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You are here: Home / Creative Learning / A Beautiful Morning in My Home Childcare – Episode 1

A Beautiful Morning in My Home Childcare – Episode 1

February 12, 2025 By Suzette Salmon

A Morning in My Home Childcare. Today started with my first arrival at 8:02 AM—some mornings, I get a chance to catch my breath more than others. My first child descended the stairs, washed her hands, and started working on some art. She enjoys sharpening pencils and crayons, which kept her engaged for several minutes.

child sharpening a colored pencil

child sharpening a colored pencil

Shortly after, another friend arrived and asked if she could construct with the pipe cleaners my toddlers had been using the day before. I gathered a kit from my storage and set it up on my makeshift table. She and her sister began building together. Soon, my first child, who had been sharpening pencils, asked to join in. I always teach them to ask before joining someone’s play, and they did—soon, the three were happily constructing together.

construction with pipe cleaners

construction with pipe cleaners

The rest of the children arrived one by one, and soon, it was time for breakfast. Families provide their meals, and the children gather around to eat.

After breakfast, the circle time bell rang, and we came together to greet each other, sing our songs, learn about children with different abilities and discuss our group goals. One of my youngest loves to quiz the children—she held up a card and asked, “What is this?” while pointing to an upside-down letter Q.

toddler with a letter

We soon bundled up for outdoor exploration. I had a play invitation ready—stacking flowers on ice—which they loved. Some played “The Floor is Lava,” while my youngest searched for birds and squirrels. The older children helped winter sow milkweed seeds—we raise monarch butterflies every year. But as the cold wind picked up, I knew it was time to bring their little bodies indoors. It felt like 14 degrees Fahrenheit.

outdoor play stacking plastic flowers in winter

outdoor play stacking plastic flowers in winter

Once inside, we washed up and prepared for lunch., I love to read to them during lunch—it’s one of the only times they sit still enough to listen. Today, we read Just Ask by Sonia Sotomayor—an excellent book that helps children learn about disabilities.

just ask book

Just Ask Book

After lunch, the children played some more, constructed with blocks and Magna Tiles. Then, it was time for them to nap.

It didn’t take long before the little bodies curled up for rest; I took a quiet moment to reflect on the beauty of our morning. Tomorrow, we’ll see what discoveries await.  

stratifying milkweed

Children preparing container with milkweed seeds for stratifying

See you tomorrow – xoxo Miss Sue.  Hope you enjoyed reading about our morning in my Home Childcare

Filed Under: Creative Learning, Daycare Operations

Previous Post: « A Day With A Play-Based Home Educator With Mixed Ages
Next Post: Our Morning in My Home Childcare : Winter Storm – episode 2 »

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Oct 7

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Here’s an example of our cleanup process. The bell goes off for lunchtime and the children automatically start singing and cleaning up (I don’t usually sing but they do). Some are singing only for the song while others are busy cleaning up like ‘the  little red hen.’ A beautiful example of when you work alone and the children are your teammates. 
Yes, they’re my little learners and teammates - all hands on deck. We have a wonderful symbiotic relationship harmoniously working together for the good of the environment.
It makes this work enjoyable and it also helps all to learn and appreciate each other - especially when you have a yard this size. 
#earlychildhoodeducator 
#naturebasedlearning 
#outdoorclassroom 
#homechildcare 
#edulallie

Here’s an example of our cleanup process. The bell goes off for lunchtime and the children automatically start singing and cleaning up (I don’t usually sing but they do). Some are singing only for the song while others are busy cleaning up like ‘the little red hen.’ A beautiful example of when you work alone and the children are your teammates.
Yes, they’re my little learners and teammates - all hands on deck. We have a wonderful symbiotic relationship harmoniously working together for the good of the environment.
It makes this work enjoyable and it also helps all to learn and appreciate each other - especially when you have a yard this size.
#earlychildhoodeducator
#naturebasedlearning
#outdoorclassroom
#homechildcare
#edulallie
...

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lilbebeacademy

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Oct 3

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Beautiful slow approach to my early years classroom. I work alone and it’s very important that we all enjoy the space. Children are allowed to move materials, gather, play, learn and then clean up after. 
- A small mixed-age ratio provides many opportunities for discoveries, play and lots of hours outdoors. 
-This was a rainy day, we also harvest rain for their unending play. 
#playbasedlearning 
#mixedagelearning 
#outdoorclassroom 
#naturebasedlearning 
#edulallie

Beautiful slow approach to my early years classroom. I work alone and it’s very important that we all enjoy the space. Children are allowed to move materials, gather, play, learn and then clean up after.
- A small mixed-age ratio provides many opportunities for discoveries, play and lots of hours outdoors.
-This was a rainy day, we also harvest rain for their unending play.
#playbasedlearning
#mixedagelearning
#outdoorclassroom
#naturebasedlearning
#edulallie
...

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Sep 30

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Nature gives children something real to think about. Listen to the children - bumblebees and butterflies like nectar too.
🍃
#naturebased
#natureschool 
#learningforlife 
#inhomechildcare 
#edulallie

Nature gives children something real to think about. Listen to the children - bumblebees and butterflies like nectar too.
🍃
#naturebased
#natureschool
#learningforlife
#inhomechildcare
#edulallie
...

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Try this if you’ve been trying to get your children outdoors!

Try this if you’ve been trying to get your children outdoors! ...

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