February 3, 2026 by Christopher Hooker

Building Brainpower

Play isn’t just fun — it’s foundational. In the preschool years, children’s brains are being rapidly wired. Engaging in games and puzzles provides powerful support for developing skills that will benefit them for life. Research shows that specific types of play help strengthen thinking skills, build neural connections, and prepare little learners for success in school and beyond. And the time you engage with your child in the pursuit of puzzles or games will benefit everyone. It benefits your child in increased problem-solving skills, and learning to value time with you. They also see you modeling how to be a good winner or loser. It benefits you as a parent in irreplaceable time with your child and fond memories.

Why Play Matters for Young Brains

Games and puzzles engage multiple areas of the brain at once. When children manipulate pieces, make decisions, and solve challenges, they build critical thinking, memory, spatial awareness, and fine motor coordination. For example, a nationally representative study published in Psychological Science found that children who engage frequently with puzzles, blocks, and similar play tend to develop stronger spatial reasoning skills — a key part of math, science, and everyday problem-solving.

Another long-term study by researchers at the University of Chicago showed that preschoolers who play with puzzles between ages 2 and 4 develop better spatial skills by age 4.5, even after accounting for differences in family variables. This kind of spatial thinking — understanding how shapes fit together and move in space — predicts future STEM success and supports the development of logic and memory as children grow.

These kinds of play experiences help strengthen synaptic connections in the young brain, supporting overall neuroplasticity — the brain’s ability to change and grow with experience. In short, the more meaningful play opportunities children have, the more pathways are built for learning, language, and social reasoning.

Fun Games & Puzzles for Ages 3–5 (and What They Build)

Here are five age-appropriate play ideas that are easy to do at home or in the classroom — and exactly the kinds that make brains bloom!

🧩 1. Memory Matching Games

What it builds:

Working memory: remembering where cards are located
Attention & focus: sustaining attention through turns
Language & pattern recognition: naming objects/colors

How it helps:

Memory games teach kids to hold information in mind and recall it — just like the memory skills they’ll use when following multi-step directions or learning sight words later. The more they practice remembering and retrieving, the stronger those neural circuits become.

🧱 2. Building Blocks (e.g., Duplo, Wooden Blocks)

What it builds:

Shape-solving: spatial reasoning & geometry thinking
Fine motor coordination: moving shapes and blocks into a deliberate order or pattern
Plotting: problem-solving & planning

How it helps:

Structured block play challenges children to imagine, design, balance, and stabilize. Research using brain imaging shows these kinds of block activities specifically activate pathways involved in spatial reasoning — more so than many board games. These skills are early foundations for math and engineering thinking.

🧠 3. Simple Jigsaw Puzzles (8–20 Pieces)

What it builds:

Pattern recognition: visual discrimination and corelation
Resolve: concentration & patience
Fine motor skills & hand-eye coordination

How it helps:

Fitting puzzle pieces together strengthens the neural connections between seeing, planning, and moving. As children learn to match shapes and colors, they exercise focus and inhibitory control — skills preschoolers need when following classroom routines or completing tasks.

🔤 4. Alphabet & Number Puzzles

What it builds:

Letter/number recognition
Pre-literacy & early math understanding
Language skills

How it helps:

These puzzles make symbols meaningful. When a child places the letter “A” into its spot, they’re connecting shape with sound — an early literacy skill that supports reading readiness. Number puzzles do the same for mathematical thinking.

👯‍♀️ 5. Turn-Taking Board Games (e.g., simple roll-and-move)

What it builds:

Social skills & communication
Executive function: waiting, following rules
Counting & numeracy in context

How it helps:

Games that involve turns help little ones learn patience, cooperation, and emotional regulation. These social-emotional skills support smooth transitions in preschool and help children manage feelings and friendships.

Try This at Home: Memory Match Play

Here’s a quick way to introduce Memory Matching at home:

Set up 6–8 pairs of picture cards face down on the floor or table. (Try to find images within your children’s interest, to make the game more exciting, and change these out as they change their interests.)
Sit with your child and take turns flipping two cards at a time.
As you reveal pictures, name the objects together (“That’s a cat! Where’s the cat card?”).
Celebrate matches and gently encourage your child to remember the locations of cards.

This simple game turns play into focused thinking — and those little brains love a challenge!

Encouraging Playful Learning Every Day

Remember: play is learning. Whether it’s a quick puzzle during snack time or a longer block-building challenge after preschool, these activities invite children to think creatively, persevere through trial and error, and build skills that lay the foundation for academic and social success.

