As a children’s author, former teacher, literacy advocate, and early childhood coach, I’ve always believed that the most meaningful learning happens through relationships, conversation, play, and connection. That belief is one of the biggest reasons I became CLASS certified in both Toddler and Pre-K classrooms through Teachstone.

For me, CLASS certification was never about simply completing another professional credential. It was about deepening my understanding of how strong teacher-child interactions shape language development, confidence, emotional security, and lifelong learning.

And honestly? It aligned perfectly with everything I already loved about early childhood education.

What Is CLASS?

CLASS® (Classroom Assessment Scoring System) is an observation tool designed to help educators strengthen the quality of interactions in early childhood classrooms. Rather than focusing only on materials or classroom setup, CLASS looks closely at how teachers connect, communicate, and engage with children throughout the day.

The CLASS framework highlights areas such as:

• Emotional Support
• Classroom Organization
• Instructional Support
• Language Modeling
• Concept Development
• Quality Feedback
• Teacher Sensitivity
• Meaningful Teacher-Child Interactions

As someone passionate about oral language development and playful learning, I immediately connected with the focus on conversations, back-and-forth communication, and intentional interactions.

Why CLASS Matters in Early Childhood Education

Young children learn language through interaction.

They learn through:

• Conversations during snack time
• Silly rhyming games
• Storytelling
• Waiting in line
• Dramatic play
• Open-ended questions
• Meaningful relationships with caring adults

That’s one reason I’m so passionate about helping educators see the power in everyday moments.

“Why do you think the ice melted?”

A simple question like that can become:

• A vocabulary lesson
• A critical thinking opportunity
• A social interaction
• A language-building moment

CLASS helps educators become more intentional about those interactions.

My Passion for Oral Language & Literacy Development

Many people know me through Quirky Quills Publishing, my children’s books, riddles, literacy activities, and teacher resources. But behind all of those creations is a deep passion for oral language development in young children.

Oral language is the foundation for literacy.

Before children become strong readers, they need opportunities to:

• Hear rich vocabulary
• Engage in conversations
• Play with sounds and rhymes
• Express ideas
• Ask questions
• Feel confident communicating

That’s why so much of my work focuses on playful learning, rhyming, storytelling, literacy-rich interactions, and relationship-based teaching strategies.

How CLASS Connects to My Workshops & Professional Development

In addition to being an author and resource creator, I also provide:

• Early childhood workshops
• Preschool professional development
• Literacy training
• Oral language coaching
• Family engagement events
• Educator support sessions

My training topics often include:

• Building oral language during daily routines
• Language-rich classroom interactions
• Playful literacy strategies
• Open-ended questioning
• CLASS-aligned instructional support
• Rhyming and phonological awareness
• Creating engaging early learning environments

I especially love helping teachers recognize that meaningful learning doesn’t only happen during formal lessons.

Some of the strongest learning happens during transitions, circle time, pretend play, mealtime conversations, and spontaneous classroom moments children remember forever.

Supporting Educators Through Encouragement — Not Perfection

One thing I love about CLASS is that it encourages reflection and growth.

Early childhood educators already work incredibly hard. My goal is never to make teachers feel overwhelmed or judged. Instead, I love helping educators discover practical strategies that feel natural, joyful, and realistic within their classrooms.

Small changes in interactions can create huge impacts for children.

Something as simple as adding more wait time, asking one extra follow-up question, narrating play, or encouraging children to explain their thinking can significantly strengthen language development and engagement.

Looking Ahead

I’m excited to continue growing through CLASS certification, VPI classroom support, literacy workshops, teacher training, preschool consulting, and opportunities to support educators and families.

Helping children build language, confidence, curiosity, and a love of learning will always be at the heart of what I do.

And I’m grateful to continue that journey alongside so many passionate early childhood educators.