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 will begin 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 heard 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 are the best environment for children to learn the basics of literacy.

There is no better way to develop literacy than reading with your child. The time you invest in reading to your child will be paid back as your child becomes a strong reader. Let your child guess the 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.

For more information on Goddard please visit our website : http://bit.ly/1wYOYNW

Age By Age Guide to Lying

Kids sometimes lie, but when do you begin to teach your children not to lie?  Parents magazine offers a great guide on when to take a strong lead on a no-lying policy. Click here to read the article.

Summer Camp at Goddard

I know it’s hard to believe, but it’s that time of year to start to make plans for your child’s summer camps. Make sure you register early so you can reserve you child’s spot in our exciting and fun summer camp here at Goddard.

Beyond summer camp: Goddard’s summer program blends fun, adventure and learning for your child's best summer yet.

The Goddard School®summer program offers a safe and nurturing program.  Each school develops a unique learning experience for the children in their neighborhood.  Teachers provide a stimulating experience for children - full of
age-appropriate activities and oodles of fun based on the Goddard Developmental Guidelines.

The Goddard School® summer calendar includes special visitors and cultural events throughout the summer.  Visitors provide exciting learning opportunities in a safe environment, and include community helpers; performances by storytellers, musicians, and magicians; as well as outreach programs through local museums

Arts & Crafts is a learning element that provides children the opportunity to stretch their creativity and work with their hands to make special summer memories.

Music & Movement may be one of the most exciting features of Goddard’s summer program. Everyone is having fun, and they’re learning rhythm and tempo.

Cooking incorporates a creative ingredient into the learning process.  Children make Bug Sandwiches for a Friendship Picnic, and in the process they learn to measure, make decisions, and work together.

Literature & Language may be the most compatible school year component. Children explore poetry, prose, creative writing, and storytelling

Science & Nature is a natural component of the summer program.  From nature walks to experiments,observations, and investigations, children expand their cognitive skills.

Computers & Technology are part of each child’s everyday schedule.  Goddard’s summer program promotes dexterity and familiarity with this universal tool in a safe environment.

Sports & Games is a vital aspect of Goddard’s commitment to children’s fitness and nutrition. Children participate in Scavenger Hunts, Sprinkler Fun, and Obstacle Courses.

Drama stretches imaginations, plays with role models, and expands each learning opportunity

Click here to see Goddard's Summer Program

Learning another Language

December is learn a foreign language month, so now is a perfect time to teach your child a second language. Because the brain of a young child is in language hyper-drive learning mode, they can learn a foreign language much faster and much more effectively than a teen or adult. In fact, by the time your child reaches middle school that part of their brain is developed.

Here are a few steps you can take to introduce a foreign language to your child:

•       Use bilingual books and toys
•       Have them regularly interact with someone who speaks a different language like a babysitter or caregiver
•       Immerse your child in foreign culture through travel or by visiting areas of your city or town where one culture is prevalent
•       Take your child to cultural events like fairs, food markets and restaurants
•       When teaching your child the names of objects and body parts, refer to them in both languages
•       While playing games say the words in both languages
•       Begin to use basic words in the second language
•       Listen to music, or television in other languages
•       Watch your child’s favorite movie in another language

Have fun teaching your child to embrace different cultures and languages.

Helping toddlers learn rules

Rules are an important part of our social structure. Kids think that rules are set primarily by parents but as they become school-aged they realize that rules are a necessary part of life. But how and when is the best time to begin setting rules for your child?

Believe it or not, by the time your child reaches their first birthday they can begin to tell the difference between right and wrong. And this is an important milestone that can be used to introduce simple rules into your child’s life.

Here are some suggestions on how to introduce rules to your child:

· Be consistent – kids thrive on consistency. Don’t waiver on your rules and apply them on a regular basis.

· Concise – keep rules simple and brief. Don’t set complex rules with conditions like “if, then” statements. This just makes the concept of rules more difficult.

