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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9 Ways Preschool Center Directors Can Set New Teachers Up for Success
9 Ways Preschool Center Directors Can Set New Teachers Up for Success
Here are 9 ways Center Directors can set up new teachers for success and give your preschool education center an edge over the competition. 
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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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10 Fine Motor Activities for Preschoolers
10 Fine Motor Activities for Preschoolers
Mastery of fine motor skills is essential to a child’s personal and academic success. Here are ten activities perfect for refining preschoolers’ fine motor skills. 
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12 Gross Motor Activities for Preschoolers
12 Gross Motor Activities for Preschoolers
Here are 12 gross motor activities for preschoolers that will help preschoolers develop and reach important growth milestones a little more each day. 
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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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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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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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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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How to Plan a Successful Preschool Back-to-School Night
How to Plan a Successful Preschool Back-to-School Night
Preschool Back-to-School Night is the perfect time to hone relationships with families while giving them a glimpse into the daily happenings in the classroom. Here are over 15 ideas to ensure a successful and productive Preschool Back-to-School Night.  
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11 Preschool Crafts for Grandparents’ Day
11 Preschool Crafts for Grandparents’ Day
Celebrate the cherished bond between your preschoolers and their grandparents with these 11 delightful crafts tailor-made for Grandparents’ Day!  
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Teachers, Do These 7 Things Now to Prepare for a Successful School Year
Teachers, Do These 7 Things Now to Prepare for a Successful School Year
Here are 7 organizational tips for teachers that will make for a smooth and organized transition to the new school year.  
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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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9 Ways to Improve Teacher Retention at Your Preschool
9 Ways to Improve Teacher Retention at Your Preschool
Here are 9 ways preschool program directors can improve teacher retention at preschools and early childhood education centers.  
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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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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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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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20 Fourth of July Crafts for Preschoolers
20 Fourth of July Crafts for Preschoolers
Fourth of July celebrations are packed with fireworks, American flags, and plenty of summer fun. When it’s time to get crafty with your preschoolers for the Fourth of July–you’ll want to bring out the best red, white, and blue crafts.  
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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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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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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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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