Family Preschool Learning

Strategies on Early Childhood and Development During the Preschool Years

2010-09-24T13:15:00.000-07:00

What is the importance of a preschool education?

A great preschool education is essential for the development during early childhood. Thinking skills which will be necessary for the child's entire life are developed during this phase of their lives. Research has shown that one of the factors for an adult not being able to think "ahead" and see certain consequences in situations is a lack of adequate learning activities in their early childhood years.

Many adults make wrong decisions simply because of a lack of capacity to look beyond the immediate situation. They affect other people negatively around them because of their unthoughtful actions. "Grown ups" that have these problems usually didn't have these learning opportunities in their early childhood. Educational experiences in preschool help develop logical thinking skills that will be used in many situations in adulthood.

It's important to know the difference between how younger and older children learn.

Teaching small children is very different from teaching older children.

Many adults who don't understand how small children think, feel frustrated when they can't relate to them. This is due to the fact that little kids have not yet had the experiences to be able to develop connections between their thoughts and organize them better. Older children have already developed their ability to interlink and relate thoughts because they have experienced many things and have been able to develop language. They have understood how one thing affects another. This is why early childhood education has to be taught differently from children of other ages.

Younger children learn best starting with concrete objects.

The ability to see beyond and understand consequences is a cognitive ability that needs to be developed. The foundation to develop this capacity later on in life is laid down in preschool. Children do not understand things like adults do. They need be able to first relate to the concrete. When children play with various physical objects and are stimulated in their thinking, they are able to understand cause and effect, spatial relationships, and classifications. Adequate preschool activities also stimulate various abilities such as creativity and language skills.

"Lectures" are not the best strategy for teaching preschool kids.

Small children do not yet have the cognitive skills to benefit from lectures.
Their attention span is very short. And they don't yet have their language developed to be able to accompany a long "teaching time". Traditional "sit there and listen to me speak" kind of classes will not be positive for any child in their early developmental phases. There is a time to explain things and "teach" but it definitely can not take more than 15 minutes when kids are very young.

Using adequate age appropriate learning activities are essential for early childhood development.

A great way to develop thinking skills and other cognitive abilities in children is to provide many positive and fun learning activities. Games and hands on experiences will benefit them the most.

Here is a list of some positive learning experiences for young kids:

creating sculptures with playdough
playing in the sand
building blocks
putting puzzles together
painting
cut and glue activities
playing memory games
miniature toys
kitchen play
listening to a short story
puppetry

By understanding how a small child thinks, teachers and parents can adapt their teaching to the preschool age. Much more can be accomplished in the developmental growth of preschool children.

Eren Mckay is a work at home mom to 3 boys who loves to create fun resources like penguin lesson plans and ideas for decorating gingerbread men.

Hands-On Learning Games - Improve Your Preschooler's Thinking Skills

2010-09-24T13:05:00.000-07:00

You can improve your preschooler's ability to think creatively by playing "Secret Square." You can also make this game at home inexpensively with just a few materials.

One of the best ways to help your child learn to exercise his thinking skills, is to give him open-ended problems that require him to consider possible solutions. While some children find it easy to free associate, often coming up with their own unique solutions, others have a hard time when the answer isn't fed to them or is not immediately obvious.

This game, although based on a traditional 20 questions format, is helpful for children like this since it uses a picture that serves as a visual clue, and helps them to stay on the right track.

Materials:

You will need pictures of items in common categories: food, transportation, clothing, tools, animals, toys, and furniture are basic categories you can use for a beginner. You will need about five pictures for each category.

Glue each picture to a piece of heavy cardboard or plastic.

You will also need a coin or colored disc.

How to Play:

Variation One:

Mix up the cards. Lay the cards face-up. Have the child close their eyes, and place the coin or counter directly under the card that you choose. Your child needs to guess where the secret counter is. For example, if you placed the counter under an ice-cream cone, your child will need to guess where you hid it, but he is only allowed to ask indirect questions.

For example, he can ask: "Is it something you wear?"

If the answer is no, then he needs to turn over all the things you wear. This part of the game is nice since it sneaks in a little categorization as well.

If the answer is yes, then he turns over all the things that you don't wear. He must then ask more specific questions, like "is it something you wear in the winter?" The only restriction is that the child may not ask directly, "Is it a chair?"

When the child locates the secret counter, then he is the winner, and he gets to place the counter under one of the cards, while you guess.

Would you like to try out two different, harder versions of this hands-on learning game? Visit http://teachingthefuture.net for additional variations on this unique game.

Free Fire Safety Power Point Presentations

2010-09-18T15:22:00.000-07:00

Getting lesson plans and resources together can be tough for the homeschooler and all teachers in general. If you’ve been looking for some quality resources for fire safety, you may want to check out these free fire safety presentations from Petes Power Point Station. There are also special sections for kids and teachers so you are bound to find some great downloadables, games, and ideas for lesson plans or blog posts.

When you visit, be prepared to spend a while looking around. They cover loads of other topics and are a great resource for anyone who works with kids!

*Note: these presentations are for personal/non-profit use only

Fun Paper Crafts You Can Do With Five Year Old Children

2010-09-04T19:53:00.000-07:00

Here is a fun paper craft project that you can do with five year old children. You may use recycling papers like old news paper, junk mail, old magazines or brown paper that you ultimately toss away. This way it becomes an earth-friendly project that enhances children's awareness about ecology and re using materials to create something new.

Today we are going to make paper beads.

Materials needed:

*Strips of paper cut into 3"x1" triangles with the two sides equal. For older kids this does not need to be done by adults but for five years it may be needed.

*Glue stick

*Dowel - I used wooden bar-b-queue skewers broken into two pieces, tooth picks, and wooden pencils for this purpose with varying results in shapes.

*A plastic mat or something to work on ( to save the table top).

Procedure:

1. Take one piece of paper triangle and lay on the mat.

2. Apply a bit of glue rolling the glue stick on the pointy (apex) part of the triangle.
Show them how you need only a little bit to use and how you roll down the glue stick and close the cap.

3. Take your dowel and starting from the wide base part of the triangle roll the triangle all the way up to the point where you put the glue. Make sure the glue sticks nicely. Roll a couple of times with your fingers to make a smooth cylindrical bead.

4. Gently slide off the bead from the dowel.

Some people at this point like to brush a mixture of one part clear glue with three parts water solution to give the beads a smooth feel and extra strength. Some like to brush clear nail polish for the same reason or spray sealant to give that polish.

I found at that point kids just want to hold the beads they just created, posses them and show off their art, so I do not bother for the polish.

You may ask the children if they want to make necklaces or bracelets with them. In that case give them some yarn to string and show them how to string and tie at the end.

Variation:

• Give various colored paper strips of paper and show them the color wheel.Discuss with kids what combination of colors they will choose to make a necklace or bracelet piece?
• Change the size of the strips and the resulting shapes of the beads will change
• Change the dowel- it will give a very different shape and size from when a pencil is used.

Extension:

Talk about the history of paper beads. In Victorian times women used to spend time making these paper beads leisurely in their parlors using the remnants of wall papers.

Share the story how during the Art Deco movement paper bead jewelry became so popular. What is the Art Deco movement? Paper beads in Africa can be another topic to discuss.

You may talk about recycling and how we can make art reusing the things we otherwise would throw away. Why is it important?

Purpose:

This project enhances fine motor skills in children.

Their eye hand co-ordination, concentration, social skills, language and new vocabulary will get better.

It stimulates their early math awareness and lays a foundation in geometry.

It raises their awareness of other cultures, appreciation of art, self esteem and emotional intelligence.

Most of all they will have fun with this fun paper craft project and their pride and delight will make you feel good.

To see more paper bead project check http://www.bead-z-mommys-business.com/April-Crafts.html

Dita Basu, a Montessori teacher and mom writes in her web site http://www.bead-z-mommys-business.com/ She taught Early Childhood classes in Saint Mary's College,CA and gave several Parent Education workshops through out the last twenty years. Her web site is for the work at home jewelry artist moms who work so hard for their art, parenting and home business all at the same time.

Let the Children Play

2010-09-04T19:49:00.000-07:00

How much time do you purposefully spend playing with your six month to six year old child? Believe it or not over the last two decades child's play has decreased 50%. However, years of research has shown that during early childhood stages of growth, children develop skills that they can only get through play. Early childhood play is also crucial to the physical, intellectual, and social-emotional development at all ages, especially from six months to six years of age.

The decline of early childhood play can be linked to the pressures that have been place on educators and parents mainly through policy makers that early academics will lead to a greater success in life. Although some studies conclude that some children may benefit from a greater diet of academics than play, it is not true in most cases. Some of the problems that research has discovered in the study of academia vs play is that the lack of self-initiated forms of play, imaginative play, the development of social skills and loving interactive play have actually resulted in a higher level anxiety and negative attitudes in children. Research also reveals that children who have had a large portion of play time removed from their daily schedule and have had it replaced with academic studies, in most incidences, show little to no advantages in reading and math achievement over children who have a fair amount of daily play time.

Another thing to consider, play is motivated by pleasure not pressure and it cannot be legislated because it is a natural response that opens the door to early childhood development. This is where educational toys play a major role in both academic and play time for children. Educational toys provide a venue for children to expand their imagination, enhance their motor shills, increase their curiosity, stimulate their creativity, and promote learning while having fun. They also promote interaction between adults and children. Research shows that learning is enhanced when adults participate in daily play with children.

As children play, their young minds are stimulated which encourages them to interact and explore the world around them. Their play is actually preparing them for future tasks and adulthood. Another benefit of introducing educational toys into a child's daily play time during their early years is that they can provide the stimulation and experiences that create a foundation of learning and growing.

Play gives children a chance to practice what they are learning....They have to play with what they know to be true in order to find out more, and then they can use what they learn in new forms of play.

--Fred Rogers of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood

A Plus Educational Toys is committed to helping children have fun while they learn and grow as well as providing parents/caregivers tools to make this happen. With over 30 years of experience in child development, early childhood education, we offer you expert advice and guidance choosing age appropriate, creative educational toys for your child. Our award winning toys are made in the USA and are preferred most by doctors, parents, grandparents, educators and caregivers. For more information and to view our products, come visit us at...

http://www.apluseducationaltoys.com/

Maureen Rigg's Blog: Children are Wonderful

2010-07-13T19:17:00.000-07:00

Maureen Rigg's Blog: Children are Wonderful

Fourth of July Fun for the Family - Associated Content - associatedcontent.com

2010-06-28T09:15:00.000-07:00

Plan on hosting a Fourth of July party? Then be prepared to provide lots of fun activities for your guests; there's a long wait before the fireworks big event

Fourth of July Fun for the Family - Associated Content - associatedcontent.com

America Preschool Theme

2010-06-26T22:45:00.000-07:00

America Preschool Theme, USA Preschool Activities

Introduce your preschoolers to the USA with this America Preschool Theme.
Publish Date: 06/14/2010 7:03
http://www.shirleys-preschool-activities.com/america-preschool-theme.html

Drip-Free Jello Popsicles Recipe

2010-06-26T22:44:00.000-07:00

Fun Learning Activities for Preschoolers and Kids » Blog Archive ...

Make Your Own Granola: Perfect Toddler Cooking Activity I got this idea from chatting with Kellie, from Chicks... Making Pancake Letters: Let your preschooler cook breakfast! My son loves being a helper and was thrilled when. ...
Publish Date: 06/25/2010 8:10
http://quirkymomma.com/2010/make-jello-popsicles/

Preschool Bible Crafts

2010-05-15T17:04:00.000-07:00

If you are teaching a preschool Bible class for church, you have a challenging job. Keeping the attention of preschoolers is definitely difficult at times. However, one of the best ways to keep them interested is to use some preschool Bible crafts. It's a wonderful way that you can take your Bible lessons and reinforce them with crafts they enjoy and understand. You can teach your class more about the Bible and God with great crafts. Even if you are just trying to teach your kids about the Bible at home, these crafts make excellent options as well. Here are some exciting and unique preschool Bible crafts that preschoolers are sure to love.

The Box of Bad Attitudes

Are you teaching your preschoolers about having the right attitudes? If so, then the box of bad attitudes is a wonderful craft that you'll definitely want to consider making. You'll need some small boxes, markers, ribbons, and construction paper. Have the children in your class decorate the small boxes the way they want and glue on a small sign that names it "Mary's Box of Bad Attitudes." You can even make a list of contents that goes on the bottom on the small box. Have them write bad attitudes on the pieces of construction paper and add them to their box. Let them know that putting the attitude in the box is better than having bad attitudes themselves.

Bible Promises Can

If you are teaching your preschoolers about special verses in the Bible that are promises and looking for preschool Bible crafts to go along, this makes an excellent craft. You'll need a Pringles can, glue, markers, extra paper, and 8x11" white paper. The paper can be wrapped around the can and glued to stay, and then kids can decorate their wrapper, labeling it "Promises." Allow the kids to color and decorate their can. Print out Bible promises or help them write out special promises and have them roll them up and place them in their promise can.

Great Bible Verse Bookmarks

More than likely you have Bible verses that you go over each work with the preschoolers. Well, why not use that for your preschool Bible crafts as well. Simply print out some templates of bookmarks from the internet and write the short Bible verse on the bookmark. Then you can simply allow the kids to color the bookmarks while you talk about the Bible verse and help them to learn it. If you have the time, laminate the bookmarks for the kids so that they will last. All you'll need for this activity is some scissors, paper, a printer and templates, as well as crayons or other instruments for coloring, and possibly contact paper.

As you can see, there are so many different great preschool Bible crafts out there for use in the classroom at church, school, or even in your own home. Using crafts is a wonderful way to teach your kids more about God and you'll be able to help them understand even more when you use crafts in this way. So, if you are looking for some great crafts, consider these options and the many other great preschool crafts that are out there

Selvi is a busy mom of two small daughters who is based in Penang, Malaysia. Check out more Bible crafts here: http://www.amazing-preschool-activities.com/preschool-bible-crafts.html. For ideas on easy and fun filled preschool activities, original kids coloring pages, easy preschool craft ideas, lots of free preschool printables, kids party ideas, awesome preschool graduation ideas, preschool online games and more, visit http://www.amazing-preschool-activities.com - Copyright: you may freely republish this article, provided the text, author credit, the active links and this copyright notice remain intact.

9 Ways to Prevent a Meltdown -- Your Kid's and Yours, Too

2010-02-17T09:45:00.000-08:00

9 Ways to Prevent a Meltdown -- Your Kid's and Yours, Too

Book Review "Equally Shared Parenting"

2010-02-15T08:08:00.000-08:00

Bloggers and authors Marc and Amy Vachon officially entered the mainstream in 2008 when their parenting philosophy was featured in The New York Times Magazine by parenting writer Lisa Belkin. The Vachons' new book, "Equally Shared Parenting," is an attempt to correct the notion that couples should spend their time tallying who did what while advancing the idea that a 50-50 split of duties is more obtainable than parents might think.
Engaging guide offers ways parents can share and share alike

Valentine's Day Arts And Crafts Projects

2010-02-03T14:18:00.000-08:00

For this fun and easy Valentine’s Day art project, all that you need is some different colors of construction paper, safety-scissors, glue, and maybe some googly eyes.

First of all, teach your students how to cut out a heart. The best method is to fold a piece of paper in half, and then cut out a slanted “J” shape on the fold. Unfold the paper, and you have a heart! Of course, this is only the beginning of the craft. Have your students cut out as many hearts, of different sizes and colors as they can (to their heart’s desire, so to speak).

Now, have your students take those hearts and see what sorts of animals they can make out of them. For instance, students can take lots of small hearts and glue them all together, one on top of the other, in a line (wiggly or straight), and they have a worm. Take two giant hearts (with smaller hearts glued to them for added decoration) and glue the points of the hearts to either side of the “worm,” add some antennae, and they have a caterpillar who has just turned into beautiful butterfly.

A heart folded in half makes a great body for a mouse. Two sideways hearts of different sizes, points together make a great body and tail of a fish. Two upside down hearts, one stacked over the point of the other, make a great head and body of a cat, dog, or another animal. Spice up your Valentine’s Day crafts with a pair of googly eyes. See what your students can come up with. It is amazing how creative they can be!

Valentine's Day art projects and crafts – VALENTINE’S DAY CARD BOXES

· Friendly box Valentine card holder

o To make this Valentine’s Day art project, you need a box (preferably a shoe box or a box of that size), some colored construction paper, cardboard, scissors, and some glue.

o Have an adult cut a clot in the box lid for the Valentine’s Day cards to be inserted through, and then wrap up the box in colored paper.

o Cut out an animal’s head and shoulders from the construction paper and glue it to the piece of cardboard. Add a fun face to the animal. Now glue the animal to the back of the box, with the face facing towards the front.

o Gut out some arms for your animal and have them wrap around the box, so it looks like your animal is holding or hugging the box.

· Paper plate Valentine card holder

o You need: two paper plates, a hole punch, yarn, and markers.

o To make this Valentine’s Day craft, first decorate the bottoms of your paper plates how ever you want.

o Next, put your two paper plates together (tops facing in).

o Take your hole punch and punch holes every inch or so along the edges of the paper plates for ¾ the circumference of the paper plates.

o Take the yarn and weave it in and out of the holes, “sewing” the two plates together.

o The slot left at the top is where the Valentines can be inserted.

