How Play Schemas Can Transform Early Learning

Playful Possibilities with Tuff Trays! This October, our educators participated in a dynamic Professional Development session led by Rachel Waff from Becker's School Supplies. Rachel inspired our team with creative strategies for using Tuff Trays—versatile tools that spark hands-on, imaginative learning in early childhood classrooms. Key Takeaways: • Balancing Play-Based and Teacher-Led Activities: Teachers explored how Tuff Trays can support both structured lessons and open-ended play, helping children develop problem-solving, early math, and science skills while fostering social interaction. • Sensory Play for All Learners: Rachel emphasized the importance of multisensory experiences, showing how sensory play can increase engagement and support diverse learning needs. • Loose Parts & Storytelling: Educators learned to use everyday materials—like recycled items and natural objects—to encourage creativity and storytelling, making learning relevant and fun. • Managing Mess & Maximizing Exploration: Practical tips were shared for keeping activities safe, organized, and accessible, including ideas for outdoor play and collaborative resource sharing among classrooms. • Inclusive Practices: The session highlighted universal design principles, ensuring that classroom environments are welcoming and engaging for every child, including infants and toddlers. We’re excited to bring these playful possibilities into our classrooms, making learning more engaging and meaningful for every child. Thank you, Rachel Waff, for your expertise and inspiration! Parents—look out for photos and stories of our students exploring, creating, and learning with Tuff Trays. If you have questions or want to get involved, reach out to your child’s teacher! #ProfessionalDevelopment #EarlyChildhoodEducation #PlayfulLearning #TuffTrays #HandsOnLearning #RachelWaff #BeckersSchoolSupply

Playful Possibilities with Tuff Trays! This October, our educators participated in a dynamic Professional Development session led by Rachel Waff from Becker's School Supplies. Rachel inspired our team with creative strategies for using Tuff Trays—versatile tools that spark hands-on, imaginative learning in early childhood classrooms. Key Takeaways: • Balancing Play-Based and Teacher-Led Activities: Teachers explored how Tuff Trays can support both structured lessons and open-ended play, helping children develop problem-solving, early math, and science skills while fostering social interaction. • Sensory Play for All Learners: Rachel emphasized the importance of multisensory experiences, showing how sensory play can increase engagement and support diverse learning needs. • Loose Parts & Storytelling: Educators learned to use everyday materials—like recycled items and natural objects—to encourage creativity and storytelling, making learning relevant and fun. • Managing Mess & Maximizing Exploration: Practical tips were shared for keeping activities safe, organized, and accessible, including ideas for outdoor play and collaborative resource sharing among classrooms. • Inclusive Practices: The session highlighted universal design principles, ensuring that classroom environments are welcoming and engaging for every child, including infants and toddlers. We’re excited to bring these playful possibilities into our classrooms, making learning more engaging and meaningful for every child. Thank you, Rachel Waff, for your expertise and inspiration! Parents—look out for photos and stories of our students exploring, creating, and learning with Tuff Trays. If you have questions or want to get involved, reach out to your child’s teacher! #ProfessionalDevelopment #EarlyChildhoodEducation #PlayfulLearning #TuffTrays #HandsOnLearning #RachelWaff #BeckersSchoolSupply

Playful Possibilities with Tuff Trays! This October, our educators participated in a dynamic Professional Development session led by Rachel Waff from Becker's School Supplies. Rachel inspired our team with creative strategies for using Tuff Trays—versatile tools that spark hands-on, imaginative learning in early childhood classrooms. Key Takeaways: • Balancing Play-Based and Teacher-Led Activities: Teachers explored how Tuff Trays can support both structured lessons and open-ended play, helping children develop problem-solving, early math, and science skills while fostering social interaction. • Sensory Play for All Learners: Rachel emphasized the importance of multisensory experiences, showing how sensory play can increase engagement and support diverse learning needs. • Loose Parts & Storytelling: Educators learned to use everyday materials—like recycled items and natural objects—to encourage creativity and storytelling, making learning relevant and fun. • Managing Mess & Maximizing Exploration: Practical tips were shared for keeping activities safe, organized, and accessible, including ideas for outdoor play and collaborative resource sharing among classrooms. • Inclusive Practices: The session highlighted universal design principles, ensuring that classroom environments are welcoming and engaging for every child, including infants and toddlers. We’re excited to bring these playful possibilities into our classrooms, making learning more engaging and meaningful for every child. Thank you, Rachel Waff, for your expertise and inspiration! Parents—look out for photos and stories of our students exploring, creating, and learning with Tuff Trays. If you have questions or want to get involved, reach out to your child’s teacher! #ProfessionalDevelopment #EarlyChildhoodEducation #PlayfulLearning #TuffTrays #HandsOnLearning #RachelWaff #BeckersSchoolSupply

Early childhood educators know that #observation and #documentation are more than checkboxes—they’re keys to understanding every child’s #development. Explore the different ways to document—and how to choose the right one for your purpose.  https://lnkd.in/e8sX3rZX #PHLPreK #SPARKPhilly

Changing Seasons, Changing Sensations As the weather shifts, many of us simply grab a jacket, but for students with autism, seasonal changes can bring real challenges. Fluctuating temperatures, new clothing textures, different light levels, and even new classroom routines can all impact sensory comfort and focus. * Here are a few simple ways to help: Maintain consistent routines where possible. You can offer visual supports to prepare for weather-related changes. Allow sensory breaks and flexible clothing options. Use calm, predictable language during transitions. Small adjustments can make a big difference in helping autistic learners feel safe, understood, and ready to thrive, no matter the season.

