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Starting preschool is a big step for both parents and children. It can be an exciting time, but it can also be stressful for both parties. There are a few things you can do to prepare your child for this new experience.

Establish a routine

Establishing a routine can help your child feel more secure and prepared for the transition to preschool. Start waking your child up at the same time every day, and establish a regular meal and nap schedule.

The best way to establish a routine is with Easy Daysies visual schedules for kids!

Introduce socialization

If your child hasn't had much interaction with other children, it's important to introduce socialization before they start preschool. Arrange playdates with other children around the same age, or enroll your child in a parent-child class.

Talk about preschool

Talk to your child about preschool and what they can expect. Explain what they will do, who they will meet, and what they will learn. You can also read books about preschool to help your child get a better understanding of what to expect.

Visit the preschool

Take your child to visit the preschool before their first day. This can help them get familiar with the environment and feel more comfortable. If possible, arrange a meeting with the teacher and let your child ask any questions they may have.

Practice self-help skills

Preschool requires children to be more independent. Practice self-help skills such as using the bathroom, washing hands, and putting on shoes and jackets. This will help your child feel more confident and prepared.

Label belongings

Label your child's belongings with their name. This will help them identify their things and prevent them from getting lost or mixed up with other children's belongings.

Talk to the teacher

Talk to the teacher about your child's needs, interests, and any concerns you may have. This can help the teacher better understand your child and provide a more personalized experience.

Prepare for separation anxiety

Separation anxiety is common among young children starting preschool. Prepare your child for this by practicing leaving them with a trusted caregiver for short periods of time.

Stay positive

Starting preschool can be emotional for both parents and children, but it's important to stay positive and supportive. Encourage your child to have fun and make new friends, and celebrate their accomplishments.

Be patient

Remember that every child is different and may have different needs when starting preschool. Be patient and supportive, and trust that your child will adjust in their own time.

Warmly,

Learning music is a popular extracurricular activity for children, but is it really worth the time and effort? The answer is a resounding yes! Music lessons can have a positive impact on a child’s development and overall well-being.

Here are some of the many benefits of music lessons for children:

Improved Cognitive Skills

Research has shown that music lessons can improve a child’s cognitive skills, including memory, attention, and language. Learning to read music requires a child to use both sides of their brain, which can strengthen neural connections and improve overall brain function.

Enhanced Motor Skills

Learning to play an instrument requires a great deal of hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. Practicing scales, chords, and songs can help a child develop their dexterity and control over their fingers, hands, and arms.

Boosted Self-Esteem

Music lessons can also have a positive impact on a child’s self-esteem. As they progress in their lessons and learn new skills, they gain a sense of accomplishment and pride in their abilities. Performing in recitals or concerts can further boost their confidence and self-assurance.

Stress Relief

Playing an instrument can be a great way for children to relieve stress and unwind. The act of playing music can be meditative and calming, and can provide a healthy outlet for emotions and feelings.

Improved Social Skills

Participating in music lessons or ensembles can also improve a child’s social skills. Working with other musicians in a group setting requires communication, cooperation, and collaboration. It can also provide a sense of community and belonging.

Increased Creativity

Music is a form of creative expression, and learning to play an instrument can foster creativity and imagination in children. As they become more proficient in their skills, they can begin to experiment with different styles and genres of music, and even begin to compose their own pieces.

Improved Academic Performance

Finally, music lessons can have a positive impact on a child’s academic performance. Studies have shown that children who study music tend to perform better in subjects such as math, science, and reading.

Conclusion

Overall, music lessons can have a wide range of benefits for children. From improved cognitive and motor skills to boosted self-esteem and creativity, there are many reasons why parents should consider enrolling their children in music lessons. Not only can it be a fun and rewarding activity, but it can also have a positive impact on a child’s development and well-being.

Warmly,

Top photo by Wes Hicks on Unsplash

When summer is here, kids are excited to have fun and enjoy their vacation. However, it is essential to keep their brains active during the summer months to prevent the "summer slide", where they lose academic skills. Here are some summer activities for kids that help maintain their brains:

Reading

Reading is an excellent way to keep the brain active during the summer. Encourage your child to read books that interest them, whether it’s fiction or non-fiction. You can also sign them up for a summer reading program at your local library to keep them motivated. Reading helps improve vocabulary, comprehension, and critical thinking skills.

STEM Activities

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) activities are a great way to keep kids engaged and develop critical thinking skills. You can find many STEM activity books or kits that allow kids to build and experiment with different projects. You can also search for STEM camps or classes in your area.

Note: Easy Daysies visual schedules for kids help foster STEM thinking patterns as well!

Outdoor Activities

Getting outside and being active is not only good for physical health but also mental health. Outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and swimming can help improve concentration, memory, and creativity. Encourage your child to explore nature and learn about the environment.

Art Projects

Art projects can help develop creativity and problem-solving skills. You can provide your child with different art supplies and let them create whatever they want. You can also find art classes or workshops in your area that focus on specific techniques like painting or sculpting.

Mind Games

Mind games like puzzles, Sudoku, and memory games can help improve cognitive skills like memory, attention, and problem-solving. You can find many free online games or apps that challenge the brain.

Cooking

Cooking is a fun way to teach kids about nutrition and develop math and measurement skills. You can let your child help with meal planning and preparation, or you can find cooking classes in your area that cater to kids.

Foreign Language

Learning a foreign language can help improve cognitive skills like memory, attention, and problem-solving. You can find many free online language courses or apps that make learning a new language fun and interactive.

Music

Playing an instrument or listening to music can help improve memory, attention, and spatial-temporal skills. You can encourage your child to learn a new instrument or attend music classes in your area.

These are just a few summer activities for kids that help maintain their brains. Remember to keep it fun and engaging, and your child will continue to learn and grow during the summer months.

Warmly,

Classroom Management As much as we can love teaching children, the challenge in education today is to effectively teach children of diverse abilities and differing rates of learning, while maintaining good classroom management. I am always seeking new strategies to improve executive functioning and self-regulation that would meet children of differing abilities. When 80% of what […]