--- title: Dev Insights & Inspirations | Admin description: Development Kaplan blog --- # Welcome to the Kaplan Learning Center Your go-to source of research-based early childhood resources and innovative product spotlights that will help you foster child development, inspire creativity, and become a champion of play! [ Subscribe Now ](https://info.kaplanco.com/kaplan-learning-center-subscription-form) ![learning-center-hero-image](https://blog.kaplanco.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Kaplan%20Hero%20Images/learning-center-hero-image.webp?width=1157&height=520&name=learning-center-hero-image.webp) ![classroom setup card image](https://blog.kaplanco.com/hs-fs/hubfs/KELC/Insights%20and%20Inspirations/classroom%20setup%20card%20image.png?width=343&height=385&name=classroom%20setup%20card%20image.png) Classroom Setup ![playground planning card image](https://blog.kaplanco.com/hs-fs/hubfs/KELC/Insights%20and%20Inspirations/playground%20planning%20card%20image.png?width=343&height=385&name=playground%20planning%20card%20image.png) Playground Planning ![professional development card image](https://blog.kaplanco.com/hs-fs/hubfs/KELC/Insights%20and%20Inspirations/professional%20development%20card%20image.png?width=343&height=385&name=professional%20development%20card%20image.png) Professional Development ![funding resources card image](https://blog.kaplanco.com/hs-fs/hubfs/KELC/Insights%20and%20Inspirations/funding%20resources%20card%20image.png?width=343&height=385&name=funding%20resources%20card%20image.png) Funding Resources ## Most Recent [![Choosing the Best Chairs for Your Classroom](https://blog.kaplanco.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Choosing%20the%20Best%20Chairs%20for%20your%20Classroom_Preschool%20Dramatic%20Play%20Table_RESIZE.jpg) ](https://blog.kaplanco.com/dev/choosing-the-best-chairs-for-your-classroom) ### Choosing the Best Chairs for Your Classroom [Buying Guides](https://blog.kaplanco.com/dev/tag/buying-guides) [Furniture](https://blog.kaplanco.com/dev/tag/furniture) Save time and money by using this simple guide to selecting the best chairs for your early childhood classroom. [Read More](https://blog.kaplanco.com/dev/choosing-the-best-chairs-for-your-classroom) ## Browse Resources by Age ### Preschool ![preschool resource image](https://blog.kaplanco.com/hs-fs/hubfs/KELC/Insights%20and%20Inspirations/preschool%20resource%20image.png?width=459&height=207&name=preschool%20resource%20image.png) ## Set Up a New Center or Classroom ![3 Tips and a Tool for Designing Your Classrooms](https://blog.kaplanco.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/3%20Tips%20and%20a%20Tool%20for%20Designing%20Your%20Classrooms_SOP%20Wee%20Ones%20Classroom_RESIZE.jpg) #### 3 Tips and a Tool for Designing Your Classrooms February 6, 2023 ![5 Questions to Ask Before Buying Furniture for Your Classroom](https://blog.kaplanco.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/5%20Questions%20To%20Ask%20Before%20Buying%20Furniture%20For%20Your%20Classroom_Sense%20of%20Place%20Environmental_RESIZE-1.jpg) #### 5 Questions to Ask Before Buying Furniture for Your Classroom January 25, 2023 ![Supporting Children’s Play Patterns Through Classroom Design](https://blog.kaplanco.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/SOPWO%20Blog%201%20-%20Image%201_Banner-1-1.jpeg) #### Supporting Children’s Play Patterns Through Classroom Design November 1, 2022 ![The Sense of Place for Wee Ones collection nurtures the need for play](https://blog.kaplanco.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/SOP%20Blog%20Headers2-1.jpg) #### The Sense of Place for Wee Ones collection nurtures the need for play October 27, 2022 [View More](https://blog.kaplanco.com/dev/tag/classroom-setup) ## Support Early Childhood Professionals ![5 Easy Ways to Practice Mindfulness in Your Daily Life](https://blog.kaplanco.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/mindfulness-tips-1_a-1-1.jpg) #### 5 Easy Ways to Practice Mindfulness in Your Daily Life November 22, 2019 ![5 Ways to Make Time for Professional Development](https://blog.kaplanco.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/5-ways-to-make-time-for-professional-development_a-1-1.jpg) #### 5 Ways to Make Time for Professional Development November 4, 2019 ![PD with Pizzazz](https://blog.kaplanco.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/pd-with-pizzazz_a-1-2.jpg) #### PD with Pizzazz August 9, 2019 [View More](https://blog.kaplanco.com/dev/tag/professional-development) ## Enrich Your Educational Environments ![Celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month with Children](https://blog.kaplanco.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/celebrating-hispanic-heritage-month_a-1-1.jpg) #### Celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month with Children September 21, 2021 ![Creating Inclusive Spaces: Communication Plans for DLLs](https://blog.kaplanco.