Mindfulness in the early childhood environment has been given its due attention recently as we come to understand more about how mindfulness benefits all young children. Mindfulness practices have been around for centuries, but integrating mindfulness into early childhood environments can empower our youth with crucial tools. According to ChildCare Education Institute, the industry leader for … [Read more...] about Mindfulness in the Early Childhood Environment
Feelings
Super Kids Movement: Embrace Every Kid’s Light in the World!
It's almost August and millions of kids, teachers, and parents are preparing for back-to-school time. I'm an educator, but also a parent of six and a grandparent to five young girls. As a teacher, I strive to meet my students just where they are. Real connections with kids take time, energy, lots of patience, and great love. I've learned that passion and heartfelt care for kids go further toward … [Read more...] about Super Kids Movement: Embrace Every Kid’s Light in the World!
Dreamcatcher Crafts for Kids: No More Bad Dreams!
Kids are often afraid of the dark and sometimes have bad dreams. The Wikki Stix dreamcatcher craft for kids is a tangible way to help ease bedtime anxieties! Dreamcatchers are an ancient Chippewa tradition. Legend says that since dreams never end, the dreamcatcher will hold all bad dreams and release only the good ones. When hung over a child's bed at night, the dreamcatchers are a tangible … [Read more...] about Dreamcatcher Crafts for Kids: No More Bad Dreams!
Introducing Prokofiev’s “Peter and the Wolf” to Young Kids!
Sergei Prokofiev's Peter and the Wolf is a composition written for chamber orchestra and narrator. It is one of Prokofiev's cherished works and will delight children while offering an opportunity to learn important skills through classical music. Sergei Prokofiev (1891-1953) was born in Russia (show the children on a world map where Russia is located in relationship to where they live). … [Read more...] about Introducing Prokofiev’s “Peter and the Wolf” to Young Kids!
At your wit’s end with a picky-eater? Things to consider…
Almost all children go through eating "phases" where they like some foods more than others. If your child's pediatrician indicates that development is fine (*note - the following suggestions will not apply to all children who have special needs or conditions that would need specialized care and training), it might just be a matter of waiting it out while encouraging them to TRY foods they are … [Read more...] about At your wit’s end with a picky-eater? Things to consider…
Do you negotiate, plead, or bargain over EVERY issue with your child?
In the back-to-school rush of the morning, the last thing parents (and kids, too) need is to end the morning angry with each other. Helping our kids understand household rules and what choices they DO have will have an impact on how smoothly the household operates. Children and Choices All kids need choices to learn how to be independent. It is about giving them easy, age-appropriate … [Read more...] about Do you negotiate, plead, or bargain over EVERY issue with your child?