At Creekside Kids, we weave playful learning into everyday because we know these experiences lay down the neural groundwork for a lifetime of curiosity and confidence.

Keep playing, keep exploring, and enjoy the amazing growth that unfolds when children play with purpose! 🌟

Studies show that puzzle and block play supports spatial reasoning and cognitive development, including longitudinal benefits into preschool years. If you’d like to discuss a place at Creekside Kids for your kids, we invite you to click this embedded link to schedule an appointment. Let’s get to know each other! Like us on Facebook to follow our stories for news and updates. We’re located at 1201 W Cheyenne Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80906, and we can be reached at (719) 635-9111. Our new hours of operation are 6:45 a.m. until 5:45 p.m., Monday through Friday.

November 4, 2025 by Christopher Hooker

Finding the Magic Between the Holidays

From Halloween costumes to New Year’s fireworks, the holiday season seems to come with endless excitement—and endless to-do lists. For kids, it’s a stretch of glittering lights, countdowns, and big expectations. However, between those special days, it’s beneficial to return to normal routines and expectations, so the children are not overly stimulated. Young children benefit from regular routines and rhythms.

While it’s tempting to keep the holiday spirit going strong, too much hype can sometimes backfire. When every day is a build-up to the next big thing, those big days can lose a bit of their magic.

Why the “In-Between” Days Matter

Children thrive on both excitement and consistency. The time between holidays is where they practice patience, creativity, and the art of enjoying simple moments. When life becomes one long countdown to the next holiday, it’s easy to overlook the joy in everyday moments.

By slowing down and finding peace and joy outside of the holiday rush, families can help kids build healthy rhythms and create happy memories that last long after the decorations are put away.

Simple Ways to Make the Wait Joyful

You don’t have to fill every day with holiday sparkle—small, creative activities can make the “in-between” days feel special on their own. Try a few of these family favorites:

Go on a nature adventure. Notice how the world changes between holidays—fall leaves, first snowflakes, the smell of pine trees.
Have a story night. Let each family member pick a book to read aloud by flashlight or candlelight.
Get creative just because. Set out art supplies and make something that has nothing to do with a holiday—paint, sculpt, glue, build!
Spread kindness. Bake treats for a neighbor, make thank-you notes for teachers, or find a small way to brighten someone’s day.
Celebrate a random Tuesday. Turn on music, have a dance party, or make pancakes for dinner—because sometimes the best memories come from unexpected moments.

A Season of Everyday Joy

The holiday season will always be full of excitement—but it’s those ordinary days in between that give children a sense of calm and balance. When families make room for simple joy all season long, the holidays feel even more special when they finally arrive.

At Creekside Kids, we believe the magic of childhood isn’t found just on the big days—it’s in the moments that fill the spaces between. If you’d like to discuss a place at Creekside Kids for your kids, we invite you to click this embedded link to schedule an appointment. Let’s get to know each other! Like us on Facebook to follow our stories for news and updates. We’re located at 1201 W Cheyenne Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80906, and we can be reached at (719) 635-9111. Our new hours of operation are 6:45 a.m. until 5:45 p.m., Monday through Friday.

October 2, 2025 by Christopher Hooker

Autumn Magic

There’s something truly special about the first days of autumn. For toddlers, it’s a season full of wonder and discovery — crisp air, warm colors, and new celebrations. At Creekside Kids, we love watching our co-learners’ eyes light up and their curiosity when they see the world changing around them. Their interest peaks as the leaves change color and the weather begins to chill.

As autumn settles in, we’re about to hit that hectic time of year, when the holidays seem to come so quickly. Before we know it, the calendar turns, and we’re sorting out what we’ll do in 2026. We hope you and your kids can slow down and take advantage of some of the fun of autumn.

From Green to Gold: Nature’s Little Lessons

One of the most enchanting transformations of fall in Colorado Springs is watching the leaves turn. That deep summer green fades into glowing golds, fiery reds, and amber browns. It’s a perfect opportunity for toddlers to learn new words, explore textures, and notice the changes in their environment.

Don’t miss out on the chance to introduce your child to small leaf walks. They can collect colorful leaves, press them in books, and trace their veins on paper. These simple activities encourage observation, vocabulary, and connection with nature, serving to mark the change in seasons.

