It wasn't on Old McDonald's Farm, but my preschool was housed on a farm. That meant learning and interacting with animals was, by default and design, mandatory. I enjoyed introducing children to and sharing with the joys of being up-close and personal with the farm animals. Just like I enjoy it with my grandchildren! Farm Animals Teach Children So Much! ● The basics like: · their looks; · the sounds they make; · what foods … [Read more...]
Autumn Leaves & the Great Pumpkin
I know the New England area is renowned for the colors of Autumn, but as I get out and about here in the PNW we can be awfully proud of our own spectacular show put on by the changing of the seasons! What a sensory extravaganza! THAT of course means it's full of learning opportunities for kiddos! Go out on a nature walk! Collect LEAVES: Be sure to look for 1. Different shape of leaves OR 2. Leaves in a variety colors For example, look at this leaf I found.... Its vibrant color stopped … [Read more...]
Creating Schedules–Managing Stress for Your Child
Pandemics certainly qualify as stressful times for children. Other Life events like divorce, illness (or death), or moving are full of stress too. It’s during times of stress or uncertainty children find comfort in routines. Schedules are routines put to paper, whiteboard chart, or electronically on your phone. It’s the predictability of schedules that lets children know what to expect. CHANGE is the Only Constant in Life... Right now families are in the midst of dealing with the coronavirus. … [Read more...]
It’s Easy as 1, 2, 3–Why Math Readiness is Important
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...]
3 Key Points for Parents on PLAY
I believe in the power of PLAY, base my teaching on PLAY, and know PLAY is the natural and organic way a young child learns. One benefit of welcoming parents to stay for class at preschool was it allowed them to witness the natural state of the learning child. That natural state includes: curiosity hands-on inspection manipulation & experimentation extrapolation & inference movement noise all of the above results in the child AND their surrounding getting and being MESSY! Why … [Read more...]
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