“S” is for Summer, Swimming and Safety! What’s this? Could Teacher Karen have had a change in philosophy? NO! I’m still not fond of ‘letter of the day’ style of teaching for young children. I think it buys into the whole push-down academics model that is so prevalent right now. Kindergarteners and preschoolers should not be expected to master topics or skills that traditionally were reserved for later grades and older children. There are important, foundational steps and accomplishments young … [Read more...]
Toddlers with One Track Minds–The 2 Year Old Experts
If you're anything like me you've been amazed at many 2 year old experts and their apparent breadth of knowledge on a topic. Young children, toddlers and preschoolers, can become interested in variety of different things. Their brains though are hard-wired to focus on only a few items of interest. This will change as their brains continue to develop to allow for a wider range of topics later on. Besides that physiological reason, fixating on one interest can give children a sense of control … [Read more...]
Cool Down in the Sun with Sponge Bombs
In the Pacific Northwest July 4th is considered the beginning of Summer. As a kid Summer meant visiting my cousins in Arizona and Texas. Talk about sun, heat and fun! We played outside for a majority of the day. And, to be able to live through the heat, we'd be: •In the water or •On the water or •Using water to stay cool. I really should say cooler because I don't think anyone can say they're cool in 110° + heat! Highlights were going to the pool or floating down the Verde River* but some … [Read more...]
To Nap or Not To Nap: When & How
The topic: Nap time. Specifically when to be nap free. So I did an (unscientific) poll to find out when kiddos give up taking a nap. The results showed my children were on the early side, stopping before 2. The consensus was somewhere between 2-4 years of age. Mr Teacher Karen napped consistently throughout his kindergarten years and many parents posted comments that their older children napped well into their 3rd, 4th and 5th years too. It’s been too … [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...]
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