The Confident Classroom

Quiet or shy preschoolers may take longer to step forward, but their voices matter just as much. By creating predictable routines, offering gentle invitations into play, and honoring students' different ways of expressing themselves, teachers can help every child feel valued and included.

Screens may shape the world in which children live, but we don’t have to let them shape their developing ability to focus. With intentional, brain-based strategies—like using short bursts of novelty, embedding movement, and creating sensory-rich routines—preschool teachers can nurture the habits of attention children need for learning and growth.

Classroom chaos is no match for the power of kindness. When children build empathy, self-awareness, and friendship skills, everyday moments of disruption turn into opportunities for connection, growth, and joyful learning.

Manners are more than etiquette — they’re joyful habits that help children live and learn together as they nurture kindergarten readiness. By weaving simple, playful activities like “Magic Words” Tag, puppet role-play, and kindness tickets into daily routines, preschool teachers can nurture courtesy in ways that feel natural and fun.

Play isn’t just fun — it’s a powerful way to protect children from stress. Neuroscience shows that unstructured, joyful play lowers cortisol, builds resilience, and strengthens the brain systems tied to emotional regulation and learning, making it a vital part of healthy development.

Transitions may look like “filler time” to the untrained eye, but for preschool educators, they’re powerful opportunities to build language, self-regulation, executive function, and social skills. With simple, intentional routines, everyday moments like lining up or cleaning up can become some of the richest learning experiences of the day.

Family newsletters are a powerful way to connect classrooms and homes — and educators can build on that foundation with playful, low-lift strategies that deepen family engagement. From family play nights to quick challenge cards, these approaches make it easy for families to experience the joy and purpose of play-based learning firsthand.

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.

Discover how Crys Stahl, Regional Director at All Around Children, brings play-based learning to life across multiple preschool and Pre-K classrooms. See how her team uses Preschool With a Purpose to spark hands-on learning and support both students and educators.

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.