A joyful young girl at school smiling and raising her hand against a purple background with playful geometric shapes, embodying the essence of play based learning. Purple banner with an image to the right of two children smiling and raising their hands.

The Confident Classroom

Inspiration and resources for early
childhood educators

Highlights Early Learning works hand in hand with preschool educators to nurture young
children’s curiosity, creativity, caring, and confidence. This collection is filled with time saving
tips and solutions that empower center directors and teachers to create educational
environments where young learners can become their best selves.

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Why Resilience Matters in Preschool — and How We Help Children Build It
Why Resilience Matters in Preschool — and How We Help Children Build It

Resilience starts in early childhood. Discover how playful, relationship-based strategies help preschoolers build emotional strength, optimism, and problem-solving skills for lifelong success.

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Why Social and Emotional Development Is Essential to Kindergarten Readiness
Why Social and Emotional Development Is Essential to Kindergarten Readiness

Kindergarten readiness is about more than letters and numbers — it starts with strong social and emotional skills. Discover why emotional intelligence is the true foundation for school success.

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Educator Highlights: Julia Contizano, Director of Gladden Community House Preschool, Columbus, OH
Educator Highlights: Julia Contizano, Director of Gladden Community House Preschool, Columbus, OH

Julia Contizano and the dedicated team at Gladden Community House Preschool in Columbus, OH embrace play-based learning to support the growth of their little learners. Discover how their approach aligns with Highlights Early Learning through the Kindness Connections enrichment kit.

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12 End-of-the-Year Bulletin Board Ideas for Preschool Classrooms
12 End-of-the-Year Bulletin Board Ideas for Preschool Classrooms

These end-of-the-year bulletin board ideas for the preschool classroom cater to all different emotions children feel when school comes to a close.   

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11 End-of-the-Year Preschool Activities
11 End-of-the-Year Preschool Activities
It’s finally here—the end of the preschool year! While some preschoolers are jumping for joy, others might be feeling nervous...
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Educator Highlights: Elysse Hollis, Co-Director of Valley School in Van Nuys, CA
Educator Highlights: Elysse Hollis, Co-Director of Valley School in Van Nuys, CA

Elysse Hollis from Valley School in California fosters a love of learning through play, exploration, and laughter. Discover how the school's approach aligns with Highlights Early Learning products and brings hands-on engagement to preschoolers.

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15 Summer-Themed Crafts for Preschoolers
15 Summer-Themed Crafts for Preschoolers

Keep preschoolers busy this summer with these 15 hands-on preschool crafts for summer. From outdoor-themed to water-ready to animal-inspired, there’s something here for everyone.  

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12 Summer Themes for Preschool
12 Summer Themes for Preschool
Here are 12 inviting and exciting summer themes for preschool to keep the fun and learning going during those sunny days.   
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Educator Highlights: Tiffany Eden, Director of Immanuel Lutheran Child Development Center in Twin Falls, ID
Educator Highlights: Tiffany Eden, Director of Immanuel Lutheran Child Development Center in Twin Falls, ID

Tiffany Eden and the dedicated educators at Immanuel Lutheran Child Development Center in Twin Falls, Idaho,  inspire a love of learning through play. Discover how their approach aligns with Highlights Early Learning and brings joy to their classrooms.

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20 Summer-Themed Bulletin Boards for Preschool Classrooms
20 Summer-Themed Bulletin Boards for Preschool Classrooms
Summer is a time for celebrating all that preschoolers have accomplished and the new experiences to come. Here are 20 summer-themed bulletin board ideas for preschool teachers to help bring that sunny summer energy to the classroom.
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9 Ocean-Themed Crafts for Preschoolers
9 Ocean-Themed Crafts for Preschoolers
These 9 fun and easy ocean-themed craft projects for preschoolers will keep your tiny sea explorers engaged and eager to learn.  
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Educator Highlights: Jennifer Ey, Founder, Inspired Education Consulting, LLC, Columbus, OH
Educator Highlights: Jennifer Ey, Founder, Inspired Education Consulting, LLC, Columbus, OH

Educator and literacy consultant Jennifer Ey, Founder of Inspired Education Consulting, has helped bring Highlights Hello Library books to over 125 classrooms in Columbus City Schools. Discover how Hello Library is a smart, impactful investment in early childhood education.

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7 Ways to Encourage a Lifelong Love of Reading
7 Ways to Encourage a Lifelong Love of Reading

Discover practical ways to nurture a lifelong love of reading in children, from engaging read-alouds to fun routines and diverse book selections. 

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15 Camping Crafts for Preschoolers
15 Camping Crafts for Preschoolers
Here are 15 camping crafts for preschoolers that make the perfect sidekick to any thematic camping unit or standalone lesson.  
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14 Space-Themed Crafts for Preschoolers
14 Space-Themed Crafts for Preschoolers
Looking for space-themed preschool crafts for your budding astronaut? Here are 14 space crafts for preschoolers. 
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Resilience: Tips for Helping Preschoolers Regulate and Bounce Back
Resilience: Tips for Helping Preschoolers Regulate and Bounce Back

Here are seven ways to help preschoolers build resilience and learn essential self-regulation skills. 

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Preschoolers Are Obsessed with Dinosaurs - Here's Why
Preschoolers Are Obsessed with Dinosaurs - Here's Why
Prehistoric play can spark an interest in science. Here’s why preschoolers are obsessed with dinosuars. 
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6 Ways to Get Preschoolers Moving Mindfully
6 Ways to Get Preschoolers Moving Mindfully
Used for exercise, stress-reduction, and mood improvement, mindful movement in the preschool classroom has a host of benefits. Here are 6 ideas that will get preschoolers moving mindfully in their classrooms.   
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12 Weather-Themed Bulletin Boards Ideas for Preschool Classrooms
12 Weather-Themed Bulletin Boards Ideas for Preschool Classrooms

Here are 12 different weather themed bulletin board ideas that provide fantastic visuals for the preschool classroom.

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11 Rainbow and Rain Crafts for Preschoolers
11 Rainbow and Rain Crafts for Preschoolers
Rainy days get a bad rap! Grab your umbrella and sneak a peek at some of these creative rain and rainbow crafts for preschoolers.  
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12 Farm-Related Activities for Preschoolers
12 Farm-Related Activities for Preschoolers

Preschoolers love animals, and the sweet creatures that live on a farm are no exception. Here are 12 farm-related ideas for preschoolers to add to your farm-themed lesson plans. 

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Highlights Preschool With a Purpose

Check next year’s curriculum off your to-do list, and help your teachers unlock the best learning environment for students!

  • Highlights Preschool With a Purpose is a full curriculum with ready-to-go materials that can be quickly adapted by teachers of all experience levels.
  • The curriculum includes 10 months of themed instruction designed for children ages 3 to 5. Flexible lessons and activities can be easily tailored to each child’s learning requirements.
  • A convenient digital planner simplifies lesson planning and team coordination for busy teachers and center directors.
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Highlights Preschool With a Purpose