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Why It's Time for an Early Literacy Shift
It is time to take a look at early literacy in America.
Melissa McCall
Sep 218 min read


What Actually Is Play-Based Learning? Understanding the Spectrum of Play
Play is essential. But “play-based” does not mean “never teach.” Let's dive into the spectrum of play.
Melissa McCall
Sep 85 min read


Before School Starts: Prep These Five Name Activities for Preschool
Five simple, meaningful ways to turn children's names into powerful alphabet learning before the first day of preschool.
Melissa McCall
Aug 194 min read


To Hang or Not to Hang... That Is the Question. A Preschool Teacher Checklist
Set up a classroom that teaches!
Melissa McCall
Aug 55 min read


Kindergarten Readiness Through Purposeful Play: What Our Data Revealed
More than 100 preschoolers reminded us what is possible when intentional teaching and purposeful play come together.
Melissa McCall
Jul 236 min read


The Moving Little Minds System: Five Principles That Drive Preschool Literacy Growth
Many educators know literacy matters. The challenge is knowing what to teach, when to teach it, and how to do it in a way that actually works for young children.
Melissa McCall
Jul 185 min read


Purposeful Play, Intentional Teaching, Real Results: What We Learned from Over 100 Preschoolers
Children deserve classrooms where they can move, explore, create, imagine, and play. They also deserve educators who understand how to intentionally teach the foundational skills that support future reading success.
Melissa McCall
Jul 105 min read


Why Consistency in Preschool Matters: Less Confusion, More Growth
Young brains crave predictability. Discover how alignment within classrooms, across classrooms, and between home and school helps reduce cognitive load, strengthen learning, and create environments where children can thrive.
Melissa McCall
Jun 198 min read


Six Old-School Preschool Literacy Instruction Practices to Let Go Of (and What to Do Instead)
Many preschool literacy practices have been passed down for years without us stopping to ask whether they truly align with what research tells us about how children learn. In this article, we explore six outdated approaches—from Letter of the Week to one-and-done read-alouds—and share practical, play-based alternatives that better support early literacy development.
Melissa McCall
Jun 88 min read


Preschool Literacy Curriculum: Everything Teachers and Directors Need to Know
Choosing a preschool literacy curriculum can feel overwhelming. In this post, we answer the most common questions about the Moving Little Minds Preschool Literacy Curriculum and share how we combine playful learning with research-based literacy instruction.
Melissa McCall
May 187 min read


Fine Motor Skills: Why Handwriting Instruction Should Not Drive Alphabet Instruction
It is time to let go of allowing our handwriting curriculum to dictate how we use the alphabet. Learn how we can do both skills most effectively!
Melissa McCall
May 55 min read


Are We Overcomplicating Phonological Awareness in Pre-K Classrooms?
Do we really need to drill phonological awareness in preschool? What happens when we teach through PLAY!
Melissa McCall
Apr 126 min read


Kindergarten Readiness: The 6 Early Literacy Skills That Matter Most This Spring
Check out these 6 key literacy skills for kindergarten readiness, and tips for those students that are still progressing.
Melissa McCall
Mar 236 min read


Preschool Developmental Red Flags: Signs a Child May Be Struggling
Learn why noticing early literacy red flags is vital for our preschoolers.
Melissa McCall
Feb 26 min read


6 Preschool Literacy Activities to Let Go of in 2026 (and What to Do Instead)!
Let's ditch these 6 early literacy trends and merge research-backed instruction with play!
Melissa McCall
Jan 67 min read


Think Reading Struggles Begin in Kindergarten? New Research Says Otherwise
New Reseach on Reading Struggles Might Have You Thinking Differently About Preschool
Melissa McCall
Oct 2, 20257 min read


Should We Really Be Teaching Sight Words in Preschool?
Is it appropriate to teach sight words in preschool? Find out!
Melissa McCall
Jul 1, 20255 min read


Mindset Matters: Teacher Reflection and Refocus This Summer!
Learn a simple process for reflecting on your mindset and making positive changes as a preschool leader.
Melissa McCall
May 30, 20254 min read


Working SMARTER, Not HARDER - Embracing Repetition in Preschool Read Alouds
It is time to embrace repetition! Check out our three-step framework to reading aloud with a purpose!
Melissa McCall
Apr 4, 20255 min read


The Nation's Report Card Reveals Reading Scores Drop Again—Preschool Is the Key to Change!
Nation's Report Card Scores Prove That Preschool Matters—Now More Than Ever When I taught kindergarten in Greenville, SC, at a high-needs Title 1 school, I saw something incredible. This school had a public preschool program, a lottery-based system that prioritized children from low-income families and those with special needs. And let me tell you—it changed everything. These preschoolers entered my kindergarten classroom ready. They understood routines, they had exposu
Melissa McCall
Mar 7, 20255 min read
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