Renee Pena-Lopez

Love for the Littles

Hi There!

Let's be real—to the outsider, a preschool classroom can look pretty chaotic. But to those in the know, like you (Teacher of the Littles), you see children being artists, parents, and engineers, trying to figure out their world through play. And you feel like you aren't giving each child the attention they need.

#realtalk — Not everyone knows how to engage in Guided Play effectively.

Fair is giving each person what they need. You want to pour love on your Littles, but honestly,  you are running out of ways to connect.

How do I connect with that child struggling with play?

Even superheroes need lifelines. That’s where I come in. With a focus on Guided Play , I help parents and teachers make meaningful interventions that nurture a child's development. Find out more about me and what I do below.

Ways To Work With Me

#welovelittles

Shop

Our shop is all about fun and learning!

We’ve got Guided Play resources designed for kids who think differently. Whether you're a parent or a teacher, you'll find tools that foster creativity, exploration, and the magic of learning through play.

Impactful Interventions Collective

You are not an island! This membership is where Teachers of Littles can access real tools to support children through Guided Play. From addressing challenging behaviors to helping quiet kids feel seen, this program equips you with play-based strategies that create meaningful classroom connections.

The Magic of Littles Podcast

Need a bit of inspiration from the Teacher Next Door??

Join me each Monday for honest and real conversations about Early Childhood Education, the challenges of play for Littles, and how you can use Guided Play and educational therapy to help children thrive both in the classroom and beyond.

A close-up of a young individual with furrowed brows and a pouty expression, conveying frustration, alongside blog post text about helping children manage frustration.
Let’s be real for a sec—frustration is part of life. 😤 Whether it’s a tricky math problem, a missed LEGO snap, or a shoe that just won’t tie the rig…Read more
 A child with dark skin is focused on learning online with a laptop, while an adult with long braided hair stands nearby.
Messing Up Isn’t Failing—It’s Proof You’re Learning! Ever feel like you're terrified of making mistakes? Like one little slip-up will make the wo…Read more
A group of young children with dark skin are gathered on the floor, looking at a book held by an adult with dark skin, in what appears to be an early childhood education setting.
Talking about race in the early childhood classroom is vital. Children are never too young to begin understanding the world around them, including ra…Read more
Today’s episode features Kayla Souza, an early childhood educator for almost twenty years. Last year, she transitioned out of the regular preschool …Read more
After the past 18+ months we’ve had, I feel myself asking the question, “Is it just me?” The Littles coming into the classroom seem to be at a diffe…Read more
  Welcome back to Season 3 of the Magic of Littles Podcast! Today’s episode is with Dana Rosenbloom of Dana’s Kids! Dana is a child and parent ed…Read more

Featured In

READY TO GET STARTED?

Check out these freebies!

Your toolkit for thriving as an educator starts here.

A close-up of two individuals with afro-textured hair, possibly a parent and child, touching foreheads affectionately. Text below reads: "Messy, Magical, and Still Showing Up: A Reset for Caregivers of Neurodiverse Kids" with "The Magic of Littles" logo.

Messy, Magical, and Still Showing Up

A gentle reset for caregivers of neurodiverse kids.
This isn’t a checklist—it’s your compassionate companion for the hard days. Inside you’ll find calming nervous system check-ins, sensory support ideas, co-regulation prompts, and soft daily rhythms to help you and your child feel more grounded. It’s designed for moments when you feel overwhelmed and need something that truly works.

  • Thoughtful. Uplifting. Practical.

  • Because you're not failing—you're in the middle of the story.

Image promoting a "MIGHTY ADVOCATE GUIDE" from "The Magic of Littles" aimed at preschool teachers. The top portion shows a child's hands interacting with colorful wooden toys, suggesting a focus on early childhood education.

The Mighty Advocate Guide

A toolkit for teachers dedicated to bringing out the best in preschoolers.

Unlock the strategies for advocating effectively, using Guided Play to support development, and mastering IEPs. With these tools, you can make a lasting impact on your students' growth and thrive in your teaching, even when faced with challenges.




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