Trick or Treating Safety Tips

Halloween is an exciting time of year for kids, and to help ensure they have a safe holiday, The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) put together a comprehensive list of safety tips. Here are a few highlights. To read the full list click on this link American Academy of Pediatrics.

Costume:
Plan costumes that are bright and reflective. Make sure that shoes fit well and that costumes are short enough to prevent tripping, entanglement or contact with flame.

Consider adding reflective tape or striping to costumes and Trick-or-Treat bags for greater visibility.

Because masks can limit or block eyesight, consider non-toxic makeup and decorative hats as safer alternatives. Hats should fit properly to prevent them from sliding over eyes.


Walking at Night

A parent or responsible adult should always accompany young children on their neighborhood rounds.

If your older children are going alone, plan and review the route that is acceptable to you. Agree on a specific time when they should return home.

Only go to homes with a porch light on and never enter a home or car for a treat.

Healthy Food:

A good meal prior to parties and trick-or-treating will discourage youngsters from filling up on Halloween treats.

Consider purchasing non-food treats for those who visit your homes, such as coloring books or pens and pencils.

Wait until children are home to sort and check treats. Though tampering is rare, a responsible adult should closely examine all treats and throw away any spoiled, unwrapped or suspicious items.

Try to ration treats for the days following Halloween.

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

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 to 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 preschoolers 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 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.

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

Ease Childhood Fears

Every child has fears, but the key to helping your child get over their fears is how you help them cope. Here is an article that offers ways to ease childhood fears. Click here to read the article.

Starting a New School

Starting a new school can be a traumatic process for both parent and child. Here are a few tips for a smoother transition.

Talk to Your Child

Introduce the idea of of a new school weeks or even a month ahead of time. Talk to child about how they will learn and meet new friends in school. Also, discuss the activities they will participate in and crafts that they can bring home and show you that they made. This will allow your child to get comfortable with the idea of the school.

You might also want to try explaining their schedule on the first day. Explain the following:

• Dropped off and how (mommy, daddy, caregiver) will drop them off in the morning
• Playtime and circle time
• Lunch and
• Pick up - explain how (mommy, daddy, and caregiver) will return to pick them up at the end of the day.

If a child can visualize their day, it may help to alleviate their fear.

Start Gradually

Like any other change that your child will experience starting gradually is a good idea. Begin the process with a few visits to the school. Introduce your child to the staff and let them get acquainted with their new surroundings. Since your child will now recognize their new school facility and staff this may help to make the first day easier.

Allow extra time for dropping your child off for the first few weeks in case she has trouble saying good-bye. Even if your child is upset, it is important that she knows you are leaving instead of you slipping out while she is distracted. Develop and practice a routine for getting ready to go so neither you nor your child are anxious and stressed in the morning.

The Goddard  School understands the importance of your child’s first learning experience. Stop in and see the difference Goddard can make.

Ways to Introduce Your Kids to Foreign Languages

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.  We found some successful ways to help your young one to learn a new language.Click here to read the article.  

Ashburn School Receives Top Honor

Ashburn School Receives Top Honor

The Goddard School® located in Ashburn earns SACS CASI Accreditation

The Goddard School located at in Ashburn earned accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS CASI), an accreditation division of AdvancED. Recognition by the organization is highly coveted and rarely given to childcare companies.

SACS CASI provides nationally recognized accreditation, the purpose of which is continuous school improvement focused on increasing student performance. To earn accreditation, schools must meet SACS CASI’s high standards, be evaluated by a team of professionals from outside the school, and implement a continuous process of school improvement.

"We’re proud to earn the mark of quality from SACS CASI, and be recognized for our commitment to reach the highest professional standards," says Madhu Govil, owner of The Goddard School located in Ashburn. "SACS CASI accreditation demonstrates to our community that children in our program receive the best possible care and early learning experiences. Our management and faculty have earned this achievement by performing their very best every day."

The Goddard School located in Ashburn opened in January, 2007. The school accommodates 135, ages six weeks to 8 years. Parents are encouraged to drop in for a tour or call The Goddard School directly at 703-724-0601 to arrange a personal appointment.

"Parents look to The Goddard School for quality childcare and SACS CASI accreditation further emphasizes to the community that Goddard programs have been reviewed by the experts and meet or exceed their expectations," said Dzana Homan, COO of Goddard Systems, Inc., franchisor of The Goddard School.

