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SEASONAL NEWSLETTER
2025 Spring News!!
(March, April, May)
“Play, Learn, and Grow — Education thrives beyond the four walls of a classroom.”
Nature Inspired Initiative
For more information, please visit our Website and Facebook page:
www.facebook.com/steppingstoneschildcarelearningcenter
Spring's Awakening
Embrace the renewal of Spring with activities that celebrate new beginnings, growth, and the wonders of nature.
🌸 Embracing Growth and Connection🌸
Websites, Books, and Resources
"The Power of Play: Learning What Comes Naturally" by David Elkind
Discusses the importance of play in child development.
Empowering Families Through PLAY
In today's world, we often place a higher value on what can be easily measured. Consequently, PLAY is sometimes undervalued or dismissed as "just fun" or seen as a break from learning.
However, activities like filling out worksheets, reciting rote drills, or coloring within the lines provide us with tangible, trackable results that are easy for adults to assess. This preference for measurable outcomes sometimes leads to a misplaced emphasis on rigid, one-dimensional learning experiences. In contrast, research shows that deep, meaningful learning happens through PLAY —particularly messy, unstructured play.
Why PLAY Matters:
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Neurological Foundations: PLAY is where children build the neurological foundation for complex thinking. Open-ended, sensory-rich experiences help wire the brain for problem-solving, adaptability, and innovation—skills that standardized drills fail to cultivate.
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Cognitive Demands: When children engage in messy play, they are experimenting, hypothesizing, testing ideas, and making sense of the world. This process is far more cognitively demanding than filling in blanks or memorizing isolated facts.
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Academic Success: The neural connections strengthened through play become the groundwork for future academic success, while repetitive, shallow drills do not stimulate or enhance higher-order thinking.
Downsides of Rote Activities:
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Rote activities fail to prepare children for deep learning and often work against it.
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These activities promote passive learning, diminish curiosity, and stifle creativity—essential elements for true intellectual growth.
Shifting Focus:
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When we prioritize what is easily measured over what is deeply meaningful, we favor the illusion of learning rather than the processes that build a strong, capable mind.
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To truly value children’s development, we must shift our focus from what can be tested on paper to what truly transforms the brain—and that begins with PLAY!
"PLAY is NOT simply a break from learning; it is the cornerstone of early childhood education and the foundation upon which future academic achievement and success are built."
FROM THE MANAGEMENT TEAM
Discovering the Magic of Spring: Embracing Play-Based Learning at Our Childcare Centers…
🌼 Why Play-Based Learning Matters:
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Creativity: Encourages imagination and problem-solving.
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Curiosity: Stimulates exploration and discovery.
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Physical Development: Enhances motor skills and health.
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Social Skills: Fosters cooperation, empathy, and relationships.
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Emotional Well-being: Reduces stress and promotes calmness.
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Cognitive Growth: Supports hands-on problem-solving.
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Connection to Nature: Cultivates appreciation for the environment.
🌸 Our Childcare Center is Embracing "Simplicity" with a Slower Pace and a Focus on PLAY-Based Learning. This Includes:
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Stories and Wonder
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Art and Expression
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Practical Work and Creation
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Movement and Nourishment
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Wild Learning and Sensory Immersion
These activities create a nurturing and enriching environment for your children to thrive.
🌿 Benefits for Your Child:
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Problem-Solving Skills
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Language Development
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Social Interaction
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Emotional Expression
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Physical Abilities
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Creative Thinking
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Academic Growth
🌼 Why We Don't Use Traditional Visuals:
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Focus on Exploration: Children learn best through hands-on activities.
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Contextual Learning: Concepts are learned in meaningful contexts.
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Encouraging Creativity: Open spaces inspire imagination.
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Holistic Development: Supports overall growth and development.
🌿 Traditional Visuals in Early Childhood Education: These include alphabet charts (ABCs), number charts (123s), shape charts, and color charts, days of the week, months of the year, weather. While these visuals can be helpful, they are often static and do not fully capture the dynamic and interactive nature of early childhood learning. Play-based learning emphasizes hands-on experiences and exploration, which are more engaging and effective for young children.
🌸 How We Implement Play-Based Learning:
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Dramatic Play: Role-playing activities to learn social skills.
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Building Blocks: Constructing structures to understand shapes and sizes.
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Art and Craft: Expressing creativity through various art materials.
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Nature Exploration: Engaging with the environment to learn about nature.
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Interactive Storytelling: Reading and acting out stories to develop language skills.
🌿 Alternative Learning Methods:
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Photos and Videos: Real-time glimpses of engagement.
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Portfolios: Collections of work and achievements.
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Regular Communication: Updates on daily activities.
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Showcase Events: Opportunities to see children's work firsthand.
As the cold days of winter gradually gave way to the warmth of spring, the children at our childcare centers found themselves at the brink of an enchanting adventure. The season of renewal brought with it a “Fresh” approach to learning, one that embraced “Simplicity” and the boundless wonders of nature.
March: Arts and Creativity March will burst into life with colors and creativity. Our classrooms will be filled with the joyful sounds of children painting, drawing, crafting, and storytelling. Little hands will create masterpieces, and imaginations will soar. Storytime with Dr. Seuss will enchant with whimsical tales, while playful activities will teach good hygiene. St. Patrick's Day magic will come alive with clover-themed crafts and green attire. Parents will be invited to Parent Day to witness the wonder and creativity in our classrooms.
April: Nature and Outdoor Exploration April will bring blossoming flowers and thrilling outdoor adventures. Children will connect with nature through walks, gardening, and seasonal crafts. They will learn about the changing seasons, plant life, and the environment firsthand. Our focus will include stress reduction, positive behavior, storm safety, and child abuse prevention. Earth Day and Arbor Day will feature eco-friendly projects to foster responsibility and care for our planet. Easter celebrations will add joy with egg hunts and spring-themed activities.
