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...]
“S” is for Summer, Swimming and Safety!
“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...]
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...]
Signs, Signs! Everywhere a Sign! Your Child Growing & Learning
Signs, signs everywhere there are signs. As a parent, you look for signs your kiddo’s making milestones. You’re also helping them recognize signs in their own bodies as they grow and learn. A few BIG signs during those early years relating to children recognizing their own bodies’ signs: 1. Needing to use the toilet 2. Being hungry and/or 3. Needing rest and/or sleep Back in my preschool days, my advice to folks regarding these, and the other big one (Getting dressed), was: It does no one … [Read more...]
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