Tips for Parents: Making the Most of Autumn

Dress in layers. Colorado’s fall weather can change quickly. Light jackets, hats, and mittens are handy.
Bring a treasure bag. Your toddler will want to gather leaves, acorns, pinecones, and sticks.
Savor snack moments. Think of cider, pumpkin muffins, and crunchy apples — foods that match the season can enhance the sensory experience.
Extend play into the classroom or at home. Use leaf rubbings, shadow tracing, or seasonal books to reinforce what children see outside.
Talk about change. Use simple language to help toddlers understand why leaves fall, why days are shorter, and why the air feels cooler.

Fall Fun Around Colorado Springs

There’s no shortage of family-friendly autumn events where toddlers (ages 3–5) can immerse themselves in the season. Here are a few highlights for this fall:

Event	Date / Time	What to Expect
Boo at the Zoo	Oct. 17th – 19th, Oct. 24th – 26th & Oct. 31st 4 – 8:30 p.m.	Child-friendly trick-or-treating among zoo exhibits
Pumpkins in the Park – Old Colorado City	Sat., Oct. 18th 12 – 4 p.m.	Pumpkin patch, painting, crafts, balloon animals, face painting
Scarecrow Days in Old Colorado City	Oct. 5th – Oct. 31st 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.	Enjoy all the custom scarecrows along the Avenue at Old Colorado City and take pictures with your favorite scarecrow.
Trunk-or-Treat at Royal Gorge Bridge & Park	Oct. 18, 4:30 – 8 p.m.	A scenic, elevated trick-or-treating event with local groups handing out candy

These events are generally safe, well-supervised, and tailored for families with young children. Be sure to check each organizer’s website for ticketing information, age recommendations, and any COVID-19 or safety protocols they may have in place.

Halloween: Magic, Costumes, and Safety

Halloween is often a highlight for toddlers—dressing up, getting a few treats, and playfully exploring a mild scare in a supportive environment. At Creekside Kids, we LOVE Halloween and we’ve previously written several blog posts around Halloween, including:

Trick-or-Treating Safety Tips for Parents — including ideas like using strollers or wagons for little walkers, choosing bright/reflective costumes, and planning routes in advance.
Understanding the Holiday — exploring the roots of Halloween, how children process the spooky aspects, and how to make it meaningful and gentle.
What We Can Learn From Getting Into Costume — the donning of outfits has many benefits for children, and it’s a fun tradition, too!

Is your neighborhood the kind that doesn’t do much for trick-or-treaters? We’ve mentioned it before, but one of the greatest spots for Trick-or-Treating in Colorado Springs is in the Old North End, on N. Tejon Street. Families open their spookily-decorated houses to the public. It’s a great place to go as a family, if your current neighborhood has too much traffic. But be aware that it can be overwhelming to some kids, as the street is bustling with kids and adults having fun.

Here are a few additional Halloween safety pointers especially for toddlers:

Visibility is key — use glow sticks, reflective tape, or LED touches on costumes.
Choose safe costumes — avoid long trailing fabric, sharp props, or masks that impair vision; face paint is often a better alternative.
Stay together — always accompany toddlers, hold hands, and stick to familiar, well-lit neighborhoods.
Inspect treats — check candy wrappers before letting little ones eat anything.
Timing matters — trick-or-treat during early evening hours (when it’s not too dark) to make walking safer.
Set expectations — keep the experience brief, fun, and low-pressure. Not every child will want to collect a lot of candy; being comfortable is more important.

Halloween is a Teaching Opportunity

Research has shown that children can gain valuable insights from exploring concepts of fear and death. According to the Child Mind Institute, Halloween can be a perfect opportunity for children to engage with these themes in a controlled environment. By acknowledging and discussing their fears, parents can help children develop emotional resilience and a better understanding of life’s complexities. This approach enables children to process complex emotions and develop effective coping strategies, which are essential for their social and emotional development.

For younger children, the ability to distinguish between fantasy and reality is still in the process of development. This can make Halloween particularly challenging, as they may struggle to understand that spooky displays and costumes are not real. A study cited by the Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC) suggests that parents should acknowledge their child’s fears and explain that these experiences are pretend. By doing so, parents can help their children feel safe while still enjoying the fun aspects of the holiday. This strategy not only calms children’s nerves but also fosters a sense of trust and security.

