•Tell each child, “I love you.” •Communicate love through gentle touch.  •Keep track of your kids; notice when they come and go. •Talk up what your children do that’s right. •Notice small steps toward competency. •Ask your kids their opinion. •Answer their questions patiently and thoroughly. •Expect age-appropriate responsibility. •Provide situations where your […]
 I won’t keep you in suspense: the secret is the “fun factor.” Put simply, kids will work tirelessly if the work is gratifying — that is, if it’s fun! That doesn’t mean all play and little work leads to academic success; far from it. What it does mean is that each child’s own perspective about […]
To gain confidence, kids need to learn to cope with frustration. Â A child’s mixed emotions are the product of his young mind coming to grips with the complexities of his expanding world. Positive and negative emotions are central to his growth. Like all of us, an 18- to 36-month-old needs to learn to express […]
Over two decades after Howard Gardner identified multiple intelligences in his ground-breaking book Frames of Mind (1983), educators around the world are using the theory of multiple intelligences in their classrooms. In some ways, parents and teachers have always intuitively known that children learn in different ways and that an activity that grabs one child may […]
 These cheerful sunflowers are a simple autumn-themed craft that celebrate each child’s individuality.  To have fun creating a original fall craft To encourage creative expression through art To educate children about fingerprints and their uniqueness  Collect (or have children bring from home) small paper plates to use as the base for the […]
Teamwork between parents and teachers is essential to get your child ready to read. At home and in preschool, the best way to develop pre-reading skills is through fun and games. Here’s how to start your child off right. Â Connect with the Teacher Do you need an appointment or is there an open-door policy? […]
Humor is one of a number of things — like art or dramatic play — that children can create. Humor, in turn, fosters a relaxed and playful climate in which further creativity is more likely to occur. Humor, creativity, playfulness, and play are closely connected, so a home or classroom that’s conducive to any of […]
Prompt conversation and encourage curiosity by asking your child challenging questions, such as: Â What do you know how to do that you can teach to others? Â If you could be a sound, what would it be? Â What is the funniest thing that ever happened to you? Â What do you think your […]