Valentine's Day art projects and crafts – POEM PUZZLE

Have your students cut out a large heart from a piece of heavy paper. Next, have them write a fun Valentine’s Day poem on the heart for one of their classmates. Have them decorate the heart however they want. Then, have them cut up their hearts into 10 or so puzzle pieces and give the heart to a classmate and have them put it together. This is a fun idea for a Valentine’s Day card, as well.

Valentine's Day art projects and crafts – MOUSE KISS

This is a fun, cute, and sweet Valentine’s Day craft. Have your students cut out a small pink heart, then glue 2 Hershey kisses to the heart, one on each side. The top of the heart makes the mouse’s hears. Leave in the Hershey kiss paper in the back heart to act as the tail. Take it out of the front Hershey kiss. Use a very small pom pom to glue on as the nose, with thread whiskers beneath it. Glue googly eyes on either side of the nose. Voila! You have a mouse kiss. Just be careful with the glue – do not use much and make sure that glue touches only the tin foil and not the chocolate. Messy mice should only be looked at and not eaten.

Anne Clarke writes numerous articles for websites on gardening, parenting, fashion, and home decor. Her background includes teaching and gardening. For more of her articles on holiday arts and crafts, please visit Homeroom Teacher.

3 Great Valentine Crafts For Kids

2010-02-02T14:16:00.000-08:00

Valentine’s Day is just a few short weeks away. Get in the spirit by making some fun Valentine’s crafts with your kids. Use them to decorate the house, or make little cards that your child can exchange with friends and family. This is also a great time to talk about the people that are important to your child like grandparents and friends at school. Teach your child the importance of showing these people how much she likes them. Make a special card for each of them together, then mail them or hand-deliver the cards together.

Heart-Shaped Cards

Fold a piece of construction paper in half and trace a large heart on it. Draw the heart so one side touches on the folded side of the construction paper. Cut the heart out, being careful to keep the folded area intact. This makes a foldout heart-shaped card. Let your child decorate the card with markers, stickers, glitter and cutouts from magazines. When she is done, help her write a note for the recipient of the card inside. Stick the card in an envelope and it is ready to be mailed or handed out.

Valentine Collage

Start with a large sheet of paper or construction paper. Grab some old magazines and the advertisements out of this week’s paper. Look for anything Valentine’s Day related, such as hearts, flowers, and candies. Have your child create a Valentine Collage with these magazine cutouts, then use markers, crayons and stickers to further decorate it. Hang the finished collage up – it makes a great Valentine’s Day decoration.

Heart Garland or Banner

If you’d like to decorate even more for Valentine’s Day, make a heart banner or garland. Cut heart shapes out of red and pink construction paper or craft foam. Use a hole-punch to make a hole in each side of the heart. Then use pink ribbon to tie all the heart together into a garland.

If you’d like to personalize this banner, take a marker or pen and help your child write the names of the people she loves in each of the hearts. This also makes a cute classroom craft with each child writing their own name on one of the hearts.

Are you and your child ready for some more fun Valentine’s Day Crafts? Here are a few more cute craft ideas for you from Kinderinfo.com:

http://www.kinderinfo.com/crafts/easy-valentine-craft.htm

http://www.kinderinfo.com/crafts/valentine-card-craft.htm

http://www.kinderinfo.com/crafts/valentine-cookie-cutter-craft.htm

While you’re there, take a moment to sign up for the free newsletter.

Fun Valentines Day Sweet Treats

2010-02-01T14:13:00.000-08:00

Children love to decorate for all holidays and they love to help out in the kitchen and make crafts.
The following cover all three of these areas for some special family fun!

Valentines Day Popcorn Cake

1 cup butter
32 marshmallows
16 cups popped popcorn
1 cup conversation heart candy
1 cup chocolate covered peanuts
1 cup red hot candies

Melt butter and marshmallows in a large heavy pan over low
heat. Stir often.
Put popcorn into large pan. Pour marshmallow mixture over
top. Stir and mix well. Add peanuts and candy. Mix together.

Put mixture into a well greased angel food cake pan or cake
pan. The deeper the pan the better the cake will look when you
place it on your cake plate.

Valentines Day Candy House

Get your family together and make these adorable Valentines
Day houses.

Each person will need the following:
a sturdy paper plate to sit their house on,
a small square box such as a pint size milk or juice carton
enough graham crackers to cover their boxes

Everyone will need easy access to the following:
Melted white chocolate to use for glue
Arrangement of bowls of candies and other edible decorations
such as:
Conversation hearts, chocolate kisses, pretzels, red, pink &
white sprinkles, colored sugars, red hots, coconut,

How to Put the House Together:
Simply paint the crackers and the box with the melted white
chocolate and put the crackers where you want them on the
house in order to cover it. For the roof it is easier to
just lay the graham cracker down flat instead of trying to
angle 2 together for the roof.

Then use the melted chocolate to adhere the candies to the
house.
Sprinkle with powdered sugar for a frosting of light snow.

Display your Valentines Day town for all to see.
Don't forget to get some pictures of the cute houses and the
fun time making them.

Angela Billings is the founder of Home and Family Ezine http://www.homeandfamilyezine.com/

Preschool Painting and Art Activities Video

2010-01-31T15:06:00.000-08:00

Here is a great video with lots of ideas for paint activities for preschoolers and little kids.

Are You Over-Programming Your Young Child?

2010-01-31T14:12:00.000-08:00

With the busy lives that families lead today, it’s hard enough to find time to enjoy dinner together or spend even the simplest weekend as a family. Not only do both parents work, but young children find themselves over-scheduled to the point of exhaustion. Little kid’s days are spent running from preschool or play groups to several extra curricular activities that in previous decades didn’t become a regular activity until elementary school.

Daily scheduled activities that require little kids to be taxied from one place to another with little time to stop and eat can create what is known as an over-programmed child. Yes, play groups and lessons can be fun and the children make friends and learn new things, but left unchecked, over-programming a child can actually slow down their emotional development.

Are you over-programming your young child by scheduling too many activities for them? Are you taking them to too many lessons and group activities because you think they enjoy them or because you think it’s helpful for them and that’s what good parents do? Dr. David Elkind, author of ‘The Hurried Child’ feels that early pushing of children has no known beneficial effects on a child’s future school performance, and may in fact produce adverse psychological attitudes toward learning.

What are some signs that your child may be experiencing over-programming and what can be done to remedy the problem?

First of all, look for the obvious sign of unwillingness to attend activities that your child may have previously enjoyed. Secondly, is your little boy or girl getting enough sleep and are they grumpy upon waking? Another tell-tale sign of over-programming in little kids is if your child exhibits behavior problems such as frequent temper tantrums when they used to be an easy going kid?

Often, parents are so over-extended time wise themselves that they fail to see the obvious warning signs that their child may be doing too much. Unfortunately, many times the schedules become ingrained in the family plan, making it harder for parents to implement much needed changes.

For your young child’s sake, however, if you see any of the warning signs of over-programming, the first step toward fixing the problem is admitting that there is one and that changes must happen. Sit down with your family and take a long look at which activities to stick with and which ones to end. If your child is very young and not enjoying the event anyway, they’ll be less reluctant to give it up. Decide which extra curricular they truly enjoy, which is their favorite, and keep that one.

Young children who become over-programmed need more family time, time to just play and be little kids. They’ll benefit greatly from learning to think for themselves rather than be told what to do and when to do it at every turn, and you’ll create bonds by increasing special family time.

Learn more about toddler behavior and find fun toddler play and learning activities at ‘Family Play and Learn’ familyplayandlearn.com and ‘Toddler Learning Activities’ toddlerlearningactivities.blogspot.com

Thumbsucking, Hair-Twirling and Other Comfort Habits

2010-01-30T14:09:00.000-08:00

Do you have a thumbsucking child? A hair-twirler? Or has your sweet little one picked up a different comfort habit altogether?

Are you fine with this? Or is it driving you crazy? More importantly, should you ignore their habit or should you take action?

All four of my children sucked their thumbs when they were little. For most of them, it was a difficult habit to break. Clearly the habit was for comfort and became more so as they grew.

The question for most parents becomes (as it did for me), what's wrong with a comfort habit? Your children need to do *something* for comfort, don't they? Or are these habits that feel so good actually hurting them...does thumbsucking cause teeth problems, for example?

If you do an online search for these habits, you'll see there is no shortage of information or advice concerning them. In fact, it's downright confusing.

Given this confusion, ignoring these habits and hoping they will go away on their own is certainly one option. But what are the consequences of this course of action? In my own family, for two of my children, ignoring their thumbsucking resulted in thousands of dollars of orthodontic treatment. (Note - this is not always the result of thumbsucking, but was in these cases.) With a third child, we took definitive action, learned a lot, and helped her break her thumbsucking habit before damage to her teeth occurred. Another of our children broke the habit fairly easily when he weaned himself from his favorite blanket.

To help you decide what to do, you'll need to discover how deeply ingrained these habits are. A mild habit might more easily be released by your child when you ignore the behavior and distract her with more interesting activities.

However, let's face it. If you're reading this article, you probably have already tried that and discovered your child's comfort habit is fairly well ingrained.

Another option is to decisively take action to stop these habits. This can range from simple awareness to detailed plans, including working with health care professionals, in order to help your child move forward.

If you decide you want to take productive action, now what? Well, what are the situations in which your child uses his comfort habit? Does he thumbsuck mostly when he's bored? Is the hair-twirling mostly when she's nervous? By doing a little simple detective work, you can learn a lot about your child's individual needs and use that information to your advantage.

For example, if boredom is the culprit, you can teach your little one to tell you he is bored instead of using his comfort habit. You can provide him with interesting activities designed to challenge his brain and keep his hands busy. You can even set up a simple chart (that's what we did), so as to track success and build confidence. Form a team with him so he knows he can trust you with this sensitive issue. Like anything else, this requires practice and patience.

No matter what method you choose to use to help your child, you'll want to keep in mind the following. Your child genuinely needs the comfort angle of these habits. A child who has learned to comfort herself in a reasonable way has learned something very important. The trick is to help your child make a transition using a new 'comfort tool' that the two of you decide on together.

But the child should know that comforting herself is a good thing and you are happy she is taking good care of herself.

You'll notice none of these ideas include yelling or embarrassing your child. Those methods get employed out of frustration (usually on the part of the parent) and they simply don't work long-term. If you use such methods regularly, you are sure to drive the comfort habit underground and help to more deeply ingrain it. And that's not the response you're looking for.

So be patient. Use some detective work to discover new and healthier comfort habits for your young one. Get on their team and show them the vital life skill of exchanging a beloved, but challenging habit for a better one. Celebrate their successes no matter how small or how long it takes.

Helping your child manage thumbsucking, hair-twirling and other childhood comfort habits is an important part of your positive family relationship.

Colleen Langenfeld has been parenting for over 26 years and helps other moms enjoy mothering more at www.paintedgold.com . Visit her website and get more tips on handling thumbsucking today.

Perfection in Children

2010-01-29T14:08:00.000-08:00

I noticed that there is a great change in parents’ attitude towards their child when their child starts schooling.

I have seen so many parents from a playmate to the child changed into a disciplinary master. Rather, even before they put on their school uniform for the first time, the child has probably noticed a big change in their parents’ behaviour.

Its no longer,”yes, child, what do you want? what would you like? would you like to do this or that?”

It has become,”child, sit here…. do this…. do that….. hold the pencil the right way….. why are you eating with your left hand….sit up right….why is your line crooked…draw a straight line….don’t colour outside the picture….and the complain list goes on….” And these complaints were voiced out either at the top of the parents’ voice or in a scolding manner. Do you really need to raise your voice?

Every-time I see such a scene, one big question (to the parents) always comes to my mind :‘Were you that perfect when you were at that age?’

Children learn as they grow, their skills improve as time passes, practice makes perfect, right? So what’s the hurry? Why do these parents expect their child to do the perfect stroke the very first time they write their first number or first alphabet? Or expect the child to get a score of 95/100 for every examination paper. To me, its ridiculous.

After so many years, and now that I am a parent of 2 myself, I finally understand why parents pressurize their kids so much when they are about to start school. The list below is true and scary to me, I often remind myself never to fall into the trap:

Parents do not want their child to appear more stupid than other children in class. Parents do not want their child to feel inferior in class. Parents wants to be proud of their child, so the child must be the best in class. Parents worry that their child may not be promoted to the next level. Finally, parents want to hear praises (not on the child) about them, how well they have trained their child.

Your child will never appear stupid in-front of anyone, unless you feel he is stupid. Your child will not feel inferior unless someone did a comparison, are you the one that is actually making him feel inferior because you compared him with someone else? How you feel about him matters more than anyone in the world.

Your child should always be the pride of your life, for the simple reason, he is your child; not because he did well in school or came in first in any competition. What about children who are born handicap? Their parents still feel proud of them. Just because they are their kids.

If your child’s limit has reached and he still fails to be promoted to the next level, there is nothing you can do. Academic results are not everything. There are alot of successful people or even millionaires who were once a school drop-out. Academic results do not equal to success in life. Train your child to have a mind to succeed in life not just on papers.

All the above expectations on their child is a result of the parents’ pride, their own pride. Seriously, there are so many parents out there who have unfulfilled wishes and they want their child to fulfill their wishes for them with unrealistic expectations on the poor child. Its a sad truth and its still happening.

Dear parents….‘Patience’ is the word. Some kids learn faster, some kids just happens to be slower. Even a rubber-band has its limits. Overstretch it and it snaps. Its the same for children. When that happens, its really difficult to get the child to love school work or even feel like going to school again. Do you know when to release your grip? Give the child some space to breathe.

So often we read in the newspapers, children at a young age, committed suicide just because they received their examination result slip and the results were not as good as the target set by the parents. Imagining that they will be scolded or beaten up, their little minds just decided to give up their precious life.

We do best in whatever we love to do. If the parents do not cultivate a love for school or a love to learn in their child, the child will just do the needed-to-do homework without absorbing it. Hence when it comes to the examination period, he will not do as well as he should have because the love for it is not there; when there is no love, there is no memory.

After teaching so many children in my life, be it during the days in the child care centre or personal tutoring, everything goes back to the basic : “How much do you understand the child? What is his learning capability? What will make him want to learn more? What is his limit?”

Your child is perfect, when he is perfect in your heart. Do you really understand your child well enough?

Angeline Foong Wai Leng is a mother of 2 boys. She grew up in a family of violence and financial difficulty. During her teenage years, she helped out in child care centre,where she learn several useful tactics in handling children of different ages. Her passion is to help parents realize that understanding their child makes parenting frustration free...and more at allaboutyourchild.com

Using Object Lessons with Preschoolers

2010-01-27T14:06:00.000-08:00

Teaching can be a challenge, and that is especially true when you have preschoolers. A classroom full of preschoolers can be a daunting task. You must keep them under control, keep them safe and happy and try to squeeze in your weekly Sunday school lesson as well. You know that preschoolers have short attention spans, so you will want to make the most out of your lessons. One way to do this is through object lessons. What are object lessons? Read on to learn more.

Object lessons are classroom lessons that use something physical to show the consequences of certain behaviors. Or in other words, these lessons are used to serve as an example about certain behaviors. These are often quite effective when teaching Bible lessons during Sunday schools. Children are often visual learners and reading a lesson out loud does not always effectively teach. A simple lecture may not stimulate the children or may not make the impact you had hoped. Using something they can touch and see will bring home the lesson or moral you want to teach.

There is one word of caution on using object lessons with preschoolers. You do not want to scare or intimidate preschoolers, so you want to make sure that the lessons are lighthearted and fun. When you use object lessons correctly with your preschoolers, they are useful tools. Look around you for everyday objects that you can use for these lessons.

If you are wondering how you can use object lessons, then here are some suggestions. First of all, read your weekly Bible lessons and find out what moral you are trying to teach the children. Then, look around you for everyday objects that can help you explain and illustrate your lesson. For example, if you want to teach your child that friendships grow with nurturing, then you can take two potted flowers. Have the children care for one of the flowers, but not the other. Soon, they will see that something that is cared for properly will grow and flourish. The thing that is not cared for will wither away and die.

Object lessons do not have to be too involved or complicated to make a big impact on your children. You can use anything from flannel boards, to pictures that the children illustrate to hand puppets to make a lesson come alive. Children may hear the lesson you are teaching, but it may mean little. When you show them through object lessons, it suddenly comes alive and has more value and meaning.

Denise Oliveri is a Sunday School teacher of 13+ years. She now runs Preschool Sunday School Central, a website dedicated to bringing preschool Sunday School teachers valuable resources for planning Bible lessons. Come visit our site at http://www.psscentral.com/ to find tons of free resources, as well as ones you can purchase.

Fast Phonics and Where to Begin

2010-01-26T08:00:00.000-08:00

Previously I discussed the WHY of teaching children from babies onward to read. Now I shall discuss the HOW of achieving this in the easiest, fastest and most successful way possible.

