Children learn to write with real life opportunities that mean something to them.  In our classrooms there is paper and pencils in every center, that way the child can decide to make a note or drawing at any time, when they think of it, meaning it is more meaning... Read More

Read to them! That simple, that easy, that powerful. Parents are children’s first and most influential teachers.  Reading is one of the earliest shared experiences between parent and child. Children learn to read by being read to.  Research shows that children that are read to, are much more likely to love... Read More

“Praise junkie” sounds negative. Intrinsic or extrinsic reward?  Do we want our children to strive to do better or to accomplish something for themselves or for others? I think the universal answer to this question would be to work to please themselves and to be proud of themselves.  Ultimately it... Read More

All children make mistakes and do things we wish they wouldn’t. Often the child does not realize they have done something wrong.  If they know it and apologize, they may not even know what it truly means, but we feel better when they say, “I’m sorry.”  When they don’t... Read More

Every parent wants to raise a confident child. All children are different. They have different personalities and temperaments. As parents, we tend to worry and even be embarrassed by our less outgoing, more reserved children. Have you ever heard yourself introduce your child by saying who he/she is and then when... Read More

We practice yoga at the preschool – there are so many benefits for young children. By practicing yoga poses, children learn how to exercise, develop confidence, and concentrate better. The popularity of yoga can be attributed to the basic stretching advantages and improved body awareness, with the added component of the... Read More

There isn’t a person around who doesn’t think we need to praise our children.  The decision to praise is not at issue, it is how we praise. Think of this example, which is more meaningful to you? Which sends the message that the praiser is really engaged with the experience. “Wow,... Read More

Any major change in a child’s life can lead to stress.  Children have not yet learned to regulate their behaviors, and changes to the world as they know it can really change their perceptions of their world and what they know of their life. Common sources of stress involve... Read More

Playdoh, every parents’ nightmare, every child’s dream.  Playdoh is such fun for children.  As a parent, I know how much trouble it can be, playdoh in the cracks of your hardwood floors, and in your carpet, ugh. Despite the challenges, the rewards for your child will outweigh the difficulties for... Read More