The Spark journal
Insights for families and educators from Dr. Michelle Peterson, Ed.D.
Featured reading · Learning Through Play
Recognize language, early math, problem-solving and growing independence in ordinary preschool moments, even when nothing comes home in a backpack.
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For parents · Choosing a Preschool
Look beyond the monthly number: compare schedules, tuition payments, deposits and what is included, with a free printable cost worksheet.
Read the articleFor parents · Growing Toward Kindergarten
Turn everyday observations into a useful teacher conversation, with practical examples and a free one-page planning sheet.
Read the articleFor parents · Starting Preschool
Make the first morning more familiar with a visit, a simple goodbye plan and a free printable to use with your child's teacher.
Read the articleFor parents · Choosing a Program
Compare learning, relationships, schedules and costs, with a free printable to help you ask useful questions on a visit.
Read the articleFor parents · Choosing a Program
Seven things to notice in a preschool, with questions to bring on a tour.
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For parents · Tuition & Cost
A starting point for understanding possible benefits and the questions to bring to your tax professional.
Read the articleFor educators · Curriculum Design
Connect playful classroom experiences with learning goals, observation and documentation.
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For educators · Consulting & Leadership
Explore the role, the process and what to consider when seeking support for your program.
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Find words for a hard moment, a plan for preschool, or a new way to play together. Dr. Michelle Peterson’s resources turn these everyday questions into practical next steps for families everywhere.
What can I say? Parenting Scripts
What should we prepare for? The Parent Guide
What could we play? 365 Invitations to Play
How do we make a plan? The Printable Toolkit
Paid PDF downloads. Read on screen or print selected pages.