Classroom Feature- Mr. John

Meet Mr. John

Mr. John is the heart of our kitchen at Nestling House, bringing creativity, care, and a love of good food to every meal. Mr. John worked as an MPS Chemistry Teacher, College for Kids instructor and now the chef at Nestling House since 2022. He loves preparing nutritious, flavorful meals that support children’s growth, health, and energy throughout the day.

Cooking With Care

Mr. John believes that mealtime is more than just food. He thoughtfully plans menus that are both balanced and exciting, often introducing new flavors and textures that encourage children to explore and try new foods.

A Warm Presence

Known for his friendly smile and welcoming energy, Mr. John creates a positive, joyful atmosphere at mealtimes. His warmth and dedication make every child feel seen, cared for, and excited to eat.

At Nestling House, Mr. John isn’t just our chef, he’s an integral part of our community. Although one of his main roles is prepping and creating our meals for the day, his overarching role is helping children develop healthy habits, curiosity, and a love of good food that lasts a lifetime.

Encouraging Autonomy in Early Childhood

Encouraging Autonomy in Early Childhood

One of the most powerful gifts we can give children is the ability to do things for themselves. Encouraging autonomy helps children develop confidence, independence, and problem-solving skills, all while fostering a sense of responsibility and pride in their accomplishments.

What Autonomy Looks Like
Autonomy in early childhood can take many forms:

• Children choosing which activities to explore or materials to use

• Helping with daily routines, like setting the table, tidying up, or preparing snacks

• Making decisions about how to approach a task or solve a problem

• Expressing needs, feelings, and preferences in respectful ways

Supporting Independence
Parents, Caregivers, and Teachers can encourage autonomy by providing:

• Opportunities for choice: Offer simple options so children can practice decision-making

• Safe spaces to try things: Let children take age-appropriate risks and learn from mistakes

• Guidance without taking over: Step in to support when needed, but allow children to lead whenever possible

• Encouragement and praise: Recognize effort, problem-solving, and perseverance rather than just outcomes

The Benefits
When children are supported in being autonomous, they develop a stronger sense of self, learn to trust their abilities, and gain the confidence to tackle new challenges. These skills lay the foundation for lifelong learning, resilience, and a positive approach to relationships and problem-solving.

By intentionally creating environments that promote independence, we help children grow into capable, confident, and curious individuals that are ready to explore the world on their own terms.

Classroom Feature- Directors

At Nestling House, our directors bring experience, passion, and dedication to creating nurturing environments where children can thrive. From fostering creativity and independence to building strong connections with families and the community, Miss Betsy and Miss Ella lead their centers with warmth, expertise, and joy. Learn more about the people guiding our Howell and Herman teams.

Miss Betsy- Howell Director

Betsy has been with Nestling House since 2020 and brings a mix of creativity, leadership, and a love of movement. She and her husband also teach through their dance company, Mezclando Dance Co., and live in Bay View with their three children. Fluent in Spanish and passionate about community, Betsy brings warmth and joy to the Howell team.

Miss Ella- Herman Director

Ella joined Nestling House in 2025 with years of experience in early childhood education and in-home nannying. With a Bachelors in psychology and sociology, she is currently pursuing her Master’s in Mental Health Counseling. She loves supporting children’s independence, creativity, and confidence. Ella lives in Milwaukee with her dog, Olive, and enjoys painting, karaoke, and spending time with loved ones.

The Magic of Open-Ended Materials

At the heart of Nestling House is the use of open-ended materials. These are items that children can explore, manipulate, and transform in countless ways. Also called “loose parts,” natural materials, these materials can include blocks, sand, water, play dough, found objects, or anything that sparks curiosity and creativity.

Learning through exploration

Open-ended materials allow children to learn through experimentation and discovery. By engaging with these materials, children develop critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and creativity. Whether building towers with blocks, molding shapes from play dough, or pouring and measuring with sand and water, children explore possibilities and learn from their successes and mistakes.

Supporting Development

Open-ended materials help children grow in many ways:

• Cognitive: Experimentation encourages problem-solving, planning, and reasoning.

• Physical: Manipulating materials strengthens both fine and gross motor skills.

• Social and Emotional: Children collaborate, share ideas, and gain confidence in their abilities.

Tinkering, Messing About, and Provocations

The magic happens when children have time to simply “mess about” with materials, exploring freely without a set goal. Once they’ve discovered the potential of the materials, adults can introduce provocations: questions, challenges, or observations that spark deeper thinking. For example, children exploring play dough might be invited to recreate sculptures from pictures, prompting discussion about shapes, features, and creative techniques.

Classroom Feature- Chickadee Room (Herman)

Curiosity, Connection, and Creativity in the Chickadee Room

The Chickadee Room is a warm and welcoming space where children are supported as they grow in confidence, independence, and curiosity. Every day is filled with opportunities to explore, create, and connect with both their environment and each other.

Learning Through Exploration

In the Chickadee Room, children engage with hands-on activities that spark curiosity and creativity. From art projects and building materials to nature-inspired discovery experiences, these activities encourage problem-solving, imagination, and meaningful collaboration.

Connecting With Nature and Community

A love of the natural world is at the heart of the Chickadee experience. Children explore the outdoors, observe plants and animals, and engage in sensory-rich activities that connect them to their environment. Group activities and shared routines also foster social skills, kindness, and collaboration within the classroom community.

Moments of Calm and Reflection

Even without a nap, children have opportunities for quieter moments throughout the day. Reading together, engaging in gentle imaginative play, or observing the environment helps children pause, reflect, and recharge their focus.

In the Chickadee Room, children grow through active exploration, creative expression, and thoughtful reflection which helps them in developing confidence, independence, and a lifelong love of learning.