Professional Series - Early Education with Kelsey Cook

Tell us a bit about your job as an early childhood education expert, and the toddler & preschool learning boxes you have created!

I have a degree in early childhood/elementary education. I started my career as a third grade teacher, after a few years in third grade I moved to kindergarten and I fell in love! I had my first baby while I was teaching kindergarten and decided to stay home with him after I finished the year. I was home with him for one year and missed teaching so much. I decided to open my own in home preschool to be able to have the best of both worlds. It was so fun and exactly what I needed. I created my own curriculum for preschool and spent hours making it exactly what I wanted and what I knew the kids needed. In 2020 I had to close my preschool because of the pandemic. I was so sad that my cute preschoolers were missing out on the end of the year, which is always my favorite. I made packets for my students and would put them in gallon baggies and set them on my porch for them to come pick up. The bags had the activities we would do in preschool and the supplies so moms could do the activities at home with their kids. Word spread and more people started wanting them. This is how my boxes were created. I realized that so many parents were looking for ways to teach and connect with their kids at home but just didn't have the tools. As an early childhood educator I did! I wanted to make it so all parents could have the confidence to teach their young kids and engage with them at their level.

What’s your favorite childhood game or activity that helps build essential skills, and why is it so effective?

My favorite game to play with young kids is a simple one that requires no supplies but is so effective: I Spy! I love this game! It can be adapted to help with so many different skills. Playing I Spy with your child helps with listening and attention skills as they try and find what you are thinking of. They are having to remember it as they look which is also helping with retention skills. You can make it a game where you are practicing colors, letters, animals, or even sounds by saying, "I see something that starts with the letter 'T'". I also love that you have this game wherever you go! You can play it in the car, at the doctor's office, or in a restaurant. 

What are your top three favorite children’s books that every parent should read to their little one, and what makes them special?

Children's books are one of my very favorite things. I love reading with my kids. I absolutely love seasonal books and having new books for each holiday is a tradition at my house. But if I had to pick 3 books to read all year round I would say Elephant and Piggie: A Big Guy Took My Ball, The Special Trade, The Gruffalo. Elephant and Piggie books are so funny and always get a laugh from my kids, they are short and they have easy words so my kids memorize and want to read them over and over. The Special Trade is a book near and dear to my heart. I grew up reading it and the message in the book is so sweet. The Gruffalo is such a fun book to read because it rhymes and is so well written, my kids love repeating it and could read it everyday. The writer of The Gruffalo also wrote my favorite Halloween book, Room on the Broom!

How can parents embrace the messiness of creative play? What are some ways to make cleanup fun?

I am a mom that loves a clean house so messy play was hard for me. But it is really so beneficial to early childhood development and a great way for your kids to learn. My number one tip is to prepare before you do an activity that is messy. Get your supplies ready and get your wipes ready! If you are ready for it then you can really enjoy it and not feel stressed the entire time it is happening. When I do sensory bins I like to make sure to do them on a mat or outside so the mess is less of a worry! 

How can parents foster a sense of curiosity and a love for learning in their children?

The more that you engage with your child on their level, the more interested they are going to be in learning. Find things that they are excited about and learn with them. For example, if your child is really loving otters, then read a book about otters and do a craft about otters. Hands-on activities make learning fun and can get your kids excited about learning. I believe that reading with your child is one of the most important things you can do to instill a love of learning in your child. Read with them every single day! 

What are your favorite products at Copper Pearl?

The first thing I ever bought from Copper Pearl was a nursing cover for my first baby and I have used it for all of my babies. I LOVE it!  For older babies I love the sleep bag! The swaddles were my favorite for my babies, but as they grow the sleep bag is just as soft as the blankets! They also have the softest pajamas ever.