Dr. Mark Elgart, President/CEO of AdvancED, the parent organization of SACS CASI, stated, "SACS CASI Accreditation is a rigorous process that focuses the entire school on the primary goal of creating lifelong learners. The Goddard School located in Ashburn is to be commended for engaging in this process and demonstrating a commitment to continuous improvement."

Parents and interested community members can learn more about accreditation at www.advanc-ed.org.


The Goddard School®: Celebrating 25 Years of Learning through Play.
Learning for fun. Learning for life.℠ The Goddard School uses the most current, academically endorsed methods to ensure that children from six weeks to six years old have fun while learning the skills they need for long-term success in school and in life. Talented teachers collaborate with parents to nurture children into respectful, confident and joyful learners. The Goddard School’s AdvancED and Middle States-accredited F.L.EX.℠ Learning Program reaches more than 45,000 students in nearly 400 Goddard Schools in 35 states. The Goddard School’s comprehensive play-based curriculum, developed with early childhood education experts, provides the best childhood preparation for social and academic success. To learn more about The Goddard School, please visit www.goddardschool.com.


About AdvancED and SACS CASI
Dedicated to advancing excellence in education through accreditation, research, and professional services, AdvancED is the world’s largest education community, serving and engaging over 27,000 public and private schools and districts in 69 countries and serving nearly 16 million students. AdvancED is the parent organization of the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement (NCA CASI) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS CASI).

SACS CASI is a non-governmental, voluntary agency that accredits nearly 13,000 public and non-public institutions throughout the world.

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 child learn to wait their turn during conversations.

Children have a small world around them. They often interrupt because they feel that they are the center of their 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 or book.. 
• 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.

Host a Backyard Olympics Festival

With the Olympics now under way, why not have some Olympic fun with the kids at home.  Education.com has some great suggestion’s on how to have Olympic fun in your own back yard..  Pick out uniforms, pick judges, select fun events like volleyball, running, jumping and many more.  Click here to read more.

Potty Training Part 2

Last 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:

• Build extra time into your busy schedule for frequent 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 the signs they are getting ready to poop. Here are a few examples: faces turn red, grunting and squatting.

• What time of day do they usually need to go to the bathroom? Be aware of the time and look for other signs so you can rush them to the bathroom. Right after a meal is a natural time for the body to evacuate, so you may want to pay particularly close attention.

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

• Lead by example. Have your child watch you or a sibling in the bathroom.

• Remove poop  from your child's diaper and put it in the toilet  to show your them that poop goes in the potty.

Remember to reward your child. Stickers, treats or character underpants works well as an incentive. Try to keep positive in all aspects of potty training.

Teaching Preschoolers about Time

Younger children can have difficulty understanding the concept of time. When children ask when they are going to the zoo and you say Friday, they might not completely comprehend that they have to wait 4 days until the trip to the zoo. Education.com offers tips on helping your preschooler understand time. Click here to read the article.

Things to Look For in a Preschool Play Environment

Last week we discussed the importance of play to a child’s development. We also discussed the progression of how children develop important skills through play. Here are some things you should look for in a preschool setting that fosters learning through play.

* Do children seem engaged and happy?

* Do the children have choices for types of play?

* Is there an organizational system such as shelving, labeled containers, or cubbies?

* Are areas clearly distinguished for different interests like dressing up, art, etc.?

* Is there an outdoor play space, with barriers on all sides, kid-safe landscaping, and a soft surface under the play structure?

* Are toys clean, in good shape, and set up for play? They should be inviting to kids, but too many toys can be overwhelming?

Visit us today to see how we foster learning through our great indoor and outdoor play spaces, and bring a friend.

Benefits of play
1. Play fosters social development

Children ages 4 to 5 are unable to think beyond their needs. Play allows them to work with others, developing awareness of other children around them. The preschool setting provides a great environment for kids to learn about how to solve problems and communicate with others.

2. Play helps with physical and motor development.

Perceptual-motor ability, or the capacity to coordinate what you perceive with how you move, is an essential skill that preschoolers. A three-year-old who is playing in the sand box digging, scooping, and pouring sand into a container must learn how to match his or her perception of the space in front of them with actual hand movements, this type of activity is essential in developing strong motor skills.

3. Play facilitates cognitive learning.

Play is vital to developing real cognitive skills and concepts through enjoyable, real, concrete, and meaningful activities. For example, a child is able to comprehend that 3 + 2 = 5 means ‘putting together’ his toy blocks by stacking them. By keeping track of a score in a soccer game, the child is demonstrating a cognitive understanding of numbers.

