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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…

Hey Reader! The Bible is a big book and sharing God’s truth with the little disciples in your care is such a big part of your calling! But how do we make the Bible more than just a collection of stories – especially at a preschool level? One simple, engaging tool that you can use is this Gospel cube. Before we jump into the six sides of the cube, let’s start with the BIG truth about the Bible. Renee Blain, Preschool Minister at Brentwood Baptist Church says: “The Bible is True with a capital…

Hey Reader! It seems like there’s always something new: new toys, new methods, new research. But the truth is, the best brain-building tools don’t come in a box. They come from you—your voice, your presence, and your connection. Here are five simple ways you help build strong, healthy brains every single day: 1. Every “Serve and Return” Moment Matters When a baby coos, smiles, or points—and you respond—you’re building more than a relationship. You’re wiring their brain for communication,…

Hey Reader! Inclusion begins with seeing others the way God sees them. Each child in your care carries a glimpse of His image and story. Jesus doesn’t say “Let the little children that can sit still, listen and have met all their milestones come to me.” He says “Let them ALL come to me and do not hinder them.” As teachers, we can honor that truth by intentionally shaping our classrooms to be places of belonging and grace. The first step? Get curious. Here are three questions to ask when your…

Hey Reader! Happy Thanksgiving, Friends! We are thankful to God for your willingness to bring your whole hearts to the work that you do each day. May you sense the Lord’s great delight over you as you enjoy time with family, good food and maybe a little Christmas decorating! Need a worshipful Christmas song that reminds you about the arrival of our King of Kings? Check out this one or this one on Youtube! We’ve got a little surprise coming your way for Cyber Week! Keep an eye on our Instagram…

Hey Reader! A recent Common Sense media report said more children have screens and they’re spending more time on them! This is definitely affecting young children’s development in many ways! We’ve all seen it. Lack of motor skills, self-regulation skills, attention span, etc, etc, etc. So what do we do in our early childhood classrooms to support child development appropriately? We are going to provide rich opportunities for PRACTICING these skills. 1. Fine Motor Strength👉 Provide daily play…