With the New Year just a few days away, you can plan a fun New Years bash with your kids that’s fun and educational. Kids can feel left out of New Year’s celebrations because they can’t stay awake until midnight. But with a little planning your kids can have a New Year’s bash that they will remember for years to come.
It’s always midnight somewhere, so plan your party around the world clock and ring in the New Year like you are in another part of the world. This is a great teaching moment to learn about other places in the world and maybe reinforce geography. Another option is ring in the New Year at noon.
Pick activities that the whole family can participate in, make sure you take lots of pictures. Have them make a scrapbook, or make cards welcoming in the New Year. Even have them help bake a cake for the birthday of the New Year.
Play a game like balloon volleyball" with several silver and gold balloons. You'll want a large space, with no breakable items. Don't let the balloons touch the floor. -- Then after midnight you can all sit on the balloons until they pop!
Another activity is to help each other think of resolutions. Make posters or collages that represent the resolutions as motivation for sticking to them. This can help your child learn how to follow through with something they say they want to do.
A great family craft would be to make a family time capsule filled with photos from the last year, letters from each family member and pictures drawn by the kids. Save it for the next New Year's Eve party.
Camp out in your family room and enjoy each other's company. Make a tent in the living room big enough for everyone to sleep in.
Make noisemakers by filling a toilet paper roll with rice or dry beans. Covers both ends with paper and decorate the tube. Shake it as the ball drops to welcome the New Year.
Whatever you decide to do have a safe and wonderful New Year from your friends at the Goddard School.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Monday, December 27, 2010
Learning Another Language
December is Foreign Language month and it’s the perfect time to introduce a second language to your child. Experts agree that toddler-age children are very receptive to learning a second language.
There are many benefits of teaching a toddler a new language. Some of them include:
• When children learn a second language they often develop a thirst for knowledge of other cultures, history and an appreciation for diversity.
• Learning other languages can actually help children improve their primary language. Many words are shared between languages helping children to understand the structure and origin of words.
• And children who learn a second language are more likely to achieve higher scores on standardized tests.
In fact it’s easier for young children to learn two or even three languages. This is due to their ability to compartmentalize each language. They can keep each language separate to avoid confusion. This allows them to grasp both grammar and pronunciation more easily then grownups.
If you can find the time, dedication and resources to start your child on learning a second language they will receive long-term social and academic benefits.
There are many benefits of teaching a toddler a new language. Some of them include:
• When children learn a second language they often develop a thirst for knowledge of other cultures, history and an appreciation for diversity.
• Learning other languages can actually help children improve their primary language. Many words are shared between languages helping children to understand the structure and origin of words.
• And children who learn a second language are more likely to achieve higher scores on standardized tests.
In fact it’s easier for young children to learn two or even three languages. This is due to their ability to compartmentalize each language. They can keep each language separate to avoid confusion. This allows them to grasp both grammar and pronunciation more easily then grownups.
If you can find the time, dedication and resources to start your child on learning a second language they will receive long-term social and academic benefits.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Fun Things to Do With the Kids Over Holiday Break
With the kids off from school next week many parents may be looking for activities to do with the kids and here are a few ideas:
Cooking– Involve your child in the holiday cooking. Under supervision, letting them help you in the kitchen can be a great learning experience. Reinforce counting and measuring as they help you measure the ingredients. Let them help pour the ingredients in a bowl to practice coordination and fine motor skills.
Science Experiments – You can do some really interesting home science experiments with household items. Teach them about static electricity by rubbing your feet on the carpet and touching each other to see if a static shock develops. Mix some baking soda, vinegar and raisins and see if you can get raisins to dance. Search on the Internet for some more interesting science experiments you can do at home. Just use your best judgment to determine what’s safe for you and your child.
Pen Pals– teach your child how to send a good old fashioned letter. Let them create their own holiday cards and send them to relatives or even classmates. Your child’s friends will be excited to get mail and your child will have fun creating their own holiday cards. It will just cost you some stamps.
The holidays are a special time for children. Take the time off to slow down, spend quality time with the family and enjoy the special moments.
Cooking– Involve your child in the holiday cooking. Under supervision, letting them help you in the kitchen can be a great learning experience. Reinforce counting and measuring as they help you measure the ingredients. Let them help pour the ingredients in a bowl to practice coordination and fine motor skills.
Science Experiments – You can do some really interesting home science experiments with household items. Teach them about static electricity by rubbing your feet on the carpet and touching each other to see if a static shock develops. Mix some baking soda, vinegar and raisins and see if you can get raisins to dance. Search on the Internet for some more interesting science experiments you can do at home. Just use your best judgment to determine what’s safe for you and your child.
Pen Pals– teach your child how to send a good old fashioned letter. Let them create their own holiday cards and send them to relatives or even classmates. Your child’s friends will be excited to get mail and your child will have fun creating their own holiday cards. It will just cost you some stamps.
The holidays are a special time for children. Take the time off to slow down, spend quality time with the family and enjoy the special moments.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Play Isn’t Just Play
Parents often sit back and reminisce about the care-free days of playing on the playground or with friend in the backyard. But play is an important step in the learning process. You would be surprised at how different types of play help with your child’s development. Let’s take a look at some types of play and what they really do for your child.
Blocks
What do blocks and math have in common? Believe or not, several studies have shown that playing with blocks at a young age result in kids having higher math scores and better problem solving skills.
Pretend play
Pretend play ultimately helps children start to comprehend abstract thought. In addition, language, movement, emotion, and thinking are all critical skills that can be exercised while your child is playing out their favorite fairytale in their head.
Playing outside
Remember when your mother said, go outside, the fresh air will do you good. Well she was right. Studies all show that children who spend time playing outside have better test scores. And in a stressful world, children who spend time outside often show lower levels of stress.
Board games
You remember board games right? That’s what kids did before gaming systems and cell phones. Well, you should think about dusting them off because board games are great learning tools. They help reinforce the importance of rules, develop math and counting skills and they demonstrate the importance of working as a group.
So don’t let playtime go to waste. Look for opportunities for your children to learn and play and give them a head start toward the future. At Goddard we emphasize the importance of learning through play.
Blocks
What do blocks and math have in common? Believe or not, several studies have shown that playing with blocks at a young age result in kids having higher math scores and better problem solving skills.
Pretend play
Pretend play ultimately helps children start to comprehend abstract thought. In addition, language, movement, emotion, and thinking are all critical skills that can be exercised while your child is playing out their favorite fairytale in their head.
Playing outside
Remember when your mother said, go outside, the fresh air will do you good. Well she was right. Studies all show that children who spend time playing outside have better test scores. And in a stressful world, children who spend time outside often show lower levels of stress.
Board games
You remember board games right? That’s what kids did before gaming systems and cell phones. Well, you should think about dusting them off because board games are great learning tools. They help reinforce the importance of rules, develop math and counting skills and they demonstrate the importance of working as a group.
So don’t let playtime go to waste. Look for opportunities for your children to learn and play and give them a head start toward the future. At Goddard we emphasize the importance of learning through play.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Kids Say the Darnedest Things Part 2
Earlier this week in the post Kids Say the Darnedest Things, we talked about tips on responding to behaviors at home. We are going to continue that theme in this post.
Situation: You ask your child to do a task like putting toys away and you get “You are not the boss of me”.
Ways you could respond: Your child is testing boundaries. They are trying to show that they can be independent but they are expressing it in the wrong way. Validate their feelings by acknowledging that you understand they don’t want to comply with your request. Tell them why you need them to put their toys away. And remind them that you are the parent. Explain that actions have consequences and not completing the task will result in consequences.
Situation: It’s an hour before dinner and your little one wants a snack, you tell them no and they have a full blown tantrum.
Ways you could respond: It’s very difficult to find a teaching opportunity during a tantrum. In many cases ignoring a tantrum and not responding can be the most effective action. After the tantrum is done explain that tantrums are not appropriate. Explain the consequences of their actions and how others perceive them during a tantrum.
Situation: You overhear your child saying “I don’t like you” to another child.
Ways you could respond: Realize that your child doesn’t understand the impact of their words on others. In many cases there may be something else driving this behavior in your child. For example, they aren’t getting their way or they are feeling left out during play. Teach your child to use words to express their real feelings instead of acting out and being angry. Teach your child how to walk away and compose themselves. Let them know how they are making other children feel by using hurtful words. Keep the lines of communication between your child and you open.
In the end each child is different. The key is to keep working to find what works best for you and your child.
Situation: You ask your child to do a task like putting toys away and you get “You are not the boss of me”.
Ways you could respond: Your child is testing boundaries. They are trying to show that they can be independent but they are expressing it in the wrong way. Validate their feelings by acknowledging that you understand they don’t want to comply with your request. Tell them why you need them to put their toys away. And remind them that you are the parent. Explain that actions have consequences and not completing the task will result in consequences.
Situation: It’s an hour before dinner and your little one wants a snack, you tell them no and they have a full blown tantrum.
Ways you could respond: It’s very difficult to find a teaching opportunity during a tantrum. In many cases ignoring a tantrum and not responding can be the most effective action. After the tantrum is done explain that tantrums are not appropriate. Explain the consequences of their actions and how others perceive them during a tantrum.
Situation: You overhear your child saying “I don’t like you” to another child.
