From smartphones to multiplayer video games like Minecraft (which has sold over 200 million copies as of May 2020), kids today have more access to the online world than ever before. Unfortunately, this access offers as many problems as it does opportunities for kids and parents. Parents need to be clear about the boundaries they’re setting while offering guidance that…
Even though your family has probably been spending more time at home than usual because of the COVID-19 pandemic, you and your children may not have as close of a bond as you would like. It’s easy for everyone to get lost in their own worlds, lock themselves in their rooms, and forget that interacting with the people they live…
Around the end of May for the past few years, we sit down as a family and make a list of all of the places to visit and the things we want to do during summer vacation. Sometimes we get to everything on our list and sometimes we don’t, but it sure is fun to try! Here is our top…
Dear Teacher, You may have noticed that your work is not easy. It’s extremely important. At such a dynamic stage of human-development it holds boundless possibilities. You are very integral to building the foundation of social and emotional health and capacity of the children in your care. And indeed, there are many joyful and rewarding moments that are so very…
Over the summer, my dear friend who lives in Indiana invited my family to visit the John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids, MI. We made the 2.5 hour trek, and as we were pressing our faces against the glass; observing all the unique animals and creatures, we came to the ape exhibit. As soon as you walked into the exhibit,…
Years ago, I found myself full of anxiety from the demands teaching in a public school kindergarten class brought. I often thought if I come to school with such stress and anxiety, what must my young students be feeling? That is when I was introduced to yoga for kids. It was a life-changing practice that I am so happy to…
It is winter once again in Michigan which means parents and caregivers are looking for ways to beat those indoor winter blues. Although it is dark and cold, exploring nature both indoors and out will help foster independence, promote active learning and engage children in creative activities! Get Dressed and Go Out! Getting dressed in all our winter gear…
Cooking with your child can be fun and provide many opportunities to develop skills in math, literacy, language, and science. Children also develop self-confidence and healthy eating habits that will last a lifetime. Some areas of development that cooking promotes include: Language and communication-Children learn new vocabulary, increase language and promote early literacy. Children can tell you what they…
Each moment spent interacting in an early childhood program is an opportunity for learning. We call these “Teachable Moments.” Children learn from what they see and how they experience the world. When children experience secure relationships, they demonstrate secure relationships with others. The same is true if children experience insecure relationships with teachers, then they may have difficulty interacting with…
Subitizing is the ability to “see” a small amount and know “how many” there are instantly without counting. Develop number sense with your preschooler.
