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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

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!

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!

Mindfulness Practice for Preschoolers Connecting Kids to Nature

Mindfulness Practice for Preschoolers Connecting Kids to Nature

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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

Preschooler Reading Milestones

Preschooler Reading Milestones

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Daily reading for preschoolers is a critical part of their long-term reading success!

Adapted from PBS Family

Preschooler ReadingDuring the preschool years, many young children will be able to recite or sing the alphabet. They may begin to recognize familiar letters, especially letters in their own names. Children who have been read to frequently pretend to read books to themselves or to their toy dolls and animals. They use their own words or phrases from the story.       Preschooler Reading

Here are some tips for helping younger children become readers for life.

  • Read and reread your young child’s favorite books every day. Reading books with rhymes helps develop a child’s awareness of the sounds in our language. This ability is associated with reading success in the early grades. An example is in the book “Green Eggs and Ham ”. The repetitive refrain, “I do not like green eggs and ham. I do not like them Sam I am.” is memorable. Young children also delight in predictable books with memorable refrains.
  • Read books with a variety of characters. All children should have the opportunity to read books with characters that look and speak like them. At the same time, children also enjoy reading stories about fantastic characters, such as talking animals. These will stimulate their imagination and build on their love of pretend play.
  • Enjoy rhyming books together. Children enjoy books with rhyming patterns. Young children find the use of nonsense rhymes playful and fun. As you read, invite your child to fill in some of the rhyming words.
  • Point out the important features of a book as you read. Before you start reading, show your child the title and author on the front of the book. For example, you might say, “The title of this book is ‘Amazing Grace’. Then say, “It is written by Mary Hoffman and the pictures are by Caroline Birch.”
  • Point to each word with your finger as you read.  This demonstrates to your child that there is a one-to-one match between the spoken and written word. Also, it also draws your child’s attention to the link between the words you say and the words on the page. Therefore, pointing as you read also reinforces the concept that we read from top to bottom and from the left to the right.
  • Use stories to introduce your child to new words. Focusing on new vocabulary words increases reading comprehension. Thereby, promoting your child’s vocabulary development by drawing his attention to new or unusual words in the story. Most importantly, just have fun with these new words and help your child use them in real-life situations. An example of this would be, after learning “capsize” in a story, you can point out that the toy boat in your child’s bath has capsized and the animals are now in the water. Preschooler Reading

Click here  to read the original article and learn more about how preschoolers develop into readers through writing

Tips on Reading to Your Preschool Child

Tips on Reading to Your Preschool Child

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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

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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!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Ways to Teach Kids PATIENCE!

Three Ways to Teach Kids PATIENCE!

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Teach kTeach Kids Patienceids patience…three easy ways?

If your child wasn’t born to wait, you’re not alone. Good news is that patience is actually a skill you can teach. Teach Kids Patience

As mom’s and dad’s of young children, have you ever wondered if it’s possible to teach your toddler patience? First time parents, this will help you immensely in the years to come. For parents-of-a-few who really needs to teach this lesson, don’t worry, you’re covered too. Remember, building patience takes time and discipline not just for them, but for you too.

Does this seem impossible and easier said than done? Have no fear with consistency and determination it can be done – and it’s worth the effort!

The video below provides three simple and fun ways that you can do to teach kids patience! Enjoy!

Want to watch this video and others on YouTube? click here and here

Tips for Handling the First Days of Preschool

Tips for Handling the First Days of Preschool

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Tips for Handling the First Days of Preschool

Adapted from whattoexpect.com

TIPS TO MAKE THE FIRST DAYS OF PRESCHOOL AND THE DAYS AND WEEKS AHEAD A GREAT EXPERIENCE FOR YOUR LITTLE ONE AND FOR YOU

First Days PreschoolTIP 1: DON’T RUSH THROUGH THE MORNING.

Get everyone up at a reasonable hour so that you won’t have to hurry your child through breakfast or risk being late. After all, no one likes to race through the school morning routine – especially on the first days.

TIP 2: ARRIVE FASHIONABLY EARLY.

This way, your little one can slowly settle in before the real action starts. He’ll also get more face time with the teacher – which will be tougher to do once all the other kids are there.

TIP 3: BRING A COMFORT OBJECT.

If the preschool allows it, let your child bring along her favorite stuffed animal (or blanket, or whatever object does the trick) so the new setting doesn’t feel so scary. Before long, your child will feel comfortable, allowing her teacher to put the comfort object to the side.

