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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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My daughter graduated from high school earlier this summer and received a full Trustee Scholarship to college, where she will be studying American Sign Language (ASL).

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Proud Mama Moment 💛

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It’s such a full-circle moment—she is the reason I started my home childcare 17 years ago. She grew up watching me use sign language with the babies in my care, giving them a way to communicate before they had the words to speak.

I’ve always seen her use the signs and knew she was interested in ASL, but I never realized how seriously she was considering it as a career path. She has told others, “My mom spoke to nonverbal kids, and I want to do the same.”

To my fellow home educators: your children are watching you. I want you to know the value of the work you do for others—and to love and value the career you have chosen.

The little girl who watched her mama sign with babies is now heading to college to study ASL herself.

We are so incredibly proud of you, our little Sunny 🌞. Congratulations, my Trustee Scholar. Go make your mark. ❤️

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