You now view teaching your child from a different perspective and are ready to take those first positive steps forward. The integrity of your commitment is important, don’t be spasmodic, do be regular, confident and completely relaxed. Where to begin? With the alphabet of course. Why the alphabet? Since it was rubbished for so many years, why resurrect it? Because the alphabet will always be the fundamental basis of all reading in English, from those twenty-six letters, every single word in our language is formed. From ‘at’ to ‘deoxyribonucleic acid’, from ‘but’ to ‘uncharacteristically’, every word is simply bits of the alphabet strung together. It makes sense to learn it and to learn it in the way which will lead quickly to lifelong successful reading.

For babies and pre-schoolers,draw the letters one at a time, in red felt pen, each on a white post-card. Put a couple on the walls of the child’s bedroom to begin with and perhaps one or two in the kitchen or living room. Then be matter-of-fact about their introduction.
“This is ‘a’, ‘a’ is for ant,” “I see ‘d’ for dog is over here.” For very small children you can greet the letters, “Hello ‘a’, good morning ‘b’.”

For older, school age children and for home-schooling, just work through the alphabet progressing as fast as your child is able to go.

Keeping the sounds in their simple phonic form, work through the alphabet, introducing a couple of new sounds once the earlier ones have become old friends and always checking back. Let your child check you, stumble along the way and allow yourself to be corrected.

Importantly, NO aye, bee, cee, dee, ee, eff, gee, aitch and so forth for the following reason. Using the phonic alphabet a child will sound out c..a..t. Using the aye, bee, cee version it would be sounded cee..aye..tee, great for spelling later, useless for learning to read.

Beware of shop bought alphabet charts, they regularly feature ‘i’ for ice-cream and
‘t’ for tube these have long vowels and come later. ‘w’ for whale and ‘b’ for boy, these are phonic sounds also to be learnt later on. ‘y’ for yacht, regularly appears and this has silent letters which come along very much later in the phonic list.

Draw your own chart, you will need an A1 sheet of white paper, a black felt pen for the grid lines and a red one for the sounds. Here is my own carefully worked out alphabet, the beauty of which is that once a child has mastered all the sounds he will be able to read across every word.

‘a’ for ant, (a cute little ant in a dress perhaps), ‘b’ for bed, ‘c’ for cat, ‘d’ for dog,
‘e’ for elf, ‘f’ for frog, ‘g’ for gift, ‘h’ for hat, ‘i’ for ink, ‘j’ for jug, ‘k’ for kid,
‘l’ for log, ‘m’ for mum, ‘n’ for nest, ‘o’ for ox, ‘p’ for pig, ‘qu’ for quilt (since these two always appear in tandem in our language, teach them as one. ‘r’ for red,
‘s’ for sad, ‘t’ for top, ‘u’ for up, ‘v’ for van, ‘w’ for wagon, ‘x’ ‘kiss’ as in fox, (this is the only way to teach this letter. ‘x’ for xylophone has a ‘zzz’ sound and ‘x’ for x-ray, has an ‘eggs’ sound.) ‘y’ as in yak and ‘z’ as in zebra. Write the sound in red, the word in black and then paste or draw appropriate pictures in each square.

Teaching a child this way will not destroy the quality of your relationship with him. To tell him, “This is ‘a’,” is no different from telling him, “This is an orange or that is a telephone.”
These days a child’s social calendar grows exponentially. By the time he is at school there are parties and sleepovers, school outings, clubs and all manner of engagements taking place. You can relieve a little of the trauma of school by setting the scene for reading, even if the alphabet is as far as you ever go.

My third article will show you simple games I have used for years and which will make learning easy and fun.

Robyn Dalby-Stockwell is a teacher, writer, broadcaster, reading consultant and Director of Alonah Reading Cambridge http://www.alonahreadingcambridge.com/ the only source of her four book reading course, giving reading support for parents and their children.

The real work of parenting

2010-01-25T13:26:00.000-08:00

The real work of parenting is creating civilized citizens by teaching and reinforcing acceptable behavior.

Read more here:

Jennie Sawyer of Garland: The real work of parenting Dallas-Fort Worth Local Opinion Columns News for Dallas, Texas Dallas Morning News

How to Nurture Creativity in your Kids

2010-01-25T08:00:00.000-08:00

As parents, we all enjoy seeing our kids' creativity. Sometimes, kids feel a little shy about expressing their creativity, or they don't know where to start. Don't worry! There are plenty of ways to encourage creativity in your children. As they get used to stretching their wings, they'll also take pride in their accomplishments and creations.

1. Freedom
Allow your child the freedom to express herself. When she feels secure and supported, she will be more likely to be comfortable being herself. Give her materials to play with and allow her to express herself without criticism.

2. Respect
Offer your child respect in whatever they want to try. Help build his confidence in himself. This will make him feel comfortable taking risks and being original. Listen and respect his imagination. If he expresses doubt or seems afraid to try something new, encourage him to tackle an idea from different directions.

3. Appreciate their creativity
Encourage your child to be curious and have a sense of wonder in all around her. Acknowledging and appreciating her attempts at creativity will help her to have the courage to exercise her creativity again and again.

4. Enjoy the creativity!
Have fun with your child! Laugh, play, and create alongside him. Find humor in the world around you. Be silly… it is fun and stimulates creativity. Don't be afraid to laugh at yourself.

5. Enjoy success
Open opportunities for your children to try out new interests, experiences and new things. Maybe they'll want to learn new skills. If they have new ideas, encourage them! When they learn it feels good to be successful, they will continue to be so. When they learn creativity is fun, they will seek out more opportunities to be creative.

6. Model creativity
As a parent, you are a primary role model for your child. Let her see you be creative. It doesn't matter if you dabble in art, in knitting or in the kitchen creating new recipes. She will see you trying new things and venture to try a few things of her own.

7. Detach yourself from the outcome
Don't pin everything on how his projects turn out. His creativity is his own. Be proud of your own creativity, and let him take pride in his. Encourage him to be proud of his work.

8. Focus on achievement, not grades
It is proper to encourage your child to do her best. It is great if she accomplishes her goals. Learning according to the book and getting high grades are not the ultimate goal in life. Imagination is an important part of life and creativity. By allowing her to follow her interests and achieve her goals, her creativity will blossom and help her achieve more in life.

9. Don't worry so much about rules
Enclosing your child within too many roles is stifling and spells death to creativity. Instead, model your values and allow your children to fit their behavior to the values of the family. Creativity will be more likely to flourish when there is some freedom involved.

10. See your child as unique
Have the confidence in your child to be creative. Don't expect him to always follow the crowd. If he expresses himself in an original way, support that. Your child will feel your confidence in him and act accordingly.

Sandy Naidu runs the website – www.printablemathactivities.com">Printable Math Worksheets. On this site she sells www.printablemathactivities.com">Printable Math Worksheets that teach children counting skills. On her website, you can get around 250 pages of excellent quality worksheets.

Preschool Kids Game: Variations to Pin-The-Tail-On-The –Donkey!

2010-01-24T14:01:00.001-08:00

We all love the classic game of pin the tail on the donkey as much as our children do. The question I like to ask is, why does it have to stop at just donkeys?

Have you ever tried to change things up a bit for different subjects you are doing in the classroom, in your home child care, or at the day care center you work at?

It’s easy to find the donkey game already made for us, I know. But with the help of the preschool class and some drawing paper and markers, you can create some wonderful games that will give you hours of fun.

*Also remember that these games don’t have to be made overnight. Don’t stress yourself out. Turn it into a class project or just a project for yourself and take as long as you need. You will have as much fun making it as you will have playing with it.

Be sure to check the bottom of this article for tips on making the games, durability, etc.

Game Idea #1- Pin the fin on the fish.

Game Idea #2- Pin the nose on the clown.

Game Idea #3- Pin the bell on the cow.

Game Idea #4- Pin the horse-shoe on the horse.

Game Idea #5- Pin the leaf on the flower.

Game Idea #6- Pin the apple on the tree.

Game Idea #7- Pin the wing/leg on the bird, bee, or insect.

Game Idea #8- Pin the worm on the hole in the fruit.

Game Idea #9- Pin the trunk on the elephant.

Game Idea #10- Pin the chocolate chip on the cookie. (Younger children) see note below.

Game Idea #11- Pin the cotton fluff on the cloud. (Same as game above only using cotton and a cloud shape).

Game Idea # 12- Pin the face parts on the face (eyes, nose, mouth, ears, hair, eyebrows, Etc) Make each piece and use as game pieces. Have each child take turns trying to put the game pieces in the correct spots on the face. See what silly faces they come up with.

*Pin the chocolate chip on the cookie: This game is great for toddler aged children. There is no right or wrong spot to pin the chocolate chip and when all the children have had their turn, they can look at the beautiful cookie they made. To make it fun, you can make the chocolate chips from different colors of construction paper and have a rainbow chip cookie. The children will love it!

Ideas for Making the Games: These games are best made from Bristol board material or even a large piece of cardboard. If you are not a great artist (as I am not…ha-ha) I have had to search for ways to draw these up. I have asked a friend who I know can draw to help me. Other times I have taken an overhead projector and taped my Bristol board to the wall and traced it that way. And other times I have found a large enough picture to use and have been able to draw simpler pictures on my own such as flowers, bees, cookies, etc.

Make sure you make enough game pieces for the children. Have everything colored nice and bright and bold, and laminate what you can for a long game life. Using sticky tack instead of tape will be easier for the children to handle the pieces and it won’t ruin or pull at the game.

Have fun and change these games around as you need or like.

Marisa Robinson E.C.E is a Professional childcare educator working with children all having a variety of different educational and behavioural needs. Marisa is the main content provider for the website: www.preschoollearningonline.com Marisa's many years of childcare experience and training has made her a reputable source of information and knowledge for childcare related issues. www.preschoollearningonline.com/preschoollearninggames.html

Teaching Preschoolers Through Coloring

2010-01-06T08:30:00.000-08:00

Preschool Color Activity: Cut small matching squares out of different colors of construction paper. Place the squares in a paper bag and have each child draw out a square. Play music and let the children move around the room to find their "color partners" by matching up their colored squares. Then have them hold hands with their partners and circle around the room. After everyone has joined the circle, stop the music, collect the squares and start the game again.

Teaching Preschoolers Through Coloring

Preschool is a difficult time of life for everyone involved. Most children feel confused in preschool because they lack the mental powers to learn many of the subjects. Everyday the teacher has something new for them to learn when they have not learned everything from the day before. Preschoolers usually care most about eating, sleeping, going to the bathroom, and making ridiculous jokes. They don't understand the purpose of learning and they have very short attention spans. This is mainly why parents, teachers, and the preschoolers themselves struggle to get through this period of life. Adults cannot understand why the children find it so difficult to remember their lessons or why they can't sit still. It is a real challenge to find productive ways to teach preschoolers anything. You have to be very creative if you want them to actually learn something.

Although it might seem like a strange teaching method, you can actually use coloring to teach a preschooler important lessons. One of the most basic lessons you will teach them are the names of the colors themselves. When a child is coloring help them to learn their colors by identifying the name of the color in a particular pencil or marker. In front of a group or individual, have a quiz where you ask them to mark specific colors on a blank sheet of paper. You can turn this activity into a little contest by awarding the first child who colors correctly a prize. As children start to learn to write have them write the names of the colors underneath patches of color.

Ask the children to color animals and plants appropriately. Many kids just like to color with any color in the set. However, you can teach them important things about animals and plants by making them use the correct colors. As children become excited about coloring, certain animals they begin to learn more about them. Have competitions where a child is to color a certain animal from a picture. You will soon find that the preschoolers are much quicker to identify different types of animals this way.

Try using coloring to teach the children numbers or the alphabet. Although preschoolers might not know much about numbers or letters they probably can recognize some basic colors. If you can associate a particular color with a letter or number the children will probably begin doing so themselves. They will be able to remember the appropriate names based on idenitfying with something they know.

Coloring can also be used as a great reward for a job well done. Most preschoolers love to color because it gives them a chance to control something and to express themselves. If you have had a particularly long lesson on numbers or letters reward the students by allowing them to color their favorite animals. Soon you will find that the children will ask to color when they have done a good job with something.

Encourage the creative side of preschoolers by allowing them to color in whatever fashion they choose. Coloring gives kids a chance to express their personalities and fears. You might also encourage a budding artist by allowing for more coloring time. If a child seems to show a love for coloring support their interest. Help them to see that there is a positive link between coloring, working, and producing something beautiful.

As you can see, you can teach a remarkable amount of material with just a few pieces of paper and some colored pencils or markers. Color right along side the students and show them how much fun coloring can be.

Visit http://www.freekidscoloring.com/ for a huge collection of free printable coloring pages on dozens of popular themes and holidays.

How to Deal with Preschool Temper Tantrums

2010-01-05T08:00:00.000-08:00

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As parents of preschoolers or one who spends time with them, you may be at a loss for how to deal with preschool temper tantrums. Using the following ideas may give you the tools you need to deal with temper tantrums effectively and have a better behaved child, too.

Why do preschoolers have temper tantrums in the first place? You expect toddlers to have them when they’re unable to communicate their wants or needs, but preschoolers should be past that, shouldn’t they? Actually, understanding why a preschooler has tantrums can be the first step in knowing how to deal with them.

Preschoolers are toddlers with a year or more life behind them, so it’s not unusual for them to have tantrums for the same reasons. Those reasons include:

* Being tired due to too much activity
* Being hungry while on the go
* Not getting what they want when they want it
* Being angry or frustrated
* Feeling neglected and wanting attention
* Wanting to be able to do things for themselves but not being able to yet

How you handle temper tantrums now may play a large part in how your preschooler acts when he or she gets older. Incorrect handling could very well lead to behavior problems in the future. While having tantrums is a normal part of your preschooler’s development, how you choose to react and deal with them is entirely up to you.

No matter how embarrassing your preschooler acts in public, don’t give in to them. It’s important for them to learn that you are the adult and you make the decisions. You’ll also want to be sure to tell them you love them and you’re telling them “no” for a good reason.

Try to do your best to stay cool during this trying circumstance. Tell your child you understand they are frustrated, hungry, or tired. Ask them to calm down and help you decide how to work it out. They need to know you’ll listen and that you want to help them learn to deal with their own frustrations. If they calm down, give them a toy you brought from home to distract them until you can finish what you’re doing.

You can model good behavior for them by not losing your cool or raising your voice, no matter how much you might want to. If you can remain calm in the face of a preschooler in the middle of a meltdown, your demeanor may calm them down, too. Reacting poorly yourself may encourage the child to throw more tantrums because it shows their behavior will elicit a response.

Remove the child from the location if you have to, even if that means leaving a full buggy of groceries at the front of the store. (You can tell them you’ll be back when your child has calmed down; maybe they won’t restock everything while you’re gone.) Put your preschooler in their car seat and tell them you won’t go back into the store until they calm down and can act politely. Then ignore them until their behavior improves.

As a parent or caregiver of a preschooler, you want to know how to deal with their temper tantrums. Remember to bring along a snack or something for your preschooler to do if you’re going to be away from home for a while. This may help you avoid a temper tantrum which is better than having to deal with it.

Preschool Number Activities

2010-01-04T08:00:00.000-08:00

A. A fun ongoing activity you can do with your preschooler is to write numbers on index cards and tape them in different areas around your home. Ask him to bring you a certain number. After a while, he will be able to count objects and bring you the right number card for the number of objects. For example you ask him to count the books on a table and then have him bring the right card.

B. Cut the numbers 1 to 5 out of posterboard. Set out glue and small objects, such as buttons, toothpicks, cotton balls and circle stickers. Help preschoolers glue matching numbers of small objects on their posterboard numerals.

4 Good Reasons Why Children Need Active Playtime

2010-01-03T08:00:00.001-08:00

Educators know that children need active play in order to develop naturally and be physically healthy. Sadly, more children than ever are considered to be obese, facing the danger of developing diabetes. Lifestyle choices that limit the amount of childhood active play are the predominant factors resulting in this alarming trend.

The Link between Active Play and Mental Play

Active play is made up of the wide variety of physical activities that children naturally engage in during the course of a normal day. These activities shift as developmental markers are reached, but a short list includes standing, crawling, rolling, swinging, running, jumping, swimming, rollerblading and bike riding. Many studies link the amount and quality of childhood active play to both brain size and brain development.

The Modern Sedentary Lifestyle

Even if your children don't spend hours each day in the coma-like trance brought on by watching television programs, they likely spend excessive amounts of time sitting in front of a computer screen playing video games. These virtual games often substitute for active play with friends in the neighborhood and at the park. The fact that children are taught to use the home computer at younger ages than ever before also contributes to them engaging in less active playtime as they get older.

Unfortunately, it is a habit that perpetuates itself into adulthood and is illustrated best by the image of a white collar office worker spending eight hours a day working at a computer.

Playing Actively is Critical for Motor Skills Development

Older children derive some benefit in terms of hand-eye coordination from learning to move a computer mouse around or handling a video game controller. Problems arise when they spend too much time engaging exclusively in this type of activity.

