Kitsap Early Learning Professionals

05/26/2026

Motivational Monday-

05/26/2026

What children need most during the school day. In order. 📐

Notice what sits at the base. Not circle time. Not worksheets. Not calendar drills or assessments.

When physiological needs are met and a child feels safe, connected, and trusted, their nervous system can actually settle enough to learn. Not before.

Then child-led play and outdoor time whenever possible. We would actually encourage merging these two whenever possible (child-led play outside), but recognize that outdoor accessibility looks different depending on your setting and community). Then teacher-guided experiences. The smallest slice for a reason.

Notice what isn't on here at all: Circle time. Worksheets. Calendar drills. Assessments. Flashcards. Not an accident.

The order matters more than we were taught. When children are dysregulated and disengaged, the answer is almost always found at the base of this pyramid, not at the top.

We're breaking all of this down this Wednesday. 👇

🎓 Co-Regulation, Connection & Cooperation. A 3-Part Workshop: Raising Regulated, Resilient Children

Free live webinar | May 27th | 12:00 PM EST

For teachers and parents of children ages 0 to 6. Free to attend live.

Register here: https://www.weskoolhouse.com/event-details/three-part-sel-series-part-1-co-regulation-connection-cooperation

WSH Members - ALL THREE WEBINARS are included with your membership!

05/09/2026

Dollar tree has fly swatters!!! Will it be messy…YES! But it will be fun. And it is a fantastic pre-writing activity 😎

05/08/2026

05/08/2026

Governor Bob Ferguson signed a proclamation declaring May 8, 2026 as Provider Appreciation Day! In recognition, DCYF would like to take a moment to celebrate the important work that our early learning and child care providers do each and every day.

Read more at https://www.dcyf.wa.gov/news/dcyf-celebrates-provider-appreciation-day

05/06/2026

‼️ “Be careful!” ‼️

We say it all the time. But it doesn’t actually teach children how to manage risk.

It's vague. It doesn’t give children any useful information about what to do next, and it can interrupt the very thinking process that helps them learn to assess risk for themselves.

Risky play isn’t about removing challenge - it’s about helping children build the skills to manage it.

So instead of “be careful”, we can try language that supports awareness, judgement and communication.

For example:

🌳 In climbing or playing at height - try asking:

“What’s your next move?”
“Do you feel safe there?”
“Take a moment and check your footing.”
“I’m here if you need me.”

These questions help children pause, think and plan.

🤼 During rough and tumble play - instead of stopping it, support the social skills that make it safe:

“Check in with each other - is everyone still having fun?”
“Remember to say out loud if you don’t like something.”
“Look at their face - what do you think they’re telling you?”

Children learn consent, empathy and boundaries through play.

🪵 When children are using sticks or tools - clear guidance helps them think about safety without shutting down exploration:

“Make sure you’ve got space around you.”
“Where is your safe direction?”
“Keep the sharp end pointing away from your body.”
“Pause and think about what your tool is doing.”

These prompts build risk awareness and responsibility.

Children don’t learn to manage risk by avoiding it. They learn by experiencing challenge, thinking it through, and having supportive adults nearby.

So swap "BE CAREFUL!" for "What's your plan?" 🤔

05/05/2026

Hip hip HOORAY for TEACHERS! We appreciate, today and everyday, the amazing educators out there! Wishing you a very special Teachers Appreciation Day! Tag a wonderful teacher in the comments below.