Hopscotch, and NO I’m not thinking about the coding curriculum, but the childhood game! Think about the movements required in a typical game of hopscotch: Players throw a marker ... stand... hop... stop... bend... pick up... straighten up... leap... jump... hop... hop…land... turn... and repeat. Not only do they do all those movements, but most of it's all on one foot! Hopscotch: Challenging AND Fun Hopscotch is a game children have played for years and years. Ever wondered why it’s … [Read more...]
Is Your Child Overly Sensitive?
Does it seem your child cries at the drop of a hat? Is he unable to adjust when routines get changed? Does she fuss when her socks aren’t on just right? Does he struggle when trying new foods—complaining about the texture of foods or the taste? Congratulations you may have a highly sensitive child! The highly sensitive (my preferred term to hypersensitive) child has a nervous system that is on high alert—quick to react. Because of this super awareness children notice subtleties; they pick … [Read more...]
Why Playing with Baby Dolls is (Very) Important
Baby dolls have stood the test of time…and with good reason! Children learn by doing. And often what they do, is what they see. A lot of what they see is a parent or care giver taking care of a younger sibling or baby. Playing with baby dolls comes naturally! Speaking of what comes naturally... Play is the natural, organic way to learn. In fact, because play often involves using both sides of the body—developing bilateral coordination—and the brain, it’s a holistic activity. Baby dolls offer … [Read more...]
Grandparents Day
The 2nd Sunday of September honors grandparents with their own ‘Grandparents Day.’ I've always thought being grandparent means you’ve reached the pinnacle of life! A handful of generations ago it wasn’t uncommon for grandparents to being living under the same roof with their grandchildren, but that isn’t the typical American family unit now. Make no mistake though, the grandparent-grandchild relationship is very important. GRANDPARENTS ARE IMPORTANT Grandparents: 1. Share family and … [Read more...]
Why Building with Blocks is Important
Maybe you haven't given any thought to the importance of blocks, but they have been a staple of early childhood education for good reason. Following this post, you'll be able to describe and/or explain ways blocks further child development. In other words, you'll be able to explain why building with blocks is important! Gaming: It's Not about PLAY... A main focus for video play systems such as those made by Nintendo, Xbox, or PlayStation is to capture and keep your attention with graphics and … [Read more...]