TIP 4: PUT ON A HAPPY FACE.

Anxiety may be eating you up inside, but don’t let your child see it because nerves are highly contagious. When your child sees that you’re upbeat and you look confident – the transition from home to preschool will be smooth and he will feel upbeat and excited too.

TIP 5: HANG AROUND, BUT DON’T HOVER.

Many preschools let (or even encourage that) parents stay in the classroom for all or part of the first few days. If this is allowed, try to stay a bit – keeping a distance away from your child allowing her to explore her new surroundings. Your goal is to let the teacher take over so you can get on with your day.  First Days Preschool

TIP 6: KEEP GOOD-BYES SHORT AND SWEET.

When it’s time for you to make an exit, hold back your tears a little longer (smile!) give your new preschooler a hug, and let him know when you’ll be back (“I’ll pick you up after lunch” or whenever you plan on picking her up). Then leave and don’t linger because he can’t get on with his day until you do. Finally, no matter how tempting, never sneak out when your preschooler is looking the other way as it will make him feel insecure and less trusting.

First Days PreschoolJust remember, it’s common for kids to have a difficult time separating, however chances are she’ll be fine five minutes after you walk out the door. If it’s taking a while for your little one to adjust, don’t panic – our preschool teachers and their assistants have seen it all and they know just what to do, so ask his teacher for help. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at pickup seeing your child very happy and busy!

To read the original article click here

To watch a video click here

Help Your Child Develop Critical Thinking Skills

Help Your Child Develop Critical Thinking Skills

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Critical Thinking Development and Your Child

Adapted from Caroline Duda and Parenting Magazine

critical thinking Critical thinking skills, or for that matter much of early-childhood education takes place right at home, months or years before students begin preschool. Children learn to speak and to walk, to color and to cut with scissors as well as developing their critical thinking from the individuals around them. Children develop these important thinking skills as they learn to cooperate with their peers and when they learn to read short picture books independently.

Though critical thinking is emphasized in nearly every year of school — from pre-kindergarten to college or graduate school — it is a skill that parents can begin to introduce to their children from a young age. It is even less tricky than a term like “critical thinking” might imply. Here are three ways you can foster critical thinking skills in your student:

1. ENCOURAGE QUESTIONS OF THE WORLD YOUR CHILD:“Why?” To the parents of small children, this question may seem persistent and — at times — frankly annoying. Questioning the world around her might be one of her first ventures into critical 
thinking. While it may be frustrating to hear a small voice ask, “Why?” when you tell your child to put her shoes on or to tell her what to wear in the morning, you can transform this moment into one that enriches critical thinking skills in your child. When your child asks “why?” instead of answering, you might ask, “Why do we wear shoes?” or “What do shoes protect your feet from?” Questions that begin with how, what or why are often best for these discussions with your child, as they encourage critical thinking or answers outside of “Yes,” or “No.”

2. RESIST THE URGE TO SOLVE PROBLEMS FOR YOUR CHILD:

Although we naturally jump to protecting our children and students, especially when they are distressed. However, allowing your students to solve their own problems — assuming they are not in any danger — can exercise their critical thinking muscles. An example of this can be in this scenario: you and your family are at the beach, and your child would like to build a sandcastle. Unfortunately, you forgot your shovel and bucket at home. While you could suggest that your child use a drinking cup or hands and solve the problem, challenging a child to solve the problem without your help can create an even better response. Your child may come to a solution that you had not thought of, like borrowing a bucket from the family beside you – thereby sharpening critical thinking skills. Remember to praise your child for the fabulous critical thinking answer!

critical thinking3. PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR CREATIVITY AND FREE PLAY: 

Critical thinking is closely linked to creativity and problem solving. Times of free play, also known as unstructured play, is both easy to create and is a rich source of problem solving using critical thinking. With free play, your child selects the toy to play with and allows your child to decide what to do. For example, if LEGO’s is the toy of choice allow your child to use deep thinking skills to create and build a hospital, a school or a home. These creations will increase your child’s imagination while considering what these items look like in reality. Creative activities like dance, sports, music and painting can also introduce your child to new ways of thinking, and these new ways of thinking can, in turn, will deepen critical thinking capabilities. This will lead to the ultimate educational goal; that being success in school.

To read the original article please click here 

 

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