Author: Monica Healer

Hey Reader! At ECCN, we LOVE to play outside no matter the weather! But some days…when the summer heat (and humidity in some areas) is just too much…it’s easy to feel stuck doing the “same ole thing”. Today, we’re including just a couple of activities for each age group to do INSIDE that still bring all the joy, movement, and exploration of summer play. Infants (0–12 months) Sensory discovery with a summer twist Beach Ball Tummy Time: Gently hold a baby steady as you roll a beach ball under…

Hey Reader! Every great storytime includes something for children to HEAR, SEE, and DO. When you intentionally connect these three elements, you create learning experiences that stick long after the book is closed and the circle has disbanded. HEAR: Use Your Voice Like a Tool Children don’t just listen—they feel your words. Use: Different character voices (squeaky, slow, deep) to draw them in Pauses for effect to build anticipation Emphasis on key phrases to make vocabulary pop SEE: Bring the…

Hey Reader! “PRAISE is celebrative worship in which believers magnify and exalt the Lord through expressive acts, enthusiastically proclaiming the unrivaled excellence of His Name, His character, and His actions in a spirit of uninhibited rejoicing!” -Dr. Bruce Leafblad Jean Thomason (aka Miss Pattycake) shared this quote with me recently in a conversation, and it gave me a whole new perspective on some of the typical behavior we see in preschoolers! When I read the words “uninhibited…

Hey Reader! Summer in childcare can be joyful—and exhausting. There’s a little less pressure, and we’re having loads of fun, but the days still require a lot of energy, don’t they? Here are a few quick ways to stay grounded and fill your cup throughout the day! Sip Slowly – Hydrate with intention. Say a prayer each time you take a drink: “Lord, fill me with Your peace today.” Pause and Praise – Take a 2-minute breather to thank God for one small moment of beauty today. Take three deep breaths…

Hey Reader! We know how essential social-emotional development is during the first five years of life, and at ECCN, we talk about practical strategies regularly for supporting healthy social-emotional development. In the first few years, children are learning how to identify their feelings, control their impulses, build relationships, and make good choices. In education, we often call this Social and Emotional Learning. The framework is valuable and accurate, but today, we’re going to take a…

Hey Reader! Summer is a great time to help little hearts experience God in everyday moments. Here are 3 simple ways to have some fun in the sun with the Son this season: Sidewalk Scripture Art – Give kids chalk and let them draw pictures inspired by a Bible verse like “Let your light shine” (Matthew 5:16). What are they learning? Gross motor skill development as they bend over, crawl, and stretch on the sidewalk to reach the edges of their drawings; fine motor skill development and…

Hey Reader! You hear me say this often – as leaders and educators in faith-based early childhood programs, we have a powerful opportunity—not just to care for children, but to minister to families. Today’s parents of young children are facing a unique blend of pressure, uncertainty, and conflicting parenting messages. They need more than great childcare—they need partners in the parenting journey. God has called us to be on their team. Be a Place of Christ-Centered PeaceCreate an environment…

Hey Reader! When school-age kids are out for the summer and classroom themes shift to water days and popsicles, it can be tempting to loosen up the structure of our day. And to some extent—that’s okay! Summer should feel lighter, more playful, and full of joy. But for young children, predictable routines still matter. A lot. Why Do Routines Matter? Children thrive on consistency. Predictable routines help them: Feel safe and secure in their environment Understand what’s coming next, reducing…

Hey Reader! In a recent gathering with pastors and Christian early education center directors, a pastor said about early childhood experiences: “It’s this formative thing that IS you but you don’t remember it.” What a profound statement! We know that many of our students will not have vivid cognitive memories of their time in our classrooms…and yet…their time in our classrooms is pivotal to their eventual formation as a full-grown adult. Like this pastor said “It IS you, but you don’t…

Hey Reader! I recently listened to this short (less than 8 minute) episode of The Everything ECE podcast on the effects of color in your classroom (and this one on the effects of lighting). It sent me down a whole rabbit hole of exploring how color affects our behavior and the behavior and learning of children in our classrooms. Just like y’all – I love a fun theme in my classroom with colorful posters and borders and signs. We often think of our classroom as a reflection of who we are as…