Let's learn together! Here you'll find a collection of our expert advice, simple tips, and fun suggestions to help you navigate the unique experience of parenthood.
We’re making healthy lifestyles a priority in all of our schools, which is why we’re introducing a fun way for children to get up and get active – the Grow Fit Dance Break! At all of our schools, children take a break once a day to stop what they’re doing to dance and celebrate! It’s […]
As early childhood educators, it’s our goal to provide children with skills for success in school and beyond, and it all starts with learning literacy at an early age. When making the transition from early childhood to kindergarten, children who are exposed to literacy education early are more engaged and ultimately more prepared for lifelong […]
Everyone knows playdates are fun. But did you know they actually boost your child’s brain power, too? In my next three articles, I’ll explain why. I’ll also give you tips on how to host a successful playdate, how your child can be a gracious playdate guest, and explain how even babies can benefit from playdates. […]
Your little ones’ senses—vision, hearing, balance, hearing, smell and touch—all help your children to learn better. When their senses are stimulated, it increases the information brought to their growing minds and fine-tunes their nervous systems in the process. Fall’s new sights, sounds, and activities are great opportunities to sharpen those senses – and have fun […]
Jumpstart’s Read for the Record, now in its eighth year, is an annual reading celebration that highlights the need for high-quality early education in America by mobilizing adults and children to set a record for the largest shared reading experience. This year, children, teachers, parents and more will all read the book Otis by Loren […]
Back-to-school is around the corner, but don’t be daunted by the transition from summer fun to school schedule. Children take their cues from their parents, so it’s key for US to get into the back-to-school mind-set first. Here are my pain-free prep tips for parents – our stressless adjustment will filter down to the kids, […]
It was pickup time shortly after the start of a new preschool year. My son had a great day, but suddenly was sucking his thumb, wailing and pulling at me— in full meltdown mode. He hadn’t acted like that since he was much younger. What happened to my Big Boy? What Happened to My Happy […]
Have a real one-on-one conversation with any preschooler, and you’re in for a treat — kids are soaring with ideas. As a mom, an educator, and an entrepreneur, I wondered: When do kids lose their imagination? And what can we do to foster creative thinking skills at home? 1. Ask Your Child to Describe His […]
It’s easier than you think to fill your preschooler’s summer days with playful learning experiences. In fact, with some basic activities, you’ll be providing opportunities for your child to develop, grow, and learn. And the best part is these activities don’t cost a fortune or require too much preparation. 1. Pretend Play Encourage your child […]
I listen to the hushed murmurs of my youngest daughter, Jemma. Her small hands move her toy people as they “talk” to each other. The long hallway is a busy cardboard city. Currently, her attention is on the children in the school area. They’re busy rehearsing a play and festively attired in costumes of tape, […]
In our final post in the series, our experts – Dr. Susan Canizares and Dr. Heather Wittenberg – reveal how to make kindergarten a great experience by preparing in these simple (and fun) ways. Dr. Heather: Starting kindergarten is exciting, but it can also be daunting for parents. Even with my fourth child, I worry […]
As parents, we realize quickly that there is no hard-and-fast rulebook that can prepare us for all the challenges that come along with day-to-day trials and tribulations. But there are occasionally moments that make us say “Aha!” and we realize the right answer is just as simple as we’d hoped. As both a mother and […]