Younger children, however, develop best when interacting directly with their physical environment. From the infant to the elementary school child, cognitive, social, emotional and physical development are all directly related to the amount of time the child spends engaged in active play. Active play not only helps to develop motor skills, but builds the small and large muscle groups needed to maintain a healthy body.

Healthy Children, Healthy Adults

What is at stake here is not only the health of children, but the health of the adults they will become. Lifestyle habits are difficult to change, and a sedentary child has a greater likelihood of becoming a sedentary adult. Healthy adults need a minimum of 30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise each day to help reduce the chances of developing heart disease, high blood pressure and non-hereditary diabetes. With so many adults working long hours at sedentary jobs, establishing a healthy routine that includes active play early in life is paramount to maintaining optimum physical health into the adult years.

The nature of human development dictates that children should be engaged in actively playing throughout their days. Engaging in childhood activities and exercise fosters every kind of child development, as well as maintains the physical health of the individual.

Jennifer Dobson invites you to take a look at MPM School Supplies where you will find all kinds of teacher supplies, resource books, classroom decorations, school furniture, classroom carpets, educational toys, and much more. The best part is by shopping at MPM School Supplies you are helping children in need all around the world because 50% of the gross profits are donated to children's charities!

4 Easy to Do Winter Crafts For Preschoolers

2010-01-02T08:00:00.000-08:00

Break free of the winter doldrums with some hands-on crafting fun geared toward preschoolers. Rare is the child who does not delight in glue and paint, so snap on the smocks and get started. The four easy winter crafts below will keep preschoolers occupied and learning at the same time.

Puffy Snow People

Combine a handful of fluffy white cotton balls, a stick of glue and a snowman shape cut from construction paper for this fun and easy craft. Children will enjoy gluing cotton balls on their snow person and teachers will enjoy the low-mess glue sticks. For a jaunty cap cut a top hat from black construction paper that can be glued on after the cotton balls are adhered. Small circular pieces of construction paper can be used for buttons if so desired. Use the puffy snow people as a tie in to a discussion about the science of snow.

Symmetry Snowflakes

Teaching symmetry starts in the preschool years. It can be made easy with a simple snowflake craft that will allow the children to practice their fine motor skills. Have them take a sheet of white construction paper and fold it in half lengthwise (like a hot dog bun) and then again in half widthwise (like a hamburger bun). Prepare a snowflake quarter template for them to trace onto the folded paper after it has been neatly lined up along the folded sides. Safety scissors will help them cut out the pattern. Once the snowflakes have been cut out, open them to see the symmetry. Add coloring, glitter or glue on sparkles to make the snowflakes stand out.

Silly Seedling

Bean plants grow year round and are a great craft activity turned science lesson for the preschool set. Have the children decorate a Styrofoam cup with a silly face using magic markers. Fill the cup about 3/ 4 of the way full with potting soil and place a dried bean into the dirt. Place the cups in a warm place that receives light and watch for the beans to sprout. The children love drawing the faces on their cups and getting dirty in the soil while the teacher has an instant lesson plan in hand.

Mitten Memories

It is never too early to have children tell of things that they remember, and the winter is full of fascinating memories and stories. In this simple craft the children will trace from a pattern and cut out two mitten shapes from construction paper. On each mitten they can recite to the teacher a fun winter memory that she will write onto the cut out. After a memory has been written on each mitten the child can decorate them on the blank side and tie a length of yarn to connect the two pieces. For very young preschoolers assistance may be required with tying the yarn. Hang the mittens around the room or on a classroom bulletin board for display. This activity is great to integrate into story time or show and tell. Consider sending the completed mittens home with a note asking parents to share their favorite winter memories with their children.

Crafts provide a wonderful opportunity to integrate other subjects into a lesson. They do not have to be overly messy or expensive to be effective and fun. Allow children the freedom to express their ideas and memories this winter with the easy craft projects above.

Jennifer Dobson invites you to take a look at MPM School Supplies where you will find all kinds of teacher supplies, resource books, classroom decorations, school furniture, classroom carpets, educational toys, and much more. The best part is by shopping at MPM School Supplies you are helping children in need all around the world because 50% of the gross profits are donated to children's charities!

The Importance of Setting Limits for Preschoolers

2010-01-01T14:29:00.000-08:00

The Starting a Day Care Center Start-Up Guide Kit™ is a step-by-step guide which provides a collection of valuable sound advice and practical guidance for starting your own successful child care business.

As much as some moms and dads would like to think so, there simply aren’t any perfect parents. And, try as you might like, it’s nearly impossible to be a good parent without training and discipline. Limits are one form of discipline and it’s helpful to know the importance of setting limits for preschoolers.

Parents often set limits for their children, not only for disciplinary reasons, but also to help keep their children safe. So it’s helpful to know how to set limits, how to enforce the limits once they’re set, and what consequences to use if the limits are ignored. Of course, the consequences for ignoring the limits will be different depending upon the age of the children in question.

Children who feel like they’re loved and valued by their parents will be more willing to accept correction and limits. Why not plan individual “dates” with each of your children to help solidify their sense of value to the family?

Limits may be used to help your preschooler learn what is acceptable and what is not so they can learn self-control. Young children have a tendency to want what they want when they want it, so you may have some challenges in store for you. Don’t give up - you can do this.

Be ready to tell your child “no” quite often during the process. Try to explain why they can’t do something rather than just telling them no, for example: “You can’t do this today because it’s raining, but perhaps you can do this instead.” Give them an option when you tell them no.

Why are limits important? Limits actually help your preschooler feel like you care, especially when you share with them the reason why the limit is being set. They will also feel more secure even though the limit isn’t enjoyable. Give them fair warning if you expect them to stop doing something since some children have problems with abrupt changes.

Know what you expect out of your preschooler, and agree upon those things as parents and partners, before you tell your child. It’s also helpful to know what your child is able to do and what they’re not able to do yet. Learning how to discipline effectively and encourage co-operation is also helpful.

When you set a limit, no matter what the limit is, it’s important to be consistent when reinforcing the limit. If you tell your preschooler they have a time limit to finish what they’re doing, be sure to stop what you’re doing and enforce the time limit when the time comes. Following through is as important as setting the limit in the first place. By being consistent with your limits, your child learns they can trust you to do what you say.

Try not to set too many limits at one time. Your child needs to be able to achieve success with following one limit before moving on to another. You may repeat yourself during the training process, but the results will be worth it in the future.

Pay attention to how the limits you set are affecting your preschooler. You know the importance of setting limits for preschoolers, but you don’t want to crush their spirit in the process. Be sure they know you love them even though you have to establish limits.

Early Math Skills - Patterns

2010-01-01T08:00:00.000-08:00

Of all the early math concepts, learning about patterns was my favorite. "Oh look, it's a pattern," became a frequent phrase in our family. Patterns are everywhere. In the grocery story, in the hardware store, in the library, at the museum, you'll find patterns in books, on the floor, on the walls.

Books about Patterns

Pattern Bugs by Trudy Harris

This story has beautiful artwork and poetry. The bugs, the frames around the pages, and even the words of the poetry follow patterns.

Pattern Fish by Trudy Harris

Like her book on bugs, there are visual and word patterns throughout the book.

Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do You Hear? by Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle

This is another book with rhythmic word patterns.

Activities with Patterns

Activity #1

Point out patterns everywhere you go. Walking up some brick steps to get to a museum, I noticed the bricks were laid in a special pattern, and once we got to the landing, the pattern changed. I pointed this out to Makani & Rowena, and they were hooked, searching for patterns everywhere. "Look, mom, it's a pattern," they would say excitedly. You can find patterns on almost anything:

Wallpaper
Clothing
Food Labels
Book Covers
Quilts
Floor Tiles

Activity #2

Take a nature walk. Observe the patterns found in nature (i.e. leaves, spider webs, flowers, animal tracks). You can even build a nature journal, documenting the patterns that you see.

Activity #3

Watch for word patterns in books, poems, and songs. For example, the Big Bad Wolf says, "I will huff and I will puff and I will blow your house down," or there is the response from the pigs, "Not by the hair of my chinny chin chin."

Activity #4

Decorate for holidays and birthdays with paper chains or streamers. Alternating between red and green makes a simple pattern, or you could use pink, red, and white for a more complex Valentine's Day decoration. Or hang streamers of various colors in a window as another pattern decoration for a birthday party...or just because it is a beautiful day.

Activity #5

Rhythm pattern (clap, stomp, clap, stomp) and action pattern (stand, sit, jump, stand, sit, jump) games can be as simple or as complex as you would like them to be. Take turns with the kids on who builds the pattern.

Activity #6

Using colorful beads, string them on yarn to make necklaces. By now, the kids know what a pattern is, so let them build their own design.

Activity #7

Paint a series of shapes in various colors across a piece of cardboard. Tell a story about your picture using pattern words. Makani painted a series of patterns, calling them animal tracks, and then she painted a storm that wreaked havoc with the whole pattern.

Activity #8

Build colorful pattern towers using interconnecting blocks of various colors.

Activity #9

Weave potholders on a loom. Both the colors and the weaving motion reinforce the pattern concept.

Activity #10

Play with your food! Line up M&M's in colorful patterns.

Rita Webb is a homeschooling mom for three young children, aged two, four, and six. Rita researches many homeschooling and parenting resources and writes reviews on these materials in her http://mrkreview.blogspot.com%20blog/

Video Games For Preschoolers - Good Or Bad?

2009-12-31T08:00:00.000-08:00

Kids are learning to master technology at a younger and younger age all the time. Even infants can learn to push buttons on toys to get the results they want. Preschoolers can master electronic toys and kindergarteners are taught keyboarding in school. With kids embracing computer technology at such a young age, we need to channel their interests toward games that are not only fun, but educational as well.

Many people have the misconception that all video games are activities that have no educational value at all. They are viewed as brainless activities that are a waste of time. However there are many educational games available that allow kids to explore the world, learn about history, and improve their problem solving skills, all while playing a game that is fun and entertaining.

It is time to change our view of video games and kids and take a look at the games that are fun, interactive educational experiences that promote learning.

There are many companies that produce quality, education games and computer programs for children. Preschoolers can learn the fundamentals of reading, math and science by playing games that they find fun and entertaining. Leapfrog and Knowledge Adventure are two companies that are in the forefront of creating educational technology for kids.

Leapfrog - This is one of the most innovative companies out there. They produce educational videos, learning toys and games geared toward kids of all ages. One of their products is the Tag Reading System. Remember the books on tape we enjoyed as kids? Well Tag is like those on steroids! Using an electronic pen, kids can enjoy reading. The pen not only reads the story, it has sounds, words or music for all the pictures as well. You do need books that a specifically made for the Tag system, they can be purchased anywhere Leapfrog products are sold.

Knowledge Adventure - This is the company behind the Jumpstart computer programs. These programs are a wonderful way to prepare your kids for school. The games teach kids about problem solving while increasing their math, reading, and science skills as well. Knowledge Adventure also has great free games available for download on their website.

There are many other companies that produce quality games for kids. You can find great educational games for popular gaming systems such as the Wii and Xbox. With the Wii, kids can play fun games that also included physical activity so they are exercising the bodies as well as their minds.

Video games can be a great asset to your child's learning experience. Research the games and find the ones that will best suit your child and then sit back and let the learning begin!

Jamie is a mother of three who enjoys fitness and the outdoors. She loves to make fun treat for her kids with her milkshake maker. Check out her new website, http://www.milkshakemaker.org/ to learn all about getting the best milkshake maker so you can make great homemade milkshakes too!

The One Simple Secret to Changing Your Parenting Mindset - Part One

2009-12-30T08:00:00.000-08:00

I am now reading a new book written by Mark Victor Hansen (of Chicken Soup For The Soul fame) and Robert G Allen (of Nothing Down Real Estate fame) called Cash in a Flash. Their book has about 15 chapters, and the first 8 have almost nothing to do with making money. The first half of the book is about changing your mindset and how you think. They believe, and I completely concur, that most of being wealthy is between your ears, not in your bank account and wallet.

There are exercises and step by step instructions that tell you exactly what to do. There are even "Wax on, wax off" instructions. You may have seen the 1984 movie "The Karate Kid". At the beginning of the movie, the protege, Danny, is told by his mentor, Mr. Miyagi, to wax some cars. And he gives very specific instructions, wax on with your right hand counterclockwise and wax off with your left hand hand clockwise. Fifteen minutes later in the movie, we see that this taught Danny how to block punches in a classic karate defense. Hansen and Allen see this as strengthening the muscles needed to learn karate.

I immediately saw how this applies to parenting as well.

Most of us have an idea about how we would like to conduct ourselves as parents. We have an idea about what we should and should not say to our kids and how we should say it. Most of what is in parenting books is not new to most of us. The problem comes in, for many us. with doing the right thing. How do we learn what we need to learn and strengthen those "good parenting muscles" so that we can do what we should do?

So what it is that stops us from doing the right thing? Why do we scream when we know we shouldn't? Why do we get frustrated when we know it is unhelpful? It is our mindset. Our automatic, unconscious way of being and way of doing things. Our reaction is based on past situations, not based on the present situation that appears before us right now. At some point, we strengthened the "wrong" muscles and now we have to strengthen the correct muscles.

How do we change those reactions? How do we change our unconscious? How do we change our mindset?

In a word, we change it by how we talk to ourselves. We change our self-talk. And Hansen and Allen give some very simple and very powerful ways of doing that that I am going to share with you in part 2.

Shaya Kass, PhD has a life mission of inspiring people to live in happiness and in gratitude. One of the ways this is accomplished is by helping parents be inspired and helping them to raise inspired kids. Get a very special report for free - Changing Your Parenting Mindset- at http://www.trulyinspiredparent.com/

Assessing Your Child's Early Reading Potential

2009-12-29T17:31:00.000-08:00

Think your child may be getting ready to start reading? A child who gets a head start on reading has a greater chance of excelling in school, as well as a greater probability of finishing college, versus children who learn to read at a later age. There are a number of ways to assess your child's readiness and their early reading potential.

Does He or She Pretend to Read?

One of the first things a child will do when they have reached an age where they're ready to begin reading is to pretend to read their picture books. This is especially true if you spend a lot of time reading together.

Often children who are ready to begin developing early reading skills will sit and follow along with the words in a book with their finger, reciting the "story" out loud. Obviously, unless it's a story they are intimately familiar with, the words won't match what is actually written. But this is a great indicator that they are ready to learn their letters and start putting words together.

Recognition of Letters

Another great way to tell that your child is ready to start developing his early reading skills is by how often he recognizes letters of the alphabet without any prompting from you.

As children begin to grasp the concept of letters and words, they will often begin pointing out letters they recognize in their everyday life - on their cereal boxes, on signs on the street and in shop windows, and anywhere else they see them. When your child reaches this stage, it's a good idea to start helping them to sound out the letters they see phonetically. This will further help to develop their early reading skills.

Other Signs of Early Reading Comprehension

Other signs that your child is beginning to develop his early reading skills include recognition of how a book works. Does your child understand when a book is upside-down that it should be turned over to be read?

Does he seem to recognize that pages are turned from front to back, and that when a book is closed the story is over? If the answers to these questions are "yes" then it is a good probability that your child is beginning to develop early reading skills, which can be easily built upon.

Another great way to assess whether or not your child's early reading skills are developing is to pay attention to whether or not he's showing an interest in pretending to write. Many children often play at writing the letters in their names long before their fingers can actually form the letters properly.

Another thing to take into account when assessing your child's early reading potential is his attention span. A child who can't sit through an entire reading of their favorite storybook is probably not yet ready to begin reading.

However, if your child repeatedly asks you to "read it again" when you finish a favorite story, that is also a good indicator that they're ready to begin learning to read on their own.

Tiffany Washko is the homeschooling mom behind Nature Moms, http://www.naturemoms.com/blog After working several years in corporate healthcare marketing and public relations, she took time away to be a mother. This new pursuit lead her to a new passion, natural family living, homeschooling, and writing about environmental issues. She currently works as a freelance writer and newspaper journalist.

Enhance Your Children's Fitness Business With Preschool Exercise Programs

2009-12-29T17:28:00.000-08:00

If you own a children's fitness business and want to add to your services, try offering a preschool exercise program in your local area. Preschool exercise programs are much needed, but too often, they get put on the back burner in schools, daycares, and other preschool organizations. Some may feel it's not that important that preschoolers exercise on a regular basis, but this couldn't be farther from the truth. Fitness is very important for preschoolers and it helps them establish good habits that can last a lifetime.

Offer a Preschool P.E.

Many older children participate in some sort of P.E. (physical education) class at school, but many preschoolers don't. P.E. is a class offered at a set time for about an hour a day when kids exercise and play sports such as softball, basketball, and dodge ball. With a preschool P.E., you can schedule to come to the preschool class at a set time each day to teach the children age-appropriate exercises and other fun, active stuff to get in shape.

Some of the preschool fitness activities you can offer in your classes include aerobic exercises, fun dances, gymnastics, and age-appropriate sports. You can also incorporate nutrition information and provide take-home items such hand-outs, newsletters for parents, take-home coloring sheets, DVDs, music CDs, and other items to enhance the preschool exercise classes.

