Blog
Gather current early learning and care practices, creative ideas, and general inspiration from CCPRN and its members.

The Magic of Storytelling
January 7, 2021
Oral stories are powerful things—they can teach, entertain, evoke emotion, elicit memories, develop imagination, provoke deeper thinking, and prompt reflection. Most importantly though, they bring us together and keep us connected. Stories transcend time and space, have the power to evolve, and are free to give and receive.

To Be Known and Cared For
December 1, 2020
When I was little, I heard this once—and it resonated so deeply, this notion—this way of being in the world. This idea that everyone is worthy of and deserves to be known and cared for.

Create and Craft Christmas–Art Ideas and Inspiration
November 27, 2020
When we really challenge ourselves to shift our mindset and include art as a part of our children’s daily experience, we open the door for them to explore, express, innovate, create, craft, discover, wonder, imagine, question, problem-solve, enjoy, and so much more. We build confidence, pride, and self-esteem. We instill and nurture a sense of agency, mastery, accountability, self-efficacy, and ownership.

Hello Winter!
November 23, 2020
Well, it’s no surprise, we knew it would happen sooner or later – winter is well on its way. There’s a chill in the air, frost on the car, and snow on the lawn. It’s that time of year – time for snowsuits and hats and mitts and boots. Whether you are helping to dress one or more children, it can be exhausting. Here are...

What about Art? A post for parents
November 20, 2020
You may have noticed that your child is coming home with little or no finished art. Not to worry! The fact that they haven’t brought home a beautifully cut and glued paper craft does not mean that they aren’t being creative or that your home child care provider is not introducing them to art.

Holiday Resource Kit Reveal
November 18, 2020
This year has been like no other—a rollercoaster ride of emotions—and we know that the holidays will be just as challenging. Our goal at CCPRN is to help you spread a little cheer and happiness.

Baby Doll Circle Time™
November 11, 2020
Baby Doll Circle Time™ provides the opportunity for young children to experience being the nurturer by interacting with their baby dolls (or teddy bear) in the same ways that we as caring adults might interact with them. It also provides a wonderful opportunity for young children to develop, experience, and practice compassion towards others by building connection.

Loose Parts Play
November 11, 2020
"Loose parts pave the way for critical thinking. It allows the children to have their own ideas, to make things the way they decide, and to figure out for themselves how to make their idea work."

How Does Learning Happen?
November 2, 2020
Good question! Important too—how can we support learning if we’re not exactly sure how it happens? When does it happen?—what underlying conditions need to be met for successful learning to take place?

Rag and Bone Puppet Theatre—Online and Awesome!
October 14, 2020
I’ve known about Rag and Bone Puppet Theatre for some time now. I’d heard from parents and caregivers rave reviews and my own children experienced the Rag and Bone “magic of live theatre” while in elementary school. Recently, however, I got to experience this magic myself and want to share a bit about the company and the performance with you.