We’re committed to assessment-based curriculum. Why is this so important? Since curriculum is what happens in the classroom every day, when it’s customized to the developmental needs of the specific children in that class, it is more effective. Assessment-based curriculum means children are exposed to, and given practice in, those skills that they are ready […]
It’s easier than you think to fill your preschooler’s summer days with playful learning experiences. In fact, with some basic activities, you’ll be providing opportunities for your child to develop, grow, and learn. And the best part is these activities don’t cost a fortune or require too much preparation. 1. Pretend Play Encourage your child […]
In our final post in the series, our experts – Dr. Susan Canizares and Dr. Heather Wittenberg – reveal how to make kindergarten a great experience by preparing in these simple (and fun) ways. Dr. Heather: Starting kindergarten is exciting, but it can also be daunting for parents. Even with my fourth child, I worry […]
In this second of our three-part series, our experts – Dr. Susan Canizares and Dr. Heather Wittenberg —give tips for making a smooth transition from preschool to Kindergarten. Dr. Heather: Back in the “bad old days,” we didn’t have much understanding of early childhood development. Young children were seen as too little to learn very […]
In his 2013 State of the Union address, President Obama called for national expansion of prekindergarten programs through the “Preschool for All” initiative. Two reports issued since then – good news and bad news – have added substance and urgency to the debate over the President’s proposal. The good news came in March, when a […]
Dr. Heather Wittenberg, child development expert, highlights her top tips to get your child ready for Kindergarten. For more Kindergarten readiness tips from Dr. Heather, click here. What are you doing with your preschooler to get ready for Kindergarten? Tell us in a comment below.
Is your child ready to start Kindergarten this fall? As a parent, I know it’s difficult to imagine your little one sitting in a “big kid” classroom in just a few months. Believe me, though, you’ll be amazed at the growth your child will experience before then. Here are my ideas for helping your almost-big-kid […]
Should your child start preschool at 2, 3, or even 4? Is he late-born, early-born, or right in between? Should he be one of the oldest in the class, the youngest, or in the middle? And what impact will this have on his eventual kindergarten start date? If your head is spinning at making this […]
Games for Toddlers Toddlers start to learn the alphabet by exposure. Seeing, hearing and playing with letters is the best way to start learning the alphabet. 1. Letter Sort – Get out your alphabet letters (foam, magnetic, any kind). Sort by colors, shapes (curvy or straight), letters in the child’s name, or by any criteria […]
With summer wrapping up, you might find yourself and your children needing to make a few adjustments to get ready for the school year. We want to make this transition a smooth one, so we are inviting you to join a live Twitter discussion on back to school readiness! Day: Wednesday August 15, 2012 Time: […]
Try these fun activities, great for preschool or Pre-K aged children! Who Doesn’t Like a Cookie? Anyone can get their game on to release a few sillies. AND who doesn’t like a cookie? So put this game and cookies together, and what do you get? Do this activity and you will find out. What is […]
Do you remember what it’s like to be young? To be silly and carefree, when your only job is to learn and have fun? Back then, it was all about the journey and never the destination. Living in the moment was your only choice, and you couldn’t help but be present for every astonishing and […]