Preschool & Parenting Blog

Preschool articles and blog posts about various preschool learning activities and kindergarten topics, teaching methods ,and toys for children, parents, and educators.

Create an Engaging Learning Environment for Preschoolers

Establishing a Secure and Engaging Learning Environment for Preschoolers Designing a secure and stimulating preschool environment is imperative for nurturing the comprehensive development of young learners.  Preschool marks the starting point of a child’s educational journey, influencing their cognitive, social, and emotional growth.  Educators are pivotal in creating a nurturing space that not only prioritizes safety but also encourages curiosity and creativity.  This article delves into essential strategies for building a preschool environment that emphasizes safety and engagement. 1. Prioritize Classroom Safety: The foundation of any preschool setting lies in ensuring safety. Educators should thoroughly assess the physical space to identify potential hazards, secure furniture, remove sharp objects, and implement childproof measures on electrical outlets.  Regular safety drills, such as fire evacuations, should be practiced to familiarize both educators and students with appropriate procedures.  Additionally, maintaining a well-defined health and hygiene protocol, including proper sanitation measures, is crucial for preventing the spread of illnesses. 2. Foster a Welcoming and Inclusive Atmosphere: A safe preschool environment extends beyond physical safety to include emotional safety. Establishing a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere is crucial for building trust among young learners. Educators must be attuned to the diverse backgrounds and needs of their students, promoting an environment where everyone feels valued and respected. This inclusivity forms the basis for positive social interactions and emotional well-being. 3. Thoughtful Classroom Organization: The layout of the preschool classroom significantly impacts the learning experience. Organize the space to include dedicated areas for various activities, such as reading corners, art stations, and play areas. Ensure that materials and resources are easily accessible, encouraging independent exploration. Well-defined spaces for group activities and quiet time aid in managing the energy levels of young learners throughout the day. 4. Engage with Stimulating Learning Materials: Stimulating preschool environments are filled with age-appropriate learning materials that cater to different learning styles. Incorporate a mix of hands-on activities, educational games, and visually appealing resources to capture the children’s interest. Regularly rotating materials keeps the environment dynamic and fosters curiosity. Involving students in choosing and organizing materials promotes a sense of ownership and responsibility. 5. Create Inviting Outdoor Play Spaces: Physical activity is integral to a child’s development, and outdoor play spaces offer numerous benefits. Ensure that the outdoor area is secure, and age-appropriate equipment is available. Natural elements such as plants and sensory gardens enhance the outdoor experience, providing opportunities for exploration and discovery. Structured playtime not only promotes physical health but also encourages social interaction and cooperation among preschoolers. 6. Establish Effective Communication: Establishing open lines of communication with both parents and students is vital for creating a supportive preschool environment. Regular newsletters, parent-teacher conferences, and communication apps can keep parents informed about their child’s progress and upcoming activities. Educators should also encourage young learners to express themselves, fostering effective communication skills from an early age. 7. Embrace Routine and Consistency: Preschoolers thrive on routine and consistency. Establishing a predictable daily schedule helps children feel secure and understand expectations. Clearly defined transitions between activities […]

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teach orange shirt day to kids

