I'm sure you should know by now, I'm an advocate for children. As an their advocate, I promote PLAY. Below is an overview on PLAY noting the stages and types of play plus highlighting some of the benefits children receive from play. Play is fundamental to childhood and is critical to a child’s healthy and optimal development. You might think play is play, but you'll see there are different stages of play children progress through–stages that build upon each other—and types of play … [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...]
Parent Preparedness & LOOSE PARTS
You may feel at loose ends but I want you to have LOOSE PARTS as part of your Parent Preparedness Arsenal. It's all about being prepared—and that’s not just a motto for the Scouts it’s a GOOD day-to-day LIFE motto for parents…especially when you’re trying to get any work done! ---------------------------------------------------------So what can you do? Create PLAY packs or PLAY scenarios that’ll keep your kidlets engaged. After all, PLAY is the WORK of young children. This comes with a … [Read more...]