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.

When most people think of kindergarten readiness, they picture letter recognition, counting skills, or the ability to sit in a circle and follow directions. While those are important, they rest on a deeper — and often overlooked — foundation: social skills and emotional intelligence.

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. 

One small act of kindness can ripple far beyond the classroom. Join Rachel Giannini and Highlights Early Learning in celebrating educators’ kindness and swap stories at upcoming events.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.