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… Read More »Your Preschooler Can Cook!
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… Read More »Time for Outdoor Play Even in the Winter Months!
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,… Read More »There is Power in Play. Brain Power.
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… Read More »Self Care: It All Starts with You
As families begin to prepare for children heading back to school, for some this is their child’s first time attending “the big school.” Excitement about new things can also bring anxiousness about the unknown. Ask your child how s/he is feeling about going to kindergarten. If your child seems less than excited, reassure her it is okay to feel a certain… Read More »Ready or Not, Kindergarten Here They Come!
As summer time approaches and many children will be entering Kindergarten this fall, parents and teachers alike are left to wonder, “Are they ready?” and “What does Kindergarten readiness really mean?” Consider this: One in every four children under the age of four years old have experienced some form of trauma in our country. According to Judy Darling LMSW, IMH-E@IV of Transforming Teachers, social emotional… Read More »A Stressed Brain Cannot Learn
