Teacher Tips – learnplayrepeat

The Secret Ingredient for the Best Preschool Day Ever

Three preschool children laughing while exploring shaving cream with their teacher

A failed fire-safety activity became the best preschool day ever. See why shaving cream is one of my favorite materials for memorable sensory play.

Hands-On Joseph Bible Activity for Preschoolers: Exploring the Grain Dream

Preschool children exploring Joseph's grain dream with three textures of spaghetti beside The Rhyme Bible Storybook

See how three different kinds of spaghetti helped a class of almost-three-year-olds explore Joseph’s grain dream, stay engaged for 35 minutes, and retell the Bible story in their own words.

How I Set Up a Pumpkin Patch Dramatic Play Center Using What I Already Had

Bright preschool pumpkin patch dramatic play center with pumpkins, café table, and weigh station

See how I turned our existing preschool dramatic-play area into a pumpkin patch and café using mini pumpkins, reused containers, simple DIY props, and materials already in the classroom.

Just Let Them: Why Preschoolers Need the Freedom to Get Messy

Preschool children joyfully throwing loose fabric leaves into the air during dramatic play

When preschoolers paint their hands, throw loose leaves, or take an activity in a new direction, pause before stopping them. Safe, messy play has real value.

Preschool Classroom Routines That Actually Work (Without Constant Reminders)

Preschool teacher guiding children through a familiar classroom routine during circle time

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.

The First Week of Preschool: What to Teach Before You Teach the Curriculum

Preschool teacher helping a young child explore loose parts in a classroom.

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.

Teaching Two Year Olds: The Honest Truth No One Tells First-Year Toddler Teachers

How to teach two year olds free guidebook download for 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”

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”

How I Set Up My Preschool Classroom For The New School Year

Mirrored preschool science table with seashells, fossils, and natural materials

If you are wondering how to set up a preschool classroom that feels calm, inviting, and ready for real play, this is a look inside the classroom I created. I will walk you through the furniture, color palette, and learning areas—including the cozy library, blocks, math and manipulatives, art, science, and dramatic play. My goalContinue reading “How I Set Up My Preschool Classroom For The New School Year”