Montessori-trained educator. Children's author. Founder of humanKIND Classroom.
For more than a decade, I have worked with young children and educators, written about early childhood education for Edutopia, and shared my work at SXSW EDU and conferences around the world.
Today, the Big World of Little Dude book series and humanKIND Classroom curriculum help educators teach the social skills young children need to communicate, connect and thrive.
But it all began with a small dog named Little Dude and a question I could not stop asking.
Child Australia
·
I began volunteering with my dog, Little Dude, as a therapy dog team through the Good Dog Foundation. Together, we visited pediatric hospitals, schools supporting autistic children, foster care organizations and senior care homes.
Everywhere we went, I watched children light up. They became calmer, more connected and more willing to engage.
That experience left me with a question:
"We teach ABCs and 1-2-3 so explicitly. Why don't we teach social skills the same way?"
When I brought Little Dude into my own early childhood classroom, something clicked. He was one of the most engaging teaching partners I had ever had.
Through him, children practised using gentle hands, waiting for a turn, respecting boundaries and noticing how someone else might be feeling. These were not abstract ideas. They were real skills children could practise in the moment.
I began creating joyful, story-based ways to teach children how to be kind, navigate friendships, communicate clearly and manage big feelings.
First, I wrote one book. Then nine. Next came the lesson plans, activities and classroom routines that brought each story to life.
That is how humanKIND Classroom was born: from more than a decade of teaching experience, tested in real classrooms with real children.
The Big World of Little Dude book series helps children explore kindness, friendship, feelings, empathy, respect, growth mindset, courage, manners and mindfulness through stories they love.
Each book is supported by practical lessons built around storytelling, play, movement and reflection, giving educators simple ways to help children practise these skills in everyday classroom moments.
Together, the books and lessons became humanKIND Classroom, a literacy-based curriculum designed to help educators build social skills, communication and a stronger classroom culture without complicated training or preparation.
I have also written for Edutopia about early childhood education, including restorative practices, classroom community and helping young children navigate friendships.
Book a free 30-minute call and let's find out if it's the right fit.
Book a Call with Cara