Ways you could respond: Realize that your child doesn’t understand the impact of their words on others. In many cases there may be something else driving this behavior in your child. For example, they aren’t getting their way or they are feeling left out during play. Teach your child to use words to express their real feelings instead of acting out and being angry. Teach your child how to walk away and compose themselves. Let them know how they are making other children feel by using hurtful words. Keep the lines of communication between your child and you open.
In the end each child is different. The key is to keep working to find what works best for you and your child.
Monday, December 13, 2010
Kids Say the Darnedest Things
It’s happened to most parents at least once, your child says something that is not so nice. As parents how do you use these opportunity’s to teach your child. Here are a few tips:
Situation: Your child is playing with another child at the playground and they yell “Mine” and grab a sand toy from the other child.
Ways you could respond: You could jump behind the nearest tree at the playground and reprimand your child on the way home. But to enhance the learning opportunity, try telling your child about the benefits of sharing (it makes others feel good, it’s a good way to make friends, they will share things with you). If the children can’t share the item try removing it from the area. When your home, remind your child of the incident and role play the appropriate way to respond and share with others.
Situation: You ask your child to get ready for school and they say “Not Fair” and storm off.
Ways you could respond: Explain why you’re telling your child to do the task. Give them consequences for not completing the task. For example: if they don’t get ready for school they can’t watch TV when they get home. This will help your child make the connection between actions and consequences.
In the second post of the week we will give some additional tips on how to handle behaviors at home.
Situation: Your child is playing with another child at the playground and they yell “Mine” and grab a sand toy from the other child.
Ways you could respond: You could jump behind the nearest tree at the playground and reprimand your child on the way home. But to enhance the learning opportunity, try telling your child about the benefits of sharing (it makes others feel good, it’s a good way to make friends, they will share things with you). If the children can’t share the item try removing it from the area. When your home, remind your child of the incident and role play the appropriate way to respond and share with others.
Situation: You ask your child to get ready for school and they say “Not Fair” and storm off.
Ways you could respond: Explain why you’re telling your child to do the task. Give them consequences for not completing the task. For example: if they don’t get ready for school they can’t watch TV when they get home. This will help your child make the connection between actions and consequences.
In the second post of the week we will give some additional tips on how to handle behaviors at home.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Picking out books for Preschoolers
Earlier this week we talked about ways to help your little one develop a love for reading. But what types of books are best for young children. Today we are going to give you some tips to consider when picking out appropriate books for your child.
• Preschoolers love a good storyline. Books with a simple storyline are great. You can even buy a longer chapter book and read one chapter at a time. Your child will anticipate how the story will develop each night.
• Stories about characters and objects tend to hold the attention of a preschooler. Trains, boats and storybook characters are great for preschoolers.
• Let your child express their imagination. Let them make up a story to go with a picture book or photograph album. This can be a fun way to get your child engaged in books and storytelling.
• Try to find subjects your child will relate to like school, friends, or people they may experience in everyday life like firefighters, police officers or mail carriers.
• Really concentrate on what your child is fascinated with like trains, trucks, astronomy and construction. These topics provide extra incentive for your child to pick up a book.
Good reading habits can make a big difference in developing your child’s love for learning. Any time you can spare to spend reading with your child is an investment in their future.
• Preschoolers love a good storyline. Books with a simple storyline are great. You can even buy a longer chapter book and read one chapter at a time. Your child will anticipate how the story will develop each night.
• Stories about characters and objects tend to hold the attention of a preschooler. Trains, boats and storybook characters are great for preschoolers.
• Let your child express their imagination. Let them make up a story to go with a picture book or photograph album. This can be a fun way to get your child engaged in books and storytelling.
• Try to find subjects your child will relate to like school, friends, or people they may experience in everyday life like firefighters, police officers or mail carriers.
• Really concentrate on what your child is fascinated with like trains, trucks, astronomy and construction. These topics provide extra incentive for your child to pick up a book.
Good reading habits can make a big difference in developing your child’s love for learning. Any time you can spare to spend reading with your child is an investment in their future.
Monday, December 6, 2010
Preschoolers and Reading
We all have heard the importance of reading to our children and preschoolers know a lot of things they didn't know as babies. As parents and guardians we read lots of different books to build your preschoolers vocabulary.
The most important thing to do is try to have set times to read together. Before bed works well, as do other "down" times in the day, like first thing in the morning or after meals.
Here are some tips:
* It’s ok to read the same book over and over again, your little one is building some great skills. They can even help to read the story with you when you read parts that the know or are repetitive lines.
* When you are looking at a new book, introduce it. Look at the cover and talk about what it might be about. Mention the author by name.
* Ask your child why a character did something.
* Ask what part of the story your child liked best and why.
* Talk about the parts of the story — how did it begin? What happened in the middle? What did your child think of the ending?
* Move your fingers under the words as you read to demonstrate the connection between what you are saying and the words.
Keep in mind that reading is fun and keep it fun for your child, make it a game to change the ending of a story that you have read over and over or make the sounds that the animals might make in the story.
Source: http://kidshealth.org
The most important thing to do is try to have set times to read together. Before bed works well, as do other "down" times in the day, like first thing in the morning or after meals.
Here are some tips:
* It’s ok to read the same book over and over again, your little one is building some great skills. They can even help to read the story with you when you read parts that the know or are repetitive lines.
* When you are looking at a new book, introduce it. Look at the cover and talk about what it might be about. Mention the author by name.
* Ask your child why a character did something.
* Ask what part of the story your child liked best and why.
* Talk about the parts of the story — how did it begin? What happened in the middle? What did your child think of the ending?
* Move your fingers under the words as you read to demonstrate the connection between what you are saying and the words.
Keep in mind that reading is fun and keep it fun for your child, make it a game to change the ending of a story that you have read over and over or make the sounds that the animals might make in the story.
Source: http://kidshealth.org
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Preschool Cliques
It is not unusual for preschool children to form cliques. They tend to pick a few peers that are similar to themselves to be friends with rather than the whole class. Because preschoolers are still learning the concept of friendship it’s important that parents and teachers help them navigate their way through this time.
For new students or particularly shy children, it may be difficult for them to break into existing cliques in the class. Working with your teacher can help break through the boundaries that are formed with cliques and help your child to make friends with their classmates.
Talk to your child’s teacher to find out how your child is behaving around other children. They may be shy or acting out which may cause other children to shy away from them.
Here are a few tactics your child’s teacher might use to help your them develop new friendships:
• Grouping your child with different children during small group activities
• Working with a "buddy" to complete a task (e.g., handing out snack)
• Making suggestions about fun things to do with different children during free play
Here are a few ways you can help:
• Try role playing situations and ways your child can approach other children during school to make them comfortable with the act of making friends.
• Approach a parent of an outgoing child. See if they are open to a play date or other ways your child can be paired up with their child inside and outside of class. This may help your child learn from a peer how to make new friends.
Keep in mind that your child might simply be shy and don’t expect them to develop friendships overnight. Teaching them the skills to make friends overtime will benefit them as they experience cliques throughout their lifetime.
For new students or particularly shy children, it may be difficult for them to break into existing cliques in the class. Working with your teacher can help break through the boundaries that are formed with cliques and help your child to make friends with their classmates.
Talk to your child’s teacher to find out how your child is behaving around other children. They may be shy or acting out which may cause other children to shy away from them.
Here are a few tactics your child’s teacher might use to help your them develop new friendships:
• Grouping your child with different children during small group activities
• Working with a "buddy" to complete a task (e.g., handing out snack)
• Making suggestions about fun things to do with different children during free play
Here are a few ways you can help:
• Try role playing situations and ways your child can approach other children during school to make them comfortable with the act of making friends.
• Approach a parent of an outgoing child. See if they are open to a play date or other ways your child can be paired up with their child inside and outside of class. This may help your child learn from a peer how to make new friends.
Keep in mind that your child might simply be shy and don’t expect them to develop friendships overnight. Teaching them the skills to make friends overtime will benefit them as they experience cliques throughout their lifetime.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Tantrum Busters
This time of year brings out the best in our children, their schedules are off because of all the fun and exciting activities associated with the holidays. Parents often try to squeeze in a few more errands before nap time and this can lead to the dreaded public tantrum. Anyone who has been a parent or guardian has had to endure the public tantrum. Instead of losing your cool, and your senses, try taking a deep breath, smile at an understanding adult nearby, and then see if one of these tips will work:
1. Distract.
Distract your child with something, this a great way to help them to calm down. Put a cartoon video on, listen to music, read a story, watch television, go outside, or watch animals outside your window. This is often not easy to do, but if you find a distraction that works it might be enough to settle them down.
2. Bribe.
A goal for good behavior can do wonders. Something along the lines of, if you stop fussing until we get to the car, I'll let you watch your favorite video tonight”. The child's favorite things are truly wonderful motivators to use. However be sure to use this tactic sparingly so they don't expect a treat every time they show good or bad behavior.
3. Pick your Battles
Sometimes you need to step in and stop the tantrum, other times if they are not hurting themselves or anyone or anything around them let your toddler express their feelings. Let them get their anger out and then explain the consequences of their actions.
4. Keeping Your Cool
Do not overwhelm a child that really just needs some peace and calm to settle down. Your child mirrors your response to their tantrum. If you respond by yelling at your child this might just increase the tension and raise the level of your child’s tantrum or make it last longer. Try a calming hug and some kind words instead. Your child may just want to know that you understand their feelings or frustration.
