Hi there!
I'm Janelle - a play-based early years teacher passionate about creating learning experiences that ignite curiosity, creativity, and academic growth.
On this blog, I share practical tips on meeting curriculum benchmarks through a balance of explicit teaching and play, setting up the ideal learning environment and fostering social-emotional development.
Let’s make play-based teaching work in your your preschool, kindergarten, and first grade classrooms!
Discover essential strategies for teaching phonological and phonemic awareness in early childhood education. This guide outlines the developmental stages and suggests practical teaching ideas and engaging activities to develop these important early literacy skills in preschool and kindergarten children.
Read MoreDiscover 7 Reggio writing provocation ideas that will inspire and motivate even the most reluctant child to write. Learn how to get your students to love writing and download my free writing printables to help your students succeed!
Read MoreLooking for classroom reading corner ideas? Transform your classroom reading area into a cozy, inviting space your students love and discover my budget-friendly tips and ideas to create a nook that fosters reading and self-regulation too.
Read MoreDiscover how to create a peaceful learning environment in your classroom with calming routines, mindful spaces, and practical resources. Reduce sensory overload, foster emotional growth, and promote student focus with my social and emotional learning tools and transform your classroom into a safe, calm space where students thrive.
Read MoreLearn how to make a quick and easy desert felted play mat for small world play set ups. My DIY hack requires minimal materials and can be completed in no time! Whether you are teaching about different habitats, the Australian desert or just need to revamp your imaginative play area, this play mat will provide endless hours of fun and learning for your students.
Read MoreTransform your classroom with a hands-on cardboard box town project! Discover how to teach maths, geography, and problem-solving through creative play using recycled materials.
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