Our Story
About
How we got our start
Not only am I a mom and pet lover, but I’m also an experienced pediatric Occupational Therapist (and if you’re not sure what that is…basically it’s my job to help children build the skills to succeed in any environment, particularly fine motor skills). So, I’ve picked up a few tips and tricks along the way on how to help preschoolers learn and thrive that I’ll happily share with you as we go along.
But first…a story…
Every week I would visit this preschool classroom to work with a set of twin boys…and boy were they a handful (the kind you want to hug the wiggles out of). Their teacher was a seasoned pro, but even she was a little over her head with this duo.
I tried everything…stood on my head at each OT session to try to get them to participate (at the very least) and succeed with the simplest of tasks. But…they simply weren’t making progress. The 30 minutes that I had with them was just not enough to make any type of serious impact on their development.
I knew that the only thing to do was to ask the teacher to follow through with some of the activities and sensory strategies that I’d found were at least slightly working…but, honestly, how could I ask anything more of her? She was barely keeping her head above water with all that was being asked. She was in a constant state of “herding cats”.
My thought was to give her a collection of tools that she could work into the daily routine without any extra prep or manpower (or womanpower)…and the budget was $0. We’d have to stick to what was already available in the classroom.
That’s when the seed for Preschool Joy was born…if I could somehow manage this for one teacher…why not take it to ALL preschool teachers?
After all, fine motor skills equal independence and increased confidence to tackle new tasks (like reading and math). And with the increase in the use of technology at such a young age, I don’t know a single preschooler who couldn’t use a little extra fine motor practice.
Each week I’d give one or two super simple, low prep, fine motor activities for the teacher to use with their little ones throughout the week as they saw fit. It could be incorporated into the welcome routine, free play, craft time, stations or whenever.
And it was working!!! Not only did I begin to see progress in the twins skills (they even started writing their names!), but the entire class was benefiting from the low prep resources that I provided.
Not long after that, I quit my full-time (benefits included) job as an occupational therapist to begin work on my own thing to provide resources to teachers to help children boost fine motor skills, engage in learning tasks and grow in independence. (Yes…I ‘m a little crazy! But I think it’s the good kind of crazy…time will tell.)
You’re doing ALL of the things ALL of the time, and you deserve something to make your life a little easier. Teachers carry so much.
I want to take something off your plate so that you have a little time to yourself...even if it’s just to scroll the TikTok to see what’s happening with the Swifties and what words of “wisdom” the Kardashians have to offer (or is that just me that enjoys a little mindless scrolling?)…or to listen to your favorite murder podcast.
I know that you’re always searching for ways to keep your students engaged so that they can learn and grow. It can be exhausting and sometimes frustrating, finding a bit here and a bit there, but spending lots of time on Pinterest or in Facebook groups to pull it all together…when you’d rather be rewatching Gilmore Girls for the 20th time.
We all know at least one teacher who seems to have it all together…always smiling, never sweating the little stuff and dressed in the cutest outfits for each season…including matching earrings, Instagram worthy decorated room, and seems to have a Cinderella and the forest animals type of calming effect on her students…we hate that teacher (not really).
I think she must come from the same planet that super models and weathermen come from. I don’t know about you, but I’ve never been able to achieve that level of “have it all togetherness”…and never will.
My goal for Preschool Joy is to make it at least a little bit easier to have fun and engaging activities at your fingertips that will build fine motor and academic skills….NO boring old worksheets in sight.
After all, the big goal of preschool is to instill a lifelong love of learning in our little ones. This only happens when new concepts are introduced through a playful approach. If it feels like work, no one’s interested (teacher or student).
You’ll find an activity here for just about anything you can think of (and if you don’t see something, just ask. I’m always up for a challenge)…
You can use these resources for stations, one-on-one or group instruction, take home activities, welcome time, stations, craft time…or whenever you need a filler in your day. It’s just one less thing that you need to make a plan for.
No more giving up your weekends to find the perfect teaching tools. Just sign in, and it’s all at your fingertips. I’ve got you!
the creative behind preschool joy
Meet Joy, OTR/L
As a pediatric occupational therapist, I talk with teachers and parents every week who are concerned that their kids are struggling to keep up with their peers.
Throughout my years of serving in every type of school environment possible, I’ve been able to gather the best tips and strategies for getting a preschooler ready for what’s ahead…the big scary world of kindergarten.
I’ve noticed that the students that really flourish are the ones who get the opportunity to learn in a setting that offers a multi-sensory approach…building fine motor skills and more while learning the ABC’s.
But there’s no reason to give up your weekends to find the perfect resources. Welcome to Preschool Joy!!!
TESTIMONIALs
What our amazing customers think
Our customers are truly what makes Preschool Joy such an awesome place to spend time. It’s your dedication to your preschoolers that drives the creation of every resource you see here. You give heart and soul to your work, which inspires us to do the same.