“Will you be here tomorrow?” Words from the mamas that had brought their kiddos out to my PopUP PLAY Date at the Kingsgate Library. Well, I wouldn’t be doing another one the very next day, but it DID make me feel good to know they’d have wanted that! A couple of the Moms went to the info desk to share how much they loved the event (sadly the librarians did not show any enthusiasm: “It’s not a library program.” Hmm, maybe it SHOULD be!!) Mr Teacher Karen is pathologically objective—trying to … [Read more...]
Music Play Music–Why Music is Important
Music (& movement) at group time was always a favorite time for the kidlets. Truthfull, I’ve got to say I loved it just as much. But, as with EVERYTHING associated with early childhood education, there was more than just FUN going on during this time! Notice the picture? Guess what we're singing and doing here? Building a shack that's breakin' our back! Listen below! Listening Skills Many of our songs were a ‘call and response’ type. These are perfect songs to help … [Read more...]
The 5Rs of Early Childhood Education
School –what that usually means revolves around the 3Rs: “Readin’ and 'Ritin' and 'Rithmetic” When it comes to young children and their early education though, the 3Rs don’t apply. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics encourages parents, as their children’s first—and most important teachers—to follow the 5Rs of early childhood education. They are: Read●Rhyme●Routines●Reward●Relationships READ—set aside time to read together, every day, with your child. Reading with your child … [Read more...]
It’s Still Summer…Go PLAY
As July gives way to August you might be starting to wonder how to keep your kidlets active and engaged in PLAY—especially if you’re trying to limit electronic device use…which I applaud! One option is to get the Summer Set of Go PLAY Activity Cards—the dual goals of the cards are to promote literacy as well as PLAY. They’re perfect for the preschool set, but I’ve known many older children than have thoroughly enjoyed doing the activities AND activities can always be amended as needed for … [Read more...]
PLAY ON! Open-Ended PLAY: Why Your Child NEEDS It!
Providing open-ended PLAY experiences for the preschool kiddos was extremely important to me. My belief, one strongly backed by research, is PLAY is the natural, and organic way young children learn. Additionally, I know PLAY addresses all areas of a child’s development. I’d go so far as to say it lays the foundation for a child’s overall success now and later! Read on why offering open-ended PLAY activities takes their PLAY to another level. Stages of PLAY Children go through various … [Read more...]