How caregivers can help build children’s emerging language skills
Research shows that children’s early language skills have a long reach in affecting later life outcomes. Because when children develop the ability to understand language, as well as speak and communicate, it helps them to interact with others and learn about the world around them. Here are
three simple ways that we can help build children’s emerging language skills in our programs and families.
Magic Moments: Active Problem Solving with Young Children
Every problem, large or small, is an opportunity for young children to learn and grow. From spilled glue to a conflict in the block corner, problems are an unlimited natural resource generated inside our own classrooms. This
insight-building webinar will explore how early childhood educators can take the problems, mistakes, and accidents that inevitably occur in every early childhood program, and turn them into teachable moments.
57 Fun Physical Activities for Little Ones
Children between 2-4 years old don’t only need a lot of movement, they also need a lot of variety of movement. This age group is ready to move in new and exciting ways! So while it’s essential to make time for unstructured, active
playtime, it’s also important to have access to plenty of fun, simple activities that you know will help them get active and develop skills in many different ways. Here's a list of
57 fun activities for kids that might help!
Sing & Sign Webinar: Supporting Emerging Language Through Music, Sign Language, and Play
Join
this interactive and informative presentation to learn simple steps to start signing with young children, key benefits, and easy ways to incorporate signing across the environments and routines of your day with young children!
Ideas to Share with Parents: Cheap or Free At-Home Activities for Kids
How can parents encourage their children to live a healthy, active life while sticking to a budget? They can try these simple tasks and activities to see how simple it can be to get kids enjoying active play and moving daily at home!
Caring for a child with special needs: Strategies for newcomer families
Learning that your child is born with a chronic illness or has special needs can be devastating for all families. But it can be isolating and extremely challenging for newcomer families as they navigate an unfamiliar healthcare system, without their traditional sources of community support. The terminology, diagnosis, treatment options, hospital visits and assessment or therapy appointments can be overwhelming in a new country. Language and cultural barriers may also lead to limited involvement and contribution to decision making leading to helplessness and sometimes a lack of trust in health professionals. Remember, you are not alone and can find the support you need. To help navigate this situation in a new country and manage the family’s well-being, here are a few
strategies that can be shared with families.
VIDEO: How Early Childhood Experiences Affect Lifelong Health and Learning
How is ongoing, severe stress and adversity in early childhood connected to chronic disease in adults? And, what can we do about it? In this animated video, learn what the latest science tells us about
how early experiences affect not only early learning and school readiness, but also lifelong health. Challenge yourself to think about how we can address the sources of these problems. And, consider how integrating primary care into every aspect of early childhood programming may be an important part of the solution.
29 Fun Games to Play in the Snow
Kids love to play in fresh snow. Building a snowman can be fun, but there are so many other activities kids can do to have fun and keep moving once winter comes along. From sledding to snowball fights, catching snowflakes and making snow angels, wintertime affords the whole family so many options and so much fun. Here is a
list of fun games that you can share with parents to encourage some family fun in the snow this year!
Video and Posters: Easy Habits for Managing Kids’ Screen Time
Too much screen time hurts kids. It keeps them from active play and it causes them anxiety, depression and other problems. Yet trying to “control” screen time can be a real challenge. Here's a quick, 1-minute
video and printable posters to share with parents!
Developmental delays and Autism in the Early Years
Children with autism and developmental disabilities benefit from increased visual aids and structure. It is so important to have a schedule in their classroom and home environment to minimize distractions. This article is a great place to start for more information about
developmental delays and autism in the early years, and ideas for how you can help set children up for success in your program and at home.
