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Teaching Your Child to Talk…There’s No App for That

September 24, 2013 by notjustcute Filed Under: Child Development & DAP, Learning through Play and Experience 18 Comments

5 ways to build early language skills (and set up kids for future success!)

You might be surprised how simple it is to support language development…..and set the stage for even more advantages in the future!

[Read more…]

Thematic Units for the Preschool Classroom

September 12, 2013 by notjustcute Filed Under: Learning through Play and Experience, Unit Themes 15 Comments

Thematic Unit Ideas!

Thematic units are my favorite way to teach young kids.  They organize learning by creating connections, which is how our little ones learn best.  Whether you’re homeschooling, co-oping, or in the classroom every day, I thought I’d give you a jump start in creating your lesson plans by putting together quality play-based activities that fit within a thematic structure and cover a wide array of developmental objectives.

[Read more…]

Art Therapy Every Child Could Use

September 9, 2013 by notjustcute Filed Under: Child Development & DAP, Create, Learning through Play and Experience, Positive Guidance and Social Skills, Uncategorized 6 Comments

Curious about Art Therapy?  I have been!  A huge thanks to Faige Kobre of EduArt 4 Kids for sharing her expertise in today’s post. 

2 kids coloring at home

Many of us have the vague feeling that art is really good for us. We know it makes us more creative and stuff like that. However, research shows that doing art is not only for creativity but, it actually increases the levels of serotonin in the brain which is what is used to help lift depression. Art also helps people learn to like, accept and control their feelings. Feelings of anger, fear, jealously and aggression.

There is even a whole field that uses art to help children and adults heal from painful and abusive situations. This discipline is called art therapy. [Read more…]

First Friday Q&A: How Do I Help My Child to Be a “Good Loser”?

September 6, 2013 by notjustcute Filed Under: Child Development & DAP, Learning through Play and Experience, Uncategorized 2 Comments

First Friday Q&A from Not Just Cute.  How do we help kids lose gracefully?  Who couldn't use this?

No one likes to lose.  But when kids losing a board game or a round of kick the can evolves into kids losing their tempers, throwing tantrums, and dissolving into tears, there are some things we can do.

[Read more…]

Where’s the Science?

August 26, 2013 by notjustcute Filed Under: Learning through Play and Experience Leave a Comment

science weekMy friend Allison , over at No Time For Flash Cards, is dedicating a whole week to supporting science in the preschool classroom and home.  I’m honored she invited me to kick it off by laying the foundation for what science is.

I knew exactly which quote I would use to define it:

[Read more…]

Safe Hands-On Fun for the Kids on the Fourth

July 2, 2013 by notjustcute Filed Under: Celebrate!, Learning through Play and Experience 2 Comments

Fire Free Fun for the Fourth

Fourth of July flashback for you:

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Camp Mom! Simple Hands On Fun for Summer

May 15, 2013 by notjustcute Filed Under: Learning through Play and Experience, Uncategorized 13 Comments

It’s here! 

summer-ebook-cover2 (2)

The Camp Mom Summer Activities Pack is now available!

[Read more…]

Read Along Series: Last Child in the Woods (Part 2)

April 18, 2013 by notjustcute Filed Under: Child Development & DAP, Get Outside, Learning through Play and Experience, Uncategorized 8 Comments

Part 2

In Section 1 of Last Child in the Woods, Richard Louv writes about our society’s apparent disconnection from nature.  After describing the deleterious effects of what he has called, Nature Deficit Disorder, he wraps up the section by pointing out, “deficit is only one side of the coin.”  In Section 2, he discussed the other side of that coin: “natural abundance”. [Read more…]

Let’s Play Birthday Party!

April 13, 2013 by notjustcute Filed Under: Building Readers, Celebrate!, Learning through Play and Experience, Uncategorized 10 Comments

Every birthday is monumental in a kid’s eyes.  Even pretend ones!  “Birthday Party” is one of my favorite dramatic play themes to set up, and the kids love it too!  Melissa & Doug know a thing or two about kids, play, and birthdays, so they’re sponsoring this post as a part of their Ultimate Birthday Bash.  (They’re also hosting an amazing giveaway, so be sure to check out those details at the end!)

[Read more…]

20 Moms: Playdough Transfer and Match with Allison McDonald from No Time for Flashcards

April 9, 2013 by notjustcute Filed Under: Learning through Play and Experience, Uncategorized Leave a Comment

I am so excited to welcome Allison McDonald from No Time for Flash Cards!  Allison is a member of 20 Moms, and having spent a few days with her last summer, I can attest that she really is as rad as you think she is.  Definitely a mom you should get to know! 

After reading Allison’s post, you can hop over to another 20 Moms blog, Peanut Blossom, and find my post.  From there you can keep following the links until you’ve come full circle.  You’re sure to find great posts, fabulous blogs, and some of the best people out there on the internets!  It’s one big party, and you’re invited!

[Read more…]

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I’m Amanda Morgan. Here’s what I’m about…

In early education, there is too much distance between what we know and what we do. I bridge the gaps that exist between academia, decision-makers, educators, and parents so that together, we can improve the quality of early education while also respecting and protecting the childhood experience.

Content Copyrighted (2008-2025), Amanda Morgan, All Rights Reserved

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