Tots & Blocks Academy

Wednesdays are for Water Play! 💦☀️

Our first Water Play Wednesday of the summer was a huge success! The sun came out just in time, making it the perfect day for the children to splash, explore, and cool off.

The children had a wonderful time playing in the water sensory table, experimenting with a variety of fun water toys, and running through the sprinklers. There were lots of smiles and laughter as they explored different textures, practiced sharing, and enjoyed sensory play with their friends. It was the perfect way to beat the summer heat while creating lasting summer camp memories!

Good afternoon, Families,
We are excited to share some wonderful news from one of our Preschool Parents, Jillian Greco! She has recently illustrated a children’s book an incredible accomplishment that took over 10 months of hard work, creativity, and dedication to complete.
We are so proud to celebrate and support the amazing talents within our community. Please take a moment to check out her work using the link below:

**Ollie the Octopus and the Angry Sea Louse on Amazon

Congratulations on this amazing achievement!

Here is the information about the book:

Ollie the Octopus: And the Angry Sea Louse Paperback – May 25, 2026
by Gino A. Tramontelli (Author), Jillian Greco (Illustrator)
Does Your Little One Have Big Feelings? Join Ollie on a Journey to Calm!

Helping a child navigate anger can feel like weathering a storm at sea. In Ollie the Octopus and the Angry Sea Louse, children discover that while anger can sneak up on them, they have the power to recognize the patterns and make good choices.

The Story
Ollie is a lovable octopus with a big heart—and an even bigger temper. When a pesky sea louse starts pushing his buttons, Ollie’s world turns upside down. He feels his face get hot, his tentacles twist into knots, and before he knows it, he’s acting in ways he later regrets.

Desperate for a change, Ollie visits the Wise Old Whale, the guardian of the deep. Through their heart-to-heart, Ollie learns the "secrets of the sea": how to spot the tiny bubbles of frustration before they become a crashing wave of aggression.

Why Parents and Teachers Love This Book
This isn't just a story; it’s a therapeutic tool disguised as a vibrant underwater adventure. Written by a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and brought to life by a Professional Educator, this book bridges the gap between emotional theory and real-world application.

Recognize the Cues: Teaches children to identify physical "early warning signs" of anger (like clenching fists or a racing heart).
Actionable Strategies: Offers concrete steps to "act early," helping kids move from reaction to reflection.

Expert Backing: Built on evidence-based practices used in child counseling and emotional intelligence (EQ) curriculums.

Stunning Illustrations: Engaging, colorful artwork that keeps young readers focused while subtly reinforcing the emotional lessons.

Perfect For:
Ages 4–9: Ideal for preschoolers, kindergartners, and early elementary students.
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL): A must-have for classrooms, school counselors, and homeschoolers.
Bedtime or Circle Time: A gentle way to start important conversations about feelings and self-regulation.