It’s essential for parents to remember that Halloween is meant to be fun, but it doesn’t have to be mandatory. Some children may prefer to avoid the spookier aspects of the holiday, and that’s perfectly okay. The focus should always be on the child’s comfort and joy. Parents can create alternative activities that celebrate the season without the scary elements, such as carving pumpkins or baking Halloween-themed treats, allowing children to participate in the festivities without feeling overwhelmed. For parents looking to ease their children into the spooky season, the CHOC suggests acknowledging and naming children’s fears, explaining that it’s okay to be scared, and emphasizing the pretend nature of the experiences. Additionally, parents can involve their children in the planning process, allowing them to choose activities and costumes that make them feel comfortable and excited.

Autumn is a beautiful bridge between warm summer days and cozy winter-time comforts. At Creekside Kids, we delight in each golden leaf, each costume, each little hand reaching out exploring the crisp air. We look forward to sharing these moments with your family. If you’d like to discuss a place at Creekside Kids for your kids, we invite you to click this embedded link to schedule an appointment. Let’s get to know each other! Like us on Facebook to follow our stories for news and updates. We’re located at 1201 W Cheyenne Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80906, and we can be reached at (719) 635-9111. Our new hours of operation are 6:45 a.m. until 5:45 p.m., Monday through Friday.

September 1, 2025 by Christopher Hooker

Why Reading to Your Preschooler Every Night is a Game-Changer

In the hustle of everyday life—between work, activities, and trying to maintain friendships, it’s easy to let reading to your child slip through the cracks. But those 20 minutes before lights out? They might be the most powerful minutes of your child’s day. Over half of today’s parents of young children are missing the boat on this critical activity. Screen time and devices do not compare to the power of regularly reading with a loved one.

The Million-Word Advantage

Did you know that research shows that children whose parents read to them regularly hear up to one million more words by age three compared to kids whose parents aren’t reading to them? It’s true– that’s from a study at Wake Forest Pediatrics. That extra exposure builds a stronger vocabulary, sharper listening skills, and more confidence once they start preschool or kindergarten. In the words of Dr. Monica Alvarez, Early Literacy Specialist: “Books are like little word machines. They give kids three times more new words than everyday conversation.” So, yes, “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” really is changing your child’s brain, and quite possibly, an appetite for communication.

Building Brains, Not Just Bedtime Routines

When you sit with your child and read, you’re doing more than storytelling. Brain scans of preschoolers reveal that hearing stories activates both language and imagination centers of the brain (Time Magazine). That means they’re not just listening—they’re picturing, problem-solving, and connecting words to ideas. It’s like a workout for their developing mind.

Emotional Bonding That Lasts

Life with little ones can be chaotic. Reading each night is a chance to slow down, snuggle in, and remind your child that they’re safe and loved. It’s not just about the book—it’s about connection. Bedtime stories aren’t just words on a page, says the Child Mind Institute; they’re glue for families. The physical connection of snuggling and reading together wires your child’s brain to associate being together and doing positive things with their parents as a way to express and receive love. The regular rhythm of reading with a parent at night creates strong connections.

School Readiness Starts Here

Programs like Reach Out and Read, used by pediatricians nationwide, have demonstrated that children who read to their parents at home arrive at school with stronger vocabulary, better focus, and increased confidence (Reach Out and Read). Teachers notice the difference quickly. Skipping bedtime reading, on the other hand, can leave kids behind. Without that exposure to language, some children start school already struggling to keep up.

What Happens When We Skip It?

It might not feel like a big deal to miss storytime once or twice—but over time, those missed nights add up.

Fewer words heard → smaller vocabulary
Less bonding time → weaker parent-child connection
More challenging transition to school → less confidence in the classroom

A recent survey found that only 41% of young parents read regularly to their kids, down from 64% a decade ago (Parents.com). Experts worry this trend could leave children less prepared for school and less motivated to read.

How to Make It Stick

Create a ritual — pair storytime with brushing teeth so it becomes automatic.
Use the library — the Pikes Peak Library District offers free story times, book bundles, and even curbside pickup, making it an excellent resource for fresh reads.
Keep it short — even 5–10 minutes makes a difference.
Let kids choose — empowering them to pick a book makes reading feel fun, not forced. The best book to read to your child is the one they’re excited about—even if it’s the same one for the tenth night in a row.

The Takeaway

Every bedtime story is more than just a cute tradition—it’s brain fuel, emotional bonding, and future school success all wrapped up in one. By reading each night, you’re giving your child the gift of words, imagination, and love. So tonight, before you turn off the lights in your Colorado Springs home, grab a book, cuddle up, and read. Ten minutes could change their tomorrow.

