Playful Minds LLC

Try adding one new feeling word each week to your conversations. Here are six kid-friendly picks: disappointed, nervous, proud, frustrated, excited and peaceful.

Try it like this: “I’m feeling frustrated because the zipper is stuck. I’m going to take a breath and try again.”

Kids learn emotional language by hearing ours out loud. Here are a few more ways to grow strong language skills in your tiny tykes: playfulmindslc.com/help-your-child-develop-language-skills.

It’s cooking week here at Porter Lake, and we’re mixing in some basic math skills to make yummy treats! From measuring and counting to following step-by-step directions, cooking helps children build confidence, practice problem-solving and see how learning shows up in everyday life.

Toddlers at State Street are exploring, discovering and learning through sensory play! Sensory learning helps little ones build language, strengthen motor skills and make sense of the world around them, all while having fun.

Our State Street children had a blast today learning new soccer skills with Soccer Shots! From dribbling and kicking to teamwork and listening, the lesson was filled with smiles, movement and fun. Thank you to Soccer Shots for helping our little athletes build confidence while staying active!

Hello, sunshine! Summer adventures are officially here, and a few simple habits can help keep little learners safe, happy and ready for fun all season long.

From sunscreen and hydration to bug safety and water awareness, our newest Giggles & Growth blog shares easy, family-friendly summer safety tips—plus a Sunshine Safety Checklist parents can use before camp, playground trips or backyard play: playfulmindslc.com/summer-safety-habits-for-kids.

Hands down, our teachers are the best! We showed our Enfield teachers our appreciation with thoughtful Bath & Body Works gift bags filled with hand care goodies, each tagged with a special message: “Hands Down, You’re the Best!”

It was a small way to say a big THANK YOU to the amazing educators who pour their hearts into every child’s day. We’re so grateful for our incredible team!

Painter’s tape or masking tape + imagination = instant play.

Make:
• Roads for toy cars
• A hopscotch path for characters
• A “delivery route” for stuffed animals
• A marble run on the floor (big kids love this)

Add signs like “STOP” and “SLOW” for sneaky early literacy.

Explore more screen-free, easy-play activities: playfulmindslc.com/screen-free-fun.

Bug eyes on! Our curious explorers in Enfield went on an exciting bug hunt and discovered all sorts of tiny critters in their outdoor adventure. From spotting ants to examining beetles, the children got hands-on with nature while sharpening their observation and problem-solving skills.

Activities like this are more than just fun—they’re an introduction to STEM learning, helping kids ask questions, make discoveries and explore the world around them with curiosity and wonder.

Exploring the great outdoors! Our Porter Lake kids took full advantage of the warmer weather with a fun and educational nature walk. From spotting flowers and trees to listening to birds chirp, each step was a new discovery!

Nature walks aren’t just fun—they help kids learn about the world around them, spark curiosity and inspire a love for exploration and the environment. Every walk is an adventure in learning!

Reading aloud doesn’t have to mean reading every word on every page. Try this:
• Picture walk: talk about the pictures first
• Pause and predict: “What do you think will happen next?”
• Act it out: silly voices encouraged

Remember, even five minutes counts toward early literacy, and consistency beats perfection. Check out these book recs by age: playfulmindslc.com/get-caught-reading.