THE EDUCATION EXCHANGE

Smart Boards are amazing tools. They bring songs, videos, and fun visuals to life at the touch of a button. But when it comes to singing and movement in the classroom, nothing replaces a teacher’s own voice and energy.

Young children learn best through connection. When teachers sing and move with their students, they feel excited, involved, and confident. They follow the expressions and movements of someone they know and trust, something no screen can provide.

When a teacher leads a song, they can slow it down if the class needs more time, speed it up if the group is energized, or repeat a favorite verse just to see the smiles. Children will also mirror the joy and expression they see, clapping, stomping and wiggling with more confidence, when their teacher is right there doing it with them.

Singing with children also builds important early language skills. A teacher’s natural voice helps children hear rhythm, tone, and expression more clearly than a recording, while also giving them practice with turn-taking, listening, and responding.

Smart Boards are wonderful for adding variety and support, but they should be the extra, not the main act. What children will remember most is the warmth of a teacher’s voice, the laughter in the moment, and the shared experience of music.

Here are some free, teacher-friendly printable PDFs you can use to bring seasonal music into your classroom:

• Autumn Songs for Preschoolers (PDF) — a ready-to-print collection of fall music and fingerplays

• Songs & Fingerplays to Share (PDF: Autumn Colors) — includes “Falling Leaves,” “Orange Pumpkin,” and other fall favorites
• Free printable fall songs list (Fantastic Fun & Learning) — includes direct links to printable song sets and lyric sheets

September in Review:

Last month, our Education Team stayed busy connecting with classrooms and supporting teachers in meaningful ways. From modeling engaging activities to helping refine routines, specialists were hands-on making sure students experienced safe, organized, and inspiring learning environments. Your collaboration helped set the stage for a strong start to the school year!

Looking Ahead to October:

This month, specialists are focusing on CLASS observations and the beginning of coaching cycles. They’ll be in classrooms gathering insights to celebrate strengths and identify opportunities for growth. Through individualized coaching, teachers will receive targeted strategies to enhance instruction, strengthen teacher-child interactions, and continue building safe, nurturing learning environments. This is a great time to collaborate closely with specialists and reflect on practices that support every child’s success.

Walking Together:

Step by step, we’re right there with you—coaching, encouraging, and celebrating progress. Every observation, every strategy, and every success adds up to a year where every Head Start child can thrive. Let’s make October another month of growth, reflection, and joyful learning!

Due to flat Head Start funding, teaching staff are expected to carpool with at least one other person this year to be reimbursed.

We also encourage staff to take an ISD vehicle, if applicable.

Please note:

If you need an exception to this rule, contact the Education Coordinator directly.

Travel reimbursement may not be issued if staff travel separately without prior approval.

Thank you for your understanding and for helping us make the most of our program resources.

CLASS Tip of the Month:

Use wait time after asking questions—pause a few extra seconds to give children time to think and respond. This encourages deeper thinking and richer language.

Curriculum Corner:

Use fall nature walks to inspire curiosity—inviting children to notice seasonal changes, ask questions, and explore through hands-on discovery.

Strategy in Action:

Encourage children to retell or act out the story in their own words. For example, invite them to use puppets, drawings, or role-play to show what happened. Retelling builds comprehension, strengthens sequencing skills, and helps children make personal connections to the story.

Family Idea:

Host a "Pumpkin Math Night" where families explore counting, measuring, and comparing pumpkins.

Community Partner Spotlight:

Share local pumpkin patch or fall festival information.

Self-Care Tip:

Start a gratitude journal - write 3 positives daily.

Team Idea:

At your next meeting, have each person share a "teachable moment" from the week.

Tip of the Month:

“Be aware of your surroundings on the playground.” Encourage children to watch where they are going, give others space, and move carefully around equipment.

Safety Reminder:

Always remind children to use equipment the way it was designed (for example, sliding feet first, one at a time). Supervision is key—actively scan and position yourself so all areas of the playground are visible.

Classroom Practice:

Before going outside, practice a quick “Playground Safety Talk” Use role-play or a short demonstration inside the classroom where children model safe walking, taking turns, and waiting patiently. Reinforce the same expectations once outside.

• October 3rd - CIRCLE Progressing Monitoring Wave 1 Ends
• October 16th - Head Start/EHS CPR/First Aid/AED
• October 28th - Head Start CIRCLE Training Day 1
• October 29th - Head Start Master Teacher Fall Cohort

• November 3rd - Start Portfolio Collection
• November 4th - Head Start CIRCLE Training Day 2
• November 11th - Head Start Fall Teaching Assistant Training
• November 12th - Head Start Fall Teaching Assistant Training
• November 21st - 1st Parent Teacher Conference Due

• When completing the T/TA Daily Classroom Safety Checklist, please mark any ‘Not Met’ items as ‘In Process"
• There’s no need to duplicate the same ‘Not Met’ item each week.
• Remember to visit the Teacher Handbook for any questions when entering information into ChildPlus.

📄The Region 7 ESC Head Start Overview page has everything you need—quick links for everyone!

• 🏫 Principals: Program Info & Guidance

• 🩺 School Nurses: Health & Wellness Resources

• 👪 Families: Enrollment & Advocacy

• 🍎 Teachers: Safety & Supervision, Classroom Management, Assessments & Learning, Etc.

• 📊 Program Reports

• 🎓 School Readiness

• 🌱 EcoLand: Explore our Early Learning Center

Thank you for the incredible work you do every day. Your dedication builds a foundation for lifelong learning and success for our children and families.