Ms. Stephanie Teaches Blog

  Storybooks That Support Inclusion: Helping Preschoolers Understand Neurodiversity By Stephanie Campbell, M.S.Ed., Early Childhood and Special Education In today's diverse preschool classrooms, inclusion isn't just a goal it's a necessity. As an early childhood educator, author, and workshop presenter, I’ve seen firsthand how powerful storybooks can be in building empathy, understanding, and connection among young learners. When children hear stories that reflect different abilities, cultures, and ways of communicating, they learn to appreciate differences rather than fear them. They begin to see that every child belongs  whether they speak with words, gestures, or a warm smile. Why Storybooks Matter in Inclusive Classrooms Storytime is one of the most powerful tools in the early childhood classroom. It helps children: Develop empathy and emotional awareness Understand perspectives different from their own Explore new vocabulary and communication styles Ask q...

  Objective: To help children practice teamwork, communication, and kindness through guided block play. 🧰 Materials: A variety of blocks (wooden, foam, or plastic) Play figures, animals, or vehicles (optional) “Let’s Build Together!”  A timer  🌟 Activity Steps: 1. Set the Stage: Invite children to sit in a circle and ask: “Have you ever built something amazing with blocks? What happens when we build together instead of alone?” Talk briefly about: Listening to others’ ideas Taking turns placing blocks Saying kind words like “Can I help?” or “Great idea!” 2. Team Building Challenge: Split children into small groups (2–3 per set of blocks) and give them a simple, fun challenge: Examples: “Let’s build a house for a teddy bear.” “Can your team build the tallest tower?” “Make a zoo with spaces for all the animals.” Give them 5–10 minutes to build, encouraging positive social behavior as they work. 3. Prompt Positive Play: A...

As an early childhood and special education teacher, I’m always looking for creative ways to help little ones express how they feel. One of my favorite go-to activities is something simple, sensory, and full of heart  Emotion Stones . This activity gives children a gentle, hands-on way to explore emotions especially helpful for those who are still developing language or have unique ways of communicating. What Are Emotion Stones?  Emotion Stones are small, smooth stones (or even wood slices or bottle caps) painted with different facial expressions. Each one represents an emotion like happy, sad, angry, scared, tired, excited, or calm. They’re colorful, tangible, and just the right size for little hands. 🧰 What You’ll Need: Smooth stones (from the dollar store, craft store, or your backyard!) Acrylic paint or paint markers A basket or small container Optional: Mod Podge or clear sealant to make them last longer 🎨 How to Make Them: Paint simple, child-fri...

  Activity:   “Suitcase Breaths” Objective: Help children calm their emotions by practicing deep, mindful breathing. Steps: Get comfy:   Have the kids sit or lie down comfortably. Imagine a suitcase:   Say, “Let’s pretend we have a big suitcase inside us that holds all our feelings.” Take a deep breath:   Slowly breathe in through your nose as if you’re filling your suitcase with calm and happy feelings. Count to 3. Hold it:   Hold your breath for 2 seconds  your suitcase is full now! Slow breath out:   Slowly breathe out through your mouth, letting go of any big feelings like anger, sadness, or worry. Count to 4. Repeat:   Do this 3-5 times together. Tip:   Use your hands to show the suitcase opening (inhale) and closing (exhale) to help kids follow along visually.

  If you’ve read   My Big Suitcase of Emotions , or you’re just thinking about picking it up, you might be wondering how to really bring the story to life for the children in your world. Whether you’re a parent, a teacher, a counselor or just someone who cares deeply about helping kids understand their feelings this book was made to be more than just a bedtime story. It’s a tool. A safe starting place. A way to help children unpack the big (and sometimes confusing) emotions they carry with them every day. Here are three simple, meaningful ways to use the book in everyday life at home or in the classroom. Create a Feelings Station Set up a small space with crayons, paper, and a blank suitcase template (I can share one!). Invite kids to “pack” their suitcase by drawing or naming the emotions they’re feeling. This gives children a safe, creative way to express what’s going on inside. Do a Daily Suitcase Check-In Ask, “What’s in your suitcase today?” Let kids name a feeling and ta...

Hi there! I’m   Ms. Stephanie , a certified   early childhood and special education teacher   with a passion for helping young learners thrive. I created this space to share my experiences, insights, and resources for educators, parents, and caregivers who want to ma ke a difference in the lives of little ones. 💖 Mission :   As an educator, I believe in making learning fun, inclusive, and full of heart. Whether you’re a   preschool teacher , a   parent , or someone who simply loves to support young children, you’ll find something here to inspire you. My goal is to provide practical, actionable ideas that will help you nurture, teach, and engage young minds. What You'll Find on This Blog : Teaching Tips & Strategies : From   social-emotional learning   to   sensory play , I’ll be sharing proven strategies and activities that can help your child or students grow and succeed. Book Reviews & Recommendations : I’ll introduce you to h...