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/communication-plan-dlls_a-1-1.jpg) #### Creating Inclusive Spaces: Communication Plans for DLLs August 24, 2021 ![Creating Inclusive Spaces: The Basics of Serving Dual Language Learners](https://blog.kaplanco.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/serving-dual-language-learners_a-1-1.jpg) #### Creating Inclusive Spaces: The Basics of Serving Dual Language Learners July 23, 2021 ![Be Intentional: Culturally Relevant Teaching — My Teaching](https://blog.kaplanco.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/equity-culturally-relevant-my-teaching_a-1-1.jpg) #### Be Intentional: Culturally Relevant Teaching — My Teaching February 23, 2021 [View More](https://blog.kaplanco.com/dev/tag/inclusive-classroom) ## Lesson Plan Activities ![New Activities Template -AG](https://blog.kaplanco.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/leftover-craft-collages_a-1-1.jpg) #### New Activities Template -AG November 5, 2022 ![Turkey Prints 2 Ways](https://blog.kaplanco.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/turkey-prints-2-ways_a-1-1.jpg) #### Turkey Prints 2 Ways October 28, 2021 ![Pumpkin Seeds Math Activity](https://blog.kaplanco.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/pumpkin-seeds-math-activity_a-1-1.jpg) #### Pumpkin Seeds Math Activity October 7, 2021 ![3 Ways to Make Halloween Stress Balls](https://blog.kaplanco.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/halloween-stress-balls_a-1-1.jpg) #### 3 Ways to Make Halloween Stress Balls September 24, 2021 [View More](https://blog.kaplanco.com/dev/tag/activity-ideas) ## More to Explore ![Making Collages with Leftover Craft Supplies | Kaplan Early Learning Company](https://blog.kaplanco.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/leftover-craft-collages_a-1-1.jpg) ##### Making Collages with Leftover Craft Supplies | Kaplan Early Learning Company Create opportunities for open-ended art with this fun Sunflower Collage! Invite students to see what type of flowers they can create with leftover craft supplies. November 5, 2022 ![Turkey Prints 2 Ways | Kaplan Early Learning Company](https://blog.kaplanco.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/turkey-prints-2-ways_a-1-1.jpg) ##### Turkey Prints 2 Ways | Kaplan Early Learning Company With Thanksgiving on the way, what better time to show our appreciation for the turkey in all of its gobbling glory! Celebrate the fall season through artistic endeavors in your classroom with these 2 Turkey Print activities! October 28, 2021 ![Pumpkin Seeds Math Activity | Kaplan Early Learning Company](https://blog.kaplanco.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/pumpkin-seeds-math-activity_a-1-1.jpg) ##### Pumpkin Seeds Math Activity | Kaplan Early Learning Company Want to celebrate fall and help your children with their math skills at the same time? Take advantage of the fall season and plant the seeds for new and fun math activities in your classroom with the Pumpkin Seeds Math Activity! October 7, 2021 ![3 Ways to Make Halloween Stress Balls | Kaplan Early Learning Company](https://blog.kaplanco.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/halloween-stress-balls_a-1-1.jpg) ##### 3 Ways to Make Halloween Stress Balls | Kaplan Early Learning Company Whether it's from unexpected changes around us or the rapidly approaching holiday season, why not squeeze away all the stress with this fun and relaxing Halloween Stress Balls activity! September 24, 2021 ![Celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month with Children | Kaplan Early Learning Company](https://blog.kaplanco.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/celebrating-hispanic-heritage-month_a-1-1.jpg) ##### Celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month with Children | Kaplan Early Learning Company Celebration through education is one of the easiest and most fun ways to deliver authentic lessons that teach children to value and appreciate diverse cultures and experiences. September 21, 2021 ![Halloween Paper Plate Puppet Theater | Kaplan Early Learning Company](https://blog.kaplanco.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/halloween-puppet-theater_a-1-1.jpg) ##### Halloween Paper Plate Puppet Theater | Kaplan Early Learning Company Perform your own Halloween spectacular with this fun and easy Halloween Paper Plate Puppet Theater activity! September 17, 2021 ![Easy Fall Sensory Bags | Kaplan Early Learning Company](https://blog.kaplanco.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/easy-fall-sensory-bags_a-1-1.jpg) ##### Easy Fall Sensory Bags | Kaplan Early Learning Company If our "senses" at Kaplan are correct, fall is here and it's time to have some fun with sensory play! Celebrate fall's arrival with your littlest learners September 8, 2021 ![Creating Inclusive Spaces: Communication Plans for DLLs | Kaplan Early Learning Company](https://blog.kaplanco.