Training parents about all things preschool and kids aged 18 months–5 years
The first thing a teacher does at the beginning of the year is evaluate your child. Because I ran a preschool for many years, I know what Kindergarten teachers are looking for in your child. If your child has attended preschool before entering Kindergarten that’s a big plus, but don’t worry if they haven’t. It’s important…
Can we be honest for a second? Kids’ birthday parties have gotten way out of control. Between the Pinterest-inspired décor and treats, the elaborate games and gift bags, the venue fees and sibling invites, where does the madness stop? Birthday parties used to be a store-bought cake (if you were lucky) and a few balloons,…
There are some babies who come out of the womb “politic’in” and ready to run for office, while other children are naturally more reserved. Being timid could be in your child’s DNA and it isn’t necessarily a bad thing. However, it could cause your child to miss out on a lot of fun and new…
Excerpted from our book All About Preschool: How to Choose the Perfect School and Prepare Your Child for Success. Parents typically start looking at preschools nine months before their child will begin attending. Make appointments to visit several different schools. You should prepare to ask a lot of questions, but be aware of the way…
A child’s early experience of being nurtured and developing a strong attachment with a caring adult affects all aspects of behavior and development. When parents and kids have strong, warm feelings for one another, children develop trust that their parents will provide what they need to thrive, including love, acceptance, positive guidance, and protection. Research…
Ages: 3-6 Items Small Plastic Animals Cell Phone Camera Shoe Box Items from Nature Paint Brush Skills Problem Solving Following Directions Visual Discrimination Instructions Take a picture of each animal individually. Hide them indoors or outdoors. For younger children. limit the hiding area. Show the pictures of each animal one at a time to your…
Everyone knows the feeling, the flush of embarrassment, your blood pressure rising, a vague sensation of panic in your chest. All this because your kid is acting up. It starts slow, doesn’t it? He gets an idea of something he wants. He nags you a little, and you might not even notice. When that doesn’t work, he…
Ages: 2-4 Items Small Plastic Basket Dust Rags Feather Duster Empty Spray Bottle Skills Just for fun! Instructions Encourage your child to help you clean. Dramatic Play is so fun for young children as well as helping them learn life skills. Both boys and girls should be encouraged to enjoy this skills activity. Download Spring Cleaning…
Ages: 2-4 Items Plastic Bucket Water Paint Brush Skills Gross Motor Instructions This is a great outdoor activity, especially in the hot summer. Fill the bucket with a little water. Encourage your child to paint the backyard fence or patio furniture with the magic water. It makes everything look new again! Download Magic Water Paint…
Ages: 3-5 Items Cotton Balls Straws Skills Blowing is a developmental skill Instructions This is a race to see who can get their cotton ball from one end of the table to the other end the fastest. Place the cotton ball on one end of the table, use the straw to blow the cotton ball to…
