#Mindful Mondays

Why Movement Matters During Transition Time

If you’ve ever watched a group of preschoolers move from one activity to another, you know transitions can be tricky. Waiting in line, cleaning up, or sitting still for the next activity can feel long and challenging for young children. That’s where movement during transition time makes a big difference.

Little Bodies Are Meant to Move

Young children learn best when they are active. Their bodies and brains are still developing, and movement helps them:

• release extra energy
• improve focus and self-regulation
• build coordination and strength
• reduce frustration and restlessness

Expecting preschoolers to be still for long periods—especially during transitions—can be tough. Adding purposeful movement meets children where they are developmentally.

Turning Waiting Time Into Learning Time

Transition activities don’t have to be passive. Simple movements can transform “waiting” into meaningful learning moments. For example:

• hopping like a frog to the sink for handwashing
• stretching tall like a tree before circle time
• marching, clapping, or tiptoeing while lining up
• singing action songs during clean-up

These activities help children stay engaged while smoothly moving from one part of the day to the next.

Supporting Social and Emotional Growth

Movement during transitions also supports social-emotional development. When children are given fun, active ways to transition:

• they experience less stress
• behavior challenges often decrease
• they practice listening and following directions
• they feel more successful and confident

A child who is moving with purpose is often calmer and more ready to learn.

Building Healthy Habits Early

Incorporating movement throughout the day—including transitions—helps children develop a lifelong appreciation for physical activity. It sends the message that movement is a natural and important part of learning, not just something that happens at recess.

Our Commitment to Active Learning

At our preschool, we intentionally include movement during transition times to support the whole child—mind, body, and heart. These small moments of activity add up to a more positive, joyful, and developmentally appropriate day for every child.

Because when children move, they grow. 💛

We like to use movement activities when we are getting ready to transition.  We are leaving the big gym to go to our classroom.  It’s fun to follow directions like tap your head, reach for the sky, and clap your hands while we wait for our friends to finish cleaning up and lining up with us!

#Mindful Mondays

The Importance of Our “Flat Elmer” Family Project 🐘

At our preschool, we believe that learning doesn’t stop at the classroom door—it grows when school and family come together. That’s why we love our Flat Elmer Family Project, inspired by the beloved story Elmer the Elephant.

You may recognize the idea from the classic “Flat Stanley” activity, but we’ve given it a colorful preschool twist by using Elmer, the patchwork elephant who celebrates uniqueness, kindness, and friendship.

What Is the Flat Elmer Project?

Each child brings home their own Flat Elmer—a paper version of Elmer the Elephant. Families decorate their Elmer with their child and are invited to take Flat Elmer along on everyday adventures: trips to the grocery store, visits to the park, family dinners, playdates, or even special outings.

Along the way, help their child share a short story about what Elmer experienced. Then Flat Elmer comes back to school, ready to be shared with friends.

Why Is Flat Elmer So Important?

This simple project supports learning in big, meaningful ways:

🧠 Builds Early Language & Storytelling Skills

When children talk about what Flat Elmer did, they’re practicing sequencing, vocabulary, and expressive language. Sharing Elmer’s adventures helps build confidence in speaking and storytelling—key skills for early literacy.

🐘 Encourages Family Involvement

Flat Elmer creates a natural bridge between home and school. It gives families an easy, fun way to connect with what their child is learning and to be part of the preschool experience.

🌈 Celebrates Individuality

Just like Elmer himself, every Flat Elmer adventure is different. Some children might take Elmer on big trips, while others include him in quiet moments at home—and that’s perfect. The project reinforces the idea that every family and every experience is unique and valuable.

💛 Builds Social & Emotional Skills

When children listen to their classmates’ Flat Elmer stories, they practice taking turns, listening respectfully, and learning about others. It opens the door to conversations about feelings, friendships, and similarities and differences.

🎨 Sparks Creativity

Families can decorate Elmer as they please! There’s no “right” way to do Flat Elmer—just lots of room for imagination and fun.

How Families Can Support the Project

• Keep it simple—everyday moments are meaningful
• Let your child lead the experience and storytelling
• Talk together about what Elmer is doing and how he feels
• Have fun! Laughter and creativity are the goal

A Project Full of Heart

The Flat Elmer Family Project isn’t about perfection or big adventures—it’s about connection. It helps children see that their lives, families, and experiences matter and are worth sharing.

We can’t wait to see where Flat Elmer goes and to celebrate all the colorful stories that come back with him—just like Elmer himself, bright, unique, and full of joy. 🐘💛

#Mindful Mondays

Why each classroom has a cozy reading center

Cozy reading nooks are important in preschool because they support early literacy, emotional development, and positive learning habits in ways that match young children’s needs. Here’s why they matter:

7. They encourage a love of reading

A comfortable, inviting space makes books feel special. Children are more likely to pick up a book, explore stories, and develop early reading habits when they have a dedicated, calm place to do so.

2. They support language and literacy development

In a quiet nook, children can:

• Focus on pictures and text
• Build vocabulary
• Develop comprehension skills
• Engage in pretend reading

These are all foundational skills for later literacy success.

3. They provide a calming, safe space

Preschoolers often need moments to recharge. Reading nooks:

• Offer a retreat from overstimulation
• Help children self-regulate emotions
• Encourage quiet, independent play

This contributes to a smoother classroom environment.

4. They promote independence

A small, well-designed nook invites children to choose books on their own, fostering autonomy, decision-making, and responsibility.

5. They support imagination and creativity

Stories naturally spark imagination, and a cozy nook helps children immerse themselves deeply in imaginative worlds—important for cognitive and creative development.

6. They enhance social-emotional skills

Children often share the space, read together, or look at books with a friend. This supports:

• Cooperation
• Sharing
• Conversation skills
• Early peer bonding

7. They help define classroom structure

Having a dedicated reading area teaches children about:

• Respecting specific learning spaces
• Understanding routines

Transitioning smoothly between activities

📚 The Value of Show and Tell in Preschool

A Guide for Parents

“Show and Tell” may look like just a fun activity—but it’s actually a powerful learning tool for young children! Here's how it helps your child grow:

🗣️ 1. Boosts Language Skills

• Your child learns to speak clearly and describe things in detail.
• They practice using new words and forming full sentences.

😊 2. Builds Confidence

• Standing up in front of the class helps your child feel proud and brave.
• It gives them a voice and helps reduce fear of speaking in groups.

👂 3. Teaches Listening and Patience

• Your child learns to listen quietly when others talk.
• They practice waiting their turn and showing respect to classmates.

🧠 4. Strengthens Memory and Thinking

• Sharing something meaningful helps your child connect thoughts, remember details, and organize ideas.

❤️ 5. Supports Social and Emotional Growth

• Children feel valued when they share personal stories or items.
• It helps them learn about empathy and build friendships.

🌍 6. Celebrates Diversity

• When kids bring in special items from home, we get a peek into different cultures, families, and traditions.

💡 How You Can Help at Home:

• Talk with your child about what they want to bring and why it’s special.
• Ask guiding questions like: “Where did you get it?” or “What do you love about it?”
• Practice together at home so they feel more confident sharing.

🧸 Example:

“This is my teddy bear, Teddy. I got him for my birthday. He sleeps with me every night.”

That simple sentence helps your child work on speaking, emotions, memory, and social sharing—all in one go!