As an example: a child understands that coloring on the wall is not acceptable. If you begin to explain that coloring on a wall painted with chalkboard paint is acceptable this may lead to confusion.

· Be Specific – provide enough details to make the concept real for your child. Stop and don’t do that are too vague and may lead to confusion.

Independence

Children are always striving for more independence. As your toddler moves from preschool to elementary school they are going to want, and need more responsibility and more independence. But as parents you might be apprehensive about how to give them enough freedom without giving them too much.

Here are a few ways that your child can get more responsibility around the house that will help build their confidence and teach responsibility.

Organizing Their Belongings

Kids are perpetually making messes around the house. Often parents simply accept messy behavior, but now is a great time to teach your child how to take care of their belongings. Have your child organize their clothes, books and other belongings into plastics bins. When they come home from school make sure that they put their stuff away and praise them for their organization and responsibility.

Getting Ready for School

Give your child the responsibility to collect their books, pack their book bag and prepare their lunch. Buy prepackaged fruits, help them make a sandwich and pour their drink. They can feel proud when they open their lunch at school knowing that they packed it themselves.

Help Set the Table

If you’re lucky enough to still eat dinner together as a family then you might get your child to set the table, especially if paper plates are involved. This teaches children valuable life skills and pride in the fact that they can contribute to the family’s dinner.

It’s difficult to judge how much responsibility is best for your child. Just make sure that you provide the proper supervision and make certain the task isn’t too difficult for them to handle.

The Importance of Art and Children

At Goddard we often make art the focus of activities and creativity in the classroom. You might think that art itself is the subject of lessons but, art offers other opportunities for teachable moments.

You can expand the lessons of art outside of the classroom by visiting museums and reading old art history textbooks with your children. Not only will they learn an appreciation of masterpieces, they will also learn the following:

· Counting – play games with your children to count the number of paintings containing a specific color to teach counting

· Shapes –point out shapes that can be found hidden in the paintings and sculpture

· Colors – teach the names of colors and the concepts of shadings and texture through photography, paintings and other forms of art.

· Observation – I spy helps make a day at the museum even more fun.

· Computer skills – go online with your children to tour the most prestigious museums and see world class art all around the world with the click of a button. Let them use the mouse to navigate through endless art collections.

Visit and support your local art museum. Many museums offer ½ price days so that you won’t break the budget on admission. Try a family membership that will let you access multiple museums throughout the year.

Goddard Summer Camp

I know it’s hard to believe, but it’s that time of year to start to make plans for your child’s summer camps. Make sure you register early so you can reserve you child’s spot in our exciting and fun summer camp here at Goddard.

Beyond summer camp: Goddard’s summer program blends fun, adventure and learning for your child's best summer yet.

Delight your child with our unique FLEX Learning Program™ summer program activities, where play and educational opportunities abound!

Most summer camps for kids offer plenty of play. But how many prepare your child for school while creating joyful, lasting summer memories? The Goddard School® goes far beyond just summer camp fun. Our summer program combines songs, stories, exploration, physical activities and learning adventures in a safe, nurturing environment. Science and Nature, Arts and Crafts, Manners, Computers and Technology, Literature and Language, Music and Movement, Sports and Games, Cooking and Drama are brought to life. Tour The Goddard Summer Program now.

• Amazing Animals: March into summer with an animal parade, an arctic adventure, and farm and forest visits.

• Hooray for the USA: Your child will learn about the great United States.

•Leap into Literature: Seven children's book authors are featured, with each 'chapter' exploring several books in fun new ways.

• Let's Go Exploring: From the bright lights of the big city to sandy beaches, your child investigates all sorts of phenomena.

• Mysterious Minds: Our adventures in science start with a "Blast-off to Summer."

• Passport Around the World: Learn about Italy, Israel, Australia, Mexico, the South Pole, South Africa and India.

