Newsletter

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…

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,…