If you're unable to instruct the classes yourself, you can approach preschools about starting their own program. Your children's fitness business can provide the supplies and training they need. The curriculum you provide will teach the instructors how to help preschool children learn about fitness and nutrition, stay in shape for the long term, and improve self-esteem.

The Benefits of Preschool Fitness

Preschool fitness offers many benefits for children, parents, and teachers. The children in the program learn the importance of exercise in a fun, exciting way, and they learn how to warm up, cool down, and stretch their muscles for more flexibility. Preschool exercise promotes cardiovascular health at a young age and helps children develop good exercise and eating habits that will stay with them for a lifetime.

Preschool fitness programs can reach into the children's homes to help parents combat childhood obesity at home. Teachers involved in the program may see an improvement in class moral, and more energy and clearer minds in their preschoolers, which can result in a better teaching and learning environment.

Getting Started with a Preschool Fitness Program

Whether your children's fitness business is located in a storefront or you travel to different schools or homes, you can easily incorporate a preschool fitness program with your current offerings. There are many great franchises dedicated to helping you start your own program. These will provide the curriculum and other items needed to teach the classes. In a storefront setting, you can set up displays for local teachers to sign up as preschool fitness instructors. Or, you can visit local preschool establishments to ask about starting a program.

Use online resources to find a kid's fitness program franchise that will work well with your business. Look for a program that offers a variety of exercise techniques and materials so the kids won't become bored with the program. Preschoolers have a short attention span so the more new techniques you can offer, the more effective it will be.

A preschool exercise program can enhance your children's fitness business in more ways than one. It enables you to bring a positive influence to local daycares and schools while helping many impressionable preschool kids learn to get in shape and stay healthy!

Chris Robertson is an author of Majon International, one of the worlds MOST popular internet marketing companies on the web. Learn more about Start a Preschool Fitness Program or Majon's Business and Entrepreneurs directory.

Classroom fun for little ones at home

2009-11-06T08:26:00.000-08:00

(ARA) - As your older children board the bus to go back to school, it can be difficult for the younger ones. They're not only losing a play companion, but may feel they’re missing out on an exciting new world. But never fear, there are plenty of ways you can bring the wonderment of the classroom into your house so your younger children won't feel left behind.

* Create the right atmosphere.

By having a desk, craft items and maybe even a backpack of his own, your child can easily imagine he’s in a classroom setting. Plus, as younger children age, you can reuse the space by transforming the school-play area into a homework and study zone.

* Find toys that offer “teachable moments.”

There are many toys you can purchase that help develop math skills, creativity and body coordination as part of the fun. For example, take the TRIO building set of bricks, sticks and panels from Fisher-Price. Building sets improve hand-eye coordination, help children develop spatial relationships, determine shapes and classifications, and encourage creativity.

“You will often see toddlers enjoying the process of stacking things up; as they get a little older, they move outward, building bridges and walling things in. As children get close to 5 years, they use more complex patterns with greater symmetry, creating more representational structures like a building, tree or animal," says Cynthia Lynn-Garbe, a senior child researcher at Fisher-Price. "The bricks, sticks and panels of the TRIO building system let children experiment with how things fit together, then advance to creating more complex structures."

And would you guess that building sets not only encourage creativity and fine motor skill development but also encourage language skills? Lynn-Garbe suggests having your child build something without telling you what it is. You can then ask about the creation, what it's used for and who lives there, making guesses as you continue to encourage your child to use her imagination as she tells a story about what she built. “Building can offer family fun as well as touch on some really important skill development that may just spark that engineer or architect of the future,” Lynn-Garbe says.

* Turn household chores into a learning opportunity.

Having children help with household chores not only teaches them responsibility, but it also gives you an excellent chance to be a teacher. For example, if you're doing laundry, have your child help you sort the clothes by color. Sure, it will take longer, but your child will soon be able to recognize different colors and understand the concepts of sorting and organizing. Or if you're cooking, let your child help measure so they can grasp simple fractions – without even knowing it.

* Play with music.

There are lots of creative ways you can introduce your child to the world of music. For example, play music on the TV or stereo and let children keep the rhythm while dancing around, playing a toy drum or clapping their hands. You can even help your child make colorful streamer ribbons to dance with, adding more fun to the activity. As they get older, introduce your child to reading music and playing a small keyboard or other easy instruments.

By having their own school at home, your younger children will not only have fun, but be better prepared when it’s their turn to get on the bus in the morning.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Tips to ensure your tot’s 'TV diet' is healthy and fun

2009-09-02T17:09:00.000-07:00

(ARA) - Figuring out how much and what television is right for your child isn’t too different from looking at what to feed your child. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that parents think of managing their children's television watching as they would their diet, because the amount of television has an impact on children's health, just like how much and what they eat does.

Children who watched educational television improved in reading-related skills such as phonics, phonemic awareness and vocabulary acquisition, according to a study by the Annenberg School for Communication Children's Media Lab at the University of Pennsylvania.

Children love to learn and pick up new facts, ask questions and generally want to know how things work. When possible, they eagerly seek answers for themselves by making observations, gathering data, identifying patterns, and forming generalizations – much like professional scientists do. This is why the right television show has proven to be beneficial.

The AAP (www.aap.org) suggests parents take advantage of the high-quality television that is available to their children. Here are some things to do before letting your kids plop down on the couch in front of the television:

* Preview shows

Parenting magazines and Web sites, such as PBSKids.org, often have previews of upcoming children's television shows. Find these and you can find high-quality programming for children.

* Talk to teachers

Preschool teachers that see your child in educational settings during the week can give guidance on types of programming that can help your child learn better. Educational programming can help children learn history, phonetics, language, science and how to use their imaginations.

* Use shows to nurture interests

Capturing and holding the attention of younger children can be challenging in the best of times, so television shows can be great tools to help reinforce important educational and social skills. Finding a television show that matches children’s interests can help them build upon their love of a particular activity or hobby.

One new show that will be attracting the attention of kids and parents alike is "Dinosaur Train," created by The Jim Henson Company and airing on PBS Kids starting on Labor Day. The show features Buddy, a preschool-age Tyrannosaurus Rex. Children can join Buddy and his adoptive Pteranodon family on a voyage through prehistoric jungles, swamps, volcanoes and oceans as they unearth basic concepts in natural science, natural history and paleontology. Paleontologist Dr. Scott Sampson will help bring the show’s natural history and science elements to life in live-action segments. To learn more about the show, visit http://pbskids.org/dinosaurtrain/, where you will also find online games, activities and resources to help build off the shows' themes.

Buddy and his friends encourage kids to be inquisitive by comparing and contrasting dinosaurs, making a hypothesis and searching for the possible answers to questions like “Why do some dinosaurs walk on two legs while others walk on four?,” “Why do some dinosaurs have horns?” and “Why can some dinosaurs fly?”

In addition to finding the right shows to watch, the AAP suggests parents read reviews of the shows their children want to watch, as well as watching the shows and discussing them with their children – which can lead to long-lasting benefits.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Preschool Activity: Cutting Shapes and Lines

2009-08-11T13:30:00.000-07:00

by Rachel Paxton

Cutting with scissors is a learned activity. By three years old
your child should have no problem holding a pair of child-sized
scissors. It takes them awhile to master this new skill,
however, so be patient with them while they begin to show an
interest in learning how to do it.

Purchase your child a pair of his own scissors. If your child is
left-handed, make sure the scissors can be used by left- or
right-handed children. Many scissors can be used by both.

Let your child try to cut with the scissors, and encourage him to
cut the best he can. It may take awhile for him to get the hang
of it. My boys were four years old before they could hold a pair
of scissors correctly and cut with them.

After your child has learned to cut with his scissors, it's time
to practice cutting shapes and lines. This activity helps your
preschooler master his cutting skills so he can move on to
cutting out shapes for his own craft projects.

Have your child start cutting lines. Simply use a ruler to draw
several lines on a piece of paper, and then have your child try
to cut on the line. It will probably take awhile for your child
to get the hang of it, but after he catches on he will be so
proud of his new accomplishment. After lines, he is ready to
move on to wavy lines, then ovals, and, finally, circles.

Preschoolers love this cutting activity. One of my sons spent at
least an hour two days in a row cutting out shapes I had drawn
for him. He was so excited he could cut on the lines that he
wanted to cut them out over and over again.

Another skill that can be practiced with this activity is
tracing. Before your child cuts out the shapes, have him first
trace them with a pencil. This is also a skill that takes time
to learn and that your child will enjoy trying to master.

Children enjoying learning things. Open up a whole new world for
your child by teaching him something as simple as using a pair of
scissors.

Download pre-made lines and shapes your preschooler can use to
practice using scissors:
http://www.christian-parent.com/download/shapes-and-lines.pdf

Rachel Paxton is a freelance writer and mom of four. For
resources for the Christian family, including parenting, toddler
and preschool activities, homeschooling, family traditions, and
more, visit http://www.Christian-Parent.com

Art helps develop children's creativity

2009-07-31T13:22:00.000-07:00

(ARA) - We have all had the pleasure of observing or interacting with children when they bring their imaginations to life. Children have the ability to openly express themselves without being easily embarrassed. They often create their own ideas, theories and interests independently. One way to support and sustain a child’s natural inclination towards creativity is to give them access to art education.

When a child receives quality art education, his or her ability to succeed in academic achievement is often interconnected, according to several studies.

The government is working to verify this connection, with the United States Department of Education funding a nationwide initiative called Arts in Education Model Development and Dissemination. This program allows grant recipients to examine the value of arts education in strengthening academic achievement and learning in elementary and middle school students, and to identify and assess best practices.

A research study called “Thinking Through Art,” completed by the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston, was funded through the DOE’s grant. This study measured the impact of its multi-visit museum arts education program on the development and use of critical thinking skills in urban elementary students in grades 3 through 5. Its findings revealed a significant positive impact of arts education on critical thinking and learning for the students who participated.

The Dana Foundation, a private philanthropic organization, concluded from its study entitled “Learning, Arts, and the Brain” that the arts can train children's attention, which in turn improves cognition and might even improve math and reading skills.

Unfortunately, art education is often the first thing cut during budget crises. Bob Buchsbaum, chief executive officer of Blick Art Materials states, “Without thinking of the long-run impact that the loss of art-based curriculum has on students, some schools are making cuts.”

Art-based curriculum cuts often leave parents looking for options outside of their children’s traditional schooling. Parents can consider alternatives that still provide valuable art instruction, such as grade-level specific lesson plans at www.dickblick.com and at other companies that cover a variety of ages and have inexpensive associated supply lists. While supplementing an art education for your child is helpful, Buchsbaum encourages parents to remember that supporting art education at their children’s local schools is the most direct way to provide for quality art education. Other opportunities for getting involved in your child’s art education include enjoying an art project or activity together, visiting a museum together or enrolling in a community center art class together.

You can learn more about the discussion around art education by visiting Art Ally, a Blick Art Materials-supported blog, and the National Arts Education Association Web site.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

First Day of Preschool or Kindergarten

2009-07-20T09:40:00.000-07:00

The first day of preschool or kindergarten is a time of excitement but could also be a day of anxiety - especially for the child. They want to be a “big boy” or “big girl” as they enter their new school, but they may not act like it. Here are some ways you can help your child be ready for their first day of school.

You can begin to read books on starting school the summer before they are due to start. Find books that portray school as being a place to make new friends and have fun learning. If you can find a book that includes a favorite television character, it may make the transition to school a little easier.

Begin a new routine for your child that they will follow when they start school. Having a routine will allow your child to know what to expect each night and what time to get up in the morning. Help them learn to pick out their clothes the night before as part of their routine.

If your child’s school has an open house before the school year starts, you might want to take advantage of it to familiarize your child with it. You can show them where the library, restrooms, cafeteria, and school office are. As the school year nears, you may be able to visit the classroom and meet their teacher. This will go a long way toward easing any fears they may have.

Perhaps you’ll meet other children who are visiting the classroom on the same day. Talk with the adults who brought them to school, exchange telephone numbers, and try to plan an opportunity for the children to get together before school starts. Knowing children in their class might make the first day of school less traumatic.

Acknowledge your child’s feelings and encourage them to talk about them. Try not to make them feel like a baby because they may be scared or nervous. These feelings are normal when anyone is entering a new situation, much more so when the person is young.

Help your child get plenty of rest. Plan on their getting ready with a bath, story time, and sleep early enough to be rested in the morning. You might also want to have your child’s clothing already picked out and ready for them to get dressed in the morning.

Make the first day of school something to celebrate. Get them up, dressed, have a special breakfast on a china service, and take pictures to help you both remember. Leave for school early enough that you won’t be rushed and will be able to walk your child to their classroom.

The first day or preschool or kindergarten can elicit some unusual feelings. Your child may be looking forward starting school and yet they might also be scared. By using some of these ideas, you can help your child have a first great day of school.

Organizing Preschool Supplies

2009-06-28T08:48:00.000-07:00

If you are doing preschool at home, or even if you are just doing
some extra preschool activities with your child from time to
time, you probably have a lot of papers and craft supplies taking
up space on your countertops and closet shelves.

It was hard for me to get excited about doing preschool
activities without being organized first, so I set out to go
through all of our supplies and set up an organized storage
system that works for me.

Flash Cards and Card Games

I store all of my boys' flash cards and card games in a small
plastic storage container. This container is kept up in a closet
where only I can get it down for them. It only took one time of
me putting all the cards back in the boxes to realize they
couldn't handle getting into this container on their own!

Art Supplies

Most of our art supplies are stored where my boys can get to
them. I purchased a three drawer plastic storage container that
works great for art supplies. One drawer holds their crayons,
colored pencils, scissors, and glue. The second drawer stores a
variety of painting supplies. The third drawer stores
miscellaneous items, such as felt pieces for the felt board and
plastic letters for the magnetic board. This plastic container
is kept near the kitchen table where my boys do their art
projects. This keeps it within easy reach when they want to color,
paint, or do some other art project.

Craft Supplies

I have a separate plastic storage container just for craft
supplies. Most of these supplies aren't used unless we are doing
a special craft project, so the kids don't need to get in there
every day. This container stores things like google eyes, pipe
cleaners, crepe paper, etc. This is also where I store the ink
pads I don't want them getting into by themselves.

Worksheets, Workbooks, and Project Instructions

If you like to collect preschool craft and activity ideas like I
do, you probably have a lot of piles of paper that need to be
sorted and organized. I purchased several plastic file folder
storage boxes for all these papers, and they have worked great so
far. I sorted my papers into categories like Christmas,
Thanksgiving, spring, animals, alphabet, etc. I combined several
categories together in one container, and then labeled each
container so I would know exactly what is in it. I also placed
all of our workbooks in these containers. It's nice to have a
place to put all those miscellaneous papers I always seem to run
across. If I cut out an article from somewhere, or photocopy an
idea from a book, I have a place to file it away where I can
always find it again. You can put away the containers you don't
currently need and just leave out the ones you are currently
using.

Preschool Manipulatives and Puzzles

Hopefully your preschooler has a lot of math manipulatives and
puzzles to play with. These items should be set out where they
can just pick up when they are bored. All of our puzzles are
stored inside of benches we have around the table in our kitchen.
When our boys want to do a puzzle, they can get them out
themselves. Our math manipulatives are stored on a shelf in our
entertainment center. Again, the kids have easy access to them
and often pick them up when they are bored. We have sewingcards,
patterning and sorting activities, and several number, matching,
and reading games. I love to see my boys reaching for these great
learning activities when they want something to do.

The preschool years are a fun time for you and your child.
Whether you are doing preschool at home or your child attends
preschool, make sure you have lots of stimulating activities for
your child at home that are organized and ready to use when you
need them.

Rachel Paxton is a freelance writer and mom of five. For
resources for the Christian family, including parenting, toddler
and preschool activities, homeschooling, family traditions, and
more, visit http://www.Christian-Parent.com

4th of July Ribbon Streamer Craft Idea

2009-06-26T11:31:00.000-07:00

Have available:

Margarine Tub Lid
Scissors or Utility Knife
Red, White, and Blue Ribbon or Fabric Strips

Instructions:

Adults: Using scissors or a utility knife, cut the center out of the lid, creating a plastic ring.

Kids: Tie different strips of ribbon or fabric on the ring leaving long trailing pieces that will wave in the wind.

Moms! Free Kid's Activities ebook and Mom Summer Stress Package

2009-06-20T14:04:00.000-07:00

Summer is a great time to spend some extra quality time with the family
since the kids are home from school. But by now you may have heard
"I'm bored", "I need a snack", "What's for dinner" and "I'm still bored"
more than enough and you're actually starting to look forward to school
starting in a few weeks. Christine Steendahl has a
Free Summer Stress Package for Mom that you will enjoy.
Please go HERE to get yours today.

Preschool Science: Roly Poly Hotel

2009-06-10T09:07:00.000-07:00

If you have a preschool-aged child running around your home, chances are he or she has brought in a roly poly or two from your garden. Because children are fascinated by these little creatures, they make great subjects for science experiments.