4. Play enhances language development.
Children build language skills through cooperative play. Children often talk to themselves while playing alone. Soon other children playing nearby begin to repeat what they hear and eventually they start talking to each other. This develops into back-and-forth conversation during play that becomes increasingly sophisticated by age.

Great Outdoors

Being outside is important for children and this is a great time of year to be outside, with plenty of sunlight and mild temperatures.

The outdoors is a great place for young children to master newly developed physical skills and movement. With today’s busy schedules it’s sometimes difficult to find the time to get outside with your kids. But, considering the important role that activity plays in the physical, social, and emotional development of our children, it’s worth finding the time.

Physical Benefits of Outdoor Play for Children

Childhood obesity is a concerning trend in children. Children who play outside are more likely to maintain a healthy weight because they get the chance to burn off extra calories. They also view play with friends as “play” not exercise, this makes burning off the calories fun. Outdoor play is also important for children because it builds muscles, strengthens bones, conditions the lungs, and improves overall health.

The exposure to sunlight also helps our bodies make the vitamin D it needs for the development of healthy bones, and reduces the future risk of conditions such as heart disease, and high blood pressure. But, it’s also important to apply sunscreen before sending your child outdoors to reduce the risk of skin cancer.

Parents also receive an added benefit from outside play. Children have the chance to use up the extra energy that can make them restless around the house. This can lead to better sleep, improved behavior and better concentration.

The benefits of outdoor play for children are endless. Playing outside makes kids happier, by providing a number of physical, social, and emotional developmental perks.

6 Keys to Help a Child To Become a Good Reader

Since Read Across America takes place on March 2nd.  I wanted to share  6 Keys to Help a Child To Become a Good Reader from the National Education Association website.  This article gives you tips on helping to facilitate your child to become a good reader.

Click here to read the article

Keeping The Family Active During the Winter

Winter in here now and you may want to keep your family active with some cold weather sports. Winter can be a great time to get outside, burn off some energy, and find a new activity for the whole family. Below are a few cold weather sports that you may want to consider.

Downhill Skiing: This can be a fun easy sport for kids. Just make sure you take a lesson or two so you know how to be safe. Lessons can help your child to learn different techniques and the instructor can tell them what slopes would be best for their ability. Also make sure you where the appropriate safety gear, like a helmet.

Cross-country skiing: This can be a great cardiovascular workout and a fun way to enjoy the outdoors. It’s slower than downhill skiing so you can take time to relax and enjoy the trip. It’s still important to wear your safety gear and take a lesson or two before you try it.


Snowboarding: This is a winter sport that kids really enjoy. It’s a lot harder to control a snowboard, so expect plenty of falls before you get the hang of it. I would definitely recommend a lesson, or two, or four and safety gear is essential.

Snowshoeing: Snowshoes allow you to walk on top of the deep snow. This is really a workout. It’s not a fast way to travel so the kids might get a little bored after only a short trip. You might want to try it, just to say you did it.

Ice skating: If you are in a medium sized town, their is probably a ice rink or two close by. Open skate is when rinks allow anyone off the street to come in, rent skates and get on the ice. Many rinks now offer devices to assist new skaters. They kind of look like miniature walkers. You could also have the family take a lesson. The ice is hard so helmets and other safety gear should be worn.

 It is easy for the family to sit in the house and watch TV all winter. Instead, why don’t you try one of the winter sports listed above and get the family active.

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.

Hands-and-Feet Turkey

Since we are talking about the meaning of Thanksgiving this week, why not make a turkey with your child and talk about all the things you are Thankful for.


Materials

• Construction paper in brown, tan, orange, red, yellow and white 
• Scissors 
• Glue 

Instructions

• Trace 1 foot (with shoes on) on brown construction paper. 
• Trace two hands on tan construction paper. 
• Trace two hands on red construction paper. Trace two hands on orange construction paper. 
• Trace one hand on yellow construction paper. 
• Cut out all the pieces 
• Make the turkey body and head, placing the heel at the top (the heel will become the face) 
• Glue the red, orange, and yellow construction paper hands behind the brown body to make the tail.

Learning to Write

How will you know when your child is ready to write? The ideal time to start helping your child with writing is between ages 4 and 5. One signal to look for is that your child will begin forming figures that look like letters. Your child may also begin to string multiple pictures together to create a story. This means that your child’s motor and cognitive skills are becoming more refined and developed.

