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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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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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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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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The Missing Piece in Early Math: Why Kinesthetic One-to-One Correspondence Comes First
The Missing Piece in Early Math: Why Kinesthetic One-to-One Correspondence Comes First

Explore how preschoolers develop early math skills by connecting movement and counting. Learn how kinesthetic one-to-one correspondence lays the foundation for accurate counting with objects.

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Bringing Math to Life: Using Pictures to Spark Early Math Conversations
Bringing Math to Life: Using Pictures to Spark Early Math Conversations

Discover how everyday images can spark meaningful math conversations with preschoolers. Learn how "math talks" using quantitative pictures build number sense through observation and playful discussion.

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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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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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10 Earth Day Crafts for Preschoolers
10 Earth Day Crafts for Preschoolers
These 10 Earth Day crafts for preschoolers will have preschoolers buzzing with excitement as they explore recycling, nature, and the importance of caring for our planet. 
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19 Spring-Themed Crafts for Preschoolers
19 Spring-Themed Crafts for Preschoolers

A time of renewal, springtime is when nature comes back to life. Capitalize on the excitement and celebrate the re-emergence of color and life outside with these 19 spring crafts for preschoolers.   

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12 Simple Spring Themes for Preschool Classrooms
12 Simple Spring Themes for Preschool Classrooms
From bugs and birds to spring holidays like Easter and St. Patrick’s Day, there’s so much to explore with your students during springtime. 
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20 Spring-Themed Bulletin Board Ideas for Preschool Classrooms
20 Spring-Themed Bulletin Board Ideas for Preschool Classrooms
Here are 20 spring-themed bulletin board ideas for preschool teachers to help bring that spring magic to the classroom. 
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12 Valentine’s Day Bulletin Board Ideas for Preschool Classrooms
12 Valentine’s Day Bulletin Board Ideas for Preschool Classrooms

Valentine’s Day bulletin boards are a fun way to celebrate in the classroom, and the themes below are perfect for preschoolers. Here are 12 Valentine’s Day bulletin board ideas for preschool classrooms.  

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13 Valentine’s Day Crafts for Preschoolers
13 Valentine’s Day Crafts for Preschoolers
Encourage children to celebrate love and friendship with these 13 Valentine’s Day and friendship crafts for preschoolers.  
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10 Winter Boredom Busters for Preschoolers
10 Winter Boredom Busters for Preschoolers
When it’s too cold to play outside, these 10 winter boredom busters for preschoolers are sure to keep kids’ bodies and minds occupied.
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20 Winter Bulletin Board Ideas for Preschool Classrooms
20 Winter Bulletin Board Ideas for Preschool Classrooms
Bring some winter magic into your preschool classroom with these 20 preschool winter bulletin board ideas for preschoolers. 
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10 Winter Themes for Preschool Classrooms
10 Winter Themes for Preschool Classrooms
To get your preschool class excited for all the joy winter will bring, here are 10 winter themes for preschoolers that will have young children ready to explore this special season.  
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12 Winter-Themed Crafts for Preschoolers
12 Winter-Themed Crafts for Preschoolers
Winter time in a preschool classroom means cute cold-weather animals (hello, penguins!), glittering snowflakes, and all the snuggly vibes. Here are 12 winter crafts for preschoolers to keep little ones busy and learning during the snowy season. 
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13 Winter Holiday Crafts for Preschoolers
13 Winter Holiday Crafts for Preschoolers
The widely celebrated winter holidays of Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa are terrific opportunities for preschoolers to learn about different cultures and traditions. Here are 13 winter holiday crafts for preschoolers.
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20 Hibernation-Themed Activities and Crafts for Preschoolers
20 Hibernation-Themed Activities and Crafts for Preschoolers
Preschoolers are fascinated by hibernating animals. Here are 20 engaging activities and creative crafts to go along with preschool lessons on hibernation.   
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20 Nocturnal Animal-Themed Crafts and Activities for Preschoolers
20 Nocturnal Animal-Themed Crafts and Activities for Preschoolers
Learning about nocturnal animals is such fun for preschoolers.  Here are more than 20 highly engaging nocturnal animal lessons, activities, and crafts for preschoolers.   
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8 Ways to Celebrate Veterans Day and Real-Life Heroes in Your Preschool Classroom
8 Ways to Celebrate Veterans Day and Real-Life Heroes in Your Preschool Classroom
Here are eight ways to celebrate Veterans Day and real-life heroes in your preschool 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