We know that children learn through play, but what they learn is dictated by the materials, activities and environments that we create for them. If you are like me, you are always on the lookout for free lesson plans, games and other ideas to keep the children busy, happy and engaged every day. After a career of almost 20 years in childcare, I have compiled a collection of my favorite activities, games and lesson plans for all ages of children from infant through school age. Whether you are a family home child care provider with multiple ages or a center teacher working with a group of school-agers before and after school, you will find something here that you can use. Please feel free to put these ideas in action "as is" or to personalize them to meet the needs of the children in your classroom.

Additional resources to watch for on upcoming pages include:

* Complete lesson plans including "how to's"

* Miscellaneous activities to add to your own plan

* Choice of lesson plan templates to complete on your own

* Games to print and make

* Worksheets to print and use

Early childhood providers are some of the most creative people in the world and I know that you will take my ideas and only improve on them. I hope that you will write back to let me know how you changed them. I also want to know how the children responded. I will add your comments so that others can get even more ideas. If you will include your favorite childcare resources, together we can make this site THE go-to place for anyone looking for new ideas to get the children engaged in learning.

In addition, there will be articles and discussion forums about our profession, opportunities for training and more. I hope that you check back often to see what is new.

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