1051 Shotgun Road Weston, Florida 33326
954-424-1898
3 Things to Prepare for When Transitioning to the Toddler Classroom

3 Things to Prepare for When Transitioning to the Toddler Classroom

Posted on by A Children's Carousel

3 Things to Prepare for When Transitioning to the Toddler Classroom

Adapted from The Family Room

 

So, the day arrived when our son was finally ready to start transitioning to the toddler classroom from the infant classroom. At first, this was exciting news, as it was a big step for him developmentally. The teachers in his classroom carefully helped us plan the move, taking into consideration his physical development and what was safest for him. Then the transition visits began… and new emotions hit me like never. Here are the three biggest changes that threw me for a loop in the beginning.

3 Things to Prepare for When Transitioning to the Toddler ClassroomThe Nerves…

I did not expect to be so nervous about moving classes. The preschools allowed for transition visits. It was very important and comforting for me when my son was transitioning to the toddler classroom. I loved that these visits allowed him to be in the new classroom on certain days for an hour or two before he was there full-time. What I did not expect, was that these transition visits would hit me so hard. I wanted to make sure that when he was sad, I could help him. It was super helpful was the reassurance from his teachers. They told me that all of these emotions were normal. They gave me thorough updates throughout the day. The teachers also gave me the best advice leading up to the big transition day.

Lunch and Outdoor Play Prep

Suddenly, our nighttime prep for the next day changed dramatically! We went from packing just extra clothes, bottles, diapers, and snacks to a totally new routine. Outdoor play meant shopping 3 Things to Prepare for When Transitioning to the Toddler Classroomfor appropriate clothes. For lunch time we now needed a lunchbox with ice packs. There was something about a one-year-old with a lunchbox that made me feel like we were sending him off to college.

Goodbye Daytime Crib!

Nap time in the toddler classroom meant mats and not cribs and I was nervous that my son wouldn’t be able to nap. It was a huge relief to know that nap time went well and that he apparently he didn’t need a crib any longer during the day. My fears of a fatigued one-year-old were totally unnecessary, as he adapted very well.

I’m so happy that my son made a good transition. He was happy and so was I.

Click here to watch a great video on successful and healthy preschool transitioning

Want to read the original article? Click here

Teaching Children Water Safety

Teaching Children Water Safety

Posted on by A Children's Carousel

Teaching children water safety is a key part of reducing child drownings. In Florida, drownings are one of the leading causes of child deaths.

 

teaching children water safetyThe following information is important to teach to children and reiterated through the water safety program:

  • Never go near the water without an adult.

    While swimming can be fun, it’s important for young children to know that the fun can’t begin until a “Water Watcher” is present. Once an adult is watching, summer swimming fun can start. Drowning can happen quickly and quietly, which is why actively watching your swimmer is a necessity. Even after the summer months, make sure your child knows never to go near the water alone and to always have a swimming partner.  Prevent unsupervised water access by installing barriers around your pool or hot tub and remove any pool toys that could attract children to the water.

  • Wear a life jacket.

    Life jackets should always be worn while in a boat, raft, inner tube or on a dock. If a child cannot swim or is an inexperienced swimmer, life jackets should teaching children water safetyalways be utilized while in the water. Life jackets should be properly fitted in order to keep your child’s head and face above water. Remember, life jackets only work when they are worn, so make sure your child gets in the routine of putting one on every time they get near the water. Important: As fun as water wings and inflatable toys may be, they don’t provide the same support as a U.S. Coastguard approved life jacket.

  • Learn how to swim.

    teaching children water safetySwimming lessons have been shown to reduce drowning incidents, which is why the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children ages 4 and older learn to swim. Even if your child has taken swimming lessons, never assume that their risk of drowning has subsided. Always be cautious of pool floats or toys that could interfere with your child in the water. Learning how to swim should be a fun activity, promoting aquatic awareness and minimizing intimidation. To find swimming lessons in your area, contact your local YMCA, American Red Cross, American Heart Association, city facilities, or swim school.

