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SEASONAL NEWSLETTER
2025 Summer News!!
(June, July, August)
“THE POWER OF PLAY AND OUTDOOR LEARNING”
For more information, please visit our Website and Facebook page:
www.facebook.com/steppingstoneschildcarelearningcenter
~NATURE INSPIRED MESSAGE~
Nature Journaling:
Nature journaling is a wonderful way to nurture curiosity and creativity in young learners. Encourage children to draw, color, and write about their outdoor adventures—whether it's the fluttering of a butterfly, the texture of a leaf, or the chirping of a bird. By engaging their senses and expressing their discoveries, they build observation skills, language development, and a lifelong appreciation for the natural world.
Every day outside is a chance to explore, learn, and imagine. Let nature be their classroom, their canvas, and their inspiration!
Websites, Books, and Resources
Seven-year-old girl's inspirational TED Talk | A Current Affair
Molly Wright: How Every Child Can Thrive by Five | TED
Supporting Outdoor Learning Opportunities for Young Children
Supporting Outdoor Learning as an Early Educator
Trust the Play-Based Process - with Sally Haughey
The Wonder of Play-Based Learning - with Sally Haughey
FROM THE MANAGEMENT TEAM
Building a Future Through the Power of Play and Outdoor Learning!
At Stepping Stones Childcare, we honor the profound role of play in shaping young minds and fostering lifelong learners. As founders, we are deeply committed to preserving the joy, creativity, and wonder of childhood, just as we experienced in our own early years. In a world increasingly focused on academic expectations, we recognize that true success begins with social and emotional development (SEL)—giving children the foundation they need to navigate life with resilience, curiosity, and confidence.
Research affirms what experience has always shown: the first five years are critical for developing emotional intelligence, problem-solving skills, and a lifelong love of learning. When children are given the space to play, explore, and engage at their own pace, they build self-regulation, independence, and trust in their own abilities.
Embracing Play-Based Learning
At Stepping Stones, play is more than fun—it’s the most effective form of learning. By embracing a play-based learning philosophy, we ensure that childhood remains a time of curiosity, imagination, and joyful discovery—free from the early pressures that can contribute to unnecessary stress and long-term health challenges.
Through sensory experiences, outdoor adventures, and child-led exploration, children strengthen their:
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Cognitive skills – Problem-solving, reasoning, and creative thinking.
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Social and emotional development – Building relationships, practicing empathy, and regulating emotions.
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Physical coordination and well-being – Engaging in movement, nutrition awareness, and mindfulness.
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Self-confidence and independence – Learning at their own pace, taking risks, and embracing new ideas.
More Than School Readiness —A Foundation for Life
At Stepping Stones, we believe that early childhood education is not just about preparing children for kindergarten—it’s about laying the groundwork for lifelong success. Childhood is not a phase but the first step in a journey that shapes every stage of life. We honor this by providing a nurturing, enriching environment where children can:
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Strengthen resilience & emotional intelligence – Navigating challenges and building connections.
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Develop curiosity & critical thinking – Encouraging exploration and problem-solving through play.
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Prioritize physical & mental well-being – Supporting healthy habits, movement, and self-care.
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Embrace a love for lifelong learning – Instilling confidence and independence that carries through school and beyond.
Through outdoor learning, hands-on experiences, and child-led discovery, we ensure that families investing in early childhood education at Stepping Stones are not just preparing children for school but for success in every cycle of life.
We are honored to be part of this journey—a future where play is the most powerful foundation for growth, learning, and endless possibilities!
Summer at Stepping Stones: The Power of Play and Outdoor Learning
This summer, we celebrate the transformative impact of play-based exploration, encouraging children to connect with nature, spark creativity, and build lifelong skills. Each month brings engaging experiences designed to nurture curiosity, foster imagination, and support holistic growth.
June: Garden Fun – Sensory exploration fosters effective communication and self-expression.
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Activity: Hands-on gardening—planting seeds, harvesting vegetables, and exploring textures in nature.
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Goal: Strengthen sensory awareness, encourage descriptive language, and develop patience and responsibility through care for living things.
