Turn a real ear of corn into an open-ended preschool science investigation with husking, sorting, vocabulary, fine-motor work, and child-led loose-parts building.
Author Archives: Lindsay Foust
Bat Activities for Preschool: A Hands-On Science Invitation
Explore bat anatomy and the bat life cycle through a hands-on preschool science invitation using pasta, loose parts, sorting, and open-ended play.
Preschool Classroom Routines That Actually Work (Without Constant Reminders)
Preschool routines do not need to be complicated. These real classroom cues use rhythm, sound, whispering, short group times, and flexibility to help children participate more independently.
Pumpkin Investigation for Preschool: Cut It Open and Let the Children Lead
Cut open mini pumpkins and let preschoolers investigate the seeds, fibers, pulp and rind through child-led science and sensory play.
Apple Activities for Preschool: Make Apple Juice, Explore Science & Play
Try meaningful apple activities for preschool, including smashed frozen-apple juice, circle-time games, apple science, taste testing and dramatic play.
The First Week of Preschool: What to Teach Before You Teach the Curriculum
The first week of preschool is not the time to rush into curriculum. Here’s what children need to learn first—from classroom routines and safe relationships to using materials and handling big feelings.
Why Open-Ended Play Matters: The Story Behind the Play Beyond Purpose Series
If you’ve ever found yourself searching for new preschool activity ideas, wondering how to encourage more open-ended play, or looking for ways to move beyond worksheets and crafts, you’re not alone. Many early childhood educators believe in play-based learning but struggle to find practical ways to implement it in the classroom. That’s exactly why IContinue reading “Why Open-Ended Play Matters: The Story Behind the Play Beyond Purpose Series”
Teaching Two Year Olds: The Honest Truth No One Tells First-Year Toddler Teachers
I Was Drowning as a First-Year Two-Year-Old Teacher (And No One Warned Me). Let me just say it. Teaching two-year-olds is not for the weak. And no one — no one — prepared me for what that would actually look like. I had just returned from maternity leave. I was a brand new mom. Exhausted.Continue reading “Teaching Two Year Olds: The Honest Truth No One Tells First-Year Toddler Teachers”
How I Use Boom Cards for Assessment in My Preschool Classroom
One of the challenges of teaching preschool is figuring out what children truly understand without turning learning into constant testing. So much of early childhood education happens through play and observation. As teachers, we watch children build with blocks, listen to their conversations, and notice the small moments when something suddenly clicks. But every onceContinue reading “How I Use Boom Cards for Assessment in My Preschool Classroom”
Simple Strategies for Teaching Preschool Behavior
Teaching preschoolers to listen to and follow class rules doesn’t have to feel like a constant battle. In fact, with the right approach, it can become one of the most rewarding parts of your day. Young children thrive on routine, clear expectations, and positive guidance. When we introduce rules in a way that feels safe,Continue reading “Simple Strategies for Teaching Preschool Behavior”