How to Teach Preschoolers About Orange Shirt Day

Fostering Empathy & Teaching About Orange Shirt Day Orange Shirt Day is a significant and meaningful event that commemorates the experiences of Indigenous children in residential schools and promotes awareness about the intergenerational impacts of these institutions.  Teaching preschoolers and young children about Orange Shirt Day provides an opportunity to instill empathy, cultural understanding, and respect for diversity from a young age. In this article, we will explore creative and age-appropriate ways to engage young learners in the importance of Orange Shirt Day. 1. Start with a Story: Preschoolers and young children often respond well to storytelling. Begin by sharing age-appropriate books that introduce the concept of Orange Shirt Day and the history behind it. Choose books with vibrant illustrations and simple language to capture their attention. Stories such as “Shi-shi-etko” by Nicola I. Campbell or “When We Were Alone” by David A. Robertson provide a gentle introduction to the experiences of Indigenous children in residential schools. 2. Wear Orange: Encourage children to wear orange shirts on the designated day to create a visual connection with the cause. Discuss the significance of the orange shirt and its representation of solidarity and remembrance. You can involve them in decorating their own orange shirts with fabric markers or fabric paint, adding a creative touch to the learning experience. 3. Create Indigenous-Inspired Art: Engage preschoolers in hands-on activities that allow them to express their feelings and thoughts about Orange Shirt Day through art. Provide materials such as construction paper, feathers, and beads to create crafts inspired by Indigenous traditions. This not only fosters creativity but also serves as a tangible reminder of the importance of cultural awareness. 4. Learn a Song or Dance: Incorporate music and movement into the learning process by introducing traditional Indigenous songs or dances. Simple, rhythmic activities can help preschoolers connect emotionally with the culture being explored. Consider inviting a local Indigenous storyteller or performer to share their talents and enhance the educational experience. 5. Explore Indigenous Cultures: Broaden the learning experience by exploring various aspects of Indigenous cultures. Introduce children to Indigenous art, food, and customs. Create a multicultural learning environment that celebrates diversity and encourages curiosity. This can be done through storytelling, cooking activities, or showcasing traditional Indigenous clothing and artifacts. 6. Field Trip to Indigenous Cultural Centers: If possible, organize a field trip to a local Indigenous cultural center or museum. This hands-on experience can provide preschoolers with a more immersive understanding of Indigenous history and traditions. Many cultural centers offer child-friendly exhibits and interactive displays that cater to young learners. Teaching preschoolers and young children about Orange Shirt Day is an essential step in fostering a society that values empathy, understanding, and reconciliation.  By incorporating age-appropriate activities, stories, and experiences, educators and parents can lay the foundation for a future generation that is knowledgeable and respectful of Indigenous cultures.  Through these efforts, we can contribute to a more inclusive and compassionate society for all.

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Teaching letters and abc's to preschoolers

Teaching the Alphabet & Abcs to Preschoolers

Teaching Letters to Preschoolers Teaching the alphabet to preschool children can be a fun and interactive process. Here are some creative and engaging ways to teach the ABCs and letters:   1. Alphabet Books: Use alphabet books with colorful pictures and simple sentences. Ask your child to point out and name the letters. 2. Alphabet Song: Sing the classic “Alphabet Song” together. Make it more interactive by using hand motions or dancing along. 3. Alphabet Blocks or Magnets: Use alphabet blocks or magnets to build words and let your child become familiar with the shapes of the letters. 4. Letter Tracing: Provide large letters for your child to trace with their finger or a writing tool. This helps them learn the letter shapes. 5. Letter Recognition Games: Play games where you show a letter and ask your child to identify it. You can use flashcards or even write letters on pieces of paper. 6. Alphabet Puzzles: Use alphabet puzzles where your child matches letters to corresponding pictures or arranges them in order. 7. Letter Sensory Play: Fill a tray with rice, sand, or other sensory materials and bury small objects that start with different letters. Ask your child to find the objects and say the corresponding letter. 8. Alphabet Scavenger Hunt: Go on a scavenger hunt around the house or in nature to find objects that start with different letters. 9. Letter Crafts: Create crafts for each letter of the alphabet. For example, for the letter “A,” you can make an apple collage. 10. Alphabet Bingo: Create a bingo game with letters instead of numbers. Call out letters and have your child mark them on their bingo card. 11. Alphabet Apps and Games: There are many educational apps and games available that make learning the alphabet interactive and fun. 12. Alphabet Videos: Use educational videos or apps that focus on teaching the alphabet through songs and visuals. 13. Alphabet Wall Chart: Hang a colorful alphabet chart on the wall where your child can easily see and reference it. 14. Cooking with Letters: Use cookie cutters in the shape of letters to create alphabet cookies. This can be a fun hands-on activity. 15. Outdoor Chalk Play: Write letters with chalk on the sidewalk or driveway and have your child jump from one letter to another while saying their names. Remember to be patient and provide positive reinforcement as your child learns their abcs and alphabet letters. Tailor the activities to their interests and abilities. The key is to make it enjoyable and interactive for the preschool children.