July: Water Wonders – Boredom encourages imagination, creativity, and critical thinking through unstructured experiences.
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Activity: Free water play—pouring, splashing, experimenting with water flow, and outdoor water exploration.
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Goal: Promote independent problem-solving, inspire creativity, and help children understand cause and effect through movement and play.
August: Bugs and Butterflies – Breathe for Change, Nutrition, Health, and Wellness through outdoor learning, observation, and hands-on discovery.
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Activity: Observing insect life cycles, exploring butterfly habitats, and creating nature journals.
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Goal: Encourage mindfulness in nature, teach the importance of nutrition and wellness, and build awareness of environmental change and growth.
Thank you for supporting our mission to nurture childhood in its purest, most impactful form—one rooted in connection, growth, and the unshakable power of play and outdoor learning.
At Stepping Stones Childcare, we celebrate early childhood as a time of exploration, curiosity, and joyful discovery. We honor the trust families place in us by providing a nurturing environment where children thrive—not just in kindergarten, but throughout life.
Together, we embrace the power of play and outdoor learning, ensuring that every child’s early years are not just preparation for school, but a foundation for a lifetime of success!
Thank you,
~ The Management Team
Christel Cartie ~ President of Operations
Serena Bowman ~ President of Administration
Nick Godbout~ Process Manager
Valerie Vandenberg ~ Senior Director
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Unlocking Potential: Early Learning, Screenings, School Readiness, Investing in Your Child’s Future.
Parent Aware Rating: Ensuring High-Quality Early Learning
Minnesota’s Parent Aware Rating System helps families find trusted early childhood programs that prioritize school readiness through:
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Evidence-Based Curriculum – Strengthening early literacy, math, and social-emotional development.
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Highly Trained Educators – Providing enriching experiences backed by research.
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Family Partnerships – Encouraging collaboration between caregivers and educators.
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Continuous Improvement – Maintaining high standards through professional development.
Minnesota Preschool Screening: A Strong Start for Every Child
Minnesota’s Early Childhood Screening ensures that children are developmentally prepared for school and beyond. The process helps identify strengths and areas where additional support may be needed, including:
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Vision & Hearing Tests – Detecting sensory challenges that may affect learning.
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Motor & Cognitive Development Check – Assessing physical coordination, language, and problem-solving abilities.
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Social & Emotional Screening – Understanding how children interact, regulate emotions, and express themselves.
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Health & Immunization Review – Ensuring children are physically ready to thrive in school.
This is not a test but a tool to support families, offering guidance on early childhood development and resources.
Academic Learning in Early Childhood Education
Families can feel confident knowing children are not missing out on academic development —they are gaining a strong foundation through age-appropriate learning experiences. Children build essential academic readiness skills through:
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Language & Literacy – Strengthening vocabulary and early reading through storytelling, conversations, and books.
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Mathematical Thinking – Laying the groundwork for future math skills through counting, sorting, and patterns.
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Scientific Exploration – Encouraging curiosity and discovery through hands-on activities in nature.
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Fine & Gross Motor Skills – Developing coordination through movement, building, and creative expression.
What Happens in Minnesota Kindergarten?
Kindergarten in Minnesota provides a structured learning environment that supports children’s continued academic and social development. Key areas include:
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Language & Literacy – Recognizing letters, developing phonemic awareness, and beginning reading and writing.
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Math Foundations – Exploring numbers, counting, sorting, and simple problem-solving.
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Science & Exploration – Learning about the world through observation, experimentation, and inquiry.
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Social & Emotional Growth – Developing self-regulation, empathy, teamwork, and friendships.
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Creative Arts & Play – Expressing ideas through music, dramatic play, storytelling, and artistic projects.
What Do Kindergarten Teachers Prioritize?
Kindergarten teachers focus on whole-child development, ensuring children build confidence, independence, and foundational skills for lifelong learning. Their priorities include:
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Social-Emotional Growth – Supporting positive peer interactions and self-regulation.
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Early Literacy & Math Readiness – Encouraging curiosity in reading, writing, and problem-solving.
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Hands-On, Play-Based Learning – Engaging children in creative, interactive learning experiences.
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Family Engagement – Partnering with parents to support learning at home and in the classroom.