1. Distract.
Distract your child with something, this a great way to help them to calm down. Put a cartoon video on, listen to music, read a story, watch television, go outside, or watch animals outside your window. This is often not easy to do, but if you find a distraction that works it might be enough to settle them down.
2. Bribe.
A goal for good behavior can do wonders. Something along the lines of, if you stop fussing until we get to the car, I'll let you watch your favorite video tonight”. The child's favorite things are truly wonderful motivators to use. However be sure to use this tactic sparingly so they don't expect a treat every time they show good or bad behavior.
3. Pick your Battles
Sometimes you need to step in and stop the tantrum, other times if they are not hurting themselves or anyone or anything around them let your toddler express their feelings. Let them get their anger out and then explain the consequences of their actions.
4. Keeping Your Cool
Do not overwhelm a child that really just needs some peace and calm to settle down. Your child mirrors your response to their tantrum. If you respond by yelling at your child this might just increase the tension and raise the level of your child’s tantrum or make it last longer. Try a calming hug and some kind words instead. Your child may just want to know that you understand their feelings or frustration.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Thanks
Thanksgiving is the perfect time to teach your children about the importance of giving thanks. In a busy world the thank you note or email or just saying thanks is being used more and more infrequently. Here are some ways to reinforce the importance of giving thanks and thanking others.
Teach Through Doing
Children learn through their parents actions. Take the time to thank others, send notes and emails. Say thanks to the people you deal with every day. The more your child sees you thanking others the more it will become part of how they show thanks to others.
Help Your Child Reflect on Giving Thanks
Set aside time during the holidays to complete a craft about giving thanks. Have your child create a collage by cutting out pictures of what they are thankful for and gluing them to colorful paper.
Have the Family Reflect on Thanks
When everyone sits down at the table, go around and ask them to say one thing that they are thankful for. This teaches you child what is important to their family.
Volunteer
Volunteering to help though a charitable organization or community group, even once a year, can do a lot to teach your children about being thankful and showing thanks to others. This is an especially powerful message during the holiday season.
Teach Through Doing
Children learn through their parents actions. Take the time to thank others, send notes and emails. Say thanks to the people you deal with every day. The more your child sees you thanking others the more it will become part of how they show thanks to others.
Help Your Child Reflect on Giving Thanks
Set aside time during the holidays to complete a craft about giving thanks. Have your child create a collage by cutting out pictures of what they are thankful for and gluing them to colorful paper.
Have the Family Reflect on Thanks
When everyone sits down at the table, go around and ask them to say one thing that they are thankful for. This teaches you child what is important to their family.
Volunteer
Volunteering to help though a charitable organization or community group, even once a year, can do a lot to teach your children about being thankful and showing thanks to others. This is an especially powerful message during the holiday season.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Preschoolers and anger
Go away, I don’t want to play with you anymore, you’re not my friend. These are some comments that are heard on playgrounds all over the country. Whether you hear your child saying these things or another child is saying this to your child, it’s concerning for parents to hear mean things being said. Does this type of activity indicate that your child is mean or, is it normal for a preschooler to express themselves this way?
Preschoolers often struggle with letting go of the self-centered world of being a toddler and moving into the empathy needed in a group or school setting. Newly developed language skills are letting them express themselves more than they ever have before but they still struggle with knowing how to act on their own behalf without being aggressive.
Here are a few tips on how to help your child make the transition to showing empathy instead of acting aggression.
Stress the proper words – if you hear unkind words being used at home point it out to your child. Tell them how they could communicate using kind words. Explain that they can better influence others by keeping cool and being nice to others.
Take a break – To help manage anger tell your child to take a break from playing with their friends if they start getting angry or using unkind words. Kids have a short memory and this might give them the time they need to cool off.
Some children respond more to praise than punishment. If your child is continually getting angry or saying mean things to others start praising and rewarding good behavior, maybe through a behavior tracking chart. Give them a sticker for good behavior each day.
In some instances the aggressive words and behavior could be an attempt from your child to get more attention. Set up some special time each day where you can review their behavior, talk about it and maybe do a fun activity.
Preschoolers often struggle with letting go of the self-centered world of being a toddler and moving into the empathy needed in a group or school setting. Newly developed language skills are letting them express themselves more than they ever have before but they still struggle with knowing how to act on their own behalf without being aggressive.
Here are a few tips on how to help your child make the transition to showing empathy instead of acting aggression.
Stress the proper words – if you hear unkind words being used at home point it out to your child. Tell them how they could communicate using kind words. Explain that they can better influence others by keeping cool and being nice to others.
Take a break – To help manage anger tell your child to take a break from playing with their friends if they start getting angry or using unkind words. Kids have a short memory and this might give them the time they need to cool off.
Some children respond more to praise than punishment. If your child is continually getting angry or saying mean things to others start praising and rewarding good behavior, maybe through a behavior tracking chart. Give them a sticker for good behavior each day.
In some instances the aggressive words and behavior could be an attempt from your child to get more attention. Set up some special time each day where you can review their behavior, talk about it and maybe do a fun activity.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Toddler Friendships
Kids can make friends fast. It’s a wonderful gift that is given to young children that they haven’t developed any thoughts yet on what they like and don’t like in a friend. As a result, they are open to being friends with everyone. They simply walk up to a child and ask if they want to play. But should preschooler’s have best friends?
At this age children will call each other best friends but you should consider this more of a preference. Preschoolers often lack the emotional and cognitive development to consciously decide who on one best friend.
Three is not a charm
If you have ever had a play date with three children you’ll notice it sometimes doesn’t work out well. Children at this age have a preference to pair up in groups of two. Working as a larger group, three or more, requires higher developed social and organizational skills.
Play groups work well
Play groups that offer the opportunity for toddlers to form parings with other kids are a great learning environment. This provides a larger group where your child can begin to learn group behavior.
Observe your child as they interact with others. If they exhibit improper group behavior like biting or hitting you can correct your child before it becomes a problem. Just remember at this age your child will not understand the concept of patience. They’re not being mean to others, they are just trying to get what they want.
Be patient with your child. As they get older they will develop empathy for others which will let them become aware of others feelings and allow them to work well in both large and small groups.
At this age children will call each other best friends but you should consider this more of a preference. Preschoolers often lack the emotional and cognitive development to consciously decide who on one best friend.
Three is not a charm
If you have ever had a play date with three children you’ll notice it sometimes doesn’t work out well. Children at this age have a preference to pair up in groups of two. Working as a larger group, three or more, requires higher developed social and organizational skills.
Play groups work well
Play groups that offer the opportunity for toddlers to form parings with other kids are a great learning environment. This provides a larger group where your child can begin to learn group behavior.
Observe your child as they interact with others. If they exhibit improper group behavior like biting or hitting you can correct your child before it becomes a problem. Just remember at this age your child will not understand the concept of patience. They’re not being mean to others, they are just trying to get what they want.
Be patient with your child. As they get older they will develop empathy for others which will let them become aware of others feelings and allow them to work well in both large and small groups.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Developing Literacy
How does your child develop literacy?
Literacy skills (reading and writing) start to develop in preschool when teachers begin to expose children to spoken and written language.
During this time you’ll find a teacher using a combination of pictures, printed letters and words, and speaking. Through this process your child begins to make the connection that objects or pictures represent words that have meaning.
There are many ways this occurs in the classroom including:
• Nursery Rhymes: Children love the sing song cadence of nursery rhymes. In many cases children have head these rhymes since they were babies, and a common classroom activity is to have them fill-in-the-blanks on favorite nursery rhymes and stories.
• Scribbling: as we spoke about in a previous blog, scribbling is the start of writing and scribbling on paper should be encouraged as much as possible.
• Printed Letters and Words: Classrooms that are full of pictures and words make for a rich environment for children learning the basics of literacy.
There is no substitute for reading with your child. The time you invest in reading your child will be paid back to you as your child becomes a strong reader. Let your child guess at words as you read. Let them understand that pictures often give clues to the words on the pages.
Here are some other ways that you can reinforce literacy at home:
• Make books available
• Label objects around their room
• Read in front of your child. When they see you read they will want to read too.
• Encourage your child’s creativity. Writing, drawing and even finger painting all encourage literacy.
Literacy skills (reading and writing) start to develop in preschool when teachers begin to expose children to spoken and written language.
During this time you’ll find a teacher using a combination of pictures, printed letters and words, and speaking. Through this process your child begins to make the connection that objects or pictures represent words that have meaning.
There are many ways this occurs in the classroom including:
• Nursery Rhymes: Children love the sing song cadence of nursery rhymes. In many cases children have head these rhymes since they were babies, and a common classroom activity is to have them fill-in-the-blanks on favorite nursery rhymes and stories.
• Scribbling: as we spoke about in a previous blog, scribbling is the start of writing and scribbling on paper should be encouraged as much as possible.
• Printed Letters and Words: Classrooms that are full of pictures and words make for a rich environment for children learning the basics of literacy.
There is no substitute for reading with your child. The time you invest in reading your child will be paid back to you as your child becomes a strong reader. Let your child guess at words as you read. Let them understand that pictures often give clues to the words on the pages.
Here are some other ways that you can reinforce literacy at home:
• Make books available
• Label objects around their room
• Read in front of your child. When they see you read they will want to read too.