Before you and your child begin this experiment, you will need to round up a few items from around your home and garden:

Small rubbermaid container
Dirt
Moist dead leaves
Sticks and twigs
Medium-sized flat rock

Have your child fill the plastic container about halfway full of dirt from your garden. Explain to your child that you are trying to re-create a roly poly's natural habitat. Where are roly poly's found? They are found under rocks and piles of decomposing leaves. After the dirt is in the container, have your child place the rock in the container on top of the dirt and arrange the leaves and twigs around the rock.

Next give your child a jar and have he or she collect some roly poly's for the roly poly hotel. This will be their favorite part of the experiment. After the roly poly's have been collected, have them place them in the container.

Help your child create a "sign" with their name on it for their roly poly hotel. They can create it by hand or on the computer. Tape the sign to the front of the plastic container.

Now that the roly poly hotel is complete let your child sit and observe the roly poly's and let he or she hold them and play with them a bit. Help them make observations about the roly poly's by
asking them questions. Ask them what the roly poly's look like and what they notice about them. Ask them what color they are and how many antennae the roly poly's have. You'll be surprised at the answers they come up with. My boys told me that the roly poly's roll up like armadillos!

If your child is going to keep their roly poly's for further observation, have them keep the soil moist and keep the container out of direct sunlight.

If your children are older you can tailor this activity to their learning level. You could check out a book from the library about roly poly's or search for information about them online and do a number of science activities with them. With preschoolers, however, you'll find that their attention span won't last much longer than the observation part of the activity. After about
five minutes of watching their roly poly's my boys informed me they were done and were ready to go swimming!

Rachel Paxton is a freelance writer and mom of five. For resources for the Christian family, including parenting, toddler and preschool activities, homeschooling, family traditions, and
more, visit http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=AVm0x&m=1agbTzF9Q1taln&b=9ZbCtV8lpRs7u2ZdoIzrsg
s7u2ZdoIzrsg

Preschool Science: Worm Farm

2009-06-10T09:04:00.000-07:00

by Rachel Paxton

Preschool-aged children love to play with worms (at least my boys do!). You can turn their curiosity with worms into a science project with just a few items from your house and garden. Here is what you'll need:

Empty two-liter pop bottle
Exacto knife
Dirt
Small shovel
Sand
Grass clippings
Kitchen compost (apple peelings, etc.)
Worms

Before you let your child loose in the garden, you will need to use the exacto knife to cut off the entire top of the pop bottle.

Help your child create a label for the container that has the child's name and "worm farm" printed on it. You can make it by hand or on the computer. Tape the label to the front of the
container.

Go out to the garden with your child and let he or she shovel a couple of inches of dirt into the plastic container. Pat the dirt down so the next layer of sand won't filter through. Explain to
your child that they need to be careful not to shake or jar the bottle or the sand and dirt will become mixed up.

Add a thin layer of sand, and then continue with a couple of inches of dirt and another thin layer of sand. The top layer should be dirt. Leave an inch or two of space at the top of the bottle.

Next add a few grass clippings on top of the last layer of dirt. The worms will need food, so add a few pieces of fruits or vegetables in with the grass, such as apple or orange peelings.

If you are lucky enough to have worms in your yard, help your child dig for a few worms for his or her worm farm. If you can't find any, go to your nearest bait shop and buy a small package of
night crawlers.

Let your child play with the worms before putting them in the worm farm. Help them make observations about their worms. Check out a book about worms at your local library or search for information online about worms. Talk to your child about how a worm's job is to eat waste and mix it into our soil to fertilize it.

After your child places a couple of worms into the worm farm, they will be able to see for themselves how worms mix up soil. When the worms dig through the container, they will leave a trail of sand behind them that your child will be able to see mixing into the dirt.

For the most worm activity, place the worm farm in a dark place or tape a piece of paper around the worm farm to keep the light out. Worms do most of their work at night.

Your preschooler will have a lot of fun creating his or her worm farm. From digging in the dirt, to playing with worms...what's not to like!

Rachel Paxton is a freelance writer and mom of five. For resources for the Christian family, including parenting, toddler and preschool activities, homeschooling, family traditions, and
more, visit http://www.Christian-Parent.com

Preschool Windsock Activity

2009-06-10T08:49:00.000-07:00

Children love windsocks. They are fun to make and fun to hang and look at. This preschool activity is very easy and is suited to any season or holiday. To make a windsock you will need:

Construction paper
Crayons or markers
Small pictures
Yarn
Glue
Stapler
Scissors
Streamers

For the top of the windsock you will need one 8 1/2 x 11 piece of construction paper. Cut the piece of paper in half lengthwise.

Next have your child color the small pictures to place on the windsock. Coloring and activity books are great for finding pictures. You can use a copier to reduce or enlarge the pictures
to fit on the windsock. We cut out four pictures for each of our windsocks.

After coloring the pictures, cut them out and glue them to the two pieces of construction paper. Next lay the pieces of paper end to end and staple them together. Bring the two open ends of
the paper together to form a circle and staple the two ends together. This is the top of the windsock.

Next have your child cut the streamers. These streamers are the same kind of streamers you would hang up for a birthday party. Cut approximately six pieces of streamer to be 18 inches each. Have your child glue the ends of the streamers inside the bottom of the windsock so that they are hanging out of the bottom of the windsock.

Have your child cut a piece of yarn approximately 18 inches long. Staple the ends of the yarn on each side of the top of the windsock. Your windsock is ready to hang!

These windsocks are very easy to make and look really cute hanging out on your patio. You can also hang them in your house. They are great seasonal and holiday projects. You can change the
pictures and colors of the windsocks with the seasons, such as for Easter, Christmas, or Halloween. You could have flowers for spring, bumblebees for summer, or leaves for fall. The
possibilities are limitless. My boys are currently interested in insects, so they colored some bugs for their windsocks.

This activity is a great opportunity for your preschooler to practice coloring, cutting, and gluing. If your preschooler doesn't yet have a long attention span, you might want to pre-cut some of the pieces ahead of time, like the top of the windsock and the streamers. My busy boys barely made it past the coloring part, but loved seeing their windsocks blowing in the breeze!

Rachel Paxton is a freelance writer and mom of five. For resources for the Christian family, including parenting, toddler and preschool activities, homeschooling, family traditions, and
more, visit http://www.christian-parent.com/

A Bedtime Routine for Preschool-Aged Children

2009-05-20T19:41:00.000-07:00

by Rachel Paxton

Having a bedtime routine is one good way to ensure your
preschool-aged child gets a good night's sleep.

Children respond very well to routines in their daily schedules,
and bedtime is no exception. Having a bedtime routine gives your
child an opportunity to wind down from the day's activities and
not be as likely to fight your efforts to get them to go to bed.

Getting children this age to bed can sometimes feel like an
overwhelming chore. Supernanny makes it look so easy. I don't
claim to have all the answers. All children are different and
respond to different routines. My goal is to share with you our
family's bedtime routine that has worked well with our twin
four-year-old boys.

Some parents start a bedtime routine by having their children
take a bath. My boys don't take a bath every day, but bath time
is a good way to signal to your kids that it's almost time for
bed. I usually start bath time about an hour before it's time to
head off to their bedroom to get ready for bed.

I send my boys to their bedroom an hour before I want them to go
to sleep. They get their pajamas on, brush their teeth, and then
we read a couple of stories together. They each get to pick at
least one story. Sometimes I read to them and sometimes their dad
reads to them. Often we read to them at the same time.

A fun way to mix things up a bit is to listen to books on tape.
There are a number of great books on tape for preschool-aged
children. A number of them are published by Scholastic.

After stories, our boys often still aren't ready to go to sleep.
We usually then turn off the lights and let them play with their
Leapster video games for about 15 minutes or so. This helps them
burn out their last little bit of energy before they're ready to
go to sleep. They usually tell us they're ready to go to sleep
before we take their games away from them.

One of our boys falls asleep as soon as his head hits the pillow.
Our other son has a really hard time falling asleep. We let him
take a few small toys to bed and he plays with them and talks to
himself until he is finally ready to fall asleep.

Our boys like us to lie with them until they fall asleep. This
is something you have to be careful of...if your children become
dependent upon you sleeping with them, this can be the start of a
habit that is very hard to break. Many young children start
waking up in the middle of the night and wanting you to sleep
with them. You definitely don't want to encourage this. We just
finished going through a stage where our boys would wake up in
the middle of the night and want us to sleep with them. They've
finally started sleeping in their own beds all night again. We
do lie with them until they fall asleep, and then they do stay in
their beds all night (for the most part!). I really enjoy lying
next to them while they fall asleep. It is a special time for us
to spend together and often a time for silly songs and stories.

Bedtime routines do take a commitment on your part to get your
kids ready for bed each night. You will have to get in the habit
of reading them stories and sit talking to them as they get ready
to go to sleep. While it is indeed time consuming, it can become
one of the best parts of the day. The more your child enjoys
this time, the easier time he or she will have going to sleep
each night.

Rachel Paxton is a freelance writer and mom of four. For
resources for the Christian family, including parenting, toddler
and preschool activities, homeschooling, family traditions, and
more, visit http://www.Christian-Parent.com

Gardening with Children – Life-long Love of Nature

2009-05-20T15:38:00.000-07:00

Gardening is an activity that isn’t limited by age. This means you can try gardening with children and possibly develop within them a live-long love of nature. What could be better than gardening for a gift that can last a lifetime?

One of the benefits of encouraging your child to join you when you’re in the garden is that you can talk about anything without feeling pressured. It could be something as simple as valuing the earth and protecting the environment, to more serious subjects such as life and love. Whatever you talk about, because you’re in a non-threatening atmosphere, you may find you’re talking about things that your children are concerned about most.

You’ll definitely want to encourage your children to give gardening a try if they show any interest in it at all. Don’t expect them to actually ask you if they can help; you may have to invite them to come join you while you’re in the midst of planting.

Let children use their imagination when planting or helping in the garden. They may imagine a tiny village behind the plants or in the rocks; maybe they’ll even try to create the village they imagine out of natural materials found in the garden. Since children often have vivid imaginations, let them run wild while you share time among the dirt and plants.

Children have short attention spans, so don’t become upset if they work a little while and then run away to do something else. You may want to find them work they can do in short periods of time. You may also want to buy them some child-sized gardening tools so they can accomplish more while they spend time with you in your work.

Teach them how to dig in the dirt so they can place plants into it. You may want to explain to them how the dirt provides the nutrients the plants need to grow and show them how to make the dirt healthier for the plants by using peat moss, sand, and compost. Explain the reason for adding these components and help them understand why they shouldn’t handle commercial fertilizers.

Perhaps after you’ve spent some time in the garden and are comfortable with your child’s knowledge, you might think about creating a small garden that is entirely the child’s. Remember that you want their experience to be a positive one and passing off too much responsibility too soon could squash their interest in the activity.

Your goal in inviting your child to join you in the garden is multi-faceted. You want to teach them about loving nature and natural things, to make light of the work needed in the garden, and to spend quality time with your child. Be sure to give your little helper a hug and hearty thank you for their help and let them know you enjoyed your time together.

The Importance of Unstructured Play

2009-05-20T15:37:00.001-07:00

As parents, you know how important unstructured play is to the development of your child’s imagination. You know that, if given the chance, children can have wonderful imaginations. Give a child a large box and get out of their way, and before long they’ll be sailing in a boat, riding a stage coach, or defending a castle. Children who are read to, or who can read for themselves, can use the stories to fuel their imagination.

Since you know the importance of unstructured play, you'll want to do everything you can to encourage it. Unlike watching television or playing console or computer games, unstructured play allows the child to use their imagination without rules or boundaries. They can imagine they can fly thus defying the laws of gravity, but in the same way learn that in reality they can’t.

The best place for children to play in an unstructured way is to send them outside. Since daily exercise will help combat childhood obesity and possibly help prevent diseases such as diabetes and heart disease later in life, encouraging time outside each day is important. Here are more reasons why unstructured play can be beneficial for your child:

* Playing incorporates every aspect of the child at least until they reach nine years of age.

* It allows the child to relax because they aren’t expected to follow the rules set forth by adults.

* Unstructured play can also help children express themselves emotionally or learn to handle conflict resolution.

* If allowed to play with other children, it can also teach them to empathize by learning to cooperate, solve problems, and understand things from another’s perspective.

* By allowing children to play in an unstructured way, particularly outdoors, it helps them become more independent and gain confidence that will serve them well as they grow.

While our inclination, as parents, may be to allow children to be involved in many activities outside of school – scouting, sports, band, etc. – these activities could be causing them more harm than good. By packing their days full of things to keep them occupied, we’re not allowing them the freedom to play in an unstructured manner.

Unstructured play can actually help your child’s brain development. It allows them, when play is child-driven, to take their time, discover their own abilities, and give play their all. On the contrary, when play is structured and controlled by adults, they may be more concerned with competing and winning rather than doing what they truly enjoy.

Of course, you’ll want to find a balance between structured and unstructured play. Let the children run and play outside so they can use their imagination but let them do so under your supervision. While you may not be able to let your children run around the neighborhood or to a nearby park like you were able to as a child, that doesn’t mean they have to be sequestered in the house until they’re an adult.

To encourage unstructured play, you may want to limit your child’s television viewing. Not only will television thwart your child’s imagination because everything is already planned out for them, it may also cause your child to learn to expect everything to be done for them.

If you buy your children board games and they don’t play them according to the rules, don’t despair. They are using their imagination and playing in an unstructured way. It has often been said that a child’s job is to play. If that is so, playing in an unstructured manner will give them their greatest reward.

Fun Kids Games To Keep Your Preschooler Busy And Happy

2009-05-11T16:34:00.001-07:00

When its dull and raining and kids are having a bored and lazy afternoon, fun kids games like these can be just what you need to lighten up the afternoon.

1. Lets begin with the kids favourite toy - their soft and
fluffy toy, the teddy bear.

Pull out an old white shirt and let your preschooler try it on. Tell your little one that he or she is the Doctor and

you can pretend play 'Doctor, Doctor' and her favourite teddy can be the patient. Let them use the kitchen table to examine the patient, and you can even hand them a popsicle stick as a tongue depressor.

2. Create your very own Story book

This one can be as good a fun educational activity as one of a fun kids games. Let your child know that you plan to make a story book.

Let them have some crayons, paper or pictures and you can ask them to do some coloring and drawing. You can then cut and paste the pictures in a book. And once finished with pasting the pictures, ask your
little one what the story behind the pictures is and then you can write the story for them in the book under each picture.

You can even use old magazine cut outs and paste it and make the story book with your little one.

3. Have a Playdough making afternoon -

Make your very own play dough with this simple play dough recipe. All ingredients you will need to make
play dough are household.

1 cup flour

1/2 cup salt

2 teaspoon Cream of tartar

1 cup Water

1 teaspoon cooking oil

Few drops of food coloring

Mix all the above ingredients an cook it or a minute on a medium flame. It will form into a ball. Knead it into a smooth dough and you have your very own playdough ready.

You will find a good collection of fun kids games, whether its kids outdoor games or educational online preschool games you are looking for, you can find them at best-preschool-games.com

Yogi Shinde is a busy Mum and a web master of a kids games website featuring games for preschool kids.

Preschoolers Who Have ADHD

2009-05-11T16:31:00.000-07:00

When you think of a little child, often comes to mind is them getting into trouble. They like to rebel against their parents. This can be by not listening, always on the go, destroying their room, and throwing tantrums. Many would consider this typical preschooler behavior, but when is it more than the norm? The child may not be intentionally acting the way he or she does. It could be ADHD.

ADHD in children this young can be a challenge to diagnose. This is because at this age such behaviors can be considered normal. There are a few questions to think about when determining if your child has the disorder. One question is how he or she compares to other children the same age. If your child cannot sit still, or concentrate on an activity for even a short period of time, it could be a symptom of ADHD. Another question to ponder is does the behavior change in different settings. The child may only show symptoms while at school, which could mean ADHD is not the cause of the child's behavior.

Many Doctors often will not evaluate children under 5 years old. If they decide to, they need to gather a large assortment of information to get an accurate diagnosis. Medical and family history is important for the Doctor to study to learn about the child.

Ruling out other causes of behavior is also advised. Sleep disturbances, anxiety, and learning disabilities should be considered looking into before being evaluated for ADHD.

If the child is diagnosed with ADHD you will be able to decide the best way to help treat the disorder. Reducing distractions, setting routines, and giving rewards are easy yet powerful ways to cope with the symptoms. Some children who have more severe ADHD symptoms may need to go on a low dose of stimulant medication if changes in their environment are not enough to help ease symptoms.

If you feel your preschooler may have ADHD it is important to discuss your concerns with his or her Doctor. Early intervention is very beneficial for children. They are able to get the help they need and have the best chance of controlling their disorder. Having the child aware of how to handle symptoms at a young age will not only help them when they are young, but also when they are adults. It also benefits parents since they get a better knowledge of why the child is behaving the way they are and ideas on how to support them on the path of treating the disorder.

For more information please visit - http://www.adhd-survival-guide.com

Preschool Spanish - When is the Best Time to Teach My Child Spanish?

2009-05-11T16:30:00.000-07:00

It is widely regarded today that the best thing a responsible parent can do for their child is to teach them a second language, like Spanish. What most parents don't realize, though, is that the best time to teach their child Spanish is in preschool!

