For parents and educators dedicated to nurturing well-rounded, happy children, understanding the impact of nature-based learning on early childhood development is crucial. The key benefits of incorporating the natural world into educational curriculums and daily activities are here. Encouraging Physical Activity and Healthy LifestylesOne of the most immediate benefits of nature-based learning is its ability to get children moving. Climbing trees, running through fields, and navigating the natural terrain challenge and develop young bodies. This active lifestyle promotes physical health and instills habits and preferences for outdoor activity that can last a lifetime. Fostering Curiosity and WonderThe natural world is inherently fascinating. For a child, every leaf, insect, and weather pattern holds the potential for discovery. This sense of wonder is the foundation of cognitive and emotional development, encouraging children to ask questions, seek answers, and connect with the world around them on a deep, meaningful level. Enhancing Problem-solving SkillsNature-based learning often involves unstructured play, which requires children to use their imaginations and solve problems creatively. Whether building a fort out of sticks or navigating a new path through the woods, children learn to think on their feet, make decisions, and adapt to their surroundings. Improving Attention Spans and Reducing StressThe calm and serene setting of the outdoors has a significant effect on children's mental health. Studies have shown that time spent in nature can reduce stress levels, improve moods, and increase attention spans. In a world where screens often dominate free time, the tranquil environment of outdoor learning can be a powerful antidote. Promoting Environmental AwarenessBy spending time in nature, children connect to the environment and understand their role within it. This early exposure fosters a sense of responsibility and care for the planet, laying the groundwork for a lifetime of sustainability and environmental stewardship. Incorporating Nature into Your Child's Routine
The benefits of nature-based learning make a compelling case for integrating more outdoor experiences into children's lives. Here are a few simple ways to start:
Nature-based learning represents a shift towards a more holistic, healthy, and engaging education for our children. We can cultivate curious, environmentally conscious, and well-rounded individuals by incorporating the outdoors into early childhood development. It's an investment in not just their future but the future of our planet. Empower your child with the endless possibilities of real-world exploration. Start today by planning your next outdoor adventure, and watch as your child grows, learns, and thrives in nature's classroom.
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What We Understand About Early Literacy DevelopmentLiteracy development starts early in life and is highly correlated with school achievement. As children grow, their literacy skills develop. This growth starts with cooing and babbling in infancy and continues through forming structured sentences in preschool. Literacy development is a transformational journey that enables individuals to achieve more than just decoding words on a page; it unlocks the ability to comprehend, engage with, and convey complex ideas through language. This foundational process of acquiring and refining reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills is pivotal for dynamic communication and opens doors for participation in all aspects of society. From early childhood, children dip their toes into the world of literacy as they begin to recognize letters and their corresponding sounds. They gradually wade into deeper waters of understanding through various literacy milestones, from deciphering simple three-letter words to navigating the intricate structure of sentences and stories or solving math problems. Reading comprehension and the capacity for nuanced writing are like waves built upon a solid base of these early pre-literacy skills. A strong literacy foundation is anchored in importance. It charts a course that can influence educational trajectories, career pathways, and even individual well-being. Beyond the mechanics of reading and writing, literacy embodies the critical analysis of information and the articulate expression of thoughts. As everything starts early, reading out loud to your child and working on simple letter and word recognition and comprehension will help them develop and nurture literacy skills. Remember, literacy for a young child is not only intellectual. It is also physical. The emotional bonds they form, the physical manipulation of books and writing tools, and cognitive engagement with stories and letters all fuel literacy development. Many studies show that children with limited exposure to language and literacy may struggle more when learning to read. This does not mean that learning and mastering literacy is impossible at an older age; it means that the task may be harder and more stressful and will impact them elsewhere, too. How can you succeed in math if you cannot comprehend what you are requested to do? Therefore, it is important to start providing these skills from the very beginning. Although each age group plays a crucial role in this process, what you do from infancy to kindergarten extensively prepares the groundwork. The Pillars of Early Literacy SuccessWe discussed how reading is a fundamental skill for any child's development, and in the preschool years, it lays the groundwork for a lifetime of literacy. This grand endeavor begins with parents, the first and most influential teachers a child will have. Nurturing literacy at a young age sets the stage for a child's success in reading, academics, and, ultimately, life. But where does one begin to instill the love of reading and the skills necessary to do so? Understanding The Building Blocks of Early LiteracyBefore a child can read, they must first understand that the squiggles on a page have meaning. This foundational understanding is built on several 'pillars' of literacy development:
Focusing on these pillars will prepare your child for success in reading and education. Immerse Your Child in a Literate Environment For young children to excel at reading, their environment must encourage and model literacy. Here are five ways to create a space that fosters early literacy: 1. Regular Reading Routine Establish a daily reading routine, such as reading a story together at bedtime or during meals. Consistency helps children expect and enjoy reading time, normalizing it as a part of their everyday life. 2. Make Books Accessible Ensure that your child can easily reach books. Having a variety of books within their grasp invites exploration and discovery. 3. Create a Literacy-Rich Home Label items around the house to introduce print awareness, and hang children's artwork with stories they've told you to promote the understanding that their words and ideas are valuable. 4. Celebrate Reading Achievements When your child reaches a reading milestone, celebrate it! This could be as small as recognizing a frequently seen word or sounding out a simple word for the first time. 5. Incorporate Writing Encourage scribbling and drawing as precursors to writing. Provide materials and opportunities for your child to express themselves through written forms as well. Interactive Reading and Conversation Reading with your child is more than just reciting words on a page. It's an opportunity for multi-layered interaction that enhances comprehension and enjoyment of the reading experience. Ask Questions Encourage your child to think critically about the stories you read together. What do they think will happen next? Why did a character act in a certain way? Connect to Real-Life Experiences Relate stories to your child's own life. If the story involves a visit to a zoo, talk about their experiences at a zoo or use it as a springboard for a future visit. Read with Expression Use different tones and tempos to match the mood of the story. This makes the reading more engaging and shows the expressive side of language. Encourage Retelling After reading a book several times, ask your child to tell the story to you. This practice builds their narrative skills and reinforces the understanding that stories have a beginning, middle, and end. Introducing Sight Words and Phonics Understanding sight words (high-frequency words that children recognize by sight, not by sounding them out) and phonics (the relationship between sounds and letters) is pivotal in learning to read. Sight Word Recognition Introduce common sight words by writing them on cards or finding them within stories you read together. The more they see these words, the quicker they'll recognize them. Phonics Games Make learning phonics fun with games like "I Spy" or scavenger hunts, where your child looks for objects that start with a specific letter sound. Interactive Storytelling To make it a collaborative learning process, create stories together, using sight words and phonics patterns that are being learned. Technology and Literacy Technology can be a valuable ally in promoting early literacy in today's digitized world. Numerous apps and online resources are designed to support your child's reading readiness. E-Books and Read-Along Apps Interactive e-books with audio can be used to read along and allow your child to interact with the story, reinforcing the connection between spoken and written words. Educational Apps and Websites Seek out apps and websites that offer phonics games, sight word recognition, and other literacy-building activities. Many are designed with vibrant, engaging interfaces that appeal to young children. Screen Time Guidelines Balance is key. While certain screen activities can be educational and beneficial, it's essential to set limits and ensure they complement, not replace, hands-on reading experiences. Community and Reading Enrichment Support from the community helps to reinforce the importance of reading. Library Visits Regular trips to the library introduce your child to a wide variety of reading materials and can instill a love of books and learning. Storytime Sessions Participate in library or bookstore storytime events where children can listen to stories, interact with others, and learn that reading is a social and enjoyable activity. Join Parent-Child Book Clubs Book clubs offer you and your child a chance to engage with literature in a social setting, discussing books and sharing your love for reading. The Role of Patience and Positivity Learning to read unfolds at an individual pace. It is crucial to remain patient and positive throughout your child's literacy journey. Cultivating a Growth Mindset Encourage your child to see themselves as learners who can improve with effort. This growth mindset is especially important in more challenging aspects of reading. Provide Encouragement Be praiseful, especially when your child grapples with difficult reading tasks. Positive reinforcement bolsters self-esteem and motivation. Model Reading Your child learns by example. Regularly engage in your reading activities, whether it's books, magazines, or the news. Demonstrating that reading is a lifelong habit sets a powerful example. In ConclusionEarly literacy skills are the stepping stones to a child's lifelong relationship with reading and learning.
By focusing on the pillars detailed above, parents can provide the support and structure for their child to grow into a confident and capable reader. Remember, the goal is not just for your child to read but to love reading—to be excited by the worlds that open up to them through the printed word. With your guidance and commitment, the foundations for such a love can be laid in these critical and formative preschool years.