  • If there is an emergency, call 9-1-1 or find an adult.

    Although a child may have had swimming lessons or is utilizing a life jacket, sometimes water accidents do happen. Make sure your child knows to call for help or find an adult when trouble occurs. When watching a child swim, always make sure to have a cordless phone nearby in order to call 911 if a Teaching children water safetydangerous situation arises. Stress the importance of staying away from pool drains and suction fittings in order to have a fun, safe swimming experience.

 

Help your child learn what to do (and not to do) in and around pools and spas with a free interactive app; “The Adventures of Splish & Splash”. Available for download on Apple and Android devices from the App Store or Google Play:

Please click here to read the original article and access many resources for parents, caregivers and teachers. You will find coloring and activity sheets, videos, puppet shows and more!

Please feel free to download all or some of these resources for free!

Click here for more important resources and activities!

BELOW ARE A FEW IMPORTANT AND FUN VIDEOS!

Want to watch two watch water safety videos with your child to watch? Please click here and here!

Click here to watch an important video on summer safety and heat health.

 

6 Science Podcasts for Kids

6 Science Podcasts for Kids

Posted on by A Children's Carousel

6 Science Podcasts for Kids

Adapted from Bright Horizons

“Why is the sky blue?”  

“What is that plant called?”

“How can birds fly?”

“How hot is the sun?”

Sound familiar? You probably have a curious child on your hands…and you might be flooded with more science-y questions than you can answer. Let podcasts for kids help! Whether you and your child have a long commute, you’re looking for an educational weekend activity, or you simply want an alternative to screen or TV time, try these six science podcasts for kids.

ScienceBrains On

This award-winning podcast aims to encourage children’s natural curiosity of science by exploring many different topics. Co-hosted by Molly Bloom and a different child each week, Brains On features over 100 episodes and values listener participation. You can even submit your child’s questions for a chance to be added to the Brains Honor Roll. Past episode topics include fire vs. lasers, roller coasters, soil, salty snacks, cats, and how books are made and how we read them.

WOW in the World

NPR’s “podcast for curious kids and their grown-ups” dives into the “Who, What, When, Where, Why, How, and Wow in the World” of a variety of science and technology topics. WOW in the World co-hosts Guy Raz and Mindy Thomas cover something different each week — past topics range from how recess makes kids smarter, to stress-relieving video games, to cockroaches, and more.

Tumble

This science podcast for kids is designed for the whole family. Tumble co-hosts Lindsay Patterson and Marshall Escamilla focus on how science works, tell fascinating stories about scientific sciencediscoveries. For example, the STEM program that we have at A Children’s Carousel. Additionally, they teach things that go beyond what is taught in school. Recent episodes include “Hamster Versus Bacteria” and “Discover the Wildlife of Your Home.”

But Why

Here’s another NPR podcast for kids, but this one is led by kids, too. Each episode is based on children’s questions — and you and your child can even submit your own! Here are a few recent questions that host Jane Lindholm has covered: “Why do elephants have trunks? Why do giraffes have purple tongues?” “Why do days start at 12 o’clock?” and “Why do we sometimes see the moon during the day?”

The Show About Science

Not only is this a family friendly podcast  –  it is a second grader! In the Show About Science, Nate Butkus interviews a variety of guests — scientists, educators, and more — to explore fascinating topics, which, in the past, have included climate change, fake sugar, ants, food science, and sea creatures.

ScienceFun Kids Science Weekly

This science podcast for kids is produced in the UK — and it’s another one with the submit-your-child’s-question format. Each week, host Dan covers weird, cool topics that pique children’s curiosity. There’s something for everyone: from lonely frogs, flower urchins, and the T-rex of the ocean, to fire mountain, the secret life of antelopes, and the future of robots, and much more.

The next time your child stumps you with a question about science or you’re simply looking for an educational change of pace, check out these six podcasts together. Chances are you’ll both learn something new.