The benefits of teaching your child a second language are numerous. Not only will they be able to learn the language more quickly and easily than at any other time in their life, but knowing a second language has shown to:

Improve standardized test scores
Improve memory and information retention

As well as simply provide the benefits of knowing another language. Spanish, for instance, is the third most common language in the world. As the world's economy becomes more and more globalized, knowing Spanish becomes a bigger and bigger benefit.

Most parents get confused, though, about when to start teaching their child Spanish, and how.

Start Teaching Your Child Spanish in Preschool!

The human brain is wired for solving and learning patterns from about ages 0 to 12, but excels at this from ages 0 to 5. Let me give you proof of this.

Your child learned his or her first language with absolutely no training, and clearly no obvious knowledge of language. In fact, your child could be considered conversational in his or her first language by age 2!

The child's brain, because it was immersed in the language all day and all day, picked up on the patterns in the language and forced itself to adapt and learn.

What this means is: the best time to start teaching your child a second language, like Spanish, is as early as possible -- preferably at preschool age!

How To Teach Your Child Spanish

Do not teach your child Spanish through formal lessons and classes. This will only suck the fun out of the language and make them resent language learning.

The best way for your preschool-aged child to learn Spanish is exactly how he or she learned their first language: immersion!

Make sure your nanny or baby sitter speaks Spanish. Many children learn Spanish just from having a baby sitter speak only that language to them.

Enroll your child in a bilingual preschool. This means put them in a school that speaks a mixture of Spanish and English. This has resulted in more bilingual kids than anything else.

Most importantly, speak Spanish at home! Don't know Spanish yourself? Take this opportunity to learn Spanish along with your child. It only takes a week or two to learn enough basic Spanish to get started, and from there, progress as your child progresses.

The Bottom Line

Preschool is the best time for a child to start learning Spanish. Teach them Spanish the same way they learned their first language -- by surrounding them in it! This is how their brains are wired to learn it, easily and naturally.

And most importantly, learn the language along with your child, since this will aid immensely in their learning. Good luck!

The top-performing students in American schools today are bilingual. Find out for FREE how to get your child on the same path to success learning Spanish.

Preschool Lesson Plans - A Helpful Place to Go For Resources and Ideas

2009-05-11T16:29:00.000-07:00

Preschool Lesson Plans are a great idea for any preschool educator or homeschooler of a preschooler. There are many free sites online to get many resources and I find these helpful as well. However I find it's great to have a curriculum to go by to ensure you are covering a wide variety of subjects. The preschool years are a vital time of learning.

Many professionals say for instance that before the age of 6 is a great time to learn a new language because the brain is like a sponge at this age. After age 6 it is harder. It makes sense to me that the same would apply in many subjects.

Take preschool social studies for example. I know I would not come up with something on my own in that field, but if you had a curriculum it would automatically be covered. Or say, if someone they knew is going on a trip somewhere you could find themes or ideas pertaining to that place they are visiting. And again, there are lesson plans you can find online as well and I find they supplement the book or curriculum you are using very nicely.

Preschool art? Oh my goodness, where do you go, what do you do? I know they children LOVE gluing and cutting with safety scissors and they can spend hours just doing that but what if you want a little more? Or say they LOVE dinosaurs, then you could find dinosaur arts and crafts for them to do. You could also incorporate science lessons using dinosaurs. If you had a theme of dinosaurs that cover all subjects I know many a little boy that would LOVE to learn all about them in various subjects.

You could even go all out and get a preschool bulletin board on dinosaurs for a week or month and incorporate dinosaurs in everything you teach them.

So as you can see, there are many ideas on preschool lesson plans and I find that without lesson plans we can't ensure the children are getting a variety of subjects in all areas.

Melissa Brehaut
Piano teacher, Mother and Early Childhood Music Educator
http://www.preschoollessonplansblog.com

Control a 4 Year Old's Behavior - Four is a Tough Kids Age

2009-05-11T16:27:00.000-07:00

Getting a four-year-old to behave can be a difficult because at this age they seem to have a mind of their own. You thought that the terrible twos were bad but once your child reaches four years old they start to develop an attitude. Managing your four year old can be difficult but it is important that you let them know who is a parent. You always want to pay attention to what they are saying and basically get into their world because this will help you to understand why they behave poorly when they do not get what they want.

Make sure that when your child behaves in an improper manner that you let them know that there are going to missed out on the fun stuff. Usually when you just tell them no or don't do it does not provoke a positive response from them. It is always better to be positive with them than to be negative because you will always get a better response from them. You want to make sure that they know who is a parent and who is the child. You can accomplish this by telling them what they will be missing out on when they act up.

Remember that it is difficult to discipline and manage a four-year-old with patience and the right tools you can get through to them. It is important that you learn what works well when disciplining your four-year-old and what does not. Always make sure that they understand that bad behavior will always result in missing out on fun. This is more ineffective than to tell them no and you can't do that.

You Can Get: Great Parenting Facts

How to Manage a : 4 Year Old

Bryan Burbank is an expert in the field of Women and Relationships

Paper Plate Animal Crafts

2009-04-24T12:35:00.000-07:00

Paper plate animals make the perfect kids craft idea. Most are very easy and inexpensive and kids can pick their favorite animal. You can make masks, wall hangings, animal mobiles and standing animal crafts.

The great thing about making animals from a simple paper plate is you can make anything - from aardvarks to zebras and everything in between. Here are just a couple ideas for your animal crafts your kids can make.

3-D Paper Plate Elephant

Using sturdy paper plates, you can give your animal a fun 3-D look. The supplies and instructions below are for making an elephant.

Supplies

8 Sturdy Dinner Size Plates
2 Flexible Dinner Sized Plates
4 Toilet Paper Cardboard Rolls
Black and White Construction Paper
Paint
Black Marker
Pipe Cleaner
Scissors
Glue

Directions

Paint the sturdy plates the color of your choice for the elephant's body. Let these dry completely.

Glue 2 plates together at the rim (front to front) to form one section of the body. Repeat this with the other plates until you have 4 body sections.

Glue each of these sections together, back to back, to form the elephant's body.

Using white paper cut out two large circles for the eyes. Cut out two smaller circles with the black paper for the pupils. Glue these to the front plate. Cut out some small strips with the black paper for eye lashes and glue these above the eyes.

With the flexible paper plates, paint these the same color as the body and let dry. Cut a large arc on one side of the plates to create the ears. Glue these to the side of the front plate (in between the first and second section of the body).

Use one of the cut out arcs for the elephant's trunk. Glue this under the eyes. Cut out a mouth using black paper and glue under the nose. You can give your elephant a fun look by cutting out a cute bow tie (for a boy elephant) or hair ribbons (for a girl elephant) and glue these one.

Next, paint or cover your cardboard rolls with paper to match the color scheme of you elephant. Glue these on at the bottom of the elephant's body in the front and back, placing them in between two of the sections. With the black marker, give his feet some toe nails.

Lastly, take the pipe cleaner and shape into a tail. Poke a small hole in the last plate (in the back) and stick the pipe cleaner in the slot. You may need a little bit of glue to help hold this in place.

This cute paper plate animal will stand on its own and will look great on any table. You can even make more zoo animals and dedicate a whole table for creating your zoo.

Paper Plate Rocking Horse

Every one of all ages love rocking horses. These were classic toys for many of us. So get some of this nostalgia back by making this cute animal craft.

Supplies

Two Flexible Dinner Sized Paper Plates
Brown, Black and Tan Paint
2 Wiggle Eyes
Yarn
Scissors
Glue
Ruler

Directions

Paint the bottom of the paper plate with brown, black and tan spots. Leave some of the white show as well to create white spots for this horse. Let the plate dry.

Turn the plate over to the unpainted side and mark the center of the plate. Using the ruler, measure 1 1/2" to 2" from the center on either side. Draw 2 straight lines (one on each side of the middle). Fold the plate along these lines to create the "rocker".

Take the second paper plate and paint it for the horses head. We used the tan color but you can use any of the colors to match the body.

Once this plate is dry, cut out a horses head and neck from the center of the plate. Make the neck about 1 ½ to 2" wide.

Glue on wiggle eyes or use paper to create the eyes. Using a marker, draw in the details of the horses face (i.e. nose, mouth, ears).

Cut a 1 ½ to 2" wide slit in the rocking paper plate (horse's body). Make this slit the same size as the neck. Slip the neck into this slit and fold over to hold in place. You may need to add a bit of glue to help hold it in place.

Lastly, using the yarn, cut several strips and glue on the back end of the horse for the tail. Repeat this with smaller strips and glue to the horses head to create the mane.

If your paper plate horse is too heavy on one end of the other, causing it not to rock properly, just tape a paper clip on the inside to the side that is too light. This will help balance out the rocker.

The ideas are endless when it comes to fun and easy paper plate animal crafts. So get out the paper plates, craft supplies and your imagination and have fun.

Check out these other fun paper plate animal crafts.

Julie is the author and creator of Cool Kids Craft Ideas

Reading Games Teach Fun Phonics

2009-04-05T18:31:00.000-07:00

I am back with more information regarding early reading.

My second article dealt with the alphabet and how to teach its sounds. In this one I shall show you the importance of games to stimulate interest and empower the learning process.

Never stereotype children, babies included. They are as different as snowflakes. They can have an awareness belying their tender years, a great boldness, build an instant rapport with strangers, fit instantly into their new world, and hug for the Olympics. They can understand the power of their demands and consign the notion of gradual development to the bin. Or, they can be the antithesis of all these remaining squarely within varying shades of each and every one.

But whilst each child is his or her own little person, there are at least two issues where all children become stereotypical. They all love games and they all hate being force fed anything. Sit a child down and teach him and he will resist learning possibly forever. Play learning games with him and he will embrace learning, possibly forever.

The continuous development of his learning skills will depend on your influence, your approach.

You have printed the letters of the alphabet one letter at a time, on postcards in red felt pen. When your child has mastered say the ‘a’ ‘b’ ‘c’ on his bedroom walls and the ‘d’ ‘e’ ‘f’ on the door of the fridge, swap them around. You can place them in surprising places, one on a gumboot then ask “What on earth is this cheeky ‘a’ doing on your gumboot Simeon?” The tray of the high-chair, a place-mat, pinned to a curtain, in the sock drawer, the back of a chair, on a door, are all admirable spots. In fact any strategic and unexpected place where a young reader can see, identify and have a good, indignant laugh at these cheeky sounds that move around so much. Particularly important is that you move them around and introduce new sounds for a continuous development and complete familiarisation. All the new readers I have ever taught, from tinies to older people who were learning to read for the first time in their lives, have all loved identifying sounds in shops, especially those banner headlines advertising specials and sales.

Bear in mind there are only twenty-six letters in the alphabet and children are sponges in the learning game.In a role reversal, let your child test you. Stumble, get a few wrong, allow yourself to be corrected, children love it. One parent actually resisted this saying she would not lie to her child. Remember it is a game, many games require bluffing, the difference with this game is that it has future issues of overwhelming importance to your child.

A game children enjoy is to place the cards they know on the floor in a spaced line. They become stepping stones in a river. Go carefully along, stepping on each stone and not falling into the water.Or your line of cards can become a Formula One track, if you miss a letter you hit a hay bale, if you complete the circuit, the laurel crown (a winter hat) awaits. The cards can be stuck to a door which then becomes a beautiful apple tree. Holding a small basket or bag, your child picks every ‘apple’ she reads correctly.

Fairies and elves, a game where the child hides under a table (mushroom) and answers each card in a fairy or elf voice. Giants hide behind a rock (chair) , robots stride along the carpet and all answer in the appropriate voice. You and your child can probably think of many more characters to assume. These games are fun, fast and enable your child to learn brilliantly. Later they can be adapted to the synthetic phonic sounds, they cost nothing and all children love them. Just keep your child laughing and you will keep him learning.My next article will deal with the importance of reading every single day.

Robyn Dalby-Stockwell is a teacher, writer, broadcaster, reading consultant and Director of Alonah Reading Cambridge www.alonahreadingcambridge.com the only source of her four book reading course, giving reading support to parents and their children.
Article Source: http://greatarticlesformoms.com

Teaching Preschool Color and Shapes with Family Games

2009-04-05T18:28:00.000-07:00

My kids just can't get enough of playing games with Mom and Dad--can yours?

Sometimes we all take a break in the middle of the day and play a game together. Most of the time, I just make sure we play games so that we all have fun together. I can get so caught up in things that I'll go from one task to the next and forget to have a little fun.

Today, after several pleas from my kids, I got out the Uno cards. Today I would be playing with six-year-old Ryan and three-year-old Maegan. In the past, Maegan would sit on my lap and help me with my cards; but today, she wanted to be her "own team".

"Yep," she answered and put down a yellow card on top of the pile.

Round and round we went, with Maegan putting down the correct color on her turn all by herself. Then finally a turn came that she didn't have the right color.

"Do you have a card," I asked, pointing to the large symbol in the middle of the card, "that has a circle like this one?"

While I still had my finger next to the symbol, she went through each card, one a time. She carefully checked to see if she had a "match" - and when she found one, she put it down on top of the pile.

The game was a great success--especially since she won the first round!

"That's one point for the team 'My Little Pony' (as she had named her team)," I congratulated her. She beamed with pride. She had won and she had done it all by herself.

As I sat there admiring her accomplishment, I realized how easy it is to miss opportunities like this that are educational in nature. This game taught her taking turns, sorting, colors, and shapes.

It's always a great asset as a home school parent to have one more way to help our kids learn and practice what they've been learning. So, "Uno away"!!

Laura Bankston is author of Cooking with Kids Curriculum: “Homeschool Cooking in a Box” and the “Homeschool Cookbook”. She currently home schools her three children, maintains home school support websites, and manages their family-owned service business. For information on her curriculum and free home school support services, please visit http://www.homeschoolcookbook.com

5 Best Free Child Games for Your Preschooler

2009-03-04T18:30:00.000-08:00

There seems to be more and more pressure on parents these days to enrol their pre school children in all sorts of innovative learning programs. There are music and swimming classes, craft centres and activities to promote movement, motor skills or sporting ability.

Did you know some of the best learning tools for your kids are right at your fingertips, literally! We as parents are the primary carers and therefore the first teachers of our children before they start school. Without all the classes and activities that we could pay for them to do, just playing simple free child games, your kids will get all the stimulation and encouragement that they need to get the best start.

By providing them with an enriched environment with free activities based around your home and neighbourhood you will get more quality time with your children while enhancing their imagination and creativity.

Top 5 Free Child Games / Activities- Indoors

1. Storytelling- Telling stories to children promotes language, listening skills and imagination. Don't feel confined to reading from books, tell your children a special family story that helps them to know their place in the world. How mum and dad met, how great grandpa sailed in a tall-ship to start a new life in a new country, or the story of their birth. These tales will delight them time and time again, perhaps you have photos to help them put faces to names.

2. Dressing Up- As children the dress-ups box was always our favorite treasure trove for creating characters for a play or story. Pretending to be dinosaurs, truck drivers, doctors, zoo keepers or even mum can keep children entertained for hours. The more props the better so always have a store of blankets for cubbies or tents and assorted boxes for cars, dolls beds or wherever their imagination takes them.

3. Music- Children love a chance to dance and jump around. By the age of three they will already have some favorites which will probably have actions to match. Given the opportunity to march, stomp, clap or any other loud action will be happily accompanied by any musical instruments that you have around the house. If you don't have any, a pot and wooden spoon will do just fine!

4. Craft- By using recycled materials you just need some glue, a little inspiration, and your child's creativity will do the rest. Materials can be used to create collages, space rockets, animals and a whole lot more. Keep a ready supply of recyclables by keeping cereal boxes, toilet rolls, candy wrappers, magazines and yoghurt containers. Other crafty ideas can involve play dough, paint, crayons, chalk and modelling clay! The ideas are endless.

5. Board Games and Card Games- Fun for the whole family or just two bored kids looking for something to do on a rainy day. For younger children these games help them with numerical skills, taking turns and gamesmanship, as well as the concept of chance and that anyone can win the game. Super for holidays as they are easy to set up and can last for hours. There are many card games to learn from easy kids games right up complicated ones for teenagers and adults. Best of all, the only equipment needed is a deck of cards. Board games like Scrabble and Monopoly have been played for generations and will continue to be, unless everything becomes computerised!

Most of these activities will be known to you, but have you played them all? If not, then get out there and enjoy some free child games with your tribe, they'll love you all the more for spending some one on one time with them.

The place to go for all your games needs for 0-6 year olds is Kids Fun and Games. Educational baby and toddler games, party games, crafts, indoor and outdoor games, festivals and more.

Cooking With Your Kids Helps Develop Motor Skills for Preschoolers

2009-03-04T18:23:00.000-08:00

Did you know that cooking with your kids is a natural way for them to develop motor skills? If you've never looked at cooking that way before, think again. There's a reason why kids have a universal love for cooking - just like for stacking blocks and banging!