• Encourage your child’s creativity. Writing, drawing and even finger painting all encourage literacy.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
From Scribbling to Stick Figures
As scribbling continues to develop you’ll begin to recognize shapes and figures. This will typically occur around 2 years of age. They will tell you that shapes represent your house or something that went on in their day like a school activity. They begin to explain the stories behind the forms, shapes and stick figures. This is a fun time because your child starts to realize the power of communication.
At the age of three, motor and cognitive skills are becoming much more refined and developed. You may start to see figures that look like letters and multiple pictures may be strung together to create a story.
How can you help move your child’s development of writing skills along. Here are some activities that you can have your child do that can help:
· Make sure you have a lot of markers, crayons, pencils, and paper in places around your home so your child can scribble anytime they want.
· Offer your child a choice of colors in paper, pencils, markers and crayons. The more colorful the better.
· Encourage their creativity. Offer to take all of your child’s masterpieces to work or put it all on the fridge. Show them you are proud.
Encourage them to do projects that reflect everyday life:
· Create a menu and play restaurant
· Have them write out checks to play store
· Have them create a program for their big play or dance recital
· Have them create tickets to the show they are putting on
· Have them write a note to you every night before they go to bed
· Make scribbling a lot of fun by scribbling with pudding, ketchup, yogurt or other edible items
· Frame your child’s next family portrait and hang it in a place where everyone can see.
At the age of three, motor and cognitive skills are becoming much more refined and developed. You may start to see figures that look like letters and multiple pictures may be strung together to create a story.
How can you help move your child’s development of writing skills along. Here are some activities that you can have your child do that can help:
· Make sure you have a lot of markers, crayons, pencils, and paper in places around your home so your child can scribble anytime they want.
· Offer your child a choice of colors in paper, pencils, markers and crayons. The more colorful the better.
· Encourage their creativity. Offer to take all of your child’s masterpieces to work or put it all on the fridge. Show them you are proud.
Encourage them to do projects that reflect everyday life:
· Create a menu and play restaurant
· Have them write out checks to play store
· Have them create a program for their big play or dance recital
· Have them create tickets to the show they are putting on
· Have them write a note to you every night before they go to bed
· Make scribbling a lot of fun by scribbling with pudding, ketchup, yogurt or other edible items
· Frame your child’s next family portrait and hang it in a place where everyone can see.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Why Scribbling is Important
What is the connection between your child’s scribbling and cognitive and motor skills? Like many parents when your child brings up a paper with scribbling on it and tells you it’s a family portrait you probably wonder what they are seeing that you’re not.
But even though the picture itself might not be a masterpiece, it is a critical milestone for your child’s development. Before you tell your child to stop scribbling on that piece of paper consider the learning that’s taking place:
· Scribbling is essential in the development of hand and finger control and overall dexterity.
· It also develops very important hand-eye coordination skills which many children struggle with early on.
· It’s helping to develop imagination and independent thinking skills
· When your child begins to form basic shapes they start to recognize writing and drawing as communication channel.
· It can help your child communicate difficult emotions that they can’t express in words.
As you can see scribbling is your child’s first introduction to the fundamentals of reading and writing.
But even though the picture itself might not be a masterpiece, it is a critical milestone for your child’s development. Before you tell your child to stop scribbling on that piece of paper consider the learning that’s taking place:
· Scribbling is essential in the development of hand and finger control and overall dexterity.
· It also develops very important hand-eye coordination skills which many children struggle with early on.
· It’s helping to develop imagination and independent thinking skills
· When your child begins to form basic shapes they start to recognize writing and drawing as communication channel.
· It can help your child communicate difficult emotions that they can’t express in words.
As you can see scribbling is your child’s first introduction to the fundamentals of reading and writing.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Internet Safety/Cyber bulling
To continue our theme about bulling for the week today we are going to talk cyber-bulling. This is another topic that has been in the news lately and brought to everyone’s attention. Parents and guardians need to know ways to help their children to deal with this problem here are a few tips to help:
Don’t respond
Never respond to an attack, whether it's through email or in a chat room. Responding only ignites the problem.
Save the evidence
Print any offensive or malicious messages. Kids should have proof about what is taking place.
Talk to a trusted adult
Tell someone about it. Kids need to know that they can go to a trusted adult (parent, teacher, etc.) and share what is going on.
Block the bully
Put up blocks on email senders or "friends" in social networks.
Contact your school
If the cyber bullying is occurring through your school district’s Internet system, school administrators have an obligation to intervene. Even if the cyber bullying is occurring off campus, make your school administrators aware of the problem. They may be able to help you resolve the cyber bullying or be watchful for face-to-face bullying.
Be a friend, not a bystander
Watching or forwarding mean messages empowers bullies and hurts victims even more.
Source: www.safekids.com
Don’t respond
Never respond to an attack, whether it's through email or in a chat room. Responding only ignites the problem.
Save the evidence
Print any offensive or malicious messages. Kids should have proof about what is taking place.
Talk to a trusted adult
Tell someone about it. Kids need to know that they can go to a trusted adult (parent, teacher, etc.) and share what is going on.
Block the bully
Put up blocks on email senders or "friends" in social networks.
Contact your school
If the cyber bullying is occurring through your school district’s Internet system, school administrators have an obligation to intervene. Even if the cyber bullying is occurring off campus, make your school administrators aware of the problem. They may be able to help you resolve the cyber bullying or be watchful for face-to-face bullying.
Be a friend, not a bystander
Watching or forwarding mean messages empowers bullies and hurts victims even more.
Source: www.safekids.com
Monday, November 1, 2010
Bullies
With all the talk in the news lately about bullies, it has brought this right of passage for many children to light. Bullies are not a new thing many of us have memories of our own childhoods with bullies. It does seem nowadays that we are seeing bullies show their true colors at an early age. As parents/guardians we want to protect our little ones but we can not be there all the time, so how do we prepare our little ones to deal with bullies.
* Tell your child to avoid the bully as much as possible. Stay away from him/her on the playground.
* Have your child practice standing and walking with confidence. Bullies usually pick on people who are smaller and physically weaker than they are, or who they feel will not retaliate
* Don't let a bully make your child feel bad. Teach your child that when someone says something bad about you, say something positive to yourself.
* Don't reward the bully with tears. The bully wants to hurt your feelings, so act like his name-calling and taunts don't hurt.
* Teach your child to use humor when dealing with bully. Laugh at his threats and walk away from him.
* Most importantly make sure your child is comfortable keeping the lines of communication open with you.
* Tell your child to avoid the bully as much as possible. Stay away from him/her on the playground.
* Have your child practice standing and walking with confidence. Bullies usually pick on people who are smaller and physically weaker than they are, or who they feel will not retaliate
* Don't let a bully make your child feel bad. Teach your child that when someone says something bad about you, say something positive to yourself.
* Don't reward the bully with tears. The bully wants to hurt your feelings, so act like his name-calling and taunts don't hurt.
* Teach your child to use humor when dealing with bully. Laugh at his threats and walk away from him.
* Most importantly make sure your child is comfortable keeping the lines of communication open with you.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Tips on Stopping Tantrums
It’s happen to all of us we often try to squeeze in a few more errands before nap time and this can lead to the dreaded public tantrum. Anyone who has been a parent or guardian has had to endure the public tantrum. Instead of losing your cool, and your senses, try taking a deep breath, smile at an understanding adult nearby, and then see if one of these tips will work:
1. Praise/Rewards. A goal for good behavior can do wonders. Something along the lines of, if you stop fussing until we get to the car, I'll let you watch your favorite video tonight”. The child's favorite things are truly wonderful motivators to use to get the behavior you desire. However be sure to use this tactic sparingly so they don't expect a treat every time they show good behavior. Remember praise can also go along way, telling your child how good their being when your out and about can go along way.
2. Do not overwhelm a child that really just needs some peace and calm to settle down. Your child mirrors your response to their tantrum. If you respond by yelling at your child this might just increase the tension and raise the level of your child’s tantrum or make it last longer. Try a calming hug and some kind words instead. Your child may just want to know that you understood their feelings or frustration.
3. Sometimes it’s ok to give in and choose your battles. Sometimes you need to step in and stop the tantrum, other times if they are not hurting themselves or anyone or anything around them let you toddler express their feelings. Let them get their anger out and then explain the consequences of their tantrum.
4. Distract. Distract her/him with something, this a great way to help them to calm down. Put a cartoon video on, listen to music, read a story, watch television, go outside, or watch animals outside your window. This is often not easy to do, but if you find a distraction that works it might be enough to settle the storm.
1. Praise/Rewards. A goal for good behavior can do wonders. Something along the lines of, if you stop fussing until we get to the car, I'll let you watch your favorite video tonight”. The child's favorite things are truly wonderful motivators to use to get the behavior you desire. However be sure to use this tactic sparingly so they don't expect a treat every time they show good behavior. Remember praise can also go along way, telling your child how good their being when your out and about can go along way.
2. Do not overwhelm a child that really just needs some peace and calm to settle down. Your child mirrors your response to their tantrum. If you respond by yelling at your child this might just increase the tension and raise the level of your child’s tantrum or make it last longer. Try a calming hug and some kind words instead. Your child may just want to know that you understood their feelings or frustration.
3. Sometimes it’s ok to give in and choose your battles. Sometimes you need to step in and stop the tantrum, other times if they are not hurting themselves or anyone or anything around them let you toddler express their feelings. Let them get their anger out and then explain the consequences of their tantrum.
