Author: Monica Healer

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…

Hey Reader! Laughter is often called the best medicine, and in an early childhood classroom, it can be transformative. A positive sense of humor is not only a delightful part of childhood but also a critical aspect of social-emotional development. What?! A sense of humor in young children is actually critical to social-emotional development?! Let’s explore this a little bit today. The Role of Humor in Development Humor plays a significant role in supporting the development of cognitive and…

Hey Reader! Some of you are a little afraid to open this newsletter! I know. Rough-and tumble play can be a little scary for a few of us. But, keep reading. I’m hoping to challenge your thinking a bit today! If you’ve ever watched young children play, you’ve likely seen them wrestling, chasing each other, or rolling on the floor in a giggling heap. This kind of physical, high-energy play—often called rough-and-tumble play—can make adults nervous. Is someone going to get hurt? Is this…

Hey Reader! Transitions in our early childhood classrooms can be tricky, but they’re also valuable learning moments. In general, transitions are just moments when we move from one activity to the next – sometimes that means we’re cleaning up and leaving the room and sometimes, the transitions are much more subtle as we move from napping to waking! I googled a few resources and was reminded again about how much children learn during transition times! Are you intentional in how you handle them…

Hey Reader! Block play is more than just stacking and knocking things down—it’s a powerhouse of learning for young children! When preschoolers engage with blocks, they are developing critical skills that support their growth in multiple areas. What are they learning? Let’s take a look: Hands-On Math Skills: As children build towers and create structures, they are exploring early math concepts like counting, measurement, symmetry, and spatial awareness. They learn about balance and stability,…

Hey Reader! Sometimes, at this point in the year, we start just going through the motions of teaching rather than keeping things interesting for our students. I get it! It’s so close to the end of the school year, and a lot of us are just counting down the days until summer break! This is also the time of year when we see “spring fever” behaviors coming out – could it be that our complacency is creating a little boredom in children so they are figuring out their entertainment because you…

Hey Reader! Have you ever thought about your “theology of disability”? I only recently heard this terminology in a conversation with Sandra Peoples at our Director’s Retreat. Basically, it just means “What do you think about God as it relates to disabilities”? Scripture clearly tells us that humans were created in God’s image – ALL humans. In multiple places in scripture, we see references to behaviors or actions that point to some form of disability in some of the people that God chose as…

Hey Reader! Do you consider yourself a professional? I don’t think I ever even thought about that when I was in the classroom! But…you are a PRO! Your daily attitudes, work ethic, and mindset matter to the children and families that you serve each day. As early childhood educators, we don’t just teach — we nurture, guide, and shape the hearts and minds of these young disciples in our care. I recently had a conversation with Dr. Cynthia Small who is a passionate champion of early educators and…

Hey Reader! We live in a world where screens are everywhere—TVs, tablets, phones, and video games are a constant presence in daily life. For young children, whose brains are still forming crucial neural connections, excessive screen time can have long-term effects on their ability to regulate emotions, focus, and think creatively. The Impact of Screens on the Developing Brain Every experience in early childhood shapes the brain, wiring it for how a child will engage with the world. When young…

Hey Reader! Did you know that movement for young children isn’t just fun (or annoying)—it’s actually essential for learning? When young children move, they strengthen brain connections, improve focus, and absorb new information more effectively. Involving the whole body actually cements the learning deeper in the brain than just rote memorization or sedentary learning. How Movement Supports Learning Boosts Brain Power – Increases oxygen flow, helping with focus and problem-solving. Builds…