Imagination and kids go hand-in-hand. And when it’s playtime, a kids playroom should be filled with toys that spark their imagination and creativity. Whether that’s with a kitchen playset for a child that loves the idea of being a chef or a table for all sorts of arts and crafts, the options are endless. If… Read More
Although the school year is over, summer offers opportunities to engage kids’ interests and imagination through intellectually stimulating activities. Planning structured activities and outings helps to maintain their focus, avoid summer learning loss, and expand on what they learned during the school year. By enrolling them in a safe, supportive environment that prioritizes childhood education,… Read More
The benefits of playing outside is great for your child. Read our guide to outdoor activities to keep them active!
Everyone can agree high-quality preschool experiences are extremely beneficial for young children. Children attending these programs have greater academic gains and the socialization leads to stronger social and emotional skills (check out our October 12th blog post: The Value of Socialization). But, did you know these benefits actually stretch throughout the child’s lifetime? In October,… Read More
Our theme this week is Children’s Literature and as our Ducks dive into all kinds of books, we thought we’d share some tips with parents. There are some simple strategies you can use to bring your story time from so-so to SUPER! The New York Times recently published an article entitled, “How to Tell a… Read More
It has been a strange and stressful few months for everyone but as families begin sending their children back to childcare and schools begin to reopen, we thought we’d shine a light on the value of school, even for our youngest learners. Back in July, The Center for Disease Control (CDC) made the case for… Read More
Describing the brain as “complex” is a true understatement. Understanding the structure and functions of the mind can even be a challenge for doctors and scientists. However, there are some basic concepts in brain science that can help humans with emotional regulation, social interactions, and learning. Young children are more than capable of grasping these… Read More
Since the pandemic began, one of the toughest things to face has been social isolation. This has been especially true for senior citizens. As one of the populations with the highest risk, seniors have been missing their loved ones for months. Many nursing homes, retirement communities and assisted living facilities have requested messages from “pen… Read More
Don’t underestimate the value of outdoor learning! Today, we’ll focus on the SCIENCE of outdoor learning. We all know fresh air, sunshine, and exercise are benefits of playing outside. But, did you know outdoor learning can impact all areas of development? According to the North American Association for Environmental Education, “Previous research has demonstrated positive… Read More
Times are strange and the lack of normalcy can be extremely challenging. Many parents are homeschooling their children and this can be a struggle for everyone involved. Our advice is don’t get too wrapped up in academics the way many of us know them- flash cards, worksheets, etc. Learning happens everywhere and in lots of… Read More
Some people shudder at the word “discipline” but it is not (or doesn’t have to be) a negative thing! According to an article published by the Extension Alliance for Better Child Care, “Discipline is a positive method of teaching a child self-control, confidence, and responsibility.” It is about teaching a child what behavior is okay and… Read More
Play is the work of a child. It’s how the deepest, most meaningful learning happens. So, it’s not playtime versus learning time. Playtime IS learning time. We wanted to take a more detailed look at block play. Why Block Play? Blocks are a classic toy that almost everyone, of any age, has played with at some… Read More
With shorter days and droppings temperatures, falling into a winter “rut” can happen quickly. For families with young children, being stuck indoors can make for antsy kids and stressed out parents. We’ve compiled a list of 10 easy, family-friendly things to do to beat those winter blues. Let out your artistic side: Roll a large… Read More
Many parents, of young children especially, would agree mornings can be hectic. Getting everyone fed, bathed, dressed, packed up and out of the house can set quite a chaotic scene. As always, we’re here to help! We’ve collected some tips from various resources to make your mornings run as smoothly as possible. Start the night… Read More
Thanksgiving is upon us once again! It’s easy to get caught up in the planning and preparation of the turkey and stuffing and we often forget to embrace the true spirit of the holiday… giving thanks. Everyone knows gratitude is important. It’s meaningful, and sometimes vital, to express gratitude for what (and who) you have… Read More