Click here  to read the original article

 

 

Click here to listen to a fabulous science podcast hosted by second grader Nate Butkus. There is no limit to what a child can achieve!

All About Conscious Discipline

All About Conscious Discipline

Posted on by A Children's Carousel

All About Conscious Discipline

Created by Dr. Becky Bailey

Conscious Discipline is an emotional intelligence program where children learn to express their emotions, resolve problems with words, and work with others. It was developed by Dr. Becky Bailey, an author and early childhood educator. It is designed to create an environment where the motivation to behave comes from the nature of the relationships a child has with others.

The best way to discipline a child is something all parents think about. What is the best way to show your child the correct way to behave, without ordering them around? How can you

Conscious Discipline

teach your child to behave properly because they know it’s right?

Conscious Discipline

Benefits of Conscious Discipline                                                                     

One of the main messages of Conscious Discipline is that when people feel loved and valued, cooperation flourishes. Whether it’s used in a classroom or home environment, the goal is to help your child connect with those around them and develop caring relationships. Instead of using punishment and rewards, Conscious Discipline encourages problem-solving, cooperation, and acceptance.

In doing this, your child can learn how to problem-solve, become more accountable for their own behavior, and gain self-control.

How to use Conscious Discipline at home                                              Conscious Discipline

Because Conscious Discipline is focused on creating strong relationships, parents and caregivers can participate as well. Here are some ways you can use Conscious Discipline at home:  

See the situation from your child’s perspective. Being able to see an event through your child’s eyes can help you to respond appropriately and can help inform the way you deal with the situation.

Offer closed-end choices. Letting your child participate in the decision-making process can help them feel a sense of control and practice collaborative problem-solving. However, a limited amount of choice is easier for a young child to handle. so, for example, you can say, “Do you want to brush your teeth first, or put on your pajamas?”

Set rules beforehand. When your child knows what to expect, they can feel secure, and you have a shared frame of reference. So, for example, when getting ready to run errands, you can say, “I won’t be buying any candy today, but you can bring a snack from home. Would you like crackers or fruit?”

Conscious DisciplinePlan ahead to avoid difficult situations. Thinking about possible scenarios can help you prepare or avoid difficult circumstances altogether. So, for example, you may realize that your trip to visit family will mean your child will have a later than usual bedtime, as a result this could make them more prone to tantrums.

Remain calm. Though keeping calm can seem difficult at times, it is an important thing to practice. As a result, you are less likely to lose your temper, likewise you might give in and break the rules you set for your child. Model proper behavior and emotional control for your child as often as you can.

Conscious Discipline aims to help children express their feelings, regulate emotions, problem-solve through an issue, and create strong connections with others. In this way, your child can learn appropriate behaviors based on their relationships and understand what is expected of them.

Dr. Becky Bailey explains her theory of Conscious Discipline click here to watch the video!

Want to learn more about Dr. Becky Baily, founder of Conscious Discipline? Click here

Start the New Year Off Right: Resolve to Raise a Reader!

Start the New Year Off Right: Resolve to Raise a Reader!

Posted on by A Children's Carousel

Start the New Year Off Right: Resolve to Raise a Reader!

Adapted from Reading Rockets

Raise a ReaderMany New Year’s resolutions focus on developing healthy habits. Here’s one that is important to make and keep: provide a regular diet of books and reading for your preschooler.

You feed and care for your child every day so that he will grow into a healthy, happy preschooler. Similarly, you also need to provide experiences that will enhance language development and stimulate learning skills, thereby doing your part to raise a reader.

Raise a Reader – try this menu of reading activities:

  • READ EVERY DAY

A daily reading routine will give all the readers in your family a chance to read with your preschooler. Dads, moms, siblings, caregivers, and friends can allRaise a Reader be a part of ensuring your preschooler gets 20 minutes of being read to each day.

