What is math readiness? For young children it encompasses a handful of principles. Have you ever heard anyone say “I hate math” or “I’m no good at math”? I literally don’t understand those comments. It’s impossible to get on in Life without math. Children, in particular, need to be exposed straightaway to math activities to add to their concrete knowledge base. And by math activities I don’t mean filling in worksheets or completing levels of a computer game. Oh my NO!! Step out your door and … [Read more...]
Why Playing Hide-And-Seek is Important
No doubt you played peek-a-boo with your child when they were a baby. Peek-a-boo, a time-honored game played by generations of parents and babies, has real developmental benefits to it. Playing peek-a-boo helps with separation anxiety and object permanence. Hide-and-seek takes peek-a-boo to the next level and beyond. ALL Learning Requires Some Risk I’ve said it before and I’ll continue to say it. To grow and learn, everyone—young and old—must be willing to risk something. Hide-and-seek offers … [Read more...]
What to Do with Lost Teeth
"Life is short, so smile while you still have teeth.” ~Unknown~ Crawling, saying their first word, getting their 1st tooth—these are a few of your kiddo’s typical milestones. Another milestone that equally tugs at my heart are those toothy and toothless smiles. At the time, kids may not appreciate them, but I think every parent (and grandparent) cherishes those goofy smiles. The World Always Needs a Smile... Of course we love … [Read more...]
Dreamy Days and Random Naps–A Review
I received a PDF version to review of Mawson the Bear’s new book, Dreamy Days and Random Naps. Do you think picture books are only for children’s literature? Mawson has gifted parents with some! Curious about this author? Mawson is a big-hearted, soul-searching Writer-Bear of little books with lots of heart. His books are stuffed with moments of happiness for frazzled grown-ups. Mawson and his friends write about and highlight the simple joys of Life. In addition to Dreamy Days and Random Naps … [Read more...]
Puzzles If You Don’t Think They’re Important Think Again
Puzzles give a child the opportunity to experience and manipulate the world around him/her. This contributes positively towards their brain development. WHY? Because putting puzzles together has a child actively engaged, manipulating his/her world. And the very important next step of that: Seeing what results from their actions. Additionally, when children PLAY they typically develop skills and gain knowledge across more than one domain. As you'll … [Read more...]