Introducing Your Child to the Concept of Print

Introducing Your Child to the Concept of Print

One question that parents of preschoolers often ask is, “How can I help my child to be “reading ready”? In a previous newsletter, we explored the connection between rhyming and learning to read. Rhyming is a fun way to develop phonemic awareness (awareness of the sounds that make up language). Being able to manipulate these sounds is an important pre-reading skill that can be fostered both in and out of the classroom.

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How to Help Kids Process Violence, Trauma, and Race

How to Help Kids Process Violence, Trauma, and Race

Making sense of all the news is hard enough for us as parents, but we must also look to the future for our children and think of their growth and understanding as well. Children aren’t born with any awareness of race. Around 3 years old children begin to notice differences of all kinds. We had the opportunity recently to listen in to a live webinar hosted by Common Sense Media featuring child development, children's health, and trauma-care experts who talked about ways families can support their children, one another, and a just future.

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The Value of Pretend Play

The Value of Pretend Play

Research tells us that the best toys need not be flashy or expensive or come in an app. What really is important that children are using their imagination. Children can engage in pretend play with toy characters, like dolls and animals. They can also pretend with toy objects, like food and building. Pretend play can help children learn to use words to imitate, describe, and cope with actual circumstances and feelings.

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Learning to Rhyme

Learning to Rhyme

What’s in a rhyme? A lot more than just a fun game it turns out. We thought we would share a few tips from our play based preschool’s talented teaching staff to shed some light on rhymes, how to make this activity fun at home and help your pre-reader grow!

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A Good Book: How to Fuel a Love of Reading

A Good Book: How to Fuel a Love of Reading

We can’t stress enough the many benefits of reading to your child. To help illustrate our philosophy we look to our own Parent Library for a few great resources on the subject. What does your child like to read? Do you have a favorite time of day to snuggle up with a book? Read on for some wisdom on how to foster a love of reading in your child. Who knows you might even rekindle your own love affair with books!

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Teaching Kindness, at Home and in Preschool

Teaching Kindness, at Home and in Preschool

One of the best lessons we can give our children is how to be kind. Teach kindness in life’s lessons big and small, model kindness in all you do, practice kindness in every word and share that with your children.

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How Children Learn

How Children Learn

Children are amazing at soaking up new knowledge thanks in part to their natural curiosity. As stewards of their education parents, teachers and caregivers are often looking for ways to encourage their growth. It helps to understand how a child learns. 

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The Importance of Sensory Play, at Preschool and Beyond

The Importance of Sensory Play, at Preschool and Beyond

Sensory play is an important part of early childhood development, both at home and in a toddler preschool program. It lets children explore and learn about their world through what they do best – PLAY. Looking for an easy, fun activity you can do together in the kitchen but will also let them get their hands messy and keep them busy? Try making your own homemade play dough will a few simple and safe ingredients.

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