The Next Step Blog

Follow along with the adventures of Next Step!

Jump directly to the topics that match your interests. Next Step covers a lot of areas that make a positive difference in this world!

If you’re ready to take your Next Step with us, give us a shout!

green squiggly line

Breathe

Next Step’s resources to move past fight, flight, freeze, or freak out. When you need just a five-minute pause, our Mindfulness & Movement Activity Cards provide a guide to find Calm, Focus, Breath, and Movement.

Resources for a Mindful Classroom

Research is showing that even a few brief mindful moments a day can help relieve some of the pressure that kids AND ADULTS are feeling. Moving our bodies is also key to sharpening our minds.

Brain Breaks

Not only is movement good for physical health, but it’s good for mental health–focus and executive function. We’ve enjoyed working with the Iowa Department of Public Health as they rolled out Brain Breaks.

Water All Around Us–Lessons & More!

Hands-on learning through ready-to-go activities are content-rich AND fun! A water scavenger hunt. A water cycle simulation. AND an edible model of the water beneath our feet. Connect lessons with current events.

We Need Pollinators–Lessons & More!

Who doesn’t love spotting butterflies?! But we NEED butterflies and other pollinators, and their habitat is decreasing. But we can help! Find out how by downloading the Pollinator Lesson Pack for FREE!

Launching #99Parks!

How much of Iowa have you really seen? The Iowa Department of Tourism is challenging Iowa families to visit 99 Iowa Counties & 99 Iowa Parks! Download the checklist and take the challenge! 

Chalk Art

Watch your kids’ faces light up as they reveal their first horizon line–priceless! Chalk Mountains is a unique way to create a design and experiment with color. It helps with focus and flow. #aSTEaMactivity

Bright Spots

What requires no preparation, gets kids moving and giggling, and inspires a discussion of the power of listening and focus? Why, STOP WALK WIGGLE SIT of course!

Last Stop on Market Street

Use this award-winning picture book to help young kids talk about the serious issues we face in our communities. “Sometimes when you’re surrounded by dirt, CJ, you’re a better witness for what is beautiful.”