I've been a little quiet, and here's why.

Hey there.

I've been a little quiet on the newsletter front, and here's what's up.

I spent a week away with some amazing educators (more on that below). This then lead me to take an intentional social media "break", limiting my time as we move into this new season of Spring... I did A LOT of reflecting on where I want to go with you this year.

The Play Retreat - Ya'll. If you have ever thought to yourself, "Gee - I could really use some more play in my life but there just isn't enough time..." Please sign yourself up for a retreat centered around play! I was honored to speak (and participate) in Kristen RB Peterson's Play Retreat in Virginia Beach this past month. It was a major milestone for me as a speaker, educator, and human being. There were monumental highs, lows, and deep reflections which yielded a ton of growth for all. Here's my major takeaway...

Community is LIFE.

Community is the number one thing that continually propels us to move forward when even one single step seems impossible. The fostered community and the bonds made at The Play Retreat were/are unlike any other, I've experienced in my 20 + years in education.

Why? Because we played... we showed up ready and willing to be vulnerable, open-minded, open-hearted, and play-full. We met where we were at every moment, whether joy-filled, tear-filled, or wonder-filled.

As I boarded a plane back to Maine, I realized that THIS is what it feels like for our students and children in our care. When we show up regardless of ALL the life events (that carry on no matter what), with a full heart and ready to love the children no matter how they show up... we make an impact. We create an unbreakable bond and build unshakable trust.

Being on the receiving end of that as an adult was remarkable.

Ya'll. We are doing VITAL work in our classrooms and communities.

So, throughout the month of April, I will share with you some food for thought on how to establish, and continue to foster community in your programs, schools, and classrooms. These are things that I have seen tremendous results with and am so very happy to pass them on to you. Each week, I will share a new way to connect with your community.

👌 Community Building Tip #1

Host Exploration & Play Days.

In the few weeks before programming starts for the new year, offer a 2-hour window for families to visit your program site with their children. This is a drop-in offering for children and families. Not only will this hugely benefit the children as they get to know the space/place before the pressure of "first day". They will also familiarize themselves with you and your staff. These days of exploration and play create an open feel and offer an opportunity for families to connect with one another, aside from the sometimes hurried day-to-day drop-offs and pick-ups.

In our program, we offer two days a week during the two weeks leading up to our Fall start date. I highly encourage all families who are enrolled to attend. This has become a vital piece of the enrollment process.

Lifelong Learning Corner: a place for professional development.

Check out Kristen RB Peterson's new Play Market. This is a one-stop shop (that is growing over time) that offers play-based courses from $0 to $47 that will support the renegade within you. From risky play to nature play to read aloud to story acting, no doubt there is a course for you on The Play Market.