ESU #3 Early Learning Connection

12/15/2025

💫 Give Yourself Credit 💫

You’re doing more than you think. In the midst of striving, improving, or simply getting through the day, it’s easy to overlook how much effort you’re already putting in. But your progress, your persistence, your ability to keep showing up—even when things are hard—all deserve recognition. Giving yourself credit isn’t about bragging. It’s about honoring the quiet strength it takes to keep moving forward. 🎉

You don’t have to wait until you’ve “arrived” to be proud of yourself. Growth is ongoing, and you're allowed to feel good about the journey while still working toward what’s next. 🛣️ When you pause to acknowledge your own effort, you reinforce self-respect and create motivation that comes from within. You are a work in progress—and you’re already enough.

💡You’re doing better than you think. Today, take a moment to celebrate you. 🫵

12/12/2025

Turn Trash into Treasures with this Holiday activity!
Kids will turn a jar into a festive reindeer while learning how to repurpose everyday items in a creative, eco-friendly way! Perfect for classrooms or at-home holiday fun.
Download the guide and check out other Discover and Design projects here – go.unl.edu/dnd_projects

12/03/2025

Ready to advance your career in early childhood education? 🚀 The Child Development Associate (CDA) credential is a fantastic way to do it, and the Nebraska CDA Navigator is here to help!

11/28/2025

Create a gumball machine ornament
Add a festive twist to your holiday fun with this hands-on ornament activity! Kids will love creating their own unique designs while building important skills, and their finished ornaments make a great gift for family and friends.
Download the guide at: go.unl.edu/dnd_projects

11/24/2025

Simple At-Home Activities
This holiday season might bring more time indoors with family, which is a great opportunity to learn together! Remember, sensory play doesn’t require special toys; everyday items can inspire amazing learning moments.
Try these activities:
-Freeze toys in ice and challenge your child to “rescue” them with warm water. This simple play builds problem-solving and fine motor skills.
-Give your toddler objects of different colors (blocks, balls, socks, etc.). Provide colored bowls or pieces of paper to match them.
Book recommendation and “sight” guide > go.unl.edu/sensory_play_sight

11/19/2025

Sensory Play Builds Social Skills
Sharing a water bin, baking muffins, or exploring leaves together isn’t just play, it’s practice for cooperation, patience, and language!
Try this: Bake together! Let your child smell spices, stir batter, and taste their creation.
See this week’s guide on “taste” > go.unl.edu/sensory_play_taste

11/17/2025

When babies are on their tummies reaching for objects, give them a chance to try on their own! It’s important for their development to practice new skills independently. If they get frustrated, gently move the object closer so they can feel successful and confident.
Cuando los bebés están boca abajo intentando alcanzar objetos, ¡dales la oportunidad de intentarlo por sí mismos! Es importante para su desarrollo practicar nuevas habilidades de manera independiente, pero si se frustran, acerca suavemente el objeto para que puedan sentirse exitosos y con confianza.
go.unl.edu/can_i_get_it

11/13/2025

11/12/2025

Ready to take your career in early childhood education to the next level? The Child Development Associate (CDA) credential can help you get there. It's a nationally recognized certification that opens doors to new opportunities. Learn more and get started today!

11/10/2025

Sensory Play = Learning
Sensory play is a toddler’s first classroom! Scooping sand, guessing smells, and marching to music all strengthen fine motor skills, early literacy, and vocabulary.
Try this: Set up a sand writing tray at home and let your child draw letters or shapes with their fingers.
Check out this week’s guide on “touch”> go.unl.edu/sensory_play_touch

11/07/2025

Fit & Healthy Kids Series 💻️ | December Webinar
📖 Creating Literacy Rich Experiences in Early Childhood Programs
This session invites participants to explore open-ended literacy experiences and strategies that support children's growth and development across multiple content areas.
🗓️ Monday, Dec. 1 | 7PM CT
See details for this class and register: go.unl.edu/creating_literacy

11/06/2025

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of children? The Child Development Associate (CDA) credential is the perfect place to start! It’s the most widely recognized credential in early childhood education and gives you the knowledge and skills you need to become a confident and effective educator. Let's start your journey together! Attend to find out how you can get started today.