Here's a few ideas to move your child’s writing skills along:

·         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 them to do projects that reflect everyday life. Here are a few fun projects that reinforce early writing skills:

o   Create a menu and play restaurant

o   Have them write out checks to play store

o   Have them create a program for their big play or dance recital

o   Have them create tickets to a show

o   Have them write a note to you every night before they go to bed

o   Make scribbling/writing a lot of fun by using pudding, ketchup, yogurt or other edible items.

Above all, make writing fun for your child and hopefully they will begin to practice their skills on their own. 

Trick or Treating Safety Tips

Halloween is an exciting time of year for kids, and to help ensure they have a safe holiday, here are some tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). 


ALL DRESSED UP:

• Plan costumes that are bright and reflective. Make sure that shoes fit well and that costumes are short enough to prevent tripping, entanglement or contact with flame.
• Consider adding reflective tape or striping to costumes and Trick-or-Treat bags for greater visibility.
• Because masks can limit or block eyesight, consider non-toxic makeup and decorative hats as safer alternatives. Hats should fit properly to prevent them from sliding over eyes.
• When shopping for costumes, wigs and accessories look for and purchase those with a label clearly indicating they are flame resistant.
• If a sword, cane, or stick is a part of your child's costume, make sure it is not sharp or too long. A child may be easily hurt by these accessories if he stumbles or trips.
• Obtain flashlights with fresh batteries for all children and their escorts.
• Do not use decorative contact lenses without an eye examination and a prescription from an eye care professional. While the packaging on decorative lenses will often make claims such as “one size fits all,” or “no need to see an eye specialist,” obtaining decorative contact lenses without a prescription is both dangerous and illegal. This can cause pain, inflammation, and serious eye disorders and infections, which may lead to permanent vision loss.
• Teach children how to call 9-1-1 (or their local emergency number) if they have an emergency or become lost.

ON THE TRICK-OR-TREAT TRAIL:

• A parent or responsible adult should always accompany young children on their neighborhood rounds.
• If your older children are going alone, plan and review the route that is acceptable to you. Agree on a specific time when they should return home.
• Only go to homes with a porch light on and never enter a home or car for a treat.
• Because pedestrian injuries are the most common injuries to children on Halloween, remind Trick-or Treaters:
• Stay in a group and communicate where they will be going.
• Carry a cell phone for quick communication.
• Remain on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk.
• If no sidewalk is available, walk at the far edge of the roadway facing traffic.
• Never cut across yards or use alleys.
• Only cross the street as a group in established crosswalks (as recognized by local custom). Never cross between parked cars or out driveways.
• Don't assume the right of way. Motorists may have trouble seeing Trick-or-Treaters. Just because one car stops, doesn't mean others will!
• Law enforcement authorities should be notified immediately of any suspicious or unlawful activity.

HEALTHY HALLOWEEN:

• A good meal prior to parties and trick-or-treating will discourage youngsters from filling up on Halloween treats.
• Consider purchasing non-food treats for those who visit your home, such as coloring books or pens and pencils.
• Wait until children are home to sort and check treats. Though tampering is rare, a responsible adult should closely examine all treats and throw away any spoiled, unwrapped or suspicious items.
• Try to ration treats for the days following Halloween.

Source: American Academy of Pediatrics

Reading Consistently to Your Kids

Good reading habits are a big factor in your child’s academic success. It’s very important to start off on the right foot by reading consistently with your kids each week, even during the summer. Here are some tips you can use to encourage your child to be a good reader.

1. Build time for reading into your daily routine
Reading with your child is a good way to let them know that you think reading is important. It can also help parents judge the reading level of a child. If you are reading to your children on a regular basis you will be the first to recognize their areas for improvement.


2. Make reading fun
Kids are much more likely to enjoy reading when they perceive it as fun. Here are some tips to keep reading fun.

·        Pick books that they will enjoy

·        Try using props to help tell the story. This works very well with young children.

·        Switch up the surroundings. Try reading all around the house and when that gets boring, try reading at the library or in the park.

·        Make reading interactive. Ask questions or introduce your experiences and knowledge into the story.

4. Read by example
Let your child see you reading on a regular basis. Tell them what you are reading. Show them that reading is important, interesting and enjoyable. Buy books or let them use your eReader. Support their reading habit as much as possible. Money spent now on books will be paid back later in academic success.


Have fun reading!

Surviving Errands with the Kids in Tow

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.

 • Explain the game plan – tell the kids exactly where you’re going on your errands and how long it should take.

• Set the rules – tell them what is, and is not, acceptable behavior and that you’re 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 you are 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.