Tucked away in a corner of The Woodlands High School is a classroom full of laughter, songs, and tiny painted handprints. This is the home of the Lil’ Landers, a program created for the children of TWHS teachers and staff. Every school day, sixteen energetic three- and four-year-old’s are taught by their teachers and high school friends under the guidance of Ms. Ashley Johnson, who guides the groups with patience, creativity, and kindness.
The Lil’ Landers isn’t just childcare, it’s a classroom where early learning begins. Ms. Johnson instructs the two year program with the help of high school students enrolled in either the Instructional Practices and/or Practicum in Education. Students taking these classes have taken the Principles of Education class previously.
The children spend their weekdays preparing for real school days– exploring crafts, singing songs, and building basic skills they’ll carry into kindergarten and beyond. Whether it’s practicing colors with finger paints, learning to share during playtime, or joining in a cheerful circle-time song, each activity made for both social and academic growth.
Daily routines give the Lil’ Landers structure and comfort. A typical day includes a thirty-minute to one-hour nap, giving the children a chance to rest and recharge before jumping back into hands-on activities. The balance of play, creativity, and early academics helps them grow in a supportive environment, while also giving high school students the opportunity to gain firsthand experience working with children.
“The Lil’ Landers really bring a different kind of joy to our school,” says Ms. Johnson. “They’re learning, but they’re also teaching our students responsibility, patience, and compassion.”
By blending early childhood education with hands-on experience for TWHS students, the Lil’ Landers program shows the unique and fun ways a high school can impact not just its students, but its entire community.
It’s more than just a classroom—it’s a place where the youngest Highlanders begin their first steps in learning.