Introducing STEM to Little LearnersSTEM for preschoolers is all about discovering the world through play. These activities are designed not only to entertain your children but also to spark their creativity, satisfy their natural curiosity, and build foundational skills for future learning. The BenefitsEngaging toddlers in STEM activities offers numerous educational benefits:
Activity 1: Shape SortingSorting by shape and color is an excellent way for kids to recognize and categorize objects. Materials Needed:
Activity 2: Rainbow Milk ExperimentThe Rainbow Milk Experiment is not just visually stunning, but it's a fantastic way to introduce chemistry to young minds. Materials Needed:
Activity 3: Nature Scavenger HuntHeading outside for a scavenger hunt is a perfect way to integrate learning with physical activity. Materials Needed:
Wrapping UpThe best part about these STEM for preschoolers activities is how they can be adapted and expanded upon as your child grows and their interests develop. Foster a lifelong love for learning and exploration right from your living room or backyard.
Remember, the goal is to make learning feel like play. Encourage questions, allow for messes, and provide plenty of time for free exploration. These are the moments where learning truly sticks. For more parental tips and educational activities, keep an eye on our blog and join a community of parents and educators dedicated to nurturing the next generation of STEM enthusiasts. Remember to include STEM for Preschoolers in your activities and share your little one's learning adventures with us!
As your little one gears up for kindergarten, a whirlwind of emotions may engulf you. While kindergarten may look different now compared to when we were kids, the essence of learning foundational skills remains unchanged – particularly in math. This guide will delve into why math is a critical pillar of early childhood education and how to achieve early math proficiency: celebrating why it forms the bedrock of childhood development, uncovering the key concepts your child will encounter, and unearthing innovative strategies to nurture an enduring passion for math within the cozy confines of your home. The Importance of Math for PreschoolersBut first, let's address the elephant in the (class)room: why is there such emphasis on math in early childhood education for preschoolers and kindergarteners? In reality, math is everywhere, and we need it constantly in our daily lives, even to perform the most mundane tasks. It’s woven into the fabric of our day-to-day existence - in how we portion pizza slices among friends, measure cups of water for that perfect pot of rice, meticulously plot out our schedules, pay for a cup of coffee, or when we're balancing a budget. Early exposure to math helps children acquire practical skills and bolster their problem-solving capabilities, enhance their logical reasoning, and foster the ability to think abstractly. Furthermore, laying a solid mathematical foundation is beneficial and potentially pivotal for a child’s long-term academic trajectory, influencing their success across various subjects as they navigate their schooling years and beyond. Math isn't just for the classroom; it's the silent partner of countless professionals, sharpening their skills and shaping their careers. Math is a linchpin in STEM fields, where innovation starts with numbers and equations. Think of an engineer's meticulous calculations or a scientist's data-driven analysis—without math, their groundbreaking work wouldn't exist. Here are examples of careers: https://money.usnews.com/careers/best-jobs/rankings/best-stem-jobs But let's not stop there. Math's influence radiates to anyone who handles transactions, from the friendly faces behind bank counters to the savvy entrepreneurs turning dreams into thriving businesses. And for those who craft and repair the world with their hands, such as carpenters and mechanics, math is the blueprint that guides their precision and mastery. Whether balancing books or building bridges, math is undeniably the foundation of professional excellence. Navigating the Numbers: A Journey Through Kindergarten MathIn kindergarten, the math journey begins, gently leading young minds through a world where numbers are more than mere symbols—they represent powerful tools for understanding the environment around them. The curriculum is thoughtfully crafted to unlock a child's innate curiosity and cognitive abilities through essential skills:
Each of these areas is a stepping stone not only to advanced mathematical concepts but also to real-world problem solving, opening doors to intellectual discovery and empowering children with the confidence to face more intricate mathematical challenges. How You Can Help Your Child During PreschoolAs a parent, guardian or primary educator in your child's life, your involvement is pivotal in nurturing their mathematical understanding from the comfort of home. Here are enriching strategies to weave mathematical concepts into the tapestry of everyday life seamlessly:
Wrapping UpKindergarten marks a pivotal chapter where young minds blossom, especially in mathematics. Understanding the profound impact of early math education equips you, as a parent, to enhance and support your child’s educational voyage within the cozy confines of home.
