Author: Ashley
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The Tool That Makes Pre-K Lesson Planning So Much Easier
When I reflect on teaching, one of the biggest time drains was planning lessons that fit all the things we know kids need: play-based, culturally responsive, literacy-rich, SEL-focused, and still practical for every center. I made the Pre-K Inclusive Play & Literacy Planner because this is the tool I wish I had. It pulls together Read more
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Calm Corners & Cozy Feelings: Supporting SEL Through Play in Pre-K
When people hear “SEL,” they often think of emotion posters, color charts, or scripts for managing big feelings. But social-emotional learning isn’t just a curriculum checklist; it’s the heart of early childhood development. In Pre-K, SEL is built through play, connection, and daily routines. Children learn how to navigate their emotions by exploring relationships, solving Read more
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Representation in the Reading Corner: Selecting Books That Reflect Your Learners
Creating a space where every child feels seen isn’t just about decor or posters; it starts with the stories we tell and the books we choose to share. Whether you’re setting up a reading corner in a classroom, home learning space, or community center, your book choices can act as mirrors, windows, and bridges. The Read more
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Storytelling Without Worksheets: Oral Language Activities That Work
When people talk about early literacy, we often jump straight to reading and writing. But before children ever hold a pencil or sound out a word, they’re building the foundation for all of it through oral language, talking, listening, retelling, asking questions, and narrating their world out loud. In Pre-K and early learning spaces, oral Read more
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Beyond Letters: How Emergent Writing Shows Up in Pre-K Play
When people think about early writing, they often picture tracing worksheets, pencil grips, or children learning to write their names. But in a culturally responsive, play-based Pre-K setting, writing doesn’t start with letters; it begins with meaning. Emergent writing is the foundation of early literacy. It’s the stage where young children begin to understand that Read more
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Why Pre-K Matters: The Power of Free Play in Early Literacy
When people discuss early literacy, they often focus on read-alouds, alphabet songs, or encouraging children to learn sight words. Those are important, but they don’t tell the whole picture. What often gets left out is the foundation of learning, the part that begins before letters and decoding, when children are just starting to figure out Read more