An experienced daycare provider can recognize the early warning signs of a child’s impending emotional melt down. One particular child might start to whine, stiffen their body posture and get very quiet. Another child might get very loud, start to throw toys and get red in the face as their outward signs that disaster…
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Find Out How Bubble Wrap Can Fix A Melt Down!
March 20, 2016 by
How To Stop Toddlers Who Knock Down Other Children’s Block Towers
January 24, 2016 by
The majority of toddlers reach a stage where they DELIGHT in knocking down block towers. Most of them aren’t so handy yet at building the tower again after it has been demolished. If they can find a parent/caregiver/older child to build towers for them to then knock down, this activity will keep them amused for…
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Testing Limits Through Play
November 30, 2015 by
Do you have a child in your daycare group that seems to always be testing the limits? This is a natural part of being a toddler and preschooler. I have found it is very helpful to set up play materials so children can test their limits in their play. How many big blocks can they…
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Five Tips to Help Young Children Enjoy Circle Time
November 9, 2015 by
Circle Time is when daycare providers sit with their children and introduce them to a new activity. Traditionally the children will sit in a circle on the carpet. Common circle time activities involve singing songs, reading stories or playing counting games. When we have a mixed-age daycare group it can be challenging for the younger…
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Toddler Craft- Leaf Suncatchers
November 2, 2015 by
I saw this message on Pinterest the other day and it got me thinking about my daycare children. Listen earnestly to anything your children want to tell you, no matter what. If you don’t listen eagerly to the little stuff when they are little, they won’t tell you the big stuff when they are…
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One Tip to Foster Strong Relationships with Kids -Encourage Their Interests
September 28, 2015 by
The basis for having a group of daycare children who listen to your guidance and follow your lead is having a strong positive relationship with each child. Little ones are not always going to be eager to follow instructions. What two year old wants to clean up their toys so they can take a nap?…
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How To Teach Kids To Accept Others – An Elephant Story and Activity
August 17, 2015 by
As home daycare providers we teach children how to put on their shoes and how to use a spoon. We also teach them to be proud of their unique qualities and how to accept each other’s differences. It’s important to pause and teach a social skill in the moment when an opportunity arises (like sharing…
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Homemade Playdough = Therapeutic Calmness for Kids
April 27, 2015 by
As a home daycare provider and parent of two children, I find helping young ones manage their emotions is one of my most important tasks as a caregiver. When a child is going through a growth phase, or a big life event, their emotional imbalance often reveals itself through their behaviour. Some days are filled…
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Are Two Year Olds too Young for Circle Time?
November 17, 2014 by
Circle Time is a term we Early Childhood Educators use to describe a time in the day where we sit with the children and teach them a new concept. It often includes songs, stories and learning games. The concepts being taught might be counting to five or learning colour names. So, are two year…
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6 Tips that Foster Calm Intentional Play for Two Year Olds
November 10, 2014 by
Any daycare provider that has a group of two year olds (or a single two year old) has probably seen them engage in the ever popular activity I like to call, “The Garbage Pile.” The two year olds gleefully take a toy off the toy shelves and dump it in a huge pile. Then, once…
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I’m a former elementary school teacher, and homeschool mother of two, who runs a Waldorf inspired home childcare/preschool. 
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