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/communication-plan-dlls_a-1-1.jpg) ##### Creating Inclusive Spaces: Communication Plans for DLLs | Kaplan Early Learning Company Dr. Lea Ann Christenson offers practical tips for creating communications plans educators can use to engage with the families of the Dual Language Learners in their care. August 24, 2021 ![Autumn Scarecrow Craft | Kaplan Early Learning Company](https://blog.kaplanco.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/diy-scarecrow-craft_a-1-1.jpg) ##### Autumn Scarecrow Craft | Kaplan Early Learning Company Simple and fun, the Autumn Scarecrow Craft is the perfect DIY arts and craft activity to welcome the fall season into your classroom. Scarecrows are as much a part of fall as pumpkins and falling leaves! August 24, 2021 ![The Kissing Hand Raccoon Puppet | Kaplan Early Learning Company](https://blog.kaplanco.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/kissing-hand-puppet_a-1-1.jpg) ##### The Kissing Hand Raccoon Puppet | Kaplan Early Learning Company Back-to-school is an exciting time full of new faces, new friends, and new routines! But, for some young children, it can also be a time of worry and anxiety as they leave their parents for perhaps the first time to join a new classroom community. The Kissing Hand Raccoon Puppet is perfect for children experiencing separation anxiety and back-to-school blues, this easy arts and crafts activity helps children know they're not alone even though they may be away from home for the day. August 23, 2021 ![Nurture in Nature: Back-to-School Tips for Outdoor Play | Kaplan Early Learning Company](https://blog.kaplanco.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/back-to-school-tips-outdoor-play_a-1-1.jpg) ##### Nurture in Nature: Back-to-School Tips for Outdoor Play | Kaplan Early Learning Company In the final entry in her series, Nurture in Nature, Dr. Rachel Larimore provides easy and, most importantly, fun tips for incorporating outdoor play into the back-to-school, season. August 18, 2021 ![Nurture in Nature: Supporting School Readiness Through Outdoor Play | Kaplan Early Learning Company](https://blog.kaplanco.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/outdoor-learning-school-readiness_a-2-1.jpg) ##### Nurture in Nature: Supporting School Readiness Through Outdoor Play | Kaplan Early Learning Company In the third entry in her series Nurture in Nature, Dr. Rachel Larimore explains educators and caregivers the important role outdoor play has in school readiness. August 2, 2021 ![Mindfulness in the Classroom | Kaplan Early Learning Company](https://blog.kaplanco.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/mindfulness-in-the-classroom_a-1-1.jpg) ##### Mindfulness in the Classroom | Kaplan Early Learning Company Offering teachers peace of mind this back-to-school season, Dr. Elizabeth Erwin addresses mindfulness in the classroom by answering frequently asked questions based on her book *The Power of Presence*. July 27, 2021 ![Creating Inclusive Spaces: The Basics of Serving Dual Language Learners | Kaplan Early Learning Company](https://blog.kaplanco.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/serving-dual-language-learners_a-1-1.jpg) ##### Creating Inclusive Spaces: The Basics of Serving Dual Language Learners | Kaplan Early Learning Company In the second blog of her series, *Creating Inclusive Spaces*, Dr. Lea Ann Christenson provides educators ways to prepare for the new Dual Language Learners entering their classroom this upcoming school year. July 23, 2021 ![#SayHerName: Supporting the Social-Emotional Health of Black Girls in the Early Years | Kaplan Early Learning Company](https://blog.kaplanco.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/supporting-black-girls-early-years_a-2-1.jpg) ##### #SayHerName: Supporting the Social-Emotional Health of Black Girls in the Early Years | Kaplan Early Learning Company Is your classroom an affirming space for young Black girls? In this blog, Dr. Iheoma U. Iruka challenges educators to move their focus beyond Black boys, and the high rates of preschool suspension and expulsion they face, in order to create learning environments in which Black girls are nurtured and supported. July 22, 2021 ![Sunflower Seed STEAM | Kaplan Early Learning Company](https://blog.kaplanco.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/sunflower-seed-steam_a-1-1.jpg) ##### Sunflower Seed STEAM | Kaplan Early Learning Company Easy and fun, the Sunflower Seed STEAM activity is the perfect way to combine creativity with inquiry-based learning! July 19, 2021 [ View All ](https://blog.kaplanco.com/) ![listing conversion panel image](https://blog.kaplanco.com/hs-fs/hubfs/KELC/Insights%20and%20Inspirations/listing%20conversion%20panel%20image.webp?width=1924&height=1430&name=listing%20conversion%20panel%20image.webp) Resources at your fingertips ### Get Learning Center Updates Subscribe to get email updates whenever new resources are available in our Learning Center. 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