caregiver education

A baby touches a soft stuffed animal during a sensory play activity.

Benefits of Sensory Play for Babies: Important Experiences

You may wonder if sensory play is good for your baby. The answer is yes; sensory play has many benefits to a baby’s development. It is an important learning experience during the infant years! Sensory play is children’s way to explore the mind-body connection. Sensory experiences stimulate sensory systems throughout the body, sending messages through…

A toddler plays in a sand table during an interactive learning activity.

Benefits of Interactive Learning: Teaching Kids in a Tech World 

Interactive learning is an educational approach based on kids’ active participation. Instead of a video or lecture, children learn by playing, collaborating with others, and exploring their environment. Keep reading to learn about the benefits of interactive learning in early childhood.  Experts recommend limiting screen time, especially during early childhood (0-8 years). That’s because screen…

Containers of pastel-colored play dough and play dough tools.

Incredible Benefits of Play Dough: Guide for Parents & Teachers

Play dough is a fantastic tool for supporting young children’s learning and development. It is an interactive, open-ended activity that gives children a chance to be creative. Play dough promotes growth in all learning domains, including cognitive, physical, language, and social-emotional. Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of play dough in early childhood….

A child plays with a cardboard box.

Stages of Play: Compare Parten & Piaget to Unlock Kids’ Learning

Updated: November 25, 2023 Two different “stages of play” theories are commonly discussed in child development. Understanding the theory behind stages of play helps identify what a child is learning. Caregivers can then create better learning environments to support a child’s development. Key Points Parten’s Stages of Play Theory Mildred Parten Newhall’s play theory was…

Child playing on a balance board during a sensory activity.

Vestibular and Proprioceptive Sensory-Seeking Play: What to Know

Updated: November 20, 2023 The vestibular and proprioceptive systems use sensory input to connect the body to the brain. These senses help the brain and body balance, coordinate movement, and respond to the environment. Key Points As a developmental therapist, I partner with occupational therapists to bring appropriate vestibular and proprioceptive sensory-seeking play into therapy…

How to Stop Losing Patience with Your Toddler (and have more quality time instead)

How to Stop Losing Patience with Your Toddler (and have more quality time instead)

During my experience working in early childhood education, I have heard how parents wish they had more patience, lost their tempers less, and felt less frustrated. It is overwhelming to keep up with the invisible labor of running a household, supporting your toddler’s development, and not losing your patience in the process. So how can we…

Raise an Environmental Steward: Build a Love of Nature Early

Raise an Environmental Steward: Build a Love of Nature Early

Environmental stewardship involves preserving natural environments through conservation and sustainable practices. Children need to spend time outdoors in order to build a relationship with nature. Maybe it’s all the early childhood trainings I have attended, but I have repeatedly had to do this specific activity. Everyone closes their eyes and focuses on their favorite childhood…