Supporting Early Reading
The most essential thing I can share, may be surprising. To help kids learn to read we have to support their love of reading.Here are a few ways to do that
What Research Says About Pretend Play
If you search 'scholarly articles on benefits of pretend play' you'll get over 355,000 results! The benefits are well studied and significant for young children's development. Some benefits include: Social Development: In preschoolers...
Creating Rhythm: Less Pressure, More Calm
One aspect of this practice that I love is the reminder to build “pressure valves” into each day. Pressure builds up for children just like it does for adults. We...
Creating Rhythm: Mealtimes
I am always thrilled when I find a tool to help simplify any aspect of the demanding and sometimes complex work of parenting. I’m doubly thrilled when that change yields...
Creating Rhythm: Calendars
“Is it a green dot day?” is a question I get nearly every morning from my 3 year old as we finish up our breakfast. This is the time of...
How to choose developmental toys
Buying toys is tough. Tougher than it should be. It's toys, after all! If you are like me, you search and scroll for the 'right' toy, asking yourself a dozen...
Easing the Transition to School
The very first day of school can be one that is full of big feelings - for parents and kids alike. It is a monumental transition. We reached out to...
Independent Play and Your To-Do list
If you are like most parents, you have a very long to-do list. With little ones at home, it can feel near to impossible to cross anything off the list-...
3 Signs Your Child is Concentrating
Our ability to concentrate lays the foundation for our learning, success and wellness. The first six years of life are vital for the development of this skill. For these reasons,...
A Mother’s Day Gift: Making the invisible work of motherhood visible
On Mother’s day I always enjoy kid-made breakfast in bed and then I take time for a long walk by the river. This year I’m adding something new - a revolution.
The Great Outdoors
When we think of environmental education, we might think about teaching children the names of trees or the effects of pollution. While these are certainly a part of Environmental Education,...
The Educational Value of Broken Dishes
Did you know that switching to things made of safe, environmentally friendly materials is not only better for your child’s health, it is in many cases actually better for your child’s learning?...