Cooking is especially good for preschoolers and here's how:

1. Two year olds are developing large muscles in their arms: They will enjoy stirring and stirring and stirring :-). My two year old is always asking to stir; and her subconscious knows why! At 2 years old, a child naturally imitates circular strokes as part of their normal physical development. So, let them stir at every opportunity.

Here are some ways to encourage arm muscle development through cooking:

stirring: flour, eggs, pancake batter, gelatin making, etc.

scrubbing potatoes and vegetables

cleaning the cutting board: Give them a washcloth and some lukewarm water with the cutting board in the sink. They'll have a blast rubbing the wet washcloth up and down the cutting board to clean it.

pouring from large measuring cups into a bowl

2. Two year olds are developing the ability to turn pages: Another motor skill developed during the preschool age is the ability to turn pages.

So - just pondering here...is it the story they love so much or just turning the pages of the book? Well, actually both. They need the motor development of turning the pages; and the pictures and vocabulary improve their intellectual development.

3. Two year olds love "patting" and "pressing": From being fascinated with "patty-cake" chants at an early age, preschooler's still love to pat and press.

I'm sure you'll recognize your preschooler doing this at the park: scooping up rocks or sand, piling them up, and patting the top into different shapes.

Well, here's some suggestions to bring the "patting" inside:

packing down brown sugar in the measuring cup

gently pressing a fork on top of peanut butter cookie dough on the cookie sheet

patting to level off the top of a cup of sugar

patting and pressing on pizza dough

pressing down with a cookie cutter on rolled sugar cookie dough

4. Two year olds love to dip - and this develops arm muscles skills too!: it takes a lot of coordination to dip! Getting the food in the dip, then moving the arm and somehow getting it into your mouth. If it wasn't difficult, they wouldn't get food all over their face! :-)

So, unless your 2 year old always has a clean face when he or she is done eating, here's some dipping opportunities:

carrots in salad dressing

french fries in catsup

dipping a spoon in the emptied batter bowl to clean out the goodies :-)

dipping fruit in a fruit dip or chocolate (like frozen bananas or strawberries)

dipping chicken or fish in a batter for you to cook

dipping the bread in French toast mix

So, instead of "shooing" your preschoolers and 2 year olds out of the kitchen, let them dive in with these simple tasks that not only give them great pleasure, but help them develop their age appropriate motor skills.

Laura Bankston is author of Internationally selling Cooking with Kids Curriculum: “Homeschool Cooking in a Box” and the “Homeschool Cookbook”. She currently home schools her three children, maintains home school support websites, and manages their family-owned service business. For information on her curriculum and free home school support services, please visit http://www.homeschoolcookbook.com

Preschool Winter Activities - Escaping the Winter Blues

2008-12-31T16:27:00.000-08:00

While many adults seem to get trapped in the winter blues, winter is most often seen as a time of wonder and enchantment for children. Explore the many facets of the polar season with these preschool winter activities, which are perfect for kids who experience winter in all its snowy glory and those who only know snow by reading about it in books.

Most preschool winter activities are focused on the most visual aspect of winter, which is snow. Many different household items or craft supplies can simulate snow in craft projects, such as white sand, cotton balls, mashed potato flakes, cracked egg shells, flour, laundry soap, or shaving cream.

Glitter Scenes and Snowman Dreams

There are other simple ways of creating winter scenes, such as this activity which uses black construction paper, glue and glitter. Have children spread paint over the construction paper using a Popsicle stick. Before the glue has a chance to dry, sprinkle glitter across the page which creates an effect to mirror that of sparkling snowflakes. An icicle effect can also be created in a similar manner by spreading thin lines of glue on black construction paper and sprinkling glitter on the lines of glue.

Another excellent theme for preschool winter activities is snowmen. While the construction of actual snowmen outside can be difficult since the snow must slightly be melted in order to stick together to form the snowman's shape, these simple crafts simulate the creation of snowmen.

Try this craft which uses paper plates, pom-poms, orange craft foam, cotton and glue. To begin give each child three paper plates. On the first paper plate, the children glue a smile and eyes from small black pom-poms as well as a nose from the orange craft foam. Next, they glue or staple the second paper plate to the bottom of the first, and decorate it with buttons or more black pom-poms. Finally, they glue or staple the third paper plate to the bottom of the second and a snowman is born!

Edible snowmen can be created from marshmallows and chocolate chips. Use toothpicks to get the marshmallows to stick together. Once children are done creating their snowmen, they can eat their creations for a tasty little treat.

Fun with Mittens

Finally, children love winter because it gives them the chance to put on many fun accessories before venturing out into the cold. Try these fun crafts for practice with decorating skills and for learning about the importance of keeping hands warm with mittens.

This last craft for the preschool winter activities, called "Handprint Mittens" has children decorating a large pair of paper mittens with their very own handprints. Cut out one pair of large paper mittens for each child, and have them dip their hand into Tempra paint and cover the mittens with hand prints. Make sure they wash all the paint off their hand before attempting to use another color of paint, or else all the colors will turn into the same yucky brown color.

Mary Robinson has been teaching preschool for well over a decade. You can get instant access to her preschool activities, crafts, and lesson plans by visiting her website:

http://www.preschoolwhiz.com/oi/articles.html

For a limited time, all visitors to Mary's site will also get a free copy of her special report: "The 7 Biggest Mistakes Preschool Teachers and Parents Make". Go get your free copy today!

What to Consider When Buying Preschool Workbooks

2008-12-31T16:23:00.000-08:00

Are you the parent of a toddler or a preschooler? If you are and if you are interested in educating them from home, you may turn to preschool workbooks. These workbooks are a collection of preschool worksheets combined into one book. They are sold at an unlimited number of retailers and if used in the proper way, they can benefit your child in more ways than one.

If this is your first time attempting to buy preschool workbooks for your child, there are a number of important points that you should take into consideration. One of those points is age recommendations. Most workbooks for preschoolers will come with a recommended age. This age is often three to five years. If there is no age listed, be sure the workbook is designed for preschoolers. Although this may sound simple, you will find that many educational workbooks are similar in appearance; therefore, it can be relatively easy to mix them up.

Another one of the many factors that you will want to take into consideration, when buying preschool workbooks, is what you want your child to learn. After a close look, you will find that they come in a number of different formats. It is possible to find workbooks that focus on a particular topic, such as numbers, as well as others that focus on a wide range of educational topics. If you are interested in working with your child to improve their alphabet, it may be a good idea to purchase workbooks that allow you to do so. Of course, it is also important to mention that a combination can be nice as well.

In keeping with preschool workbook formats, you will also find that many are themed. For instance, it is possible to find workbooks for preschoolers that have cars or farm animal themes. It is also possible to find a large selection of preschool workbooks that are character themed. For instance, many preschool workbooks contain characters such as Dora the Explorer, Winnie the Pooh, Blue from Blue's Clues, and so forth. Purchasing workbooks with themes that interest your child are more likely to spark an interest in education.

It is also important to examine your buying option, when it comes to preschool workbooks. What is nice about making a workbook purchase is that you have a number of different options. Preschool workbooks can be purchased locally or online. If you are interested in shopping locally, you should examine your local dollar stores, discount stores, book stores, department stores, and children's stores.

For more information on preparing your child for preschool or creating your own homeschool preschool program, please visit the Preparing Your Child for Preschool website or blog.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jennifer_Foote
http://EzineArticles.com/?What-to-Consider-When-Buying-Preschool-Workbooks&id=969676

Fall Activities For the Preschool Classroom & Preschool Children

2008-11-19T16:16:00.000-08:00

School aged kids are back to school and fall is here for most of us. What can we do as Parents, Early Childhood Educators and Home Care Providers?

Get the children in to a "school" like routine. This will help our children learn routine, and help to better equip them when they start grade school.

If you work at a day care chances are the center has a routine to work for them including scheduling for breaks, lunch breaks, etc. If you are at home or looking for a change to the daily schedule, here is a sample idea.

Sample Schedule:

Morning

6:30-8:30 Parent drop off, free play, clean up (7:15-*bathroom routine)

8:30-9:00 Snack, clean-up, books and puzzles

9:00-10:00 Outside free play, and games

10:00-10:15 *Bathroom Routine

10:15-11:15 Circle time, Art, Sensory, Dramatic Play, Science, Blocks, etc, Clean up

11:15-11:30 Wash-up/*bathroom and sit for lunch

11:30-12:15 Lunch time, wash-up

Afternoon

12:15-2:15 Nap time and/or quiet time activities

2:15-3:30 Wake-up, *bathroom routine, clean up quiet activities, snack

3:30-4:30 Outside free play

4:30-5:30 free play, parent pick up

* These bathroom routines are set up throughout the day for all children to go to the bathroom to avoid so many children having to go at different times all throughout the day, of course though, if any child had to go to the bathroom in between those times they would be given the time to go.

This schedule can be changed to what seems easiest for you and your group that is in your setting, but the main point here is that when these routines and schedules are followed closely everyday, children become familiar with routines and structure and will thus have an easier time when entering grade school.

Even if you are a parent at home with only your own children, scheduling your day is a great thing to do with your children as it will benefit them in the same way.

Fun Food Tasting Ideas:

With fall approaching, some wonderful foods to talk about and taste are:

Apples (cut up and served with different dips with snack)

Apple Cider (Let the children experience it warm and cold)

Maple Syrup (take a class trip to see how it's made, can have waffles and syrup for a snack, or try maple syrup cookies for a treat)

Pumpkin/seeds (as a circle activity, cut top off and seed pumpkin, wash and roast seeds to show children the process, allow children to handle pulp as a unique sensory experience)

Sweet Potatoes (can try at lunch)

Cranberries (can try in cookies or plain)

Squash (can try at lunch)

Chili (great warm lunch idea with homemade biscuits)

Biscuits (can be made as a cooking activity and served with lunch)

Creamy Soups (great lunch idea with side of garlic bread or sandwiches)

*For some great fall recipes using these foods be sure to visit our websites under the Healthy Snacks section.

Looking for some great daycare lunch menu ideas & healthy snacks for kids?

Perhaps you are just needing some preschool learning ideas and curriculum ideas for children.

If you want to give your preschool child and educational advantage, be sure to visit us for some great preschool education & learning ideas.

Preschool ABC Collage Activity

2008-11-19T16:00:00.000-08:00

Give your preschooler coloring sheets with large letters on it. You can either cut out the letters themselves, or leave them as is on a coloring page.

For example: http://freecoloringpages.homestead.com/LetterAColoringpagefortoddlers.html

Using old catalogs or magazines, let your preschooler cut out pictures of things that start with the letter they're working with...an apple for A, a car for C, etc. Provide glue so they can attach the magazine pictures to their letter. Make a pretty collage. Add glitter or other pretty crafty things! Display your child's collage at home for the family to enjoy!

Cornucopia Coloring Page

2008-11-19T15:56:00.000-08:00

Preschool Thanksgiving Activity

2008-11-19T15:51:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving Place Mat

what you'll need:

construction paper or posterboard
old magazines or catalogs
glue
contact paper or laminator

Set your Thanksgiving table in style with the darling place mat made by your favorite Preschooler! Have your kids cut out pictures of things/items that she is thankful for. Old catalogs or magazines are perfect for this, but you can also print out pictures from the internet. Have your child glue the pictures onto a piece of poster board or construction paper. Either laminate or cover the placemat with clear contact paper. Some folks choose to iron waxed paper on their art work too!

Preschool Coloring Page: Thanksgiving Turkey

2008-11-19T15:47:00.000-08:00

Preschool Turkey Craft Activity: Paper Plate Turkey

2008-11-19T15:41:00.000-08:00

What you'll need:

brown crayon, marker, or paint
paper plate
different color sheets of construction paper
glue
crayons or markers

Your preschooler will love to make this adorable paper plate turkey! Give him/her a paper plate and have them color it brown with crayon, marker or paint. Make a feather template, and let them trace feathers on different colors of construction paper and then cut them out. Have your child glue the feathers around the edge of the plate. Cut out a head, a neck, and feet, and then attach them to the plate. Take a sharpie marker and draw the turkey's face. You can attach the feathers and body parts with staples if you want to add stability.

Kids' Craft: How to Make a Thanksgiving Garland

2008-11-15T09:06:00.000-08:00

If your kids get bored this Thanksgiving, put them to work making
a colorful Thanksgiving garland to help decorate your home for
the holidays.  It is easy to make, and your kids will love
tracing, cutting it out, and putting it together.  You may even
already have the supplies you need laying around the house!

This craft is suitable for ages approximately four and up.  Your
child will need to be able to trace and cut out shapes with
scissors.

Supplies needed:

Orange, yellow, red, brown construction paper
Fall-themed cookie cutters
Pencil
Scissors
Hole punch
Yarn

Get out your baking supplies and see what you have for
fall-themed cookie cutters.  We had a pumpkin and a fall leaf.
Craft stores usually have a good selection of holiday cookie
cutters to choose from.

All your children need to do is use a pencil to trace the cookie
cutter shapes onto the construction paper and then cut them out
with the scissors.  If your child wants to, he or she can layer
several pieces of construction paper on top of each other and cut
out more than one of the same shape at once.

Next have them use the hole punch to punch a hole into the top of
each shape.

They will then cut a length of yarn, tie a knot on one end and
then string the shapes onto the yarn.  Their Thanksgiving garland
is now ready to hang!

This craft project is suitable for any holiday!  Use your cookie
cutters to make holiday garlands for any occasion.

Rachel Paxton is a freelance writer and mom who is the author of
What's for Dinner?, an e-cookbook containing more than 250 quick
easy dinner ideas. For more recipes, gardening, organizing tips,
home decorating, holiday hints, and more, visit Creative
Homemaking at http://www.creativehomemaking.com.

Thanksgiving Hand Print Turkey Craft

2008-11-13T16:58:00.000-08:00

These hand print turkeys are an easy craft for your kids to make
for Thanksgiving.  They are easy enough for toddlers and
preschoolers to help make, but even older children will enjoy
tracing around their hands to make this fun turkey craft.

Supplies needed:

Brown felt
Colorful craft feathers
Google eye
Red pipe cleaner
Scissors
Black permanent marker
Rubber cement or craft glue

We chose to make our turkeys out of brown felt.  This is just one
of many options, you could also use brown craft foam or brown
construction paper.

First, use the black permanent marker to trace around your
child's hand on the brown felt.  Next cut out the hand tracing.
For younger children, you will have to do these steps for them.

Next turn over the piece of the felt so any permanent marker
markings are on the backside of the felt.

The thumb of the handprint will be the turkey's neck and head, so
have your child use a little glue to attach a google eye where
the eye should go.

Cut a small piece of red pipe cleaner for the turkey's beak,
approximately 1/2 inch long.  Fold the cut piece in half and have
your child glue it beneath the turkey's eye.

Next have your child brush some glue on each of the other
fingers, and then have him press down one feather on each finger.

That's it!  A quick, easy Thanksgiving craft that will be sure to
please your child.  It's also a great way to preserve your
child's small, adorable hand that will be bigger next year.

Rachel Paxton is a freelance writer and mom who is the author of
What's for Dinner?, an e-cookbook containing more than 250 quick
easy dinner ideas. For more recipes, gardening, organizing tips,
home decorating, holiday hints, and more, visit Creative
Homemaking at http://www.creativehomemaking.com.

Paper Plate Scarecrow Craft

2008-11-10T10:52:00.000-08:00

Kids love scarecrows, and fall is a great time to do scarecrow
crafts with your preschool aged child.  With a paper plate and
some other items you may already have laying around your house,
you and your child can create this scarecrow craft in no time.

Supplies needed:

Paper plates
Google eyes
Brown construction paper
Orange construction paper
Raffia
Red pipe cleaner
Craft feathers
Scissors
Rubber cement
Glue gun (optional)

Note: Many of the above items can be substituted with things you
might already have. For instance, you can use felt or craft foam
instead of construction paper, or straw or shredded paper instead
of raffia. Your child could also draw the face with markers
instead of gluing it on.

To get started, cut several pieces of raffia about 3-4 inches
long.  This will be the scarecrow's hair. Next glue the raffia to
each side edge of the plate, toward the top. The hat will cover
the top edge of the hair.  I chose to use hot glue for this step
and did the gluing for my children. The hot glue works the best
to get the raffia stuck on there quickly.

Next use the scissors to cut a hat out of brown construction
paper.  You can make any shaped hat your child would like. If
your child is old enough to cut out a shape, draw the hat on the
paper for him and let him cut it out himself.  Then have your
child brush some rubber cement on the back of the hat and glue it
on top of the scarecrow's hair.

After you have the hair and hat in place, have your child brush
glue where the eyes will go and have him stick the eyes on.  Next
cut a small triangle from the orange construction paper and have
your child glue the nose on the scarecrow's face.

Next cut a red pipe cleaner in half, have your child shape half
of it into a mouth, and then have him glue it on the scarecrow.
Last but not least, have your child place some glue on the end of
a feather and have him slide it under a corner of the scarecrow's
hat.

That's it! Your preschooler will be so proud of his scarecrow, he
won't be able to wait to show it to everyone!

Rachel Paxton is a freelance writer and mom of four. For
scrapbooking, card making, gift-giving ideas, and more family
memory-making activities, visit http://www.crafty-moms.com.

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