• The Great Outdoors: We provides an authentic "summer camp" experience.

• Time Travel Your child takes a trip through time with stops in various periods.

Click here to see Goddard's Summer Program

Moody Toddlers

Many parents get frustrated and concerned about their toddlers mood swings. In most cases a toddlers mood swings are normal. There are many causes or mood swings in toddlers but here are a few causes and some tips on how to deal with them.

· Inability to communicate feelings or wants and needs. It’s very frustrating for your toddler to be so limited by their vocabulary and understanding. Until your toddler develops their vocabulary expect that they will be emotional as they try to communicate.

What you can do: Tell your child to take their time when trying to express themselves. Give them enough time to get their point across. If they still can’t get their point across, give them hints to help them along. However, try not to speak for your child as this can lead to confidence issues with communication later on.

· Testing boundaries – Your toddler is experiencing more independence than they ever had before. It’s natural for them to begin to test the rules you have set for them. This may manifest in your child saying “no they don’t want to go to school” or “no they don’t want to go to bed”.

What you can do: It’s important to reinforce the rules. Toddlers need stability in their lives. It might seem like the easier road to give in to your toddler to avoid an emotional outburst but this could lead to more moodiness and behavior problems later. This defiance might just be your toddlers attempt to understand rules. Try explaining the reasoning behind each rule. That may be all they need.

· New feelings – With new experiences (like school) comes new feeling for your toddler. Feelings like fear of separation are new for toddlers. This could lead to moodiness.

What you can do: Reinforce to your child that you will always be there for them. Try to explain that change is a natural part of life. Give your toddler more attention during times of change.

Moodiness is normal for toddlers but if you have any question about what’s normal and what’s not, see a qualified healthcare professional.

Play-Based Education Drives More Effective, Well-rounded Learning; Effects Seen by 4th Grade

by Sue Adair

Leading preschool chain shares the power of playful learning with children around the nation

Over the last two decades, children have lost eight hours of unstructured playtime in their week. Since 2002, 34% of kindergartens have eliminated recess. This trend of cutting back on playtime may have more negative effects than most parents are aware of. Although the debate on whether rigorous academic learning or play-based learning is more effective rages on, recent studies have shown playful learning has many positive, lasting effects unmatched by academic-based learning.

“When compared to academically-based preschool programs, children in play-based programs outperform the other group socially and academically by the time they reach the fourth grade,” said Kyle D. Pruett M.D., a child psychiatrist, published author, and advisor to The Goddard School®.

In a study conducted by psychologist Rebecca Maron of the University of North Florida, 1,200 toddlers and preschoolers were followed to measure the long-term academic effects of play-based learning vs. academic-based learning. The results strongly show the play-based learners outperforming the academic group both socially and academically by 4th grade. These findings support the claim that play-based learning increases a child’s ability to both learn abstract concepts and interact with peers.

Supported by a growing body of research from Play for Tomorrow, the consortium behind the respected “playful learning” movement, The Goddard School believes in and supports the power of play for learning and has incorporated the concept into their proprietary FLEX™ Learning Program. Playful learning is not a new concept at The Goddard School. It has been at the heart of their curriculum from the beginning, reflected in an approach to learning that presents new skills to children in a playful and engaging way.

Research has shown many lifelong benefits of learning through play, including an increased ability to learn from mistakes, develop independent decision making and fine-tuning of children’s physical development and perceptual motor skills.

“Young children who learn through play are more capable of making their own decisions, advocating for themselves and using creativity to solve problems as they grow. Play is essential to the development of your child’s brain, triggering trillions of neural connections that form the basis of healthy cognitive function and mastery of your child’s physical world,” says Dr. Pruett.

