Author: Monica Healer

Hey Reader! It was snack time. Everyone was sitting at the table. Crackers were opened. Cups were poured. And then it happened. Pfffft. A child spit.Right on the table. The teacher froze. Her stomach tightened.Her heart raced.Her brain said, “Absolutely not.” Spitting is one of those behaviors.It’s gross.Copy Cats tend to take notice!And it can push even the calmest teacher right to the edge. But instead of reacting, she did something different. She paused. And that pause changed everything….

Hey Reader! I want to challenge you with something today. At some point during your day, stand up and take 60 seconds to just look around your classroom. Use some of your senses and think intentionally about what you observe. What do you SEE? A tall block tower, a child with a snotty nose, a dripping painting at the art easel… What do you HEAR? Excitement as that block tower gets taller and starts to wobble, laughter, maybe some frustration, some negotiating, singing… What do you SMELL?…

Hey Reader! Many of us live in a state of constant exhaustion and overwhelm. Society tells us we need to hustle more and accomplish more and post more and learn more and watch more and know more and do more. Oh, and also…all of that “more” should probably be “better” too, because Sassy Sally over there is doing it better! And Jesus says “Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, because I am lowly and humble in heart,…

Hey Reader! Bodies develop from the center out. That means one of the last things that children have really good control over is their fine-motor muscles – fingers, hands and wrists are part of this! Today, we’re giving you a few easy ideas to practice fine motor control with fun and low stress! Remember…this is not something any of the children in our care will master while they’re with us, but we can definitely get them on their way to being fabulous writers and maybe a few seamstresses or…

Hey Reader! Nearly one-third of young children in the U.S. are growing up with more than one language! Have you had these learning and language-development concerns (or maybe heard them from parents): Will this confuse them? Cause delays? Slow down English? The research is clear—and reassuring: bilingualism is a strength. (checkout a couple of articles linked at the bottom for sources and more info) Let’s Clear Up a Few Common Myths Myth: Learning two languages causes confusion or speech…

Hey Reader! When big emotions take over your classroom—meltdowns, refusals, or power struggles—it’s easy to feel like you’re just trying to survive. But these moments are actually powerful opportunities to shape the very architecture of a child’s brain. Today, we’re sharing a quick, practical guide to using a whole-brain approach in your classroom—helping children integrate their right-brain emotions with their left-brain logic so they can return to calm. WHY IT MATTERS Young…

Hey Reader! “He just plays all day. Aren’t you supposed to be getting him ready for kindergarten?” If you’ve heard this question – or maybe even asked it yourself – today’s newsletter is for you! Here’s the truth: play IS learning—and the science behind it is stronger than ever. Below are five quick reminders that help us see play the way young children experience it. 1. Play = Brain Fertilizer Play isn’t a break from learning—it’s the best state for it. Joy + choice (“agency”) light up the…

Hey Reader! Ever notice that communication with coworkers can feel a little… tricky sometimes? (Maybe it’s just me?) Many of us are starting 2026 with some fresh energy and hopeful intentions (I don’t make resolutions!!) so…what if we used some of that energy and took one BRAVE step toward healthier communication? Communication Is More Than Words We teach children every day to “use your words” and sometimes we have to correct a “Give me that” to “May I have a turn, please?” Well… sometimes we…

Hey Reader! Jesus grew in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and man. Luke 2:52 Let’s apply this same scripture to ourselves as we close out 2025 and look with anticipation to 2026. First, let’s look back. Maybe you want to answer these questions in your journal? (Or you can download a worksheet that we designed just for this exercise HERE.) In 2025, How did you grow in wisdom and knowledge? (Maybe you listened to our podcast or attended a conference or completed an online course?) How…

Hey Reader! Red Pink Vintage Postage Stamp Merry Christmas Card Landscape Merry Christmas from your ECCN staff family. Cheering you on this week! -Your ECCN team P.S. If you don’t want to receive these weekly emails anymore, no hard feelings. Click HERE to be removed from this list. (You’ll still receive other emails from us based on past preferences.) REGISTRATION IS OPEN FOR WINTER 2026 EVENTS!Houston (Pasadena) – January 24, 2026 PRICES GO UP ON JAN 6th San Antonio – February 7, 2026 EARLY…