Reviewer
Maya Caldwell, M.Ed.
Early Childhood Educator & Curriculum Specialist
- M.Ed., Early Childhood Education (Vanderbilt University)
- B.A., Child Development
- State certified, Pre-K–3rd grade
- 11 years teaching Pre-K & Kindergarten
Maya Caldwell is an early childhood educator with 11 years of experience across urban public elementary and independent inquiry-based schools. Holding a Master's in Early Childhood Education from Vanderbilt University, Maya focuses on bridging the gap between developmental play and foundational literacy. Her classroom philosophy centers on creating print-rich, high-engagement environments where social-emotional learning and early academic skills develop side by side.
Beyond the classroom, Maya works as a curriculum designer and instructional mentor, helping new teachers implement phonemic awareness routines and low-prep, high-impact learning stations. When she isn't knee-deep in sensory bins or decodable readers, she writes practical, ready-to-use resources aimed at making early learning research actionable for busy educators.
She has taught Pre-K (ages 4–5) and Kindergarten (ages 5–6) in public Title I elementary schools and independent, inquiry-based early learning centers.
Articles reviewed by Maya (26)
Homeschool curriculum
1st grade homeschool curriculum: what to teach, how long, and how to choose
9 min read
Homeschool curriculum
2nd grade homeschool curriculum: what to teach and how to choose one
9 min read
Homeschool curriculum
3rd grade homeschool curriculum: what to teach, how long it takes and how to choose
10 min read
Reading & writing
Alphabet tracing done right - when to start, how to form each letter and what to fix first
9 min read
Gift guides
Christmas gifts for preschoolers: ideas for ages 3 to 5 (and for a whole class)
8 min read
Reading & writing
CVC words list: 170 words by short vowel, and how to teach them
10 min read
Gift guides
Educational gifts for 4 year olds, and the skill each one builds
8 min read
Gift guides
30 gifts for 3 year olds that aren't toys (and actually get used)
9 min read
Homeschool curriculum
Homeschool kindergarten supply list: what you need (and what you can skip)
10 min read
Gift guides
Last minute Christmas gifts for kids: printable gifts you can make tonight
10 min read
Reading & writing
30 letter recognition activities for preschoolers (and how to teach letters in the right order)
10 min read
Reading & writing
Kindergarten morning work that takes 10 minutes and sets up the whole day
8 min read
Reading & writing
Phonics phases explained, from Phase 1 to Phase 6 (a UK parent's guide)
10 min read
Homeschool curriculum
Pre-K curriculum at home: what to teach, a sample week and free vs paid
8 min read
Homeschool curriculum
Printable vs boxed homeschool curriculum: an honest cost and fit comparison
9 min read
Reading & writing
27 rhyming activities for preschoolers, with words to say out loud
9 min read
Homeschool curriculum
Secular kindergarten homeschool curriculum: what to look for and how to choose
10 min read
Reading & writing
Sight words worksheets that actually work (and how to use them without the tears)
10 min read
Gift guides
35 stocking stuffers for toddlers (safe, non-candy and mostly under $10)
8 min read
Homeschool curriculum
Toddler curriculum at home: a 12-month theme list and 10-minute ideas
8 min read
Homeschool curriculum
What to teach in 1st grade at home, month by month
10 min read
Homeschool curriculum
What to teach in kindergarten: a month-by-month scope and sequence for home
8 min read
Reading & writing
How to teach your child to write their name, step by step
9 min read
Reading & writing
Fine Motor Activities for Preschoolers: Easy Ideas to Build Strong Hands for Writing
8 min read
Reading & writing
How to Teach Letter Sounds to Your Child (Step by Step)
8 min read
Reading & writing
Kindergarten Sight Words: A List of 40 Words and How to Teach Them in 5 Minutes a Day
7 min read