  • DO THINGS AND THEN TALK ABOUT IT

It’s great to offer new experiences to your preschooler, such as a visit to the zoo or museum, but a trip to the grocery store or a neighborhood park can be just as educational. Talk about what you are seeing and ask your preschooler what he thinks of it. When possible, use interesting words to describe what you’re seeing.

  • READ EVERYWHERE YOU GO

You can find reading on the road, at the bus stop, in the store, and at the restaurant. Play a game to find words when you are out and about or look at home for words on everyday items like cereal boxes, toothpaste, and household appliances.

  • BE A READING MODEL

What better way to raise a reader then by reading yourself! Your child wants to imitate you and be like you. Have plenty of reading material for yourself as well as for your child. Tell your child how much you enjoy reading. 

  • KEEP YOUR PULSE ON PROGRESS                                                                                                                                                                                                          Raise a Reader

Please be sure to see your child’s pediatrician or teacher as soon as possible if you have concerns about your child’s language development, hearing, or sight.

Read the original article here 

Enjoy “Books Books Books!” a video of your children loving books!

Simple Ways to Raise Grateful Children

Simple Ways to Raise Grateful Children

Posted on by [email protected]

Adapted from blogs.brighthorizons.com

Simple Ways to Raise Grateful ChildrenThanksgiving is around the corner. It is a holiday and an expression of gratitude. Here are some tips to teach our kids gratitude and to practice thanksgiving all year round!

• Model Gratefulness. You are your children’s most important role model. Using grateful language and positive reinforcement is a great way to show children how to be grateful. “The playroom looks great with all your toys put away. I’m so happy you cleaned up!”

• Say Please, Thank You, You’re Welcome. Use these words for both small and big things. In fact, you can never overdo it – it will make a difference. Have them become an important part of your family’s language.

• Share Appreciation Daily. During family dinners, talk about their day. Ask the kids “what’s something good that happened today?” For the Thanksgiving season ask, “What’s something nice you did for someone? Or, what’s something nice someone did for you?”

• Encourage “Eye Contact” Thank You’s during Gift-Giving Holidays. Kids love presents! They open them very quickly. During these times, encourage them to personally “thank” the gift giver. This should include making eye contact. They should also say the name of the person they are thanking.

• Make Thank You Notes or Cards. It’s nice for children to make “thank you” notes for gifts received during special occasions. For little kids, parents can write them and kids can color the card. As they get older, they will continue this as they make their own thank you notes.

• Volunteer or Do a Charity Project. We have a lot of opportunities to help the needy. It’s important to make sure to involve the children in the service projects. Discuss why people need Simple Ways to Raise Grateful ChildrenThanksgiving food and other things.

• Set Shopping Expectations.  Parents should tell their children, “Today, we are getting a present for your friend’s birthday at the toy store. If you see something you want, you can write it on your birthday/holiday list.”

• Be Patient, Consistent & Persistent. Children are solid thinkers. Gratitude is a character trait that takes time to develop. With some patience and persistence, you’ll be on the road to raising a grateful child.

Enjoy this video of your children at A Children’s Carousel and click here to watch it on our YouTube channel!

 

Mindfulness Practice for Preschoolers Connecting Kids to Nature

Mindfulness Practice for Preschoolers Connecting Kids to Nature

Posted on by [email protected]

Mindfulness Practice for Preschoolers Mindfulness Practice for Preschoolers Connecting Kids to Nature

by: Scott Rogers – Adapted from Mindful Magazine, 2017

We live in a time when it is all too easy to feel stressed and overwhelmed, and even children are more frequently

experiencing these uncomfortable states. 

When we teach mindfulness to children, we are sharing with them skillful ways of relating to life’s uncomfortable and challenging moments. The earlier we do so in their young lives, the greater the opportunity to help them cultivate  resilience as they mature.                                                                                                                                                                             

Mindfulness Practice for Preschoolers, is an approach of sharing mindfulness that draws on the elements of nature. Often, we reflect on the beauty and serenity of the natural world out there and overlook our own beautiful nature. This exercise introduces children to ways of seeing the strength and beauty of nature within themselves, offering a short practice to help relax and observe their experience.

