Familiar Sayings and Phrases: Lesson 1. LITERACY has been described as the ability to read for knowledge, write coherently and think critically about the written word. As parents, we have a lot of work to do, if we hope to raise children who are knowledgeable, who understand what they read and who can use critical thinking to their advantage. As parents, you and I are the first teachers our children will be engaged with. It is a huge responsibility teaching children about literacy, aside from all the other important areas that children need direction in, in order to become well rounded and responsible people when they grow up. (i.e.; making informed decisions; choosing right from wrong, social graces, good … [Read more...]

Interesting Facts": Did You Know? 1. Rubber bands last longer when refrigerated. 2. Peanuts are one of the ingredients of dynamite. 3. There are 293 ways to make change for a dollar. 4. The average person's left hand does 56% of the typing. 5. A shark is the only fish that can blink with both eyes. 6. There are more chickens than people in the world. 7. Two-thirds of the world's eggplant is grown in New Jersey. 8. The longest one-syllable word in the English language is "screeched." 9. On a Canadian two dollar bill, the flag flying over the Parliament building is an   American flag. 10. All of the clocks in the movie "Pulp Fiction" are stuck on 4:20. 11. No word in the English language rhymes with … [Read more...]

Lets talk SELF-ESTEEM and children ....... Children often miss valuable experiences because of poor self- esteem and lack of confidence. Children need a good self image to face life issues. Self- esteem activities will open up opportunities for growth that may have been shut off in the past. Children usually need encouragement to grow in these areas. This encouragement is a responsibility and an opportunity for parents that should not be under valued. This is more than just encouraging children to perform better or to get through specific hurdles or accomplishments. By incorporating self- esteem activities, children will be able to build strong, healthy relationships and be capable of handling life issues as … [Read more...]

Preparing for the new school year doesn't have to be stressful. There are many ways you can make the transition from end of summer to the new school year an easy one for your child or children.  There are many natural learning opportunities surrounding your daily life that children can benefit from. Take, for example, making cookies: Have your child read the directions aloud for making the cookies. This helps improve their reading skills and communication skills. Have your child count the number of ingredients being used, this helps out with counting skills.    Reviewing and keeping focused on the goals your child needs to reach is important. Make reference to the skills needed to reach those goals and … [Read more...]

If you’re not already doing it, you may want to reconsider. An Allowance is a great way to teach kids about: Real Life Distinguish needs from wants Put an end to nickel & dime-ing Build trustworthiness Promote self-confidence … [Read more...]

KIDZ-U-CATION SERIES 2011 There are numerous ways to increase and strengthen communication depending on a child’s age and ability level. These ideas can be integrated into daily activities easily. Expansion of phrases is a good thing. When children answer a question with a yes or no, try repeating their answer and adding a few words. For example, if you ask a child. “Would you like to have a piece of pie now?” and they answer “Yes”, model a longer response. “Yes, I would like a piece of pie now.” This good habit of expanding phrases will stick. Always Be a Role Model. Children learn from the adults around them. When adults speak in full sentences, use correct grammar, and articulate well, … [Read more...]

It's a good thing - "Formidable" ! TIPS for MOM's and Teachers: For "little" ones! Language and sharing exercise for pre-schoolers is always a good thing: To help preschoolers practice learning how to write their names, purchase sentence strips and write each child's name on a strip and add their picture at the end of their name. Laminate the strips and now each child can take a dry erase marker and practice writing their name over and over. Encourage the children to practice writing out each other's names. In addition to promoting writing skills, this activity encourages friendship and sharing. At the school years' end, the strip will make a nice keepsake/memento of the preschool year.   Begin teaching … [Read more...]