4. Distract. Distract her/him with something, this a great way to help them to calm down. Put a cartoon video on, listen to music, read a story, watch television, go outside, or watch animals outside your window. This is often not easy to do, but if you find a distraction that works it might be enough to settle the storm.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Stranger Danger
Strangers, it’s a scary word. To parents it represents one of our biggest fears. We worry a lot about a stranger harming our children. To continue with Goddard’s theme this month about safety, we are focusing on strangers this week. How do you strike the balance between raising a friendly child vs. raising a cautious child?
Here are a few tips to help teach your children about the concept of strangers:
Try not to scare your child with details on what a stranger can do to harm them. You want to develop a healthy caution not a phobia about strangers.
Set ground rules for when you’re out of the home in a public place.
· Work under the rule if I can’t see you or you can’t see me you are too far away. This could stop your child from ending up in an isolated place where a stranger can harm them.
· Another good rule is to tell your children to always tell their caregiver where they are or where they are going.
· Teach your child that they should not talk to strangers especially when you aren’t right with them
· Review with your child what a stranger is in simple terms. Someone they have never been introduced to. Someone who is trying to make them leave with them. Explain that you would never send anyone to get them that they don’t already know.
· Review the tactics a dangerous stranger might try. “Please help me find my lost puppy dog” or “If you go with me to the candy store I will by you a treat”.
Other ways you can protect your child include:
* Teach your child their phone number and address at an early age. By three, he should know their own full name and parent’s full names. By three-and-a-half, they should have their address memorized. And by age four, your preschooler should know their phone number.
* Role play with older children on what to do in situations with strangers.
Source: http://life.familyeducation.com/
Here are a few tips to help teach your children about the concept of strangers:
Try not to scare your child with details on what a stranger can do to harm them. You want to develop a healthy caution not a phobia about strangers.
Set ground rules for when you’re out of the home in a public place.
· Work under the rule if I can’t see you or you can’t see me you are too far away. This could stop your child from ending up in an isolated place where a stranger can harm them.
· Another good rule is to tell your children to always tell their caregiver where they are or where they are going.
· Teach your child that they should not talk to strangers especially when you aren’t right with them
· Review with your child what a stranger is in simple terms. Someone they have never been introduced to. Someone who is trying to make them leave with them. Explain that you would never send anyone to get them that they don’t already know.
· Review the tactics a dangerous stranger might try. “Please help me find my lost puppy dog” or “If you go with me to the candy store I will by you a treat”.
Other ways you can protect your child include:
* Teach your child their phone number and address at an early age. By three, he should know their own full name and parent’s full names. By three-and-a-half, they should have their address memorized. And by age four, your preschooler should know their phone number.
* Role play with older children on what to do in situations with strangers.
Source: http://life.familyeducation.com/
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
First Sleepover
This is a true sign that your child is growing up. When your child is ready for their first sleepover it is certainly a milestone. But it can also be an anxious time for both you and your child. Here are a few tips to take the anxiety out of a sleepover.
* Make sure your child knows the family they will be spending the night with pretty well. In the best case scenario your child would have had several play dates and maybe even shared a meal with the family. This will help them get comfortable with the habits and traditions of the family and make them much more comfortable.
* Make sure that you like the family the child is staying with. Children can always sense when their parents are uncomfortable and this could lead to additional anxiety for your child.
* Set expectations with your child for what a sleepover will be like. Tell them what activities they will do and how much fun they will have.
* Pack some of your children’s favorite items in their overnight bag. This will remind them of home and comfort them.
* Anticipate the midnight call. Don’t be disappointed if your child calls and wants to come home. This is not a failure on their or your part. Take some time and try again once you feel they are ready.
* Make sure your child knows the family they will be spending the night with pretty well. In the best case scenario your child would have had several play dates and maybe even shared a meal with the family. This will help them get comfortable with the habits and traditions of the family and make them much more comfortable.
* Make sure that you like the family the child is staying with. Children can always sense when their parents are uncomfortable and this could lead to additional anxiety for your child.
* Set expectations with your child for what a sleepover will be like. Tell them what activities they will do and how much fun they will have.
* Pack some of your children’s favorite items in their overnight bag. This will remind them of home and comfort them.
* Anticipate the midnight call. Don’t be disappointed if your child calls and wants to come home. This is not a failure on their or your part. Take some time and try again once you feel they are ready.
Monday, October 18, 2010
The Goddard School is pleased to partner with Pediatric Partners of Northern Virginia for our first parent seminar of the 2010/2011 school Year.
The Goddard School Hosts the First Parent Seminar of the 2010/2011 School Year
The seminar will take place on Tuesday, October 19th at 6:00PM.
The topic of discussion for the evening will be children and food allergies. The platform seminar will be a lecture by Dr. Theodore Kim followed by an open discussion. This is an informative event that you will not want to miss. We hope to see you on the 19th!
The seminar will take place on Tuesday, October 19th at 6:00PM.
The topic of discussion for the evening will be children and food allergies. The platform seminar will be a lecture by Dr. Theodore Kim followed by an open discussion. This is an informative event that you will not want to miss. We hope to see you on the 19th!
The Goddard School Helps To Feed The Hungry
The Goddard School and Loudoun County Interfaith Food Pantry have teamed up to feed the hungry. The holidays will soon be upon us and because the need for non-perishable food items is so high at the food pantry, Goddard jumped at the opportunity to reach out to those families in our community that are falling on difficult times.
From October 1, through October 29th The Goddard School entryway will become a collection station for those in need. Our goal is to contribute 500 food items as well as grocery store gift cards to the food pantry on October 29.
From October 1, through October 29th The Goddard School entryway will become a collection station for those in need. Our goal is to contribute 500 food items as well as grocery store gift cards to the food pantry on October 29.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Interrupting
Do you get frustrated when you’re trying to carry on a conversation with another adult or even one of your other children and you get interrupted? It’s frustrating to everyone involved. Here are a few tips to help your little one learn to wait their turn during conversations.
Children’s have a small social circle. They often interrupt because they feel that they are the center of the world and that it all revolves around them and their needs. Helping them understand that there are rules around conversations with others and that what others have to say is just as important as what they have to stay is critical to stopping interruptions.
Establish some basic rules of the road and stick to them:
- Establish rules for when visitors come to your home – when you have company coming over tell your children that it’s really important that you talk to your company uninterrupted. Offer them alternatives to keep them busy such as a toy, book or TV.
- Point out when your child interrupts – this will help them identify the disruptive behavior and learn that it is not appropriate.
- Don’t ignore interruptions – this is likely to result in frustration and often makes children interrupt more.
- Explain when interrupting is ok. Describe what types of situations are important and what aren’t.
- Explain how important listening is instead of interrupting. Listening is a critical part of the communication model and an important skill need to excel in school.
Hopefully, over time, you’ll see a reduction in interruptions from your child.
Monday, October 11, 2010
Fire Safety at Home
October is Fire Prevention Month and Goddard Ashburn is reviewing fire safety with the kids at school, but you help at home too.
Here are a few tips for teaching fire safety to kids.
· Practice fire drills at home – rehearse different emergency scenarios with your family. This can avoid wasting valuable time when you’re dealing with an emergency in your home.
· Talk about escape routes for each room of your home.
· Designate a meeting place outside your home that is a safe distance away
· Test your plan
It’s always good to introduce scary topics to your children through games. Here are a few games that teach valuable safety lessons.
- Feel Your Way to Safety – have your kids close their eyes and feel their way out of the home. This can also help your kids get some exercise. Just make sure you watch your kids closely so they don’t fall and get hurt.
- Stop, Drop and Roll – press your fire alarm test button or simply say go and have your kids see how fast they can stop, drop and roll.
Teach your kids about fire safety
- Explain what smoke detectors, escape ladders and fire extinguishers are – explain to your kids how they work, why they are installed in the house and what they will do when you use them.
- Explain that getting out of the house is most important in a fire. And once you’re out, stay out.
These rules can go a long way to protecting and even saving the lives of your family.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Bedtime Boot Camp
Why is bedtime so difficult? It should be the best your best time of day. The kids are going to sleep and you’ll finally have time to yourself. But for many parents and guardians bedtime is time for battle. Crying, whining, temper tantrums and stalling, and one more story, can result in a long drawn-out process.
Here are the tips that can get bedtime under control:
• Establish and keep a regular bedtime
• Remind your kids 15 minutes prior to bedtime so they can mentally prepare and begin the wind-down process
• Eliminate late-night distractions. Turn off the television and video games 30 minutes before bedtime
• Establish a bedtime routine (brush teeth, go to the bathroom, reading books)
For the child or children who are up out of bed 18 times, try these tips:
• Don’t talk to them and don’t yell. Simply return them to bed with a little fan fare as possible.
• For crying children, check on them, reassure them and offer to check on them in a few minutes. By the time you return they will often fall back to sleep.
• If a nightmare is the causes of the disruption try to calm them, tell them they are ok and try to get them back to bed as soon as possible. Avoid letting them jump into bed with you.
If you can’t seem to get your child in a routine of your child truly has difficulty getting or staying asleep, you may want to seek the advice of a medical professional.
Here are the tips that can get bedtime under control:
• Establish and keep a regular bedtime
• Remind your kids 15 minutes prior to bedtime so they can mentally prepare and begin the wind-down process
• Eliminate late-night distractions. Turn off the television and video games 30 minutes before bedtime
• Establish a bedtime routine (brush teeth, go to the bathroom, reading books)
For the child or children who are up out of bed 18 times, try these tips:
• Don’t talk to them and don’t yell. Simply return them to bed with a little fan fare as possible.