When we go outside we can see and feel so many wonderful things. Things like trees, and the wind, and the clouds, and the sun. Mindfulness Practice for Preschoolers

In many ways we are like these beautiful parts of nature.

Here is a mindfulness practice for preschoolers. It is an exercise that teachers and parents can practice with their students/children. Please enjoy video clip of your children practicing mindfulness below! 

Mindfulness Practice for PreschoolersToday we will be like the tree, the wind and the sun.

Our body is like a tree. It grows, and it is strong.
Our breath is like the wind. It flows in and out.
And the sun is like the part of us that is warm and kind.

So let’s lower or close our eyes and sit tall like a tree. We extend our hands way out and stretch our fingers, like branches and leaves. Let’s squeeze our fingers together and then let go and feel them wiggle, like they are blowing in the wind.

And now, with the wind blowing, let’s be like the wind and take two big, slow breaths. Breathing in and breathing out, blowing out the wind. Breathing in and breathing out, blowing out the wind.

And now the sun comes out and warms the tree and the wind. As it shines on the tree, we feel our body. Can you feel fingers and feel your toes? What else can you feel—just by noticing? As the sun shines on the wind, we feel our body breathing. Can you feel your belly moving up and down? Can you feel the air flowing in and out of your beautiful body? With the sun up high in the sky, brightening and warming the whole world, you too can warm the world—with your kindness!

Think of someone who can use a little kindness—like your mom, dad, sister or brother. Your friend or your teacher. And as you think of them, wish for them, “May you be happy,” Mindfulness Practice for Preschoolersimagining them smiling like the sun. You deserve happiness too. So now wish for yourself, “May I be happy,” and smile like the sun.  As you smile like the sun, feel your body sitting tall like a tree and feel your breath blowing like the wind.

And then gently open your eyes and look around. You are amazing!   

Your children practicing mindfulness – enjoy!

Click here and listen to the audio of this great exercise

Click here to read the original article

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO POTTY TRAINING

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO POTTY TRAINING

Posted on by [email protected]

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO POTTY TRAINING

Adapted from: WeTheParents.org

Struggling to settle on the best potty training method?

The Ultimate Guide To Potty Training!

It can certainly be an overwhelming time, and getting a child out of diapers is something that most parents just want done.

Alas, there is no magic word or step-by-step guide that will work for everyone, every time.

However…there are several battle-tested potty training approaches that we’ll break down for you in this guide. Once you know what you’re working with, it’ll be easy to cherry-pick the best bits and create a bespoke method that will work for you and your family.

POTTY TRAINING READINESS

Many parents will find themselves introducing the concept of bathroom breaks when their kiddo is between 18 and 30 months old, but that doesn’t mean you should go out of your way to start on the younger side. You could strain the relationship between you and your child by pushing her too far from her comfort zone too soon!

Good luck! Remember when you’re child is ready to be potty trained it will be simple! 

Below you will find a few videos to guide you through potty training. Enjoy!

Here is a potty training readiness checklist for you so that you know with confidence when your child is ready for potty training.

FEEL FREE TO PRINT IT UP FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE!

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO POTTY TRAININGTHE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO POTTY TRAININGTHE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO POTTY TRAINING

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO POTTY TRAININGTHE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO POTTY TRAININGTHE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO POTTY TRAINING

 

 

 

 

 

PREPARING FOR POTTY TRAINING   

CHOOSING YOUR APPROACH

THE NO-NONSENSE 3-DAYS AND DONE APPROACH

EARLY POTTY TRAINING

https://youtu.be/4qu8KKYvOJg

Click here to read the original article with much more information!

Tips on Reading to Your Preschool Child

Tips on Reading to Your Preschool Child

Posted on by [email protected]

The early years are critical to developing a lifelong love of reading – you can’t start reading to a child too soon!