If you’d like to discuss a place at Creekside Kids for your kids, we invite you to click this embedded link to schedule an appointment. Let’s get to know each other! Like us on Facebook to follow our stories for news and updates. We’re located at 1201 W Cheyenne Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80906, and we can be reached at (719) 635-9111. Our new hours of operation are 6:45 a.m. until 5:45 p.m., Monday through Friday.

August 9, 2025 by Christopher Hooker

Changes are Scary Things

Image created by ChatGPT

As the summer begins to turn to autumn, our co-learners prepare to say farewell to some of our friends as they transition to the upper level of preschool and into kindergarten. We know they’ll do great. We’ve put in considerable effort to make the transition less intimidating for them, and we know you have, too. Your thoughtful support and encouragement about how much they will enjoy their new classroom and new friends is key to their success.

The leap from child care to preschool and from preschool to Kindergarten is a significant one—not just for children, but for parents as well. What seems like a small change on the outside—new classroom, new teacher, new schedule—can feel monumental to a child. They may ask, Why is everything different? Where are the friends I know? Will my grownups still come back for me? And underneath those questions is often a quiet fear: Am I going to be okay here? Many children struggle with unspoken worries and fears regarding their transition, which may result in increased clingy-ness or whining. This is very normal, and a few children may act out in search of reassurance that their grown-ups will be reliable with rules and compassionate consequences.

As parents, we can help our children address those nagging fears, which children often lack the words for, not with lectures or logic, but with rituals—reliable, repeatable routines that quietly reassure our child, ‘Yes, you’re safe.’ Yes, this is okay. Yes, I’ll always come back.

Here are some thoughtful, heart-centered ways to ease the transitions of growing up using simple rituals that reassure and empower:

Create a Morning Goodbye Ritual

Instead of rushing through drop-off with a distracted “Bye, sweetie!” while juggling keys and coffee, try making the goodbye itself a special moment. A simple three-step ritual—like a hug, a high-five, and a silly wave through the window—gives your child something to count on.

Why it works: It creates a sense of control and predictability. It tells your child, I know this part is tricky. I’m here, and I’m doing it with you.

Use a Visual Calendar at Home

Create a kid-friendly calendar that indicates which days are “Preschool Days” and which days are “Home Days.” Add little stickers or drawings to mark fun events, such as show-and-tell or library day.

Why it works: It demystifies time. Instead of the scary unknown, school becomes something they can “see” coming and going.

Bring Familiar Comforts Along

Let your child choose a “transition object” like a small stuffed animal, a photo of your family, or a charm they can keep in their backpack or cubby. For some, a chewy pendant on a necklace can really help alleviate anxiety.

Why it works: These items serve as emotional anchors—a quiet reminder that home is always nearby.

Make After-School Connection Rituals

Whether it’s a snack picnic in the park, reading a special book together, or just singing a favorite song in the car, create a “reconnection ritual” for after pickup. Let your child look forward to that moment as part of their school day.

Why it works: It reinforces the idea that separation is temporary, and reunions are joyful.

Play “Pretend Preschool/Kindergarten” at Home

Act out the school day together with dolls, stuffed animals, or dress-up props. Practice saying goodbye, sitting at circle time, and even making new friends. You can even pretend to be the nervous student—and let your child play the reassuring adult!

Why it works: Play is how children process big emotions. This kind of imaginative rehearsal builds confidence and resilience.

Keep a Steady Routine—But Be Flexible With Emotions

Children thrive with routine, especially during times of transition. But emotions will still come—tears, clinging, or even regressions. That’s okay. Acknowledge their feelings gently without trying to “fix” them too fast. Try saying:

“It’s okay to miss your old classroom. Big changes can feel hard. But guess what? You’re strong, and we’re in this together.”

Celebrate the “Firsts”

Your child’s first day of preschool is a milestone. Take a photo, pack a special lunch, write a little note, or share a story about your first day of school. Make it meaningful.

Why it works: Framing the transition as a celebration, rather than a loss, gives your child pride and ownership of this next significant step.

Transitions Don’t Have to Be Traumas

What makes transitions feel scary to children is the uncertainty. Rituals—especially when repeated with love and care—remove that uncertainty. They give your child a gentle bridge between the world they know and the new one they’re stepping into.

So don’t worry if the first few weeks come with tears or clinging. That’s normal. With time, consistency, and a few meaningful rituals, you’ll help your child not only survive the preschool transition—but thrive in it. You’ve got this. And so do they.

Building Brainpower