To further support these learning techniques, The Goddard School has launched a system-wide initiative, the Goddard Community Games event, on February 5. During the event, families in schools across the country will have the opportunity to enjoy a “hands-on” playful learning experience with a variety of programs, ranging from Sign Language, Yoga and Nutrition to World Cultures Voyages, Everyday Math and “Rock ‘n’ Tot” pre-dance and creative movement. The focus will be on fun, as parents and their children share in a day of discovery and enrichment.

“The children attending The Goddard School today are the leaders of tomorrow,” says Sue Adair, Director of Education at Goddard Systems, Inc., franchisor of The Goddard School. “Our teachers nurture each child’s self confidence and foster their lifelong love of learning by incorporating teacher-planned and child-directed learning activities into each day. When children enjoy learning, they take away not only knowledge of the task or concept but a sense of personal accomplishment that prepares them for a successful journey through life.”

Source: http://blogs.goddardsystems.com/blog/2011/02/01/play-based-education-drives-more-effective-well-rounded-learning-effects-seen-by-4th-grade/

Keeping the Attention of a Preschoolers

The most difficult thing a parent will ever have to do is to try to keep the wandering mind of a preschooler occupied. They have such a short attention span that you need to have a library of games, activities and events to entertain them. Since a bored preschooler can only lead to no good, here are some simple activities that you might want to keep in mind.

Outdoors

In the winter time it’s sometimes difficult to have your child play outside. However, every once in a while the temperature moderates and that is the time to head out for a walk. It is true what they say about the fresh air, it can really wear kids out. Of course, don’t forget to bundle up. And if it is too cold, head to the mall and do some window shopping.

Arts and Crafts

If you can’t get out of the house, try a craft activity. Craft stores have made it easy, even if you’re not a crafty person. Packaged craft-in-a-box activities are very popular with kids. They include making beaded jewelry, bookmarks, birdhouses and more.

Indoor Play Centers

The Y, gymnastics centers, indoor play centers, mommy and me classes, activities of all types to fit all budgets are going on right now in your community. Look in your local paper, check online and check with your local library or community center for more information on how you can get involved

Why Read To Babies

New moms often are told that they should read to babies, even if they are less than six months old. But if they can’t understand what you’re reading, how does it help your baby? Here are some ways reading to your baby can be beneficial.

• It gradually introduces concepts such as stories, numbers, letters, colors, and shapes that are critical for your child’s development.

• Your baby might not understand but by reading to them you are teaching them to listen.

• Reading can also teach your baby the concept of communication through using sounds before they can speak.

Here are some tips on what types of books work best based on your baby’s age.

• Newborns – books with bright colors and shapes

• 4 and 6 months – books made of cloth and soft materials they can grab onto

• 6 and 12 months – the more pictures the better, your baby is starting to focus

You can’t read too much to your baby so go crazy. Take every opportunity to pull out a book, at the doctor’s office, at the market and in the mall. This will keep your child’s attention and teach them that reading is fun anywhere and anytime. Teach your kids good reading habits and they will keep them for life.

The Importance of Sleep In School

According to the National Sleep Foundation, children ages 5 to 12 need 10 to 11 hours of sleep a night. Studies show that most kids are getting about an hour less sleep each night than they did 30 years ago.

Children have a lot more distractions than they did 30 years ago including extracurricular activities, more homework and video games. It’s easy to understand how today’s kids have a hard time winding down at night. You might be wondering if your child is getting enough sleep. Well, here are some signs that they might need more:

• Behavior Changes – when your child doesn’t get enough sleep it can become difficult for them to control their emotions. This can result in emotional outburst, grumpiness and poor behavior.
  

• Attention Issues – if your child is normally a good listener but they begin having difficulty following detailed instructions or maintaining focus during activities this could be a sign of a lack of sleep.

• Memory Loss – sleep is like a rest button for your child. During sleep, everything learned during the day is committed to memory and the brain is readied to absorb more information the next day. If your child shows a change in remembering directions or information this could be a sign of not getting enough sleep.

What can you do to help your child get enough sleep?

