Adults know it’s important to push through uncomfortable situations. But we also know it’s not a skill people are born with. “Grit” is learned. But how do you teach something as inherently uncomfortable as emotional stamina to kids? This article guides parents through the process of teaching and living a “gritty” lives so their kids can be more resilient as teens and adults.  Before We Start … A note to parents before you embark on the journey of teaching grit: Really consider your child’s age. If you’re the parent of an infant, this advice doesn’t even apply. It’s impossible to raise a ..read more

The Teacher of the Month award is designed to recognize an employee that exemplifies our core values, which are compassion, humility, integrity, loyalty, and discipline. This month we are pleased to announce that our 2024 March National Teacher of the Month is Ms. Tiffany of Little Sunshine’s Playhouse and Preschool of Gilbert at Val Vista. In talking about how Ms. Tiffany exemplifies LSP’s core values, Assistant Director, Ms. Kim said, “Mrs. Tiffany truly embodies what the Reggio Emilia philosophy is; she consistently brings incredibly thought provoking and fun activities to our Pre-K class ..read more

At Little Sunshine’s Playhouse and Preschool®, we believe play is the work of childhood. As a cornerstone of our Reggio Emilia-inspired curriculum, we understand the importance of play in early childhood development. Through various forms of play, children acquire fundamental skills and knowledge that lay the groundwork for future achievements. By engaging children in play, we stimulate cognitive, physical, and emotional growth. Through play, children hone problem-solving skills, improve motor skills and enhance emotional well-being. The significance of play in early education cannot be overst ..read more

Part of Little Sunshine’s Reggio Emilia Philosophy is the belief that children are collaborators in their own learning. One of the best ways to include your children in an active, educational way is by getting creative with them. For all the dads and spouses out there looking to build a special moment for your whole family this Mother’s Day, roll up your sleeves, break out the crafting supplies, and get ready for some fun as you get creative with these 11 handmade gifts.  Fingers & Toes Few things bring out the “ooos” and “awwws” like a homemade gift made with fingerprints and footpri ..read more

The changing of seasons is a great time for kids to learn about what’s happening in the world around them and apply that knowledge in a fun way. Here are 10 spring-themed educational moments you can have with your children as winter shifts into spring. Each section starts with a spring-themed question, an educational resource to answer that question, and a craft to tie it all together. Enjoy! Plants Why do flowers bloom in spring? Flowers are pretty, but what’s their purpose? And why are they everywhere in the spring? This video explains what you need to know about flowering plants. &nb ..read more

Our Reggio Emilia-inspired curriculum, Creatively Shine, consists of fun, engaging monthly themes like “Music & Movement” and “Sports & Gaming  The theme for April is “Every Child is an Artist.”   As a Reggio Emilia school, we must ensure selections are age-appropriate, ask questions before, after and during the book. Encourage your children to play/act out the plot. Bring the books to life and make reading fun. Mixed. A Colorful Story | Author: Arree Chung This Book Is Gray | Author: Lindsay Ward ABCs Of Art | Author: Sabrina Hahn Harold and the Purple Crayon | Aut ..read more

Have you ever played a game where you weren’t really sure of the rules? It’s hard to have fun or feel confident when you’re never really sure if you’re doing something wrong. As a kid, being a part of a family can feel the same way. If children aren’t sure of what will get them in trouble or what isn’t allowed, they probably feel perpetually unsure of what’s expected of them.  This article talks about the importance of creating rules as a family, what kinds of rules you should consider, and how enshrining certain values into your family rules can prepare your kids for the future. &nb ..read more

The Teacher of the Month award is designed to recognize an employee that exemplifies our core values, which are compassion, humility, integrity, loyalty, and discipline. This month we are pleased to announce that our 2024 February National Teacher of the Month is Ms. Tatianna of Little Sunshine’s Playhouse and Preschool of Creve Coeur. In talking about how Ms. Tatianna exemplifies LSP’s core values, Assistant Director, Ms. Carol said, “Miss Tati is an exceptional teacher. She is wonderful with the kiddos in her care and this shines through her everyday interactions with them. She is committed ..read more

If you have been around our blog, school campuses, or social media pages, you likely will have noticed our love for the Reggio Emilia Approach to learning. We have based our program on this emergent curriculum, and the results are excellent. While we love this approach, we are also aware that not everyone is familiar with Reggio Emilia, so we wanted to share a brief overview of what it is all about! This post will cover the origin story, key figures, and how it is implemented in the classroom. You will likely find yourself in love with this way of preschool learning as we are when we are throu ..read more

It’s hard to believe that the time has come to start looking at preschool options for fall enrollment, right? You may have conflicting feelings about this new chapter as you are in the current throws of toddlerhood and getting ready to move into the next stage of the journey. How may your baby be old enough to be in a classroom?! Are they even prepared? Are you ready? What preschool choice is best for us? Where does one even start? These are all common concerns and questions parents have, and we are here to help. We have curated this helpful guide to help you choose the right preschool for you ..read more