Math transcends mere numeracy; it’s a conduit for problem-solving prowess, logical reasoning, and a unique lens to witness the world's wonders. These early steps into counting, addition, subtraction, and recognizing patterns lay the stones for a lifetime of intellectual curiosity. As the year rounds to a close, take a moment to reflect on the progress and marvel at how these fundamental skills will serve as the cornerstones for your kindergartener's future learning. Are there specific strategies or fun-filled activities that have sparked a love for numbers in your little one? Share your experiences and insights, and let's engage in a vibrant dialogue about nurturing our future problem solvers, innovators, and perhaps even the mathematical masterminds of tomorrow! However, in today's busy world, it can be all too easy to fill every moment of their day with structured activities at the expense of free play. But did you know that simply making time for unfettered imaginative play helps strengthen important aspects of children's mental health and sets the foundation for positive relationships, resilience, and success? Research shows that mental health problems in kids are on the rise and partly associated with a decline in playtime. In this post, we will discuss the remarkable benefits of play for young minds and practical tips for prioritizing playtime each day, no matter how hectic things get. Play and Mental HealthFrom enrolling them in extracurricular activities to scheduling playdates, we try to fill every moment of their day with new experiences. But, in the rush to give our children every advantage, we often forget about something essential: playtime. Free and unstructured play is vital to your child’s mental health and development; no matter how busy your schedule may be, it is crucial to prioritize it. Remember that children learn best when they are not explicitly taught. Unstructured playtime provides children the chance to experiment with new ideas and concepts. It offers them a safe space to develop their emotional intelligence, problem-solving, creative thinking, and decision-making skills. As children interact with their peers and direct environment, they begin to understand the complexities of social connections. This learning leads to stronger cognitive development and improved emotional well-being. Reduced Anxiety and StressModern life is full of stressors that affect everyone, including young children. As a result, anxiety and stress among children are becoming increasingly prevalent, leading to adverse mental health outcomes. However, playtime offers an excellent outlet for children to reduce these negative feelings. When children engage in imaginative play, they forget about their problems, becoming lost in worlds of their own making. This mental escape provides significant relief for children, reducing stress and allowing them to return to refreshed routines. Strengthened RelationshipsPlay allows children to perceive and understand social cues. When children play with peers, they learn how to share, cooperate, and communicate. Such interactions lead to complex relationships based on understanding and empathy. Building and nurturing these relationships gives children a solid foundation for future social interactions, leading to improved mental health outcomes. Improved Self-esteemWhile structured activities and other forms of learning are essential, nothing compares to the feeling of accomplishment that comes with mastering a skill through play. Children develop a sense of confidence in themselves when they achieve something through play. Whether it's completing a challenging puzzle or constructing a castle out of blocks, playtime offers children a sense of mastery and control over their environment. As a result, children who engage in play regularly tend to have higher self-esteem and self-worth. Ultimately, this positively influences their mental health. Practical Tips for Prioritizing PlaytimeAs parents with busy schedules and numerous responsibilities, prioritizing playtime can seem challenging. However, making playtime a part of your child's daily routine is crucial to their mental health and development. Here are some practical tips on how to prioritize playtime: - Schedule playtime into your daily routine - Set aside specific times for unstructured play - Allow your child to choose how they wish to play - Provide them with toys and materials that foster imaginative play - Get involved in the play yourself, building an even stronger bond with your child Some Practical TipsPlaytime is an essential aspect of every child's growth and development. It offers children the opportunity to explore and experiment with new concepts, reducing stress and anxiety while building and nurturing relationships.
As a parent, prioritizing your child's playtime is key to fostering their mental health and developing their emotional and social intelligence. While finding time for unstructured playtime in our busy lives might seem challenging, it is worth the effort. So, set aside schedules for playtime, get involved, and watch your child grow into a happy, healthy, and confident individual. As always, contact our team for more information about playtime in our curriculum.
As children embark on their educational journey, the significance of healthy social development becomes even more pronounced. Social development encompasses a child's capacity to engage with others and regulate their own conduct. Children need to develop social skills beyond simply growing in age. It includes having meaningful connections with others and a good sense of conduct. Social development helps children build relationships, set boundaries, and adapt to different situations. This ability also involves communication, resolving conflicts, sharing emotions, showing compassion, and adapting to environments. To help children grow, focusing on their physical, emotional, and social growth is important as they age. Identifying these milestones in young children can prove challenging for those unfamiliar. To assist you, we have outlined some of these markers and certain warning signs. Why Social Skills Are ImportantThe importance of social skills in a child's growth and progress cannot be overstated. For each stage of a child's development, different milestones focus on teaching them social skills. Research shows that they may suffer in various ways without a strong foundation in social skills during their early years. They may struggle to make friends, have difficulty in school, experience feelings of loneliness, and, in severe cases, might suffer some behavioral issues. That's why it's so essential to nurture children's