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Encouraging Independence – Teaching self-help skills, routines, and personal responsibility.
Minnesota is committed to ensuring young learners have a strong foundation for school success through quality early learning programs and developmentally appropriate school experiences.
HEALTH, WELLNESS AND COMMUNITY
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EXERCISE: Outdoor Yoga – Children will practice balance, stretching, and mindfulness in nature, improving coordination and self-awareness.
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NUTRITION: Farm/Garden to Table – Kids will plant, harvest, and prepare simple snacks, learning about healthy eating and where food comes from.
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SAFETY: Hydration and Why It’s Important – Interactive experiments and discussions will teach the importance of staying hydrated and recognizing dehydration signs.
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RESPECT FOR EACH OTHER: Compliment Circle – Each child will share a kind word about a peer, promoting confidence, positive communication, and empathy.
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PRACTICAL LIFE SKILL: Water Safety – Hands-on activities will demonstrate swimming basics, water hazards, and safety measures to enjoy water responsibly.
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PLAY A GAME TOGETHER: Backyard Olympics – Relay races, ball toss, and obstacle courses will build teamwork, motor skills, and a spirit of friendly competition.
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VISITOR: Wildlife Expert (DNR) – A guest speaker will introduce local wildlife, conservation efforts, and interactive lessons to deepen nature appreciation.
These enriching activities will inspire curiosity, movement, and confidence while reinforcing key developmental skills—all through the power of play and being outdoors!
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SEASONAL GENERAL INFO: JUNE
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CLASSROOM THEME: “GARDENING FUN”
(Eat your Veggies & Going on a Picnic)
SUBJECT: SENSORY EXPLORATION FOSTERS EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION AND SELF-EXPRESSION.
Understanding Individual Child Needs (Connect, Respond, Engage) Self-Care, Role Model Positive Behavior ~voice tones and use of magical words~ The Power of a Smile!
(Summer, Father’s Day, Parent-Teacher Conferences)
IMPORTANT DATES
6/14 Flag Day
6/15 Father’s Day
6/19 Juneteenth CLOSED/CEED TRAINING
SPECIAL SNACK
6/6 National Donut Day (donuts)
DRESS UP
6/16 Dress like your dad day
6/17 Sports Day/Jerseys
6/18 Rainbow Day
6/19 CLOSED
6/20 PJ Day
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SEASONAL MONTHLY INFO: JULY
​CLASSROOM THEME: “WATER WONDERS”
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SUBJECT: EMBRACING BOREDOM AS A LEARNING TOOL!
"Boredom is not something to fight against—it’s an opportunity! When children have unstructured time, they discover new interests, strengthen problem-solving skills, and develop creativity. Rather than rushing to entertain, we encourage purposeful play and outdoor exploration to help children turn boredom into learning and growth."
(Summer, Simplicity, USA Celebration)
IMPORTANT DATE
7/4 Independence Day
7/7 CLOSED/CEED DAY
SPECIAL SNACK
7/3 Bomb-pops (Red, White and Blue for 4th of July)
7/15-Serena's Birthday :)
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DRESS UP
7/14 Sun Hat and Glasses Day
7/15 Animal Print
7/16 Beachwear
7/17 Wild West Day
7/18 Fairytale Character
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SEASONAL MONTHLY INFO: AUGUST
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CLASSROOM THEME: “BUGS AND BUTTERFLIES”
SUBJECT: BREATHE FOR CHANGE & NUTRITION
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Health and Wellness through outdoor learning, observation, and hands-on discovery.
All about Family & Respect for our Parents
(Summer, Awareness Food Allergies)
IMPORTANT DATES
8/29 CLOSED/CEED TRAINING
SPECIAL SNACK
8/4 Watermelon (8/3 National Watermelon Day)
DRESS UP
8/18 Career Day (Dress like what you want to be when you grow up)
8/19 Tie-Dye Day
8/20 PJ Day
8/21 Funky Footwear
8/22 School Spirit Day (Brainerd Blue)
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QUOTE
“Every summer has a story, and together we’re writing ours—filled with sunshine, laughter, and endless adventures!”
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