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5 Ways to Keep Your Kids Learning During the Summer

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

Lifelong Benefits of Preschool

Back to School: Lifelong Benefits of Preschool

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

Tips for Reading with Children

Stepping Up Your Storytime: Tips for Reading with Children

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

Back to School 2021 COVID

Back to School: The Value of Socialization

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

Brain Mind explanation for kids

Yes, Young Children Can Understand the Brain!

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

children emotional intelligence

Pen Pals Wanted: Connecting with Seniors During the Pandemic

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

Outdoor Learning: Science

Outdoor Learning: Science

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

Outdoor Learning: Math

Outdoor Learning: Math

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

Positive Discipline Children

Positive Discipline: Good Behavior is Learned

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

Blocks are a classic play

Play with a Purpose: Blocks

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

Beating the Winter Blues: Things to Do

Beating the Winter Blues: Things to Do

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

Perfecting your Morning Routine

Perfecting your Morning Routine

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

Raising Grateful Children

Raising Grateful Children

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