Build Up Michigan

Build Up Michigan Build Up Michigan helps preschool age children ages 3 through 5, with developmental delays or a disab

Supports for children (ages 3 through 5) with a developmental delay or a disability are available through your public school district. In Michigan, preschool special education programs for preschool age children are available through community-based preschool settings and programs whenever possible. Visit the "Get Connected" portion of the Build Up Website to find out what you can do.

Your little learners will have so much fun strengthening their fine motor skills with a hammering playdough activity! Us...
08/07/2026

Your little learners will have so much fun strengthening their fine motor skills with a hammering playdough activity! Using child-safe hammers to tap golf tees into playdough helps build hand strength, coordination, and control needed for future writing skills. This hands-on activity also encourages focus, problem-solving, and perseverance while keeping learning fun. Children will love exploring different ways to create patterns and designs as they work. Sensory play like this supports creativity while developing important foundational skills.



Source: Teaching 2 and 3 Year Olds - Activities for Toddlers and Preschoolers

Instead of saying, "Use your words," try giving children the words they need. Phrases like "I'm listening. Tell me what ...
08/07/2026

Instead of saying, "Use your words," try giving children the words they need. Phrases like "I'm listening. Tell me what happened," "Can you tell me what you need?" or "You can say, 'Please stop'" help children learn how to communicate their feelings and needs with confidence. Young children are still developing language and emotional regulation, so they often need us to model the words they can use. By coaching instead of correcting, we empower children to solve problems, express big emotions, and build healthy relationships. Every conversation is an opportunity to teach communication, empathy, and self-advocacy. Small changes in our language can make a big difference in a child's confidence and emotional growth.

📱 Screens have their place, but they can't replace the learning that happens through everyday interactions with caring a...
08/06/2026

📱 Screens have their place, but they can't replace the learning that happens through everyday interactions with caring adults. Children develop important skills like tying shoes, using scissors, coloring, solving problems, and managing big emotions through hands-on practice - not by tapping and swiping on a screen. They also learn by watching the adults around them, making face-to-face time more valuable than ever. Setting healthy screen time boundaries and making time for play, conversation, and everyday tasks helps build fine motor, social-emotional, language, and self-regulation skills that children need to thrive. Remember, you don't need fancy activities - your time, attention, and encouragement are some of the most powerful learning tools your child has. ❤️

đź“– Want to learn more about how screen time may impact children's development? Read the full article here: https://www.psychologytoday.com/nz/blog/psyched/202606/are-children-learning-basic-skills-later-because-of-screens

A child's brain grows at an incredible pace during the early years, and everyday experiences play a powerful role in sha...
08/06/2026

A child's brain grows at an incredible pace during the early years, and everyday experiences play a powerful role in shaping healthy development. Giving children plenty of time to play encourages creativity, problem-solving, language, and social skills while strengthening important brain connections. Building a secure, loving relationship helps children feel safe, supported, and ready to learn from the world around them. Prioritizing consistent, quality sleep gives the brain time to grow, process new information, and recharge for the next day's adventures. Being mindful of screen time also creates more opportunities for movement, conversation, hands-on exploration, and meaningful interactions with caregivers. Small, intentional choices each day can help protect and support a child's developing brain, laying the foundation for learning, emotional well-being, and lifelong success.



Source: Institute of Child Psychology

Assertive language isn't about avoiding difficult conversations—it's about expressing yourself honestly while respecting...
08/05/2026

Assertive language isn't about avoiding difficult conversations—it's about expressing yourself honestly while respecting both your own needs and the other person's perspective. It increases the chances of being heard and working toward a solution together.

A simple formula for assertive communication is:
"I feel... when... because... I would appreciate..."

For example:
"I feel frustrated when my toys are taken without asking because I was still playing with them. I'd like you to ask before you use them."

When we model assertive communication, children learn that it's okay to express their feelings, set healthy boundaries, and solve problems respectfully. These everyday conversations build confidence, empathy, and communication skills that will benefit them for years to come.

Healthy habits start early, and the routines children learn today can shape their well-being for years to come. Simple d...
08/05/2026

Healthy habits start early, and the routines children learn today can shape their well-being for years to come. Simple daily practices like eating nutritious foods, staying active, getting enough sleep, and brushing their teeth help build a strong foundation for lifelong health. Young children learn best by watching the adults around them, so modeling healthy choices can make a lasting impact. Remember, healthy habits don't have to be perfect - they just need to be consistent. Small, positive changes practiced every day can grow into lifelong routines. By encouraging healthy habits early, you're helping children build confidence, independence, and the skills they need to thrive.



Source: motherhood.and.montessori

“Play is the highest form of research,” a quote often attributed to Albert Einstein, reminds us that children learn best...
08/04/2026

“Play is the highest form of research,” a quote often attributed to Albert Einstein, reminds us that children learn best when they are actively engaged and curious. What he meant is that play isn’t just fun - it’s how children experiment, test ideas, solve problems, and make sense of the world around them. Through play, kids naturally develop critical thinking skills without even realizing they are “learning” in a traditional sense. It allows them to explore cause and effect, practice social interactions, and build creativity in a low-pressure environment. Instead of separating play from learning, this idea encourages us to see play as learning in its most powerful form. When we value play, we are really valuing the way children are wired to grow and understand the world.

Summer is the perfect time to take creativity outside! Outdoor crafts give children the chance to explore different text...
08/04/2026

Summer is the perfect time to take creativity outside! Outdoor crafts give children the chance to explore different textures, colors, and materials while building fine motor skills, creativity, and problem-solving abilities. Whether they're painting rocks, making art with leaves and flowers, or making bird feeders, every project encourages learning through play. Spending time outdoors also supports physical activity and provides opportunities to observe the natural world.

Remember, the process is often more valuable than the finished product - it's all about exploring, experimenting, and having fun. Grab a few simple supplies, head outside, and let your child's imagination lead the way!



Source: Apex Social Group

Research shows that the language adults use plays an important role in children's social-emotional development, communic...
08/03/2026

Research shows that the language adults use plays an important role in children's social-emotional development, communication skills, and sense of security. Responsive, supportive language helps strengthen the caregiver-child relationship and teaches children that their thoughts and feelings matter. While it's not realistic to respond perfectly in every moment, making small shifts in the words we choose can encourage cooperation, problem-solving, and emotional regulation over time. Children learn how to communicate by listening to the adults around them. Replacing dismissive phrases with ones that invite conversation helps create opportunities for connection and learning. These everyday interactions may seem small, but they can have a lasting impact on a child's development.



Source: motherhood.and.montessori

It's often the little, everyday moments that help children build the biggest skills. Activities that seem simple - like ...
08/03/2026

It's often the little, everyday moments that help children build the biggest skills. Activities that seem simple - like blowing bubbles - are strengthening abilities that support future learning and independence. These experiences help develop motor skills, problem-solving, attention, and confidence in ways that may not be obvious at first.

Studies show that children learn best through meaningful, hands-on experiences that are repeated over time. While one activity alone won't teach everything, those small moments add up and create a strong foundation for future growth. So the next time your child wants to "help" or spend extra time exploring a simple task, remember that they're doing much more than playing - they're learning skills that will benefit them for years to come.

Address

240 S Bridge Street, Ste 250
Dewitt, MI
48820

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8am - 4:30pm
Friday 8am - 4pm

Telephone

+18883208384

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Build Up Michigan posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The School

Send a message to Build Up Michigan:

Shortcuts

Share

Category