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Daily routines and preschool schedules for children ages 2 1/2 to 5 years old.

Preschool Daily Schedule

Daily Routine for Preschoolers in The Classroom A sample or example daily schedule for preschoolers and toddler children (below) in your preschool classroom to help you organize your day and your preschool and toddler students day. You can use the pre k daily schedule for preschoolers below or the daily toddler schedule below or any variation of these 2 schedules, to organize your day and get the preschool children use to daily routines and activities. Scheduling examples like these help to make things easier and helps to add daily structure in the pre k children’s lives when they are in the classroom. Please be sure to Share & bookmark the sample preschool and toddler schedules below if they are of use to you in your teaching. PRESCHOOL DAILY ROUTINE SCHEDULE (Ages 2 1/2 – 5 years of age) 6:45am ~ 8:30am Family Grouping and Arrival 8:00am ~ 8:15am Washroom Routine 8:30am ~ 8:50am Snack 8:50am ~ 9:50am Outdoor Activities 9:50am ~ 10:00am Bathroom 10:00am ~ 10:10am Circle/Calendar 10:10am ~ 11:10am Free Flow Activities/Hand Washing 11:10am ~ 11:40am Lunch Routine 11:40am ~ 12:00pm Washroom Routine/Clean-up/Teeth Brushing 12:00pm ~ 2:00pm Sleep Time 1:40pm ~ 2:00pm Washroom Routine (As Needed) 2:00pm ~ 2:15pm Washroom Routine 2:15pm ~ 2:30pm Snack 2:30pm ~ 3:30pm Free Play 3:30pm ~ 3:45pm Dressing for Outdoors 3:45pm ~ 4:45pm Outdoor Activities 4:45pm ~ 5:30pm Free Play/ Family Grouping/ Departure Preschool Daily Routine for Toddlers: Toddler Daily Routine & Schedule The following daily routine for toddlers is an example which you can follow or alter to best suit your preschool learning center and the needs of the  toddler children. It is important for the toddler children to have structure and routines. It is important for teachers and educators to be organized and have a preschool daily routine in order to accomplish the set learning and educational activities, snacks, lunches and other things planned daily for the toddler children. The sample toddler schedule or routine below can be used and you can modify it where necessary to suit your needs. Sample Daily Routine for Toddlers: The following Daily Toddler Routine is an example which you can follow or alter to best suit your Preschool Learning Center and the needs of the children. Center Opens – 8:30 am: Family Grouping Time 8:30am – 9:00am Diaper Routine, Snack Time 9:00am – 10:00 am Outdoor/ Gross Motor Time 10:00am – 11:00am Circle/Programming, Diaper Routine 11:00am – 11:10am Clean-up, Bed set up 11:10am – 11:50am Lunch/Clean-up, Tooth brushing 11:50 am – 2:00pm Back Rubbing/Nap/Music 2:00pm – 3:00pm Wake-up/ Snack, Diaper Routine, Beds Away 3:00pm – 4:00pm Free Play (Music) 4:00pm – 5:00pm Outdoor Play 5:00pm – Close Family Grouping Time, Diaper Check Remember: Always remember, its a daycare center NOT a children’s BOOT CAMP! Be flexible with your preschool and toddler activities and enjoy the day with the Pre K children and toddler children. Everyone will be in a better mood as a result. Have Fun!

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Preschool programming ideas and preschool curriculum areas of teaching for preschoolers and toddlers.