social skills at an early age. By observing their social skills, we can track a child's development. These skills cover everything from sharing, communicating, and cooperating to developing interpersonal boundaries, understanding instructions, and making eye contact. These skills are an integral part of a child's life that should not be forgotten. Social Skills And Early Childhood DevelopmentDuring early childhood, social signals become more evident. Stages of development include babies mastering gross motor skills as they learn to turn and crawl. As toddlers progress in language and fine motor skills, they demonstrate abilities like drawing and picking up small objects. While each child develops at their own rate, certain milestones are expected amongst age groups, such as learning to wave "bye-bye" when they reach 12 months or the capacity to self-feed before they turn two. During these stages of their young lives, children turn from cute little rolling bundles to confident individuals who delve into the world, exploring each new adventure with excitement and curiosity. They also tend to imitate others, especially older children and adults. They take pleasure in engaging with their peers and feel a sense of excitement when they encounter other children. Additionally, they exhibit behaviors that contradict the instructions, and that’s part of testing, exploring, and expecting reactions. Although the "terrible twos" phase is notorious for triggering mischievous behavior, they begin to assert their independence to some extent as children approach the age of three. They are capable of experiencing a wide range of emotions, including empathy and affection towards their friends. At this stage, they can also express frustration when faced with disruptions to their daily routine. Between the ages of three and four, children derive pleasure from engaging in new activities. They display enhanced creativity during playtime and exhibit a keen interest in assuming the roles of parents. However, their comprehension of the make-believe concept still needs improvement. Children at this age can collaborate with their peers and express their preferences. Children between the ages of three and five strive to please their friends and imitate their behavior. They are more inclined to adhere to rules and demonstrate a growing sense of independence. In certain circumstances, they may become assertive and demanding. Additionally, children at this stage possess an awareness of their gender and derive enjoyment from singing and dancing. They now grasp the notion of make-believe. How To Help Promote The Development Of Social Skills In ChildrenStrong social skills are important for children to facilitate meaningful interactions in everyday life. To help young adults foster and develop their social skills, caretakers, parents, and teachers must take time and consistently impart this knowledge. Understanding the subtle bonuses that come with mindful behavior, such as talking with courtesy, listening, and being respectful and mindful of the people and environment around them, are key components adults in the child’s life need to stress. In addition, teaching by example and actively showing the applicable behaviors to the child is essential to their social development. By helping them to distinguish right from wrong and developing confidence in communication, adults can promote a future of socially sharpened minds. Regular practice establishing strong interpersonal relationships and working out simple relationship problems will enable the child to interact socially with a higher potential for success overall. It Starts With You Set an example! Demonstrating appropriate behavior is one of the finest ways to convey the significance of social skills to children. When socializing, show good etiquette by verbalizing phrases such as "please" and "thank you." Speak courteously, naturally inspiring the child to follow in your footsteps. Furthermore, firmly remind the child when polite language is significant and encourage feedback through fun activities to enable positive approaches when frustration arises. The Power Of Positive Reinforcement Praising and providing positive reinforcement is a strategy that has proven effective when trying to motivate children to cultivate their social skills. By being explicit with words of appreciation, such as "I appreciate when you share your toys" or “I appreciate when you say thank you,” the child will better understand every time they follow the rules successfully. Communicating pleasantly but firmly when assigning tasks and immediately praising them for their compliance allows the child to develop the necessary skills and regulate their behavior. Stick with this approach, and you should gradually see an improvement in cooperation! Positive reinforcement is a powerful tool with many advantages, and when used appropriately, can help foster better learning and development. Try Pretend Play Pretend play offers children a special opportunity to hone their communication skills in a fun and interactive setting with their peers. Collaboration is encouraged as children take on different roles and negotiate different aspects of imaginative play. This allows them to communicate their ideas and opinions in various ways. Through pretend play, young minds explore a world of adventure while learning how to communicate, making playtime a valuable teaching tool. Children can further develop their communication skills among peers as they interact cross-verbally and nonverbally. Whether with custom dialogue, improvisation, or exaggerated mannerisms, children navigate dynamic social interactions through verbal and nonverbal communication. Pretend play is one of the best ways to foster their social and emotional intelligence. Emotional Regulation The importance of equipping children with the means to regulate their emotions and comprehend those of others cannot be overstated. One approach is to open up a dialogue where the child can express their emotions and how best to manage them. During these conversations, guiding them in recognizing and interpreting the feelings of those around them is beneficial. This will play a crucial role in helping children better understand their own emotions and foster empathy for individuals in their environment. Using praised-based reinforcement is a strategy that can be used in establishing clear guidelines and exhibiting desirable approaches so that individuals can create better relationships throughout their lives. Your TakeawaysWith each new milestone that’s conquered, our children and their environment are transformed, implementing the skills they recently achieved.