  • Read together every day. Read to your child every day. Make this a warm and loving time when the two of you can cuddle close together. Bedtime is an especially great time for reading together. 
  • Give everything a name. You can build comprehension skills early, even with the littlest child. Play games that involve naming or pointing to objects. Say things like, “Where’s your nose?” and then, “Where’s Mommy’s nose?” Or touch your child’s nose and say, “What’s this?”
  • Say how much you enjoy reading together. Tell your child how much you enjoy reading with him or her. Look forward to this time you spend together. Talk about “story time” as the favorite part of your day.
  • Read with fun in your voice. Read to your child with humor and expression. Use different voices for different characters.
  • Know when to stop. If your child loses interest or has trouble paying attention, just put the book away for a while. Don’t continue reading if your child is not enjoying it.  Reading Preschooler
  • Be interactive. Engage your child so he or she will actively listen to a story. Discuss what’s happening, point out things on the page, and answer your child’s questions. Ask questions of your own and listen to your child’s responses.
  • Read it again and again and again. Your child will probably want to hear a favorite story over and over. Go ahead and read the same book for the 100th time! Research suggests that repeated readings help children develop language skills.
  • Talk about writing, too. Draw your child’s attention to the way writing works. When looking at a book together, point out how we read from left to right and how words are separated by spaces.
  • Point out print everywhere. Talk about the written words you see in the world around you and respond with interest to your child’s questions about words. Ask him or her to find a new word every time you go on an outing.                        

Visit our YouTube Channel! Click here 

Videos stressing the importance of reading to your child

 

STEM Education – It’s Never Too Early

STEM Education – It’s Never Too Early

Posted on by [email protected]

STEM EducationWhat is STEM?

STEM is an acronym for SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING AND MATH. The STEM approach to teaching and learning integrates the curriculum content with skills of science, technology, engineering and math.

Many parents ask us what age we think it is appropriate to start teaching STEM to children. At A Children’s Carousel, we believe that it is never too early to start STEM education. Reasons are STEM Educationmany – a few being that

  • Young learners are naturally curious and questioning.
  • Early learners are natural scientists.
  • STEM education sparks a child’s interest in science, technology and math.
  • Foundations of scientific learning are inquiry and exploration; both are elements of STEM.
  • STEM encourages developmentally appropriate instruction as children explore the world around them.

STEM Education

For young children, we focus on STEM through EXPLORATION, PLAY, AND BUILDING CURIOSITY ABOUT THE NATURAL WORLD AND THE WAY THINGS WORK. For example, children learn about technology by exploring tools or simple machines and investigating how they work. These can be items they use every day like a pair of scissors, observing the wheels of a car, exploring at the park, watching a sunrise or by swimming in the ocean.

The research is quite clear that STEM education encourages the best practices in early childhood education. It shows the importance of breaking away from passive instruction to allow for more play and investigation. This kind of learning early in life builds skills, problem solving, abilities and interests that will serve children throughout their school years, and later in life. When discussing STEM-like education at home to their bi-lingual children, parents are encouraged to use both STEM Educationlanguages. In fact, research shows that bilingual children have greater mental flexibility, which may clarify math and in general many concepts.

STEM education integrated within early childhood education will tap into children’s natural curiosity and give them ample opportunities to be active participants in their own learning. Natural settings offer children almost unlimited opportunities to explore and investigate that leads to building STEM skills and creating a solid  foundation for future learning.

A Children’s Carousel is proud and privileged to have successfully incorporate STEM education into the Pre-K curriculum as well as afterschool. We encourage parents to continue this natural curious way of learning at home.

To read the original article please click here  To view more STEM related videos click here and here

Check out a few videos of our Pre-K at A Children’s Carousel engaged in STEM education!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Theme: Overlay by Kaira.  Website Design, Hosted & Maintained by FairBloom Marketing
1051 Shotgun Road Weston, Florida 33326
Call Us