• For crying children, check on them, reassure them and offer to check on them in a few minutes. By the time you return they will often fall back to sleep.
• If a nightmare is the causes of the disruption try to calm them, tell them they are ok and try to get them back to bed as soon as possible. Avoid letting them jump into bed with you.
If you can’t seem to get your child in a routine of your child truly has difficulty getting or staying asleep, you may want to seek the advice of a medical professional.
Monday, October 4, 2010
How to make scary Halloween a little less scary
You probably never think of it as a parent but Halloween can be a scary for some kids. In fact, it can be downright frightening. Skeletons, mummies, bats and vampires can really take the fun out this great tradition and stop your child from participating in trick or treating and other events.
Try to take the fright out of this Halloween night with some of these quick tips:
• If you sense your child is developing fear about the scary parts of Halloween, bring the subject up. Explain that other kids are in those costumes. Maybe even have a sibling dress up ahead of time to show them what’s underneath the scary costumes and faces.
• Let your child choose their own costume. Make sure that it is appropriate for their age. Try boarding on the scary by choosing a costume with a moderate scare factor like a pirate, ghost or something that your child has been previously exposed to. If your child is comfortable in their own costume they will be more comfortable with those around them and their environment.
• Skip the haunted mansion or the local freight-fest. Attend a fall fair, pinking patch, or hayride instead. Also consider trick or treating at the mall or during the daytime.
Overall you can’t protect your child from all the scary and gory decorations out there, but you can try to minimize it. Talk through your child’s fears so they feel comfortable and can enjoy the season!
Try to take the fright out of this Halloween night with some of these quick tips:
• If you sense your child is developing fear about the scary parts of Halloween, bring the subject up. Explain that other kids are in those costumes. Maybe even have a sibling dress up ahead of time to show them what’s underneath the scary costumes and faces.
• Let your child choose their own costume. Make sure that it is appropriate for their age. Try boarding on the scary by choosing a costume with a moderate scare factor like a pirate, ghost or something that your child has been previously exposed to. If your child is comfortable in their own costume they will be more comfortable with those around them and their environment.
• Skip the haunted mansion or the local freight-fest. Attend a fall fair, pinking patch, or hayride instead. Also consider trick or treating at the mall or during the daytime.
Overall you can’t protect your child from all the scary and gory decorations out there, but you can try to minimize it. Talk through your child’s fears so they feel comfortable and can enjoy the season!
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Parent Involvement
It’s a proven fact that children with involved parents or guardians do better in school and are more successful in life. Involvement can come in several forms. You can get involved with your child’s school, get involved in their homework or simply ask them how their day went and take time to listen.
Why Should I Get Involved?
In this economy the only way for schools to function is with the help of volunteers. Almost all school budgets have been cut with the downturn in the economy. Arts and music programs, athletics, library and classroom resources are all needed in schools and community centers.
Becoming involved in your child’s school or in the community or local sports as a coach will help you develop common ground with your child. It gives you a way to talk about a common interest and goals you can work together to achieve.
And the school, organization and your child aren’t the only ones who gain from your time and effort. You get to meet teachers, coaches and other children that your child interacts and learns from. You can begin to better understand the challenges and successes your children experience everyday. And you help and share in the successes as a volunteer.
It's also a good idea to) or parents' advisory board. Your child’s teacher can put you in contact with the members
Here are just some of the things your child's school, teacher or community center can help you do as a volunteer:
• join the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA
• act as a classroom aide/helper
• volunteer in a school computer lab
• help with fundraising activities such as bake sales or spring fairs
• tutor students
• assist children with special needs
• build sets or sew costumes for theatre and musical productions
• volunteer as a lunchroom or playground monitor
• help the school administrators write grant proposals or press releases
• attend school board meetings
• work as a library aide in the school library
• volunteer to speak in the classroom or at a career day
Find the type of involvement that makes you happy and fulfilled. Find something that suites your schedule and your level of commitment. Don’t forget to find something that interests both you and your child.
Why Should I Get Involved?
In this economy the only way for schools to function is with the help of volunteers. Almost all school budgets have been cut with the downturn in the economy. Arts and music programs, athletics, library and classroom resources are all needed in schools and community centers.
Becoming involved in your child’s school or in the community or local sports as a coach will help you develop common ground with your child. It gives you a way to talk about a common interest and goals you can work together to achieve.
And the school, organization and your child aren’t the only ones who gain from your time and effort. You get to meet teachers, coaches and other children that your child interacts and learns from. You can begin to better understand the challenges and successes your children experience everyday. And you help and share in the successes as a volunteer.
It's also a good idea to) or parents' advisory board. Your child’s teacher can put you in contact with the members
Here are just some of the things your child's school, teacher or community center can help you do as a volunteer:
• join the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA
• act as a classroom aide/helper
• volunteer in a school computer lab
• help with fundraising activities such as bake sales or spring fairs
• tutor students
• assist children with special needs
• build sets or sew costumes for theatre and musical productions
• volunteer as a lunchroom or playground monitor
• help the school administrators write grant proposals or press releases
• attend school board meetings
• work as a library aide in the school library
• volunteer to speak in the classroom or at a career day
Find the type of involvement that makes you happy and fulfilled. Find something that suites your schedule and your level of commitment. Don’t forget to find something that interests both you and your child.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Tall Tales
We have all heard our little ones bend the truth as they tell stories. But the question is, when is this just an overactive imagination and when do you consider it lying?
First let’s look to what experts say about young children bending the truth? In general this activity is perfectly normal and it’s part of growing up and fitting in. Kids that lie don't necessarily have a serious problem. However, experts do caution that parents should watch the frequency and the seriousness of the lies to determine if this behavior is becoming problematic. In addition as children get older and the lines between right and wrong become more defined lies should be less frequent and less tolerated.
Why your toddler lie
There are two main reasons why kids lie:
• They have a strong imagination and are making up stories
• They lie out of fear of being punished when they know they did something wrong
Both of these activities are normal for young children. In fact, preschool children often make up stories to help them feel special or make friends.
Here are some tips on how to react:
• Don’t make a big issue of the lie
• Don’t react with fear of your anger
• Respond calmly and let your toddler know that you are aware of the lie
• If they are lying to avoid consequences, explain the lying to hide bad behavior makes the situation worse.
• Make sure to give your children lots of praise when they tell the truth
Your child’s little white lies should decrease as they get older. Help your children define the lines between truth and lies and given them a great start in life.
First let’s look to what experts say about young children bending the truth? In general this activity is perfectly normal and it’s part of growing up and fitting in. Kids that lie don't necessarily have a serious problem. However, experts do caution that parents should watch the frequency and the seriousness of the lies to determine if this behavior is becoming problematic. In addition as children get older and the lines between right and wrong become more defined lies should be less frequent and less tolerated.
Why your toddler lie
There are two main reasons why kids lie:
• They have a strong imagination and are making up stories
• They lie out of fear of being punished when they know they did something wrong
Both of these activities are normal for young children. In fact, preschool children often make up stories to help them feel special or make friends.
Here are some tips on how to react:
• Don’t make a big issue of the lie
• Don’t react with fear of your anger
• Respond calmly and let your toddler know that you are aware of the lie
• If they are lying to avoid consequences, explain the lying to hide bad behavior makes the situation worse.
• Make sure to give your children lots of praise when they tell the truth
Your child’s little white lies should decrease as they get older. Help your children define the lines between truth and lies and given them a great start in life.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Errands Survival Guide
Between work, kids and school it’s hard to get errands done and even harder when your kids are whining, crying, and throwing temper tantrums in the process. Here are a few tips to take the some of the stress out when running errands with kids.
· Explain the game plan – tell the kids exactly where you’re going on your errands and how long it should take.
· Set the rules - what is an is not acceptable behavior and that your shopping for others not for them. This will help to alleviate the “mommy or daddy can I get” questions.
· Tell them what’s expected - no running, inside voice, stay with the parents.
· Review car etiquette – no yelling in the car, buckle your seat belt, no throwing anything in the car.
· Keep your kids busy – play I spy when you are going through the store. Let them help push the cart. Have them help you find items you are looking for like a scavenger hunt. Sing some songs if your car ride is longer than expected or you are stuck in traffic.
· Give time off for good behavior – reward your children with a play date or something they like to do if they are good during errands. Just make sure your not bribing them but rewarding them to reinforce proper behavior.
With these tips you might get done all of your errands and actually get some time for yourself.
· Explain the game plan – tell the kids exactly where you’re going on your errands and how long it should take.
· Set the rules - what is an is not acceptable behavior and that your shopping for others not for them. This will help to alleviate the “mommy or daddy can I get” questions.
· Tell them what’s expected - no running, inside voice, stay with the parents.
· Review car etiquette – no yelling in the car, buckle your seat belt, no throwing anything in the car.
· Keep your kids busy – play I spy when you are going through the store. Let them help push the cart. Have them help you find items you are looking for like a scavenger hunt. Sing some songs if your car ride is longer than expected or you are stuck in traffic.
· Give time off for good behavior – reward your children with a play date or something they like to do if they are good during errands. Just make sure your not bribing them but rewarding them to reinforce proper behavior.