Daily Preschool Program Ideas For Early Childhood Development

Preschool Programming Ideas for Early Childhood Development: In order to find appropriate daily preschool program ideas for effective early childhood development for the pre k children in your classroom, you should OBSERVE the children while they are playing and OBSERVE and listen to what they are saying. Doing this will give you, as an early childhood educator and preschool teacher, many different teaching & preschool program ideas for early childhood development according to what the preschoolers and toddlers are interested in. Take a look at the various areas of early childhood programming that we have listed below and incorporate them through out your daily schedule. Preschool Program Ideas for Early Preschool Development: Sensory Ideas: Sand, water, objects to explore, goop, flubber, pot pouri, feely boards etc. Art Ideas: Free flow, blank paper, according to topic Science Ideas: Tools to explore with, circle experiment. Math Ideas: Number puzzles, books, poster, circle activities, math songs, flash cards. Dramatic Play: Real life objects, dress up, home setting, real life settings for pretending. Blocks: Shelf, Lego, log house toys, wooden blocks, trucks, (paper, pencils, tape, scissors – OPTIONAL) Music Activities: On shelf/table, bells, tambourine, drum, triangle, music through out the day-CD’s, circle activities using songs. Free Flow Toys: Change variety and types of toys weekly (no later than bi-weekly based on interest levels or behaviors) Quiet Area: Picture book of preschool class, age appropriate books, one word books, pic books, soft pillows, blankets, cuddle toys, felt stories etc. Puzzles: Simple puzzles ranging to more advanced based on different levels of learning, numbers, letters, familiar objects. Have a table available with lots of room. Computer: Educational games, learning to use the ‘mouse’, time limit games/timer games, 1-2 children at a time. Toddler Programming Ideas & Activities: For toddler programming ideas, you should use ONLY a couple of the above preschooler programming ideas each day. *Otherwise it becomes too overwhelming for the toddlers. We need to keep things simple and progressive when using toddler programming ideas in the classroom or at home.

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Three Day Potty Training Tips For Boys And Girls

Three Day Potty Training Tips – How to Potty Train a Girl or a Boy: Are you a parent or caregiver that cringes at the thought of potty training? Are you looking for three day potty training tips for boys and girls? Well the truth of the matter is you are not alone. Many parents and caregivers have sought out many different avenues when it comes to the including spending hundreds of dollars on books, videos, and products. Through some research I have found that a lot of the information available to us has become out dated and just doesn’t work. It ends up making you and your child frustrated and leaves you with lots of accidents, tears, dirty carpets and dirty furniture. Many parents and caregivers don’t know what to do when their child shows their first sign of interest in potty training. There are so many personal opinions out there and so much hear say that it can be very overwhelming and quite confusing. With so many potty training materials to buy it makes you wonder how many of them are a gimmick, just to make money off of a desperate parent or caregiver encountering various potty training problems. Did you know that diaper manufacturers have a dirty little secret? If you knew how all of the diaper manufacturers have everything planned out I think you would be surprised. Did you know that it takes a  little boy or little girl who wears ‘pull ups’ 3 times longer to potty train than a child who just uses diapers? You may not have known that but the diaper manufacturers definitely do, and they prey on the fact that we don’t find out.They know approximately how long your child will be in diapers for and so they are going to come up with as many ways as they can to squeeze every dollar they can out of you, yes, even by reward programs. Just think about it, the more you BUY, the more points you get for rewards that would probably cost you less than all of the diapers you had to buy just to get those points. So how do you get your little girl or little boy to potty train and save you money? Most importantly, how do you get your child to even tell you that they have to go to the bathroom? This is where three day potty training comes in. One mom learns her lesson and comes up with this fail proof potty training solution. Carol, a mom of four found that out the hard way and also a very expensive way when the $300+ designer pants she was just trying on just for fun fell in a puddle of her daughters pee on the change room floor. If you want to hear her tell the story she tells it well in this video. The interesting thing about it is that accident actually led her to create a fail proof method to potty train children. This mom of four

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