• We have said it before and here it is again, establish a bedtime routine for your child and stick to it. Make sure your child get’s to bed around the same time every night.

• Give your child time to unwind. Turn off the TV, video games and eliminate distractions 15 to 20 minutes before bedtime.

Source: www.sleepfoundation.org/article/sleep-topics/children-and-sleep

Improve Language & Cognitive Abilities with Imaginary Play

When children use their imagination during playtime the benefits are enormous. Playing dress up, role playing and putting on plays are not just a ways for children to entertain themselves, it’s an exercise in language and cognitive skills. Here’s some ways you can promote play and learning.

Role-playing

Challenge your children to act out rolls.

· Boys and girls can play parents, doctors, nurses or a number of caregivers with some baby-dolls.

· Some books, a pretend blackboard, or just pencils and crayons can help your child spend hours role-playing a teacher.

· With a pair of boots and a raincoat they can turn into a firefighter to save the life of their favorite doll or action figure.

· Playing hotel is a favorite of many parents. Have your child make access cards with old rewards cards. Let them check you into your room and even have them straighten up and clean before their guest arrives (an added benefit).

A Theatre Production

Put on a little music and have your child show their best singing and dancing moves. Get all of the kids involved by letting them play the roles from their favorite movie or video. You may have to sit through some off-key singing or less-than talented dancing but your child will love the attention.

Dressing Up

Many parents are watching their budget closer than ever. You don’t need to spend a lot of money on character dress ups. You would be surprised at what kid’s can pretend to be with some old clothes. Look through your attic and maybe even grandmas. Old men’s and woman’s hats, dresses, and old sporting equipment can really help kids stretch their imagination.

Celebrating Snow Indoors

Here are some more tips on how to keep the kids entertained during these long snowy winter months:

Make an indoor Snowman

• Get some blue construction paper
• Have your child paint a snow man with glue
• Take table salt and sprinkle it on top of the glue
• Let is dry and create a snowman scene with crayons

Painting in the Snow

• Take an empty spray bottle
• Fill it with some water and add a few drops of food coloring
• Take the kids outside and let them spray the water on the snow

Snowflakes

• Get paper doilies
• Have your child doilies in half three times
• Using kid scissors cut small shapes along the folds.
• Open the doilies up and see the design you created


Mittens

• Trace your child’s hand on any color construction paper.
• Cut out their hand
• Next have your child decorate the mittens with glitter, crayons, left over fabric or what ever scrapes you have.
• Take a piece if yarn and connect your mittens together

Have fun and stay warm!

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:

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

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.

Keeping your Kids Safe in the Heat

With the record breaking temperature we have had this summer, you should be aware of the signs of heat exhaustion. Since children are still developing, their bodies aren't able to adapt to temperature changes the way adults do. Listed below are a few signs of heat distress and heat exhaustion. This is not a comprehensive list. If you suspect your child is having difficulty with the heat, call your doctor immediately.

These are signs that your child should take a break, cool their body down, hydrate and get out of the heat:

• Sweating heavily
• Has a bright red face
• Extremely thirsty
• Feels hot to your touch
• Breathing hard
• Heavy sweating

Pay special attention during super-humid days (when sweat doesn't cool the body down the way it does in drier weather) or during a heat wave.

These are more serious signs that could lead to heat exhaustion:
• Has extreme fatigue that forces them to sit down
• Feels weak
• Feel dizzy
• Fainting
• Nausea or vomiting
• A bad headache

If you notice your child is showing any of these symptoms, get them out of the hot weather right away and seek the appropriate medical care.


Sources:http://www.ccf.wa.gov/
http://www.parenting.com/

Backyard Fun

Are you looking for fun outdoor activities to do with the kids this summer? Here are a few ideas:

Gnome Village
Head to your local dollar store to find some inexpensive gnomes. Then have your kids uses some creativity and gathering sticks, rocks, leaves, berries, etc., to make a magical village. This is a great activity that you can add to throughout the summer.

