STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, & Math) projects are great for enriching your child’s cognitive and emotional development. From winter to spring, summer and fall, STEAM activities can be done any time of year, both indoors or out. While there are hundreds of STEAM educational activities to choose from, here are four of my favorite …
One-year olds are eager and curious learners. Brain development during this year lays the foundation for all of their future learning. Ones naturally love activities that activate their brain development: touching, looking, tasting, talking, listening, moving, and playing—these are some of the best activities for building strong brains. Watch your one-year old as they play. …
It’s the middle of the school year—there are more hours of daylight; the weather is starting to warm up (ever so slightly); and the weekends and after-school hours are starting to fill up with spring sports on the horizon. Your child’s homework might be the last thing on your mind. If you and your child …
Albert Einstein once said, “There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.” We live in a world filled with miracles. We can see them every day—if we know where to look. A miracle occurred the day …
It’s Never Too Early to Start Reading With Your Child Read More »
When working with parents, I am often asked: “Is my toddler ‘ready’ for a preschool?” The next question that follows is: “Will it help or hurt my child in any way?” Every child is different, but research into early childhood shows that even a few hours a week in an intentionally prepared environment with age-based …
Preschool Readiness and The Importance of Play-Based Learning Read More »
If you’ve got a toddler, you may be wondering about preschool options. And, believe it or not, now is the time to start planning for enrollment next fall! Before you start furiously scheduling preschool tours, it’s helpful to have a list of questions handy to help ease the process of selecting the perfect preschool …
Toddlers and young children are constantly asking questions about their world: “Why is the sky blue?”, “Why do we have feet?” As a parent, it can be hard to keep up with their curiosity! But the truth is, you are likely teaching your child more than you even realize through your everyday interactions. From building …
August has always been my favorite part of summer—first as child and then as a teacher. For many of us, the school-year calendar dictates our schedules and time available to relax and play in the summer sun. My family moved to Eugene 21 years ago from a small town on coastal Maine. Our first summer …
When your child comes to you for help or to talk, they’re ready to learn. Give them positive attention, even if only for a minute or so.