![A young girl in a pink shirt plays with paper cutouts on a wooden table in a room with a colorful rug.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1789065457/theindependentschoolcom/y6gsfi8wa71copfltfbx/pantherpostlogo-2026-09-10T133732194.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1789065457/theindependentschoolcom/y6gsfi8wa71copfltfbx/pantherpostlogo-2026-09-10T133732194.png","width":500}])
Big Feelings, Busy Hands
Our two-year-olds have been busy learning about emotions and animals through hands-on play this week.
Activities like putting puzzles together gave students a chance to explore new ideas while strengthening the fine motor skills they use every day.
For our youngest Panthers, learning often looks a lot like play, and that is exactly the point. Each puzzle piece, conversation and new discovery gives them another chance to practice, explore and grow.
More from the Panther Post
![A young child in a red shirt uses scissors to cut yellow paper on a wooden table scattered with colorful craft supplies.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1787081586/theindependentschoolcom/ojaumykxjamgeykdvwdh/Icons91.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1787081586/theindependentschoolcom/ojaumykxjamgeykdvwdh/Icons91.png","width":500}])
ELC families, join Jessica Stong on October 15 from 5–6 p.m. to learn about TIS’s Strategic Plan, ask questions, and share your perspective. Families can pick up their children after the conversation.
![Three young children play with colorful toys on a light-colored table in a classroom setting.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1790888988/theindependentschoolcom/i6l0jv6s1asgmrpqjycr/pantherpostlogo-2026-10-01T160939517.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1790888988/theindependentschoolcom/i6l0jv6s1asgmrpqjycr/pantherpostlogo-2026-10-01T160939517.png","width":500}])
Early Preschoolers sorted dinosaurs and built pictures with shapes, practicing fine motor, matching, and problem-solving skills through play.
![A young boy in a blue shirt sits at a wooden table with letter cards and a picture of a bear, with other students and classroom furniture in the background.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1790280564/theindependentschoolcom/yl1fqyr7ppkajcadiad7/pantherpostlogo-2026-09-24T150907465.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1790280564/theindependentschoolcom/yl1fqyr7ppkajcadiad7/pantherpostlogo-2026-09-24T150907465.png","width":500}])
Our preschoolers put early literacy skills to work this week with postcards, favorite-school memories and plenty of word play.
Our two-year-olds explored emotions and animals this week through hands-on activities that also helped strengthen fine motor skills.
![A small toy scooter sits on a sun-dappled concrete walkway in front of a building with colorful forest-themed window decals.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1788285470/theindependentschoolcom/up8hycspb6r0jwgsfwhg/IMG_3168.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1788285470/theindependentschoolcom/up8hycspb6r0jwgsfwhg/IMG_3168.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1788285470/theindependentschoolcom/up8hycspb6r0jwgsfwhg/IMG_3168.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1788285470/theindependentschoolcom/up8hycspb6r0jwgsfwhg/IMG_3168.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1788285470/theindependentschoolcom/up8hycspb6r0jwgsfwhg/IMG_3168.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1788285470/theindependentschoolcom/up8hycspb6r0jwgsfwhg/IMG_3168.jpg","width":2200}])
A colorful new window tint is helping the ELC upstairs playground stay a little cooler while adding some extra fun to the space.
![A woman holds a "Teacher of the Month" certificate in the foreground, with a playground and green foliage in the background.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1788460523/gqjzsq6omk4r8b7q9iuf/IMG_3159.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1788460523/gqjzsq6omk4r8b7q9iuf/IMG_3159.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1788460523/gqjzsq6omk4r8b7q9iuf/IMG_3159.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1788460523/gqjzsq6omk4r8b7q9iuf/IMG_3159.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1788460523/gqjzsq6omk4r8b7q9iuf/IMG_3159.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1788460523/gqjzsq6omk4r8b7q9iuf/IMG_3159.jpg","width":2200}])
The ELC celebrates Ms. Hailey and the care, positivity, and commitment she brings to her students and families each day.