Y We like: Vroom
Since this way of life seems inevitable by many standards, parents need to be purposeful with the time they have with their children. So where can you squeeze in some time to have teachable moments with your child?
Addressing stress part 2: stress & early childhood learning
External and internal forces will decide whether learning will flow easily or become a dreaded chore. Stresses from peers, such as bullying and group pressure to be a “certain way” is a dominant factor in a child’s life from a very young age.
Setting “SMART” 2016 goals for adults and children
The New Year is a time to restart any pattern that may have gone array in the past year. Children create habits just as adults do, although sometimes very different. Using this time of year as an opportunity to include your children in making a past behavior, routine or challenge into a positive change, invites them to practice reflection and goal setting.
Look for free downloadable cookbooks to inspire your new year menu planning
Try free downloadable resources to inspire you and curtail some of the creativity block that you may be experiencing when planning the weekly menu for your family child care family, yourself, and your own family.
Keep kids moving: 6 ideas for active play on winter days
Cabin Fever. Winter Blues. We all get a little restless when the weather outside forces us to stay inside for longer lengths of time. There are times when bundling the kids up and letting them play in the snow is a great way to burn off some energy. When freezing rain, sub-zero temperatures, or heavy…
Children and animals – creating positive interactions and connections
How wonderful would it be to express out loud your deepest darkest secrets, and know that there is absolutely no judgement, nor will these secrets be shared with another? Animals can help children develop sensitivity to others. They can offer comfort, and lend an ear for secrets and feelings. And they can encourage a child’s curiosity.
Addressing stress part 1: the biology of stress and children
Knowing that stress has an effect on children in their learning environments means that we, as parents and providers, must be aware of and attempt to understand the powerful effects of stress on children of all ages. How we respond to children who show signs of stress will make the difference in whether they develop the skills to cope or whether stress will interrupt their learning.
Sensory play: a world of learning at your child’s fingertips
Sensory play is a great option for both independent and group activities and has great benefits for both sensory-seeking and sensory-avoidant children as a self-regulation or self-soothing tool. And if those aren’t encouraging enough reasons, sensory play is fun!
Sleeping safely against SIDS: the most important thing to do under two
Parents, child care providers, and well-meaning friends and relatives are all making the same fatal mistakes by putting or leaving infants and toddlers in car seats, swings, strollers and bouncers thinking that the children are safe in this equipment without being supervised; this is a dangerous assumption. Leaving a child in anything other than a crib with a firm sleeping surface and without bedding or toys, is a perilous decision.
The power of “powerful interactions” in early childhood learning
Encouraging very intentional and purposeful exchanges between a teacher and a child, which creates a powerful interaction and helps a child become a more engaged and effective learner.