Like many parents of preschool-aged children, you’re probably wondering, What comes next? After all, there’s still a lot of growing and learning to do before entering elementary school. Let’s take a minute to explore some options, with these school readiness program offerings. Pre-Kindergarten In this program, short lessons are focused on simple topics, with […]
It was pickup time shortly after the start of a new preschool year. My son had a great day, but suddenly was sucking his thumb, wailing and pulling at me— in full meltdown mode. He hadn’t acted like that since he was much younger. What happened to my Big Boy? What Happened to My Happy […]
In our final post in the series, our experts – Dr. Susan Canizares and Dr. Heather Wittenberg – reveal how to make kindergarten a great experience by preparing in these simple (and fun) ways. Dr. Heather: Starting kindergarten is exciting, but it can also be daunting for parents. Even with my fourth child, I worry […]
In this second of our three-part series, our experts – Dr. Susan Canizares and Dr. Heather Wittenberg —give tips for making a smooth transition from preschool to Kindergarten. Dr. Heather: Back in the “bad old days,” we didn’t have much understanding of early childhood development. Young children were seen as too little to learn very […]
When should YOUR child start Kindergarten? Our experts are here to help you decide! Dr. Susan Canizares, our Chief Academic Officer, not only has a Ph.D. in Language and Literacy Development, she’s a nationally recognized authority on early childhood education. Dr. Heather Wittenberg is a mom of four and a child psychologist who blogs at […]
With a little guidance, your child will be ready for Kindergarten. Follow these tips from Dr. Heather and you both will be ready for the first day. Find more of Dr. Heather’s Kindergarten readiness tips here. Which of these Kindergarten readiness tips will you try with your preschooler first? Tell us in a comment below. […]
Is your child ready to start Kindergarten this fall? As a parent, I know it’s difficult to imagine your little one sitting in a “big kid” classroom in just a few months. Believe me, though, you’ll be amazed at the growth your child will experience before then. Here are my ideas for helping your almost-big-kid […]
Should your child start preschool at 2, 3, or even 4? Is he late-born, early-born, or right in between? Should he be one of the oldest in the class, the youngest, or in the middle? And what impact will this have on his eventual kindergarten start date? If your head is spinning at making this […]
Games for Toddlers Toddlers start to learn the alphabet by exposure. Seeing, hearing and playing with letters is the best way to start learning the alphabet. 1. Letter Sort – Get out your alphabet letters (foam, magnetic, any kind). Sort by colors, shapes (curvy or straight), letters in the child’s name, or by any criteria […]
Talking with you –in real time –is the highlight of my work here. In our latest chat, we brainstormed about getting fun summer schedules under control, and the importance of establishing a strong relationship with your child’s teacher even BEFORE school starts. We also shared how saying goodbye on that first day of school is […]
It’s time to get kids ready . . . and excited to go back to school! How? Go shopping and read books. Both are something you already do, right? Here’s how they can help get your child ready for school. Read Books Reading books about school gives kids a story in their minds. It tells […]
My two-year-old has a 10 p.m. bedtime. It happened gradually, over the summer. Longer, relaxed days, keeping up with her older siblings, and special outings and occasions have all pushed her usual 8 p.m. bedtime to this ridiculously late point. It’s gotta stop. I can picture us during the first week of school: bleary-eyed children […]