Home Daycare Art Show – this summer, we hosted our annual backyard art show—and it was a beautiful reminder of what home childcare can be: personal, creative, and deeply connected.
As a Reggio-inspired educator, I believe in honoring children’s work and bringing families into our learning journey. With three of our children leaving my home daycare and heading to kindergarten this fall, it felt especially meaningful to celebrate their growth in a way that welcomed families into our summer outdoor space.
Parent looking at kids art that is displayed on backyard fence.
Our home childcare backyard transformed into an open-air gallery. The artworks were pinned to the fence, framed with thrift store finds, and hung from our gazebo-like structure. Families strolled through, admired each piece, and listened as I shared the story, collaboration and learning behind the art.
Families looking at their childrens art in the backyard
The children created:
- Yarn art exploring lines and movement
- Portraits crafted from gift wrap scraps saved from a Teacher Appreciation Week present
- Stained glass-inspired collages using clear magic cover paper and tissue
- Wood sculptures made with glue, wood cookies, alphabet blocks, and beads
- Painted lampshades turned into colorful light installations
- Marigold flower prints, stamping petals onto paper for a nature-based texture
- Terraniums, the children made these for their dads
Face Portrait Art done by children
We had many more pieces that I sent home earlier this year, and some are included in the children’s sketchbook art journals, which we started at the beginning of the school year and continued to add to throughout. Some are still displayed indoors. But taking the time to bring their work outdoors and showcase it intentionally was incredibly special.
In addition to the art, I documented each project with notes on how it connected to the Illinois Early Learning Standards, which provided families with a glimpse into our teaching methods and philosophy, without requiring a formal conference or sit-down meeting.
5 Steps to Transform your home daycare
Families looking at their children’s art
If you’re a home daycare provider struggling with families not picking up artwork—or if the children’s art feels undervalued—I invite you to try something new. Hosting an art show or annual family event can build connection and pride in what happens in your space.
Art of lamp shade, wood sculpture.marigold art and recyled carton
I created www.Edulallie.net for home educators who want to slow down, connect deeply, and intentionally transform their practice.
Here are some ways I’ve invited families in my home childcare:
- Family conferences
- Mystery reader days
- Gardening together
- Donating quality (intelligent) materials or toys
- Fall parties and summer mealtime gatherings
- Pizza lunches hosted by families
- “Kids Night Out” with flashlights and nighttime outdoor play
Thrift store frame used for childrens documentation
If you’re a home educator seeking to foster stronger family connections, consider one of these ideas—or adapt them to suit your own needs. The goal is simple: honor the work, welcome the families, and build joy into your practice.
Until next time, I am Miss Sue, your educator in the trenches with you.
Have you tried gardening with children?