Bugs are always fun
Make a homemade terrarium out of an old shoebox with dirt and rocks with holes punched in the top. Have the little ones search for bugs in the back yard and collect the in their homemade terrarium.

Scavenger hunt in the park
Make a list of things that you find in the park. Determine how simple or difficult the list of items will be based on your children’s ages. Have them find a flower or a type of rock. You can also use this opportunity to teach children about nature, science and history.

Create your own Water Park
Get the sprinklers out, baby pools, water slides, plastic toys and gym sets and have the kids create their own water obstacle course. Through in some water balloons and water toys and your kids can cool off on a hot summer day.

Let your kids lead the way, they have plenty ideas that can make adventures in the back yard even more fun!

Potty Training Part 2

Earlier this week we talked about the signs of potty training readiness, if your little one is ready to start learning how to use the potty, these tips may help:

• Devote the time needed to get the job done. Recognize that you need to build extra time into your busy schedule for extra long trips to bathroom both at home and when you’re out.

•Don't make your child sit on the toilet against his or her will.

• Look for clues that your child’s getting ready to poop. By now you probably know that look very well, faces turn red, the grunt and squat. Some kids poop the same time everyday. Try to recognize the signs and rush to the bathroom. Sometimes you’ll catch them and sometimes you won’t but it will reinforce the proper training.

•Learn by watching. Have your child watch you in the bathroom. Even better, have your child sit on the potty seat and watch while you — or one of his or her siblings — use the toilet.

• Your body naturally wants to evacuate itself after a meal. So plan a visit to the bathroom after a meal.

•Make going potty easy on your child. Dress them in the proper clothes, overalls and shirts that snap in the crotch. Make sure everything is ready and the training potty is ready to go.

•Establish a routine. Have your child try when they wake up, after every meal, before bed time and anytime they ask. And don’t get frustrated if nothing happens. It’s more about establishing the routine.

•Remove a bowel movement (poop) from your child's diaper, put it in the toilet, and tell your child that poop goes in the potty.

•Reward your child for a job well done. Stickers, treats or mommy time or character big boy/girl under pants works well as incentive. Keep a chart to track of successes.

Try to keep positive in all aspects of potty training. It’s difficult and there will be setbacks but you will be successful.

Source; articleally.com
http://kidshealth.org

Potty Training

Yes, that's right, June is National Potty Training Awareness Month, as if we need more incentive to potty train our children. So in honor of the momentous occasion, we are going to talk about potty training and give some advice to lead to fast success through the process.

First, it’s important to recognize that there is no magic solution for potty training. It’s a trial and error process. The second fact to remember is that it’s not fashionable for teenagers to walk around a diapers so chances are you’ll be successful.

That said, there are proven potty training strategies that have worked for parents over the years.

1. It’s important for you to wait until your child’s ready for potty training. Parents sometimes rush into potty training because the idea of no diapers is appealing to convenience and your budget. Your child must be mentally and physically prepared to learn to use a bathroom, otherwise the process will be frustrating for both of you.

Here are some signs that your child is ready to begin:

* Curiosity about the toilet
* Recognition - a child tells you just made or have to pee.
• Keep a diaper dry for two hours or more
• Physically sitting on and then get off the potty
• Pulling down diapers, or throwing away training pants or underpants
• Curiosity about wearing underpants

2. Make sure you have the proper training aids.

• A small portable potty – maybe even keep one in the car for emergencies,
• Floating objects can be placed in the toilet to peak your child’s interest.
• Pullup diapers

3. Buy clothing that’s easy to put on and take off. There is nothing more frustrating than a child wetting their pants because they took too long to get their clothes off. Slip on pants are the easiest and, of course, skirts and dresses make it easy for girls.

Each child learns differently it’s true in school and it’s just as true with potty training. Be patient, be positive and be prepared! Later this week we will offer some tips to help with potty training.