To help them along their journey of discovery, it is vital to provide a safe and stimulating atmosphere to foster early childhood development successfully. Therefore, it is important for parents and caregivers to offer unconditional love and understanding while also providing guidance and experiences that teach valuable lessons. Taking a proactive role in their child’s first years can ensure that kids are well-prepared to tackle life’s toughest challenges with resiliency, confidence, optimism, enthusiasm, and so much more! Contact us if you have any questions. Developing good reading habits in kids is essential for their cognitive, social, and emotional development. Studies have shown that kids who read regularly have better language skills, are more academically successful, and have higher emotional intelligence. Therefore, it is essential to start with good reading habits early enough before kids enter kindergarten. From creating positive reinforcement techniques to carving out regular daily reading time together, there are plenty of opportunities to cultivate healthy reading habits in children that will last them a lifetime. Read on for 4 tips that parents can use to encourage early readers! Take Time To Read DailyOne of the best ways to nurture good reading habits in young preschoolers is to start as early as possible. Make reading a routine in your child’s day by sharing a book with them before bedtime or any part of the day that works for you. This practice can help develop a positive association with reading, which can become a lifelong habit. If you establish a reading habit before bedtime, reading can be soothing and help prepare young children to unwind and sleep. Pick A Quiet Space To ReadCreating a reading space at home can help your child connect reading with coziness and comfort. Your reading space doesn’t have to be big or have a lot of bookshelves. It can be a corner of your kid’s bedroom or an area of the couch. No matter what you decide that place to be, pick a comfortable spot that has enough light and room to keep a book or two that kids can choose from. This designated space in your home will signal to your child that reading is a cherished activity in your household. Visit The LibraryAs your young child ages, the library is an excellent resource for exploring new books and authors for free and cutting off from external distractions such as TV, video games, and smartphones. Many libraries also have story hours or other literacy programs for young kids. Take your child to the library regularly and let them explore the shelves and choose books that spark their interest. It will also help them to pick different types of literature, like fiction and non-fiction books. Library trips create a sense of excitement and adventure around reading. Set A Positive ExampleKids learn from what they observe, and you can set a good example by reading in front of them. Let your child see you reading, whether you love books, magazines, or graphic novels. It will also reduce your screen time and dependency on your smartphone. Take the time to discuss the books you read and share your enthusiasm about them. It's also essential to ensure your child sees you reading diverse materials. Your TakeawaysDeveloping good reading habits in kids is essential for their overall growth and development.
Encouraging reading from an early age can help your child establish a love for books that will last a lifetime. Creating positive reinforcement techniques such as daily reading routines, creating reading spaces, and visiting the library regularly can help foster good reading habits. As a parent, leading by example, making reading a routine, and minimizing screen time can positively impact your child's literacy skills. With these four simple strategies, you can help your child develop a lifelong passion for reading. Do not hesitate to contact our team for more information.
While it may seem like reading is something that happens naturally after kindergarten, the truth is that it's a complex process that requires a bit of teaching. To help your children learn, it's essential to focus on phonics and phonemic awareness, letter and sight word recognition. Fortunately, building these skills is fairly simple and easy to follow, so you can make the whole experience positive and rewarding for everyone involved. Use these tried-and-true strategies to help your little ones unlock the joys of reading! Read on for tips on equipping your little one with the building blocks needed to become an engaged, confident reader. Here Are Simple Steps to Teach Your Young Child ReadGood news: You can try many fun and simple strategies at home! You can help your little one become a reading superstar with a little effort and creativity. Here’s what you can focus on:
Reading is a skill that can be developed and refined over time, but it requires more than just the ability to recognize words on a page. To truly excel as a young reader in kindergarten and first grade, it's essential to employ various mental strategies that help you engage with the material and retain essential information. Everything starts before kindergarten by implementing some healthy reading habits. So take the time at home or find a daycare focusing on academics. It is a crucial part of this process, as it enables you to build the mental agility and focus needed to tackle even the simplest texts as they become more complex. Create The Right Environment to ExploreAdding some prints to your walls at home is a powerful tool to help build your child's reading skills. Printed letters, numbers, and words displayed prominently in your child's surroundings can encourage them to see and understand the connections between sounds and letters. The great thing about creating a reading environment is that you do not need to be stuck at home. When running out for errands, try to make a game of pointing out letters on posters, billboards, and signs. That’s part of the environment, too! This small exercise can help your child's mental training by getting them to focus intensely on identifying letters, sounds, and syllables. You can even model sounding out letters to make words, asking your child to focus on the first letter in a word and test their skills by asking what other word starts with that sound or rhymes with that word. These small interactions build up over time to create a lifelong love of reading and language. No matter what you do to create that reading environment, remember that young children learn better when they have fun, and no one ever established that reading should be boring. Reading is fun. Letters, Words, and Sounds RecognitionSimply cut out cards with three-sound words like "Sam," "can," or “pig,” and have your child pick one. Together, read the word and hold up three fingers. Then, ask them to identify the first, second, and third sounds and then repeat the word. This interactive game is a great way to help them sound out words and develop essential phonics and decoding skills. Plus, it requires minimal preparation time, and you do not have to spend hundreds of dollars! And if your kiddo is just starting to learn the alphabet, focus on sounds over letter names. If you consistently work with them every day, you will see their reading ability soar! Identify Sight WordsSight words play a pivotal role in learning to read. In our language, there are 100 commonly used sight words that many young children can focus on if they are about to enter pre-Kindergarten and beyond. Known as "sight words" due to their propensity for immediate recognition when seen, the majority are only one or two syllables. They are some of the most commonly used words in the English language. Here are examples of sight words:
