Pre School for Kids

At age 4, preschoolers have colors and shapes down pat, and their numbers and letters are coming along. A 4-year-old is able to draw and they might even be able to write her name. Attention spans are growing, making it easier to stick with activities for a longer period of time, and personalities are (with more consistent likes and dislikes) slowly coming into focus. Natural talents are starting to emerge, and you're getting a sense of what will challenge your child. As you think about birthday gifts, seek out toys that will excite and engage and develop skills she needs before heading off to kindergarten. As the owner of Magic Beans, a children's toy store in the Boston area, I have some recommendations for the types of toys that will enhance your child's skill set. • Visit Magic Beans Toy Store Online • Get Our "Best-Every Birthdays" Newsletter • Get Inspiration for Your Next Birthday Party Feeling and Communicating When starting preschool, kids become busy re...

We’re making the most of nap time now that there’s no nap time with these quiet activities! Henry has been transitioning to no naps finally. He is 5, so it is time. I just don’t want to let go of that time to myself yet… and I’m sure I’m not the only mom not wanting to give up nap time. I am a very lucky mom and Henry plays in his room quietly while the other two boys are napping. He has a few toys in there, along with books. But he seriously can entertain himself for hours. (Yes, very lucky mom here.) Just as a quick side note: I started doing these 7 day activity challenges as a way to motivate parents to engage and play with their kids. You may be in a bit of a funk and need to get restarted, or if you’re new to doing activities, this 7 Day Challenge is a great way to kick it off again. Every day for 7 days, I provide you a quick email with an activity to do with your kids each day. Join the newsletter to start your 7 day activity challenge today! More pre-schooling  tip...

It's time to find a preschool or child care provider and you're completely overwhelmed, right? Online data offers a wealth of information about public and private elementary schools, but finding a quality preschool can be more challenging. In this article you'll find tips to help you when you begin choosing a preschool or child care center for your child. Start by considering your family's needs and budget. Do you need a full-day preschool program with extended care, or is a  half-day preschool program sufficient? Are you looking for a program with a particular educational philosophy? Would your child be most successful in a center or a small home setting? Once you've articulated your wish list, you're ready to start actively looking. What to Look for in a Preschool • Ask for referrals. Talk with your pediatrician or close friends to get their opinions. Ask them specific questions about a preschool program's philosophy, reputation, teaching staff, and curri...

Potty training isn't the only skill your child may need to know before heading to preschool. Here are a few important things you should consider before committing to a preschool. All parents want their children to have a strong start in life, and preschool provides a solid foundation for a successful future in school. If you worry that your child might not be ready for preschool, rest assured that there are a number of ways to help your little one prepare for this important transition before she starts preschool. Encourage Independence Children learn from their successes as well as their missteps, so don't rush to rescue your child in every challenging situation. "Socially adept children learn from parents who have confidence in their child's ability to soothe themselves in a difficult situation and make appropriate choices when allowed to or, at the very least, [to] learn and grow from their mistakes," says Grace Geller, the preschool director of A Children'...

Learn what you can do to make this big transition to preschool easier for your child. You’ll find a timeline for all the things that need to be done to prepare for preschool and guidance on saying a “good good-bye” on your child’s first day. Get more info http://www.preschoolalley.com If your child is starting preschool this fall, you may be approaching this major milestone with conflicting emotions. You’re probably excited about all the fun (you hope) your child will have and the new friends he’ll make. At the same time, you may feel a little sad that your baby is venturing out into the big world without you. These emotions are normal. Your child is also bound to have a host of feelings about this transition, feeling proud to be a big kid but at the same time worried about being separated from you and starting something unfamiliar. Having Fun With Preschool Prep There’s a lot you can do in the weeks before to get ready for the big day. But try to keep your efforts low-key. If you mak...

Preschool (or prekindergarten) is a broad term used to describe curriculum-based early childhood education. Research shows that quality preschool education produces gains in a child’s learning and development, particularly for economically disadvantaged children. But in the U.S., the amount and type of preschool children attend varies widely — some kids attend one year of partial-day preschool before entering kindergarten; others are in full-day, school-like settings beginning at age 2; some children don’t attend preschool at all. Check for more here http://www.preschoolalley.com On top of the choice of whether or not to attend preschool, at what age and for how long, parents also have different educational philosophies to consider — like Montessori, play-based programs, and Waldorf. For parents, the process of determining what is best for your toddler when it comes to early childhood education can be daunting. To get you started, Laura Gradman, a licensed professional counselor, educ...