With these tips you might get done all of your errands and actually get some time for yourself.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Helping Children Adapt To A New Sibling
When a new member of the family is introduced to their sibling it is an exciting time. But it can also be a difficult time for the new brother or sister. Here are some tips that might help make the transition a little easier.
The older the sibling the more difficult it can be for them to adapt.
· Child under 18 months of age may have fewer issues adapting to a new sibling. They might not understand or recognize the change that is about to occur
· Children between 18 month to 3 years of age may have a more difficult time. They can recognize and comprehend that change is going to occur but they might have a more difficult time talking about what they are feeling.
· Older children will have an easier time because they can discuss the impact of a new sibling with others which can ultimately help them adapt.
Setting the stage for this change is important. Here are a few tactics you can use to prepare siblings
· Read books to your child about the introduction of a new sibling
· Involve siblings in the preparation activities including shopping, decorate and preparing the new room
· Let your child make a special gift to give to their new sibling
· Attend a sibling prep class at a local hospital. They learn about topics such as what to expect on the big day and how to be careful around new babies
· Once the baby is here make the sibling a little helper
You might experience regression with your child. Some signs of regression include: being more demanding, more bathroom accidents and trouble sleeping. Keep your cool when your child demonstrates these behaviors because in most cases this is temporary and it will pass after a few months.
Source: www.preschooleducation.com/
www.babycenter.com
The older the sibling the more difficult it can be for them to adapt.
· Child under 18 months of age may have fewer issues adapting to a new sibling. They might not understand or recognize the change that is about to occur
· Children between 18 month to 3 years of age may have a more difficult time. They can recognize and comprehend that change is going to occur but they might have a more difficult time talking about what they are feeling.
· Older children will have an easier time because they can discuss the impact of a new sibling with others which can ultimately help them adapt.
Setting the stage for this change is important. Here are a few tactics you can use to prepare siblings
· Read books to your child about the introduction of a new sibling
· Involve siblings in the preparation activities including shopping, decorate and preparing the new room
· Let your child make a special gift to give to their new sibling
· Attend a sibling prep class at a local hospital. They learn about topics such as what to expect on the big day and how to be careful around new babies
· Once the baby is here make the sibling a little helper
You might experience regression with your child. Some signs of regression include: being more demanding, more bathroom accidents and trouble sleeping. Keep your cool when your child demonstrates these behaviors because in most cases this is temporary and it will pass after a few months.
Source: www.preschooleducation.com/
www.babycenter.com
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Easy School Morning
Do you suffer from morning madness? I am talking about the mad rush to get out of the house before school. Getting dressed, eating breakfast, making lunch and getting on the bus or in the car, it sounds simple but, it’s not an easy task. I don’t have all the answers to make your morning run as smoothly but, here are a few tips that might help.
Your morning will go better with a little preparation at night
Here are four things you can do at night that can help you have a better morning:
1. Make lunches the night before and stick them in the fridge.
2. Select outfits and lay clothes out at night. This also a way to make older children more responsible for selecting which clothes they want to wear.
3. Make your children back their book bag to save time in the morning
4. Change your routine, select your outfit at night and iron it before instead of in the morning
Everything works better when you are in a routine
• Make a checklist to keep track of morning tasks
• Establish a times for completion of each task and stick to them
• Find a routine that works for the family and try not to deviate from it
Organize your morning
• Establish a place for shoes, hats and coats so that in the morning you know where they are
• Have your children organize their books and supplies and keep them by the door
It’s a hectic life but these tips might help you get back a little control of the morning madness.
Your morning will go better with a little preparation at night
Here are four things you can do at night that can help you have a better morning:
1. Make lunches the night before and stick them in the fridge.
2. Select outfits and lay clothes out at night. This also a way to make older children more responsible for selecting which clothes they want to wear.
3. Make your children back their book bag to save time in the morning
4. Change your routine, select your outfit at night and iron it before instead of in the morning
Everything works better when you are in a routine
• Make a checklist to keep track of morning tasks
• Establish a times for completion of each task and stick to them
• Find a routine that works for the family and try not to deviate from it
Organize your morning
• Establish a place for shoes, hats and coats so that in the morning you know where they are
• Have your children organize their books and supplies and keep them by the door
It’s a hectic life but these tips might help you get back a little control of the morning madness.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Moving from the Crib
When is the right time to move your toddler from the crib to the bed? They can’t really tell you when they are ready. So start the transition slowly using the following tips.
• Try setting up the big boy/girl bed first while the crib is still in the room. This will help your child develop a natural curiosity about the bed without the stress and pressure of having to make the transition right away. With the bed in the room they can choose to play on it or nap on it and eventually they will want to sleep in it. This will make easier to convince your child that the crib is no longer needed.
• Play the big boy/girl card. Point out how siblings or children on TV are sleeping in a big bed. You’ll be amazed at how much children want to be considered a big boy or girl and how powerful this motivation can be.
• Let them know that when they start to use a big bed they will eventually be able to sleep in their sibling’s room or possibly go on trips that require a hotel “like Disney” or when they go on sleepovers with friends once they get older. Help them imagine the fun they will have when the crib is not required.
Patience is the key to success with make the crib to bed transition. Your child may not take to the bed right away. Set a deadline for the transition and stick to it, but be patient and understanding if they want the comfort of their crib throughout the process.
Source: www.simmonskids.com
• Try setting up the big boy/girl bed first while the crib is still in the room. This will help your child develop a natural curiosity about the bed without the stress and pressure of having to make the transition right away. With the bed in the room they can choose to play on it or nap on it and eventually they will want to sleep in it. This will make easier to convince your child that the crib is no longer needed.
• Play the big boy/girl card. Point out how siblings or children on TV are sleeping in a big bed. You’ll be amazed at how much children want to be considered a big boy or girl and how powerful this motivation can be.
• Let them know that when they start to use a big bed they will eventually be able to sleep in their sibling’s room or possibly go on trips that require a hotel “like Disney” or when they go on sleepovers with friends once they get older. Help them imagine the fun they will have when the crib is not required.
Patience is the key to success with make the crib to bed transition. Your child may not take to the bed right away. Set a deadline for the transition and stick to it, but be patient and understanding if they want the comfort of their crib throughout the process.
Source: www.simmonskids.com
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Talking With Teachers
Open communication with teachers is an important guiding principal at the Goddard School. With the new school year under way, you might be wondering how to best communicate with their child’s teachers to keep the lines of communication open so everyone has a wonderful school year. Here are a few tips to cultivate a strong relationship with your child’s teacher:
• Take time to touch base with your child’s teacher on a regular basis. Find time before and after school to have quick conversations about your child. These quick conversations can be a great supplement to parent/teacher conferences. But be conscious not to cut into your teachers daily planning and preparation time.
• Spend time in your child’s classroom if possible. Many schools advocate parent participation through reading to children and helping out during class activities. Not only does this help your teacher out, it is a great way to experience how your child and teacher interact.
• If your child’s teacher comes to you with a problem or if you have to address a concern with your child’s teacher, try the following:
It is important that you and your child’s teacher work as a team. Working as a team offers consistency at home and at school and results in stronger, quicker solutions.
The main thing to remember is that working together to find out the best way to help your child will help to foster a positive and nurturing learning environment and set the stage for a great school year.
• Take time to touch base with your child’s teacher on a regular basis. Find time before and after school to have quick conversations about your child. These quick conversations can be a great supplement to parent/teacher conferences. But be conscious not to cut into your teachers daily planning and preparation time.
• Spend time in your child’s classroom if possible. Many schools advocate parent participation through reading to children and helping out during class activities. Not only does this help your teacher out, it is a great way to experience how your child and teacher interact.
• If your child’s teacher comes to you with a problem or if you have to address a concern with your child’s teacher, try the following:
o Listen to the teachers point of view
o Express your concerns calmly and productively
o Avoid assigning blame
o Collaborate to determine the proper solution to the problem
o Express your concerns calmly and productively
o Avoid assigning blame
o Collaborate to determine the proper solution to the problem
It is important that you and your child’s teacher work as a team. Working as a team offers consistency at home and at school and results in stronger, quicker solutions.
The main thing to remember is that working together to find out the best way to help your child will help to foster a positive and nurturing learning environment and set the stage for a great school year.
Monday, September 6, 2010
Helping your little one to learn rules
Rules are an important life skill. At home, at school and then at work, rules are a fact of life. So starting early to begin to teach and reinforce the importance of your children following rules is a good idea. You might be asking yourself, how early can I start to teach this skill? Well, studies have shown that kids start to understand the difference between right and wrong as early as a year one year old. And, since rules are based on right and wrong you can start with some very basic rules at this age.
• Young babies need one word reinforcement. Use the words no and yes to reinforce good from bad. As your child gets older, begin to introduce the consequence behind the rule. No, don’t do that, because you will get hurt.
• Be specific about rules as your baby develops. For example, no don’t color on that picture book. Rules aren’t always black and white; it’s o/k to color in a coloring book but not in a picture book.
• Like teaching any skill, it is important to be consistent with rules. It may be a pain to always be the enforcer but if kids know rules can be bent or broken they will try to bend them and break them.
Your child looks to you and other adults to provide structure to their lives. Rules can actually provide comfort, support and boundaries to your child. This can help them become confident teens and well adjusted adults.