Incorporated as part of any reading strategy for learning, focusing on these provide kids with an increased sense of comfort alongside other forms of vocabulary acquisition. Consequently, if your child is almost entering pre-K, why not use this great opportunity to teach some sight words gradually? This way, they can start their elementary school journey well by firmly understanding the basics early on! Memorize New VocabularyUsing new vocabulary words is the best way to become familiar with them. There are many fun and interesting activities you can do at home or in the classroom to help facilitate a great understanding of the language:
Explore Reading ComprehensionAs we’ve seen before, reading to your child is about teaching them to sound out words, build more vocabulary, and it's also an opportunity to improve their comprehension skills. Reading comprehension allows them to make sense of written words, build their vocabularies, and develop strong comprehension skills. However, parents shouldn't neglect the importance of engagement while reading to kids. Provide opportunities for your child to soak up the words; ask questions about the story or pictures. For example, little kids may benefit when you point out details and ask questions about shapes or colors. At the same time, older children may enjoy conversations around the motivations of characters or plot points. Reading with your little ones is no small task; it requires patience, but it sets them substantially ahead in terms of success and ability. Together time with a book fosters a profound love for reading more than any other activity you could offer. Improve FluencyReading regularly is one of the best ways to help your child become a confident and successful reader, as it helps them build confidence and increase their fluency. What is fluency? The ability to read with speed, accuracy, and expression is crucial for understanding written texts. Regular interaction with books and learning materials allows your child to gain this essential skill! However, everyone learns in different ways and at their own pace. It also follows your child’s natural cognitive development. So, be patient. Remember to make it fun – mix things up with different activities, such as having them choose their own books every now and then. But don't expect instant results! Becoming a fluent reader takes time and practice. Remember to Keep It Fun!The best way to ensure mastery of this essential skill is to make it enjoyable. By incorporating fun elements into their lessons and reading materials, young learners are more likely to take to the subject matter more willingly and actively like it.
Work in interactive activities that may update old learning conventions with new tools such as flashcards, ebooks, and online libraries. This will add novelty without compromising instruction. Help kids build up their vocabulary by playing word games or even creating mnemonics whenever possible; presenting content in entertaining formats like drawings, adventures, or hiding stories within stories could also go a long way in making it palatable for children who would otherwise feel inadequate and frustrated during their journey for knowledge. Contact us if you need help.
Role-playing is an essential part of learning that helps children develop emotional, physical and communication skills. By role-playing in occupations such as doctors, police officers, shopkeepers, or teachers, kids learn empathy while imagining themselves superheroes with magical powers, which encourages them to distinguish between good and bad behavior. Additionally, reenacting real-life scenarios enables their understanding of the world and develops motor coordination and how they communicate. In other words: Role play promotes a fun and educational way for young ones! Why is Role Play EssentialNurturing creativity and imagination early is essential for children's development. Research finds that activities such as role-playing support cognitive flexibility, problem-solving skills, and the ability to think outside the box - all essential life skills needed later in adulthood when it comes to reading books or empathizing with others' points of view. Learning How to SpeakLearning the language can be fun and engaging for kids, especially when they step into their favorite characters' shoes! Role-playing activities give young minds an opportunity to practice newly acquired words. Doing so encourages children by building confidence in communication and helping them become more articulate speakers. Moreover, these learned skills will form strong foundations early on, aiding with reading and writing ability later on. It’s About ExperimentationRole play allows kids to explore new worlds of imagination, experimenting with concepts such as empathy and self-control. It is also ideal for children to learn how to resolve conflicts in a safe environment. By negotiating roles together, they practice teamwork and communication that will inform their behavior even later in life! It Focuses on Motor SkillsWatching children participate in role-playing activities is incredibly rewarding for parents and guardians. It creates an imaginative world of possibility, and such play supports the development of physical capabilities. Kids use their motor skills when they move around quickly to complete missions or practice eye-hand coordination while performing surgery on their teddy bear! You Can Be Part of ItCreating a magical world for your children to explore through role-play is easy. All you need is to designate an area in the home or backyard and stock it with all sorts of exciting items like stuffed animals, costumes, and props. You do not need to break the bank to role-play with your child. Therefore, keep it simple because all that matters is imagination. Get into character yourself to encourage their fun - read stories aloud in a cheerful voice while adding unexpected twists said by open-ended questions! And most importantly - Let them take the lead. Leave the position of parent and follow where they'll go as together you create new realms full of imaginative playtime adventures every night at bedtime! Your Takeaways Role-playing is an important activity for children that helps them develop various skills. Kids learn empathy, distinguishing right and wrong, and basic motor coordination and communication skills through role-playing. If you would like to learn more about the benefits of role-playing or other educational activities for your child, reach out to our team or leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you!
