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
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
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
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
Everyone knows physical movement is an important part of a healthy life, especially in childhood. Physical activity impacts our health in many ways but did you know that one specific type of physical movement can impact a child’s cognitive and emotional development? “Crossing the midline” requires both sides of the brain to communicate and work… Read More
The summer months can be full of so many fun events and activities. Though, this summer fun can also raise some safety concerns. It’s okay though! Don’t let these concerns impede your summer plans. It’s just important to be knowledgeable. We’ve collected some tips on choosing sunscreen, keeping children hydrated and water safety. Below you’ll… Read More
Many of us have memories of Sesame Street from our childhood. The show, premiering in 1969, has been welcomed into homes for half a century. Sesame Street has constantly evolved over the past five decades, integrating educational with timely social issues. An article from Smithsonian Magazine explains, “For years the show’s creators have been spicing up… Read More
Ducklings’ teachers go home at the end of the day with more than glitter in their hair, paint under their finger nails, and a smile, (sometimes a tired one) on their face. They take with them hours of observation, developmental planning, and curriculum implementation. Our teachers have degrees in Education, are working on their degrees… Read More