Children develop mathematical skills and discover mathematical relationships as they play with many different kinds of materials and have conversations about what they are doing. At preschool, look at what is in each interest area for children to use and listen to what they talk about with one another and with teachers.  The […]
 As 4-year-old Darla takes the last sip from her favorite clear blue cup, she suddenly discovers that she can see through the bottom. “Mom, everything looks different!” she exclaims, as she watches the yellow cheese on her plate turn green and the red tomato turn purple through the cup. After eating, she runs off, […]
 How your child’s early experiences shape his learning success  Many studies over the past decade have shown that the early years, from birth to age 5, form an indelible blueprint for your child’s long-term learning success. Early behaviors and skills associated with successful reading development used to be described as readiness skills, but […]
A trusting relationship and plenty of playtime lay the foundation for successful readers. Â All parents want their children to be successful in school and throughout life. While literacy, which begins with oral-language skills, is the foundation of that success, it’s equally important to remember that both language and literacy development grow out of the […]
 How to tell if your child is developing on schedule or if there might be a problem.  There is a wide range of speech and language development that is considered normal. Early or later speech within that range is not linked to intelligence or reading ability. However, you should expect to see the […]
 Your child can mark spring’s arrival with this colorful egg-shaped chalk.  Plastic eggs Petroleum jelly Plastic spoon Plaster of Paris Powdered tempera paint  To make a piece, first separate the halves of a plastic egg. Liberally coat the insides with petroleum jelly, adding extra near the seam, and then set both halves […]
A simple homemade doll gives greater meaning to familiar words.  • woman’s ribbed sock • shredded paper or batting (for stuffing) • thick thread • craft items such as yarn, ribbons, sequins, etc. Read a book of nursery rhymes and discuss the characters. Make your own Humpty-Dumpty! Flatten the sock so that the sole of the foot is face […]
Watch how water spreads through a plant. • celery stalk with leaves • 2 cups • water • red and blue food coloring • knife Make a cut up the center of the celery. (Only parents should use the knife!) Start at the bottom and go about halfway up so the celery has two “legs.”  Fill each cup with water. […]
