PLAY is the WAY children learn during the early childhood years. How fortunate that is for parents, caregivers and/or their teachers! Because when PLAY is the basis for learning activities it makes learning not only fun, but something that happens naturally. Plus, as an added bonus, it also creates a desire to continue to want to learn! Focus on the Senses: Provide as many opportunities for your kiddos to engage their senses—and if they use more than one for the same activity all the better! … [Read more...]
There’s No App Better than Your Lap
Children are made readers on the laps of their parents. This quote by Emilie Buchwald says it all. Children learn language from direct interaction with meaningful people in their lives. Learning is facilitated when children have trusting relationships. So just imagine the amount of learning potential when parents read to their children! During February, the month of LOVE, help your child develop a LOVE for reading! Commit to reading at least 1 story/day for the rest of the month. That’s … [Read more...]
Speak Up–Helping Your Child Find Their Voice
"Speak up. I didn't hear what you said." The only thing that would make me cringe more, after hearing that phrase directed to a kidlet, is to hear their Mom or Dad say "Oh Johnny or Sally is shy." ARGH!! First off, adults need to be sure to give young children enough time to answer. Secondly, I am not fond of the word shy. It's a self-defeating, self-realizing label. Children learn language from direct, interaction with their parents, other adults—even other children. It’s really quite … [Read more...]
MEAN Girls—In the Preschool Years?!
Really? Mean girls in the preschool years? Unfortunately YES it can start even there…according to an article in the Wall Street Journal Little Children and Already Acting Mean the concept of ‘relational aggression’ is discussed. In a nutshell, relational aggression can be equated to emotional bullying. It's different than physical bullying in that there are no physical wounds, but that should not minimize or negate the pain and suffering inflicted. As I read the article, I immediately went back … [Read more...]