May: Music and Movement May will arrive with the rhythm of music and movement. Children will dance, sing, and play simple instruments, enhancing physical coordination and rhythm. Engaging games and discussions will teach transportation safety. Mother's Day will be celebrated with heartfelt crafts, and Memorial Day with special activities. Mental health awareness will take center stage, emphasizing emotional well-being. We will honor Jerry Bowman with Tulip Day on May 13th, celebrating the beauty of flowers.
As we welcome the spring season, we're excited to offer activities that will create a nurturing and enriching atmosphere where children can grow, explore, and connect with the world around them. Our dedicated staff is committed to weaving a magical tapestry of curiosity, creativity, and connection, fostering a love for learning that will stay with the children for years to come.
As spring unfolds, it will bring a renewed sense of wonder and discovery. Guided by their innate curiosity and supported by our caring educators, the children will embark on a journey of growth and exploration. The simplicity of play-based learning will reveal the true essence of early childhood education, where every moment is an opportunity to learn, create, and connect.
And so, the magic of spring will continue to inspire and engage, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of the children, their families, and the entire community. The season's themes will bring joy, knowledge, and a deep connection to the world around them, paving the way for a bright and promising future.
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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HEALTH, WELLNESS AND COMMUNITY
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EXERCISE: Dance Like a Spring Animal
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Activity: Move like spring animals (worm, chicken, bunny) with playful music.
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Goal: Encourage physical activity, coordination, and creativity.
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NUTRITION: What Is on Your Plate?
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Activity: Explore balanced meals with spring-themed plates and real or play food.
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Goal: Promote healthy eating habits and understanding portion sizes.
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SAFETY: Weather/Storm Safety
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Activity: Discuss spring weather types and safety measures; create a weather safety kit.
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Goal: Teach important safety practices and preparedness.
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RESPECT FOR EACH OTHER: Taking Turns and Sharing
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Activity: Group activities to practice taking turns and sharing.
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Goal: Foster social skills, cooperation, and respect.
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PRACTICAL LIFE SKILL: Snap, Zipper, Button (Dressing)
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Activity: Practice snapping, zipping, and buttoning with various clothing items.
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Goal: Develop fine motor skills and self-sufficiency.
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PLAY A GAME TOGETHER: Outdoor Sports
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Activity: Organize outdoor games like baseball, tag, or a scavenger hunt.
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Goal: Promote physical fitness, teamwork, and appreciation for the outdoors.
SEASONAL GENERAL INFO: MARCH
Classroom Theme: “SPRING AHEAD”
SUBJECT: ART IN EARLY CHILDHOOD
Dr. Seuss's & Albert Einstein's birthday, Infectious Control & Good Hygiene,
Building Relationships
(Spring, Parent Day, St. Patrick’s)
IMPORTANT DATE
3/2: Dr. Seuss’ Birthday
3/9 Daylight Savings
3/11: Johnny Appleseed Day
3/17: St. Patrick’s Day
3/20 First Day of Spring
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SPECIAL SNACK
3/6: Oreos & Milk Day
DRESS UP
3/14: PJ Day for National PJ Day
3/17-3/21
Monday: St. Patrick’s Day - Wear Green
Tuesday: Cat in the Hat "Hat Day"
Wednesday: Wacky Wednesday
Thursday: Fox in Socks "Silly Sock Day"
Friday: One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish "Wear Red or Blue"
​SEASONAL MONTHLY INFO: APRIL
Classroom Theme: “NATURE’S WONDERS”
SUBJECT: KEEP AMERICA BEAUTIFUL, REDUCE STRESS IN THE CLASSROOM & POSITIVE GUIDANCE
WEEK OF THE YOUNG CHILD
Classroom Rules, Importance of Policies & Procedures, Earth Day, Arbor Day, Child Abuse Prevention Month, (Weather) Storm Safety
(Spring, Easter, April Fool’s Day)
IMPORTANT DATE
4/1 April Fool’s
4/18 CEED DAY CLOSED
4/20: Easter
4/22: Earth Day
4/25: Arbor Day
SPECIAL SNACK
4/3: Ice Cream Sundae
DRESS UP
4/2: Dress like your favorite book character
4/21-4/25
Monday: Raincoat and Rainboot Day
Tuesday: Earth Day - Wear Green
Wednesday: Baseball Jersey Day
Thursday: Inside Out Day (Wear clothes inside out/backwards)
Friday: PJ Day
SEASONAL MONTHLY INFO: MAY
Classroom Theme: “BLOOMING WITH LOVE”
SUBJECT: MUSIC IN EARLY CHILDHOOD, CHANGE IS HEALTHY
Transportation/Police Safety, Teacher Appreciation Week, Mental Health Awareness
(Spring Celebrations)
May Day, Fishing Opener, Mother’s Day, Gardening, Memorial Day,
Tulip Day in remembrance of Jerry Bowman
IMPORTANT DATES
5/1 May Day
5/5: Cinco de Mayo
5/6: National Teacher Day
5/11: Mother’s Day
5/13: Tulip Day
5/23 CEED DAY CLOSED
5/26: Memorial Day CLOSED
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SPECIAL SNACK
5/15: Chocolate Chip Cookies & Milk Day
DRESS UP
5/5-5/9
Monday: Sun Hat Day
Tuesday: Dress like a Teacher Day (National Teacher Day)
Wednesday: Flower Power Day
Thursday: Wear Yellow Like the Sun
Friday: PJ Day
QUOTE
"Spring adds new life and new beauty to all that is."
- Jessica Harrel
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