Dyslexia Awareness: Resources and Activities for ECE

By Andrea Ehlis-Chang

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FunShine Tells: 5 Tips for a Successful Year

A new school year has started and along with that, all of the organizing and prepping of the classroom. As a former teacher, I know firsthand that this is one of the most exciting times for teachers. With their children in mind, teachers plan everything that pertains to their classroom: toys, teaching props, wall colors, décor, etc. There are always lots of surprises, changes, and challenges throughout the school year. With that said, the following five tips can help you start on the right foot and set you up for a successful year. 

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FunShine Tells: The Purpose Behind Creative Arts

It is well known that children are interested in colors, textures, shiny objects, etc. These materials arouse curiosity in them and a desire to explore in depth. This is why crafts and different expressions of art tend to be attractive activities for children. But what is the purpose behind art and those shiny colors? What is behind those interesting textures and materials? 

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FunShine Tells: Strengthening Storytime

Storytime has always been one of my favorites, both as a mom and as a teacher. I have always been passionate about seeing the children’s faces as they prepare and calm down to listen to the story. I wonder what children are thinking. Are they wondering what the story is about? Are they curious to learn about the characters? I have always thought that there are many hidden emotions in storytime. While one might think that more active activities might be children’s favorites, story time has its own special charm.

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Summer Sensory Play

Asian toddler girl having fun pouring water into cup, Wet Pouring Montessori Preschool Practical Life Activities, Fine Motor Skills development, Stay home Stay safe Have fun conceptEarly childhood educators know that children experience the world using their senses. Because of this, sensory play is very popular in classrooms and childcare centers. A simple Internet search for “sensory play activities” yields millions of results, many of them promising 20 or more ideas for sensory play in a single blog post or article. Summer (like any season) naturally lends itself to sensory experiences—there’s splashing water in a table or pool, hearing the tune of the ice cream truck and tasting sweet treats, smelling fresh cut grass and garden flowers, and seeing lightning bugs. Every environment has its unique scents, textures, tastes, sights, and sounds to appreciate. How can you support meaningful sensory play this summer? Read below to find out more.

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