Healthy eating is a mix of good habits and little tricks that can make a world of difference. The most important aspect is to be consistent and create rituals for habits to stick in time. Read on if you do not want to scream, “eat your broccoli!” until they leave for college. Healthy Eating Starts With YouSure, life can be busy sometimes. How often did you have to run errands, complete something urgent at work, pick up the kids, drive kids to sports practices, and try to fit everything in a twenty-four-hour day? Let’s be honest; family schedules can be extremely tight, leaving little space for cooking or even sitting down, let alone eating at regular times. Yet, young children like rituals and predictability. The truth is that establishing healthy eating habits starts with you and the control you have over schedules. Eating at regular times and taking the time to sit down around a table as a family is the first step. Remember that you are your child’s most important reference, and your toddler or preschooler will mimic everything you do. If your child sees that you are putting a lot of attention and emphasis on eating at regular hours and that meals are ritualized, they will adopt your approach. The same thing goes for the food you eat. If you do not eat fruits and vegetables and all you have is on-the-go convenience foods and snacking chips and candy all the time, your child will simply follow your lead. So, establishing a solid role model base is essential. Always try to think about the message you want to send across. It will be challenging to convince your child if your meal plans are nutritionally imbalanced most of the time. In other words, lead by example and establish healthy food habits as a family value. Then Healthy Eating Trickles DownIf being a role model is very important, involving your kids in adopting a lifestyle is the next step. The good news is that young children are naturally curious, and nothing is easier than involving a young child. Try to engage with your young child. Have your kid help shop for food at your local store, help set the table for dinner, or mix ingredients. In other words, involve them in the process with safe, age-appropriate tasks. If they go to daycare or preschool, get them to choose between what to eat for their snack and lunch. For instance, give a choice between strawberries and apples. Kids love to decide, and it also helps them become independent thinkers and make healthy choices for themselves. Things like healthy eating become habits that will last a lifetime if you persist and show consistency. That said, do not fall into extremes or create anxiety and turn food and nutrition into a conflict or perpetual negotiation. Maintain A Healthy Mindset and LifestyleOne thing is for sure, expect a lot of resistance and crisis from your kiddo once you shift to eating healthy. Moving from frequent burgers, fries, mac’n’cheese, and pizza to balanced healthy meals with vegetables and proteins will not be welcomed, and there is nothing abnormal about getting some pushback. Adjusting your mindset, lifestyle, and approach to eating healthy is a pathway to better living. But that pathway is not smooth if it involves profound changes. There will be a time of adjustment for sure. That said, keeping in sight your family and life goals of eating healthy will help you achieve these goals with consistency. Here are a few points that may help you achieve these goals:
Your TakeawaysAs per the CDC, in 2019-2020, “[...] the prevalence of obesity was 19.7% and affected about 14.7 million children and adolescents [...] Obesity prevalence was 12.7% among 2- to 5-year-olds” It means that healthy eating of nutritious food should start as early as possible, and there is a pivotal role that you can play as a parent. Remember that the development of the human brain requires all essential nutrients to form and maintain its structure, and infants’ and young children’s cognitive development depends on adequate nutrition. As always, if you have any questions, please reach out to our team.
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May 2024
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Willowdale Children's Academy is a child care agency located in Chester County, PA, specialized in early learning with schools in Chadds Ford, Kennett Square, Avondale, and West Chester, PA. We offer programs for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, after school care, and summer camps.
Willowdale Children's Academy (Headquarter)
10 Ponds Edge Dr, Chadds Ford, PA 19317 TEL: (484) 770-8490 [email protected] |
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