of Krista’s that she did with a group of friends!

A Vision Board is a way of teaching us to focus on the things that are important to us.

Vision Boards can also be a great way to connect with our emerging wants and needs.

Why Create a Vision Board?

A Vision Board can help us:
* ��Clarify who we are, what we want or where we might want to go.
* ��During transition they assist us in a fresh start. Creating a refocus.
* ��Slow us down so we can tap into our inner thoughts.
* ��Sometimes we do it because it is easier to express ourselves creatively.
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Don’t overthink a Vision Board!
It really is a simple collage/collection we use to visuals and words to create.

It can be WHO we want to be or HOW we want our lives to be. It should be visual representation of our goals or dreams.
They often can make our thoughts more tangible.

💚JA

#earlychildhoodally
#Earlychildhoodleadership
#leadershiptip
#Earlychildhooddirector

January Ideas 💡
Love this Vision Board of Krista’s that she did with a group of friends!

A Vision Board is a way of teaching us to focus on the things that are important to us.

Vision Boards can also be a great way to connect with our emerging wants and needs.

Why Create a Vision Board?

A Vision Board can help us:
* ��Clarify who we are, what we want or where we might want to go.
* ��During transition they assist us in a fresh start. Creating a refocus.
* ��Slow us down so we can tap into our inner thoughts.
* ��Sometimes we do it because it is easier to express ourselves creatively.
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Don’t overthink a Vision Board!
It really is a simple collage/collection we use to visuals and words to create.

It can be WHO we want to be or HOW we want our lives to be. It should be visual representation of our goals or dreams.
They often can make our thoughts more tangible.

💚JA

#earlychildhoodally
#Earlychildhoodleadership
#leadershiptip
#Earlychildhooddirector

Steal This Idea!

Seriously! MEMORY JARS 🫙

Here is a little something an administrative team put together for the staff.

It’s one of their goals to keep a positive mindset this year!!! Their hope is that it will entice others to do the same 😊.

I would include reminders and incentives to staff to support and encourage them throughout the year. I would share specific things I am grateful for.

Studies have shown that gratitude journaling can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety and improve overall mental well-being.

I know that it has been a game changer for me. 🔥

Happy New Year ECA Friends!

💚JA

#earlychildhoodally
#Earlychildhoodleadership
#leadershiptip
#Earlychildhooddirector

Steal This Idea!

Seriously! MEMORY JARS 🫙

Here is a little something an administrative team put together for the staff.

It’s one of their goals to keep a positive mindset this year!!! Their hope is that it will entice others to do the same 😊.

I would include reminders and incentives to staff to support and encourage them throughout the year. I would share specific things I am grateful for.

Studies have shown that gratitude journaling can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety and improve overall mental well-being.

I know that it has been a game changer for me. 🔥

Happy New Year ECA Friends!

💚JA

#earlychildhoodally
#Earlychildhoodleadership
#leadershiptip
#Earlychildhooddirector

Love to see it! 🖤

Thanks for supporting ECA. I love your commitment to staff, prioritizing play, supporting families and growing & learning together.

💚JA

#earlychildhoodally
#Earlychildhoodleadership
#leadershiptip
#Earlychildhooddirector

Love to see it! 🖤

Thanks for supporting ECA. I love your commitment to staff, prioritizing play, supporting families and growing & learning together.

💚JA

#earlychildhoodally
#Earlychildhoodleadership
#leadershiptip
#Earlychildhooddirector

1000 Hours Outside ☀️ ☔️ 💨 ❄️

Another year with lots of memories, reflection, podcasts and grounding into this beautiful earth.

I do my best thinking outside. Grateful for the life and good health to embrace the journey.

💚JA

#earlychildhoodally
#Earlychildhoodleadership
#leadershiptip
#earlychildhooddirector
#1000hoursoutside

1000 Hours Outside ☀️ ☔️ 💨 ❄️

Another year with lots of memories, reflection, podcasts and grounding into this beautiful earth.

I do my best thinking outside. Grateful for the life and good health to embrace the journey.

💚JA

#earlychildhoodally
#Earlychildhoodleadership
#leadershiptip
#earlychildhooddirector
#1000hoursoutside

Thank you to the early childhood teachers who work over the holidays. The first half of my career I worked in a program that was only closed on major holidays.

What I loved about this time was we intentionally slowed things way down and planned experiences we might not spend as much time on typically. We had the kids help with washing toys, scrubbing tables and chairs (it really is fun!). We also planned special outings to the movie theater, libraries, endless outdoor activities and hopefully we had snow! We also did all things gingerbread and cooking.

If you are working the next few weeks what are some of your favorite activities?

💚JA

#earlychildhoodally
#Earlychildhoodleadership
#leadershiptip
#Earlychildhooddirector

Thank you to the early childhood teachers who work over the holidays. The first half of my career I worked in a program that was only closed on major holidays.

What I loved about this time was we intentionally slowed things way down and planned experiences we might not spend as much time on typically. We had the kids help with washing toys, scrubbing tables and chairs (it really is fun!). We also planned special outings to the movie theater, libraries, endless outdoor activities and hopefully we had snow! We also did all things gingerbread and cooking.

If you are working the next few weeks what are some of your favorite activities?

💚JA

#earlychildhoodally
#Earlychildhoodleadership
#leadershiptip
#Earlychildhooddirector

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