Educational resources to support our youngest learners, from birth to five

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June, 2025

Summer Selections

The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and if you're like us, you're ready for longer days and lemonade. If you're looking for easy, play-based ideas for summer, we've got you covered!

Each month, we'll send some highlights from the Hub that are easy to incorporate and sure to spark some smiles and learning. Stay tuned for all of our summer selections, and try one today!

"(F)or children play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood."

— Fred Rogers 

Moving and Grooving in June

We're kicking off our summer series with selections from the Core Skill Move. Now is a great time to introduce Healthy Habits and develop Gross Motor Skills. Try out our FREE ideas for kids who are on the move!

1. Rainbow Plate
Activity Card

Encourage colorful exploration of fresh fruits and veggies with our Rainbow Plate Activity Card.

2. Dance Party
Activity Card

Share the joy with a dance party! Our Dance Party Activity Card fills any moment with fun moves.

3. Hopscotch
Activity Card

Try our Hopscotch Activity Card with suggestions for how to encourage development, and customize this popular game for your little learners.

4. We All Play
Book

Encourage play with this book that features the movements of animals that children can try themselves.

5. Gross Motor Take-Home Strategies
Take-Home Strategies Page

Keep the energy going! Our Gross Motor Take-Home Strategy page for families and caregivers is full of ideas to encourage movement at home.

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About Us

In partnership with VDOE Office of Early Childhood, the University of Virginia’s Center for the Advanced Study of Teaching and Learning (CASTL) provides free resources you can use to foster children's development and learning.

The ECE Resource Hub is created by the Center for the Advanced Study of Teaching and Learning (CASTL) at the University of Virginia with funding from the Virginia Department of Education.