• Young babies need one word reinforcement. Use the words no and yes to reinforce good from bad. As your child gets older, begin to introduce the consequence behind the rule. No, don’t do that, because you will get hurt.
• Be specific about rules as your baby develops. For example, no don’t color on that picture book. Rules aren’t always black and white; it’s o/k to color in a coloring book but not in a picture book.
• Like teaching any skill, it is important to be consistent with rules. It may be a pain to always be the enforcer but if kids know rules can be bent or broken they will try to bend them and break them.
Your child looks to you and other adults to provide structure to their lives. Rules can actually provide comfort, support and boundaries to your child. This can help them become confident teens and well adjusted adults.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Leaving Your Child On The First Day of School
What do you do now? Your getting ready to leave your child’s preschool classroom for the first time and it starts: crying turns into grabbing which turns into a full blown screaming and a sense of panic.
Here are some tips for handling the situation.
• First, take comfort in the fact that this is normal – how kids react to their first day is as individual as each child. It’s a new environment and there is bound to be some fear and apprehension. If your child is crying it doesn’t mean that you didn’t prepare them enough for preschool. So don’t feel guilty.
• Remember that the teachers and staff have been through this many time before – take comfort in the fact that they have helped kids with this transition successfully and they have the skills to calm your child down
• Reinforce that you will be back to pick them up – explain to your child in a calm voice that they will be at school for a short time and then you will be back to pick them up as soon as school is over.
• Reinforce the fun they will have at school – tell them how much fun they are going to have doing activities and learning to become a big girl or boy.
• Stay committed to leaving – if you remove your child from the classroom on the first day it’s probably going to be even more difficult the second day and thereafter.
• Don’t sneak out – distracting them and running out sounds like a good idea but it may enhance your child’s feeling of abandonment. Tell them your leaving now, give them a kiss and reinforce you’ll be back in a short while and exit calmly.
Like many parents you might break down into tears in the car but it will get easier each day. Just remember that preschool is an important step in the growth and development of your child.
.
Source: http://kidshealth.org/
http://preschoolers.about.com/
Here are some tips for handling the situation.
• First, take comfort in the fact that this is normal – how kids react to their first day is as individual as each child. It’s a new environment and there is bound to be some fear and apprehension. If your child is crying it doesn’t mean that you didn’t prepare them enough for preschool. So don’t feel guilty.
• Remember that the teachers and staff have been through this many time before – take comfort in the fact that they have helped kids with this transition successfully and they have the skills to calm your child down
• Reinforce that you will be back to pick them up – explain to your child in a calm voice that they will be at school for a short time and then you will be back to pick them up as soon as school is over.
• Reinforce the fun they will have at school – tell them how much fun they are going to have doing activities and learning to become a big girl or boy.
• Stay committed to leaving – if you remove your child from the classroom on the first day it’s probably going to be even more difficult the second day and thereafter.
• Don’t sneak out – distracting them and running out sounds like a good idea but it may enhance your child’s feeling of abandonment. Tell them your leaving now, give them a kiss and reinforce you’ll be back in a short while and exit calmly.
Like many parents you might break down into tears in the car but it will get easier each day. Just remember that preschool is an important step in the growth and development of your child.
.
Source: http://kidshealth.org/
http://preschoolers.about.com/
Monday, August 30, 2010
The First Day of Preschool
It’s a time when you realize your child is growing up and for many moms and children it is a time of intense emotion, the first day of preschool. Since many moms will be sending their child off to school for the first time, we thought it would be good to collect some tips and share them with you to make this transition easier.
Dealing with fear
• Feeling comfortable – it’s important for you to be comfortable with your decision to send your child to preschool. The more unease your child can sense the more uncomfortable they will become.
• Invest time in the transition – you can’t expect your child just to wake up and be ready on the first day. Start discussing the idea of preschool with your child several weeks prior to their first day, what activities they will participating in, what their day will be like and how their teacher will interact with them.
• Mock-preschool – play preschool with your child throughout the day. Set up desks and chairs and actually complete some activities that will be part of their preschool day.
• Visit preschool prior to the first day – a week or two prior to the first day stop in and visit the school. Let your child spend some time in their new surroundings. Let them play with the toys. All of these familiar things will give your child comfort the first day of school.
• Downplay the significance of this milestone with your child – remember that the more you build the first day up to your child the more they could become scared.
Try to be calm, cool and collected when you drop them off for their first day. The calmer you are, the easier things will go. Children are resilient and they will be playing with the other kids, having fun and learning soon after your departure.
Dealing with fear
• Feeling comfortable – it’s important for you to be comfortable with your decision to send your child to preschool. The more unease your child can sense the more uncomfortable they will become.
• Invest time in the transition – you can’t expect your child just to wake up and be ready on the first day. Start discussing the idea of preschool with your child several weeks prior to their first day, what activities they will participating in, what their day will be like and how their teacher will interact with them.
• Mock-preschool – play preschool with your child throughout the day. Set up desks and chairs and actually complete some activities that will be part of their preschool day.
• Visit preschool prior to the first day – a week or two prior to the first day stop in and visit the school. Let your child spend some time in their new surroundings. Let them play with the toys. All of these familiar things will give your child comfort the first day of school.
• Downplay the significance of this milestone with your child – remember that the more you build the first day up to your child the more they could become scared.
Try to be calm, cool and collected when you drop them off for their first day. The calmer you are, the easier things will go. Children are resilient and they will be playing with the other kids, having fun and learning soon after your departure.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Ditching the Binky
Last week we talked about helping your child to thumb sucking their thumb. This week we are going to talk about the Binky, paci or pacifier depending on what your family calls it. Just like thumb sucking, a pacifier helps babies find comfort. And just like thumb sucking, most kids will give up their binky’s on their own between the ages of 2 and 4.
But if your child is a little
Pop It
I wish I would have figured this out with my own children, But several pinholes in the pacifier. If your child can’t get suction on the binky, in many cases they will not be interested in it anymore. This can be a very successful way to break this habit.
The Binky Fairy or Other Helper
• Like the tooth fairy. Have your child put them under the pillow and replace them with some coins. In the morning you might have smiles instead of tears.
• Agree to give the binkys away to a new baby - Mail the binkys back to binky land or drop the binkys off at the doctors office
The Power of Positive Thinking
• Give lots of encouragement when the child puts down the Binky
• Reinforce the days a Binky isn’t use with small toys, or activities your child likes
• Make your child feel like a big girl or boy whenever the binky isn’t used
• Set a goal of being Binky free and stick to it
Breaking the Binky habit may be sad event at first but your child will soon realize that being Binky free is just part of growing up.
Sources:http://www.everydayhealth.com
http://www.associatedcontent.com/
But if your child is a little
Pop It
I wish I would have figured this out with my own children, But several pinholes in the pacifier. If your child can’t get suction on the binky, in many cases they will not be interested in it anymore. This can be a very successful way to break this habit.
The Binky Fairy or Other Helper
• Like the tooth fairy. Have your child put them under the pillow and replace them with some coins. In the morning you might have smiles instead of tears.
• Agree to give the binkys away to a new baby - Mail the binkys back to binky land or drop the binkys off at the doctors office
The Power of Positive Thinking
• Give lots of encouragement when the child puts down the Binky
• Reinforce the days a Binky isn’t use with small toys, or activities your child likes
• Make your child feel like a big girl or boy whenever the binky isn’t used
• Set a goal of being Binky free and stick to it
Breaking the Binky habit may be sad event at first but your child will soon realize that being Binky free is just part of growing up.
Sources:http://www.everydayhealth.com
http://www.associatedcontent.com/
Monday, August 23, 2010
Back to School Routine
It’s time again for back to school preparations. This time of year is always hectic for parents. The budgets are stretched thin with back to school purchases and everyone is a little sad that summer is ending. Here are a few ways you can make this yearly transition tradition a little easier.
Adjust sleep times
• Start adjusting bedtime and wakeup back to school year time now
• Make this transition easier by adjusting in 15 minute increments until the desired time is achieved
• Practice getting up, dressing, eating breakfast and brushing teeth, before your normal school departure time to make sure they can make the bus.
Verify summer school work is done
• Check all assignments to make sure they have been completed
• Check the reading list to make sure books have been read
• Sit down with your child to review a few assignments to make sure they maintained levels from the end of last school year
Organize
• Have your children help get the house organized
• Buy bins, folder, flip charts and dry erase boards, anything to help you get and stay organized
• Tell you kids what’s expected during the school year. Coats hung up, school bags put away and clothes in the hamper
Following these simple steps will help you make the transition into the school year a little easier for you and your children.
Sources:http://www.modernmom.com/
Adjust sleep times
• Start adjusting bedtime and wakeup back to school year time now
• Make this transition easier by adjusting in 15 minute increments until the desired time is achieved
• Practice getting up, dressing, eating breakfast and brushing teeth, before your normal school departure time to make sure they can make the bus.
Verify summer school work is done
• Check all assignments to make sure they have been completed
• Check the reading list to make sure books have been read
• Sit down with your child to review a few assignments to make sure they maintained levels from the end of last school year
Organize
• Have your children help get the house organized
• Buy bins, folder, flip charts and dry erase boards, anything to help you get and stay organized
• Tell you kids what’s expected during the school year. Coats hung up, school bags put away and clothes in the hamper
Following these simple steps will help you make the transition into the school year a little easier for you and your children.
Sources:http://www.modernmom.com/
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