View posts by our early learning expert to gain valuable insights into the developing brain and learn about activities that you can easily incorporate into your day to help every child succeed in kindergarten and in life.
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If you struggle with the mess that seems to be an inescapable part of early childhood painting projects, I am right there with you! After years of dutifully setting up easels and wiping down paint-smeared hands, faces, shoes and surfaces in the messy aftermath of our creative endeavors, I finally had to face reality: The […]
“Noa, what are you doing?” questions Jose. “I’m giving this rock a swing!” giggles Noa as she embarks on her latest investigation into force and motion. “Are you sure that will work?" James asks. “I think the rock will fall off!” We all stop what we are doing to observe as Noa cautiously pulls the swing back a few feet and […]
Two-year-old Elizabeth screams with delight, “I made a ball, I made a ball!” Ah, it’s another magical moment with clay. Making shapes, discussing length, adding loose parts or subtracting pieces of clay to share with a friend. There's a whole lot of math, science and engineering in that ball of clay! Clay allows children to […]
“AUGGGHHHH!” I hear screams, a crash and giggles galore. The joy of Magna-Tiles® has returned to our ever-popular window-stacking play. When these colorful magnetic tile mosaics come crashing down from the window frame, the children respond with laughter and joy. By contrast, the collapse of three-dimensional block formations often elicits groans and tears. Something about […]
“How can children be ready for kindergarten if they spend their days playing outside?” As nature-based early childhood educators, we are often asked questions like this one by concerned parents who want to give their children the best start in life. It's important that parents understand the vast amount of learning that can take place […]
As children prepare for kindergarten, one of the most important skills they can develop is an early understanding of mathematics. But this doesn’t mean sitting down with worksheets or drills: It means engaging in playful, hands-on activities that spark curiosity and exploration. Everyday tools such as tape measures can inspire children to explore their world […]
As parents prepare their children for kindergarten, many focus on academic and practical skills such as counting and name writing. But the foundation for school success often begins with play. Whether it’s stacking blocks, swinging on a swing, or working through a puzzle, play offers big benefits. For young children, it’s crucial to develop the […]
Did your child get 10 to 13 hours of sleep last night? For children between the ages of 3 and 6, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends 10-13 hours of sleep each night. Why so much? Because a lot of growing takes place while your little one is snoozing! Sleep is crucial for brain development and […]
As your child approaches kindergarten, you may find yourself wondering: Is my child ready? It’s a big milestone, and the task of preparing your child for the academic and social challenges ahead may feel overwhelming. But here's something you might not have considered: Kindergarten readiness doesn’t start with iPads or educational apps—it starts with play. […]
"You start out like this," Nina explains as she packs together a small pile of snow. ”You push it and roll it, and it gets bigger and bigger. Then you have to pack it down. But not too hard. If you pack too hard, it falls apart." The winter months offer endless opportunities to introduce […]