Child Development External Resources
Encouraging School Readiness Skills in Preschoolers
The early years are a time when we can help children develop the tools they need to succeed before heading to formal K-12 schooling. Developing these school readiness skills help prepare children for optimal learning throughout their educational journey. This article takes a closer look at some of the school readiness skills that children can work on before they head off to kindergarten!Fine Motor Activities for Preschoolers and Toddlers
We all know that fine motor skills are important, but are we making sure our curriculum integrates them enough into our early childhood activities? They are not just helpful for writing, but they are essential for everyday activities like feeding, dressing, and other hygiene activities.Here is some fine motor fun you can implement into your curriculum or home to strengthen those muscles that control your child’s hands, fingers, and thumbs.
Podcast: Improving Children’s Attention Spans Through Play
In this episode of The Preschool Podcast, you'll learn about children’s attention spans, and how educators and parents can foster learning and regulated attention through intentional play.How can we help kids develop physical literacy?
To be healthy, children need to move and be physically active. And it’s much more than physical health that comes with being active! Children who move are healthier, happier, and more successful in life. In our digital world, it can be challenging, but here's a simple "recipe" for getting kids moving every day!The Power of Mirror Play for Infants and Toddlers
Mirrors are wonderful tools for engaging babies and toddlers. But what makes mirrors so intriguing and why should you hang one in your play space?Understanding and Responding to Children Who Bite
Biting is a typical behaviour often seen in infants, toddlers, and 2-year olds. As children mature, gain self-control, and develop problem-solving skills, they usually outgrow this behaviour. While not uncommon, biting can be an upsetting and potentially harmful behaviour. This article will help you to understand why some children bite and provide some ideas and strategies for responding appropriately.INFOGRAPHIC: How Racism Can Affect Child Development
This infographic explains in basic terms how racism affects learning, behavior, and lifelong health. Let's start with a shared understanding so that we can work together toward creative strategies to address these long-standing inequities…Trauma and Young Children: What Every Early Educator Needs to Know
Early Childhood Educators in every setting are becoming more aware of the presence of trauma and its wide-reaching effect on children. In this webinar, participants join one of the authors of “Trauma and Young Children: Teaching Strategies to Support and Empower,” to learn the basics of what trauma is and how it can affect children’s ability to learn and thrive. Most importantly, learn trauma sensitive strategies that you can use to support children and families.
20 Developmentally-Appropriate Activities for 6-9 Month Olds
Play is a powerful part of childhood development, and there are so many important developmental milestones during infancy. But it can sometimes be difficult to come up with ways to play with babies. Here are some play ideas for 6-9 month olds.
Choosing your words carefully…
Changing the way we speak to children is the first step in changing behaviour. When we teach children what to do instead of telling them what NOT to do, behaviour changes and relationships grow. Here's a list of common phrases used with children - along with suggestions for alternatives!