AAC Doesn’t Have to Be Scary 🙌 Learning AAC can feel overwhelming at first — for both kids and parents — but it doesn’t have to be! The best way to start? Play with it. Explore icons, press buttons, and use it during everyday moments like snack time or playtime. Model words such as “go,” “more,” “help,” “open,” and “eat.” Every button press is an opportunity to connect and communicate. Key Takeaways: ✅ Modeling is key — even if your child isn’t using it yet. 🎯 Make it fun — use favorite toys or games. 📆 Be consistent — more exposure = more meaning. 🕊️ Be patient — communication takes time. 💖 Remember: the AAC is your child’s voice — don’t leave it behind. #AACAwareness #ParentTips #CommunicationForAll #PediatricTherapy

AAC Doesn’t Have to Be Scary 🙌 Learning AAC can feel overwhelming at first — for both kids and parents — but it doesn’t have to be! The best way to start? Play with it. Explore icons, press buttons, and use it during everyday moments like snack time or playtime. Model words such as “go,” “more,” “help,” “open,” and “eat.” Every button press is an opportunity to connect and communicate. Key Takeaways: ✅ Modeling is key — even if your child isn’t using it yet. 🎯 Make it fun — use favorite toys or games. 📆 Be consistent — more exposure = more meaning. 🕊️ Be patient — communication takes time. 💖 Remember: the AAC is your child’s voice — don’t leave it behind. #AACAwareness #ParentTips #CommunicationForAll #PediatricTherapy

Why Audio Textbooks Are a Game-Changer for Students with Autism For students with autism, navigating traditional textbooks can often feel like an overwhelming task. The dense layouts, varied fonts, and visual clutter can create sensory overload, making it difficult to focus on the content itself. This is where audio textbooks shine as a powerful tool for learning. By delivering information through consistent, predictable auditory input, audio textbooks eliminate the visual distractions and complex formatting choices that can hinder comprehension. They provide a streamlined, focused experience that aligns with the sensory preferences of many autistic learners, allowing them to engage with educational material in a way that feels accessible and supportive. Embracing audio textbooks can foster a more inclusive learning environment, empowering students to thrive academically. #Education #Inclusivity #AutismAwareness #AccessibleLearning

New FREE Episode Alert! 🎓 – Dr Viki Veale on Play Matters Discover why play isn't just important—it's essential! Dr Viki Veale, reveals the science behind play-based learning and shares game-changing strategies for supporting children's natural developmental processes in early years settings and schools. https://lnkd.in/eByAMtRh In this session you'll learn: 🧠 How play literally builds brain connections that support executive function and self-regulation—skills that last a lifetime 🤼 Why rough and tumble play, superhero play, and even toast-shaped "weapons" are actually essential for healthy development (and how to support rather than shut down this challenging play) 🏫 The truth about why "you play in nursery, you work at school" is one of the most damaging myths in education—and what to do instead 🔄 Why transitions are far more complex than just moving from one place to another, and how play helps children process emotions throughout their day 📚 Practical strategies for creating continuous provision, using loose parts, and implementing project-based learning in reception classes and beyond Watch now to champion play-based learning with confidence and evidence behind you! https://lnkd.in/eByAMtRh

New FREE Episode Alert! 🎓 – Dr Viki Veale on Play Matters Discover why play isn't just important—it's essential! Dr Viki Veale, reveals the science behind play-based learning and shares game-changing strategies for supporting children's natural developmental processes in early years settings and schools. https://lnkd.in/eByAMtRh In this session you'll learn: 🧠 How play literally builds brain connections that support executive function and self-regulation—skills that last a lifetime 🤼 Why rough and tumble play, superhero play, and even toast-shaped "weapons" are actually essential for healthy development (and how to support rather than shut down this challenging play) 🏫 The truth about why "you play in nursery, you work at school" is one of the most damaging myths in education—and what to do instead 🔄 Why transitions are far more complex than just moving from one place to another, and how play helps children process emotions throughout their day 📚 Practical strategies for creating continuous provision, using loose parts, and implementing project-based learning in reception classes and beyond Watch now to champion play-based learning with confidence and evidence behind you! https://lnkd.in/eByAMtRh