St. Mark Lutheran Preschool

04/02/2026

A little messy fun in the art garden this morning! 😄🫟🎨

01/20/2026

Slowing down and enjoying the moment. Observing children at play never gets old.

11/18/2025

We 💙 cold weather outdoor play!

Research shows that children don’t get sick because of cold air… but because of the environments where viruses spread.
They’re not getting sick from the wind.
They’re getting sick from the indoors.
Because here’s the truth:
Cold air isn’t the enemy. Stagnant air is.
Their body is learning:
“I need movement.”
“I need sunlight.”
“I need fresh air, not recycled air.”
“I breathe better where air can flow.”
And practicing that truth often looks like
running outside with red cheeks,
breathing crisp air deeply,
playing freely under the sky
while their immune system wakes up and stabilizes.
🧠 According to Kudo et al. (2019), respiratory viruses survive and transmit more easily in low-humidity indoor environments, the exact conditions created when we keep children inside all winter.
Outdoor air disperses viral particles.
Indoor air traps them.
This isn’t a parenting myth. It’s biology.
This means:
Cold air isn’t making them sick.
Humidity levels are.
Ventilation is.
Shared indoor air is.
Every time a child steps outside, they experience:
• diluted viral particles
• immune support from sunlight
• regulation through movement
• lowered cortisol
• better sleep rhythms
🧠 Decades of environmental health research show that outdoor play strengthens immunity, mood, attention, and stress resilience.
So when we blame the cold, we accidentally keep children in the exact environment where illnesses spread most easily.
Why does this matter?
Because the child who plays outside today
is the one who will:
breathe cleaner air,
strengthen their immune system,
regulate stress naturally,
and experience the mental health benefits of nature.
Fresh air isn’t a threat. It’s protection.
So instead of keeping them indoors “just in case,” we can support their health in real ways:
→ Add layers, not limits.
→ Choose the park over the crowded playroom.
→ Let them run, climb, breathe, and explore.
→ Trust that nature is part of their medicine.
The cold was never the danger.
The real risk was never letting them outside.
References:
Kudo, E., Song, E., Yockey, L. J., Rakib, T., Wong, P. W., Homer, R. J., & Iwasaki, A. (2019). Low ambient humidity impairs barrier function and innate resistance against influenza infection. Journal of Virology, 93(5).

Thanks and Credit Mercy Lupo

10/22/2025

Just a bit of "lately" around the preschool. We've had a visit from our favorite beekeepers, lots of muddy play, plenty of painting, and massive building happening (as well as so much more!). We are blessed beyond measure and so thankful to have a safe and loving space for children to play and grow together.

08/29/2025

Teachers in our school wear so many hats, and today, the hat of "curiosity creator" was on full display in the Dragonfly Class! Ms. Cecily wondered out loud if one of the magnetic men would stick to the bottom of the table - she stuck *one* man under there, and LOOK what that spark ignited! The children quickly engaged and began exploring the magnetic invitation under the table. This is how teachers in our school encourage wonder and curiosity, giving children the spaces and opportunities to think, create, experiment, and adjust. Sometimes it works, and sometimes it doesn't, but it's all a part of the learning through play process!

A wonderful representation of the connection play schema and collaboration.

Now, the dragonfly class is fully invested and ready to explore more about magnets next week.

This is what it's all about! 🥰🙌

08/26/2025

As the new school year started, we welcomed many 2-year-olds to the school, and we saw a surge in stacking (a common choice in positioning play among our youngest that continues throughout their time here). It's great for developing awareness of spatial relationships and problem-solving!

08/03/2025

Current SMLP Families - Please check ProCare for an important message.

07/23/2025

As we get ready for a new season of learning, we have a wonderful opportunity to support all of our amazing teachers in a meaningful way. Our teachers give so much of themselves every day — their time, energy, and heart — to help our children thrive.
To help make their classrooms even more inviting, engaging, and well-equipped, we’d love your help in clearing the SMLP Amazon Wishlist. Each item is something that will directly benefit our kids, and every contribution, big or small, makes a real difference.
Let’s come together and show our gratitude by helping stock their classrooms with the tools and resources they need. A little kindness goes a long way — and together, we can make this wish list disappear! Thank you for your continued support and generosity!

Link to the Wishlist: https://a.co/8p9yfOa

Always with love,
Katie
SMLP Director

07/23/2025

A few moments of pure joy were captured this morning.

It's not lost on us how blessed we are. 🌈☀️

07/09/2025

Muddy messes are our jam. 😎

06/13/2025

Water play is always a highlight of the summer weeks. 🌞💧

06/09/2025

"It's like PANCAKE batter!"

The idea for this exploration began when one child was captivated by a ball of slime dripping off the side of a shelf. What a wonderful thing to be able to lean into the interests of the children and create truly engaging, fun, and intentionally MESSY play!