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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What are the Benefits of Reading to Preschoolers?
What are the Benefits of Reading to Preschoolers?
When students and teachers regularly connect over such an experience, it cements that ever-important student-teacher bond. 
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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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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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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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14 Preschool Classroom Jobs That Encourage Responsibility and Accountability
14 Preschool Classroom Jobs That Encourage Responsibility and Accountability
Here are 14 jobs preschool teachers can assign little ones to practice responsibility and accountability in the preschool classroom.
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Starting the Preschool Year with Kindness: Why It Matters from Day One
Starting the Preschool Year with Kindness: Why It Matters from Day One

The first days of the school year shape everything that follows. Building a foundation of kindness from the outset creates calmer classrooms today and stronger readiness for kindergarten tomorrow.

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5 Tips for Successful Preschool Classroom Management
5 Tips for Successful Preschool Classroom Management
It’s important to clearly establish and consistently stick to classroom policies and procedures when working with children. Here are 5 teacher-approved methods of successful preschool classroom management.
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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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5 Benefits of Music in Preschool Classrooms
5 Benefits of Music in Preschool Classrooms
The benefits of music in the preschool classroom are holistic, nurturing children in mind, body, and spirit. Here are 5 benefits of music in preschool classrooms.  
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10 Art Activities for Preschoolers
10 Art Activities for Preschoolers
From DIY instruments that make beautiful music to a few new creative ways to paint, these preschool art activities are perfect for inspiring creativity in your classroom.  
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How to Leverage Preschool Art Projects for Play-Based Learning
How to Leverage Preschool Art Projects for Play-Based Learning
Here are 15 preschool play-based learning art projects that pique a child’s interest and answer some of their “Why?” questions!  
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10 Ways to Prevent Teacher Burnout
10 Ways to Prevent Teacher Burnout
Teacher burnout is an issue educators continue to grapple with as they combat the mental, emotional, and physical stressors of teaching. Here are 10 ways to prevent teacher burnout. 
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What Are the Benefits of Learning Through Play?
What Are the Benefits of Learning Through Play?
Play-based learning is an essential part of a child’s well-being and development, encouraging healthy cognitive, personal, and interpersonal growth. 
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Creating Young Thinkers: Three Big Ideas For Cultivating Curiosity, Imagination and Problem Solving
Creating Young Thinkers: Three Big Ideas For Cultivating Curiosity, Imagination and Problem Solving

Tap into young children's natural curiosity with three actionable strategies to spark thinking and confident learning. Support cognitive, emotional, and early academic development through everyday experiences.

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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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10 Nutrition-Related Activities for Preschoolers
10 Nutrition-Related Activities for Preschoolers

From making buildings out of snacks to practicing using measuring cups to crafting their own chocolate-covered pretzels, here are 10 nutrition activities for preschoolers. 

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How to Teach Self-Regulation Skills to Preschoolers
How to Teach Self-Regulation Skills to Preschoolers
Co-regulation and direct instruction make a great pair when teaching self-regulation skills. Here are six ways to teach self-regulation skills 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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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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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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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