What a 4 Year Old Should Know

Hello friends! I have not posted in quiet sometime.  The beginning of the school year is always quite busy for me.  The first 8 weeks of school are spent assessing the children.  Then we have parent teacher conferences.  I have spent the last week preparing for just that! I love getting the opportunity to chat with families about their little ones.  As I have spent many hours writing my thoughts and goals down for each child, I have had time to reflect on how I will answer various interesting and thought provoking questions from families.  Questions that should not worry a parent of a young child.  Questions like "Why is my child not reading? My sisters son was reading when he was 3?" or "How come my child does not know all his letters and letter sounds?" or "What am I doing wrong? My child is not interested in 'learning'?".  It is very hard as an early educator to get parents to understand the significant value of PLAY.  So much learning happens during play...so MUCH!  It is a vital part to the growth and development of a child.  Knowing your letters and numbers is just straight memorization.  No actual learning happens, it is just mechanical.  Learning begins with curiosity, excitement, passion and creativity.  In a world that is so consumed with competition, don't we owe it to our children to let them have a childhood.  Your children won't necessarily remember the things you bought them and the places you took them, but rather how you made them feel. Invest in the long term development and happiness of your child.  Drop out of the competition.....I came across a blog post that should help put parents concerns at ease..I could not have written it better myself...

I took this excerpt from
http://magicalchildhood.wordpress.com/2010/08/31/what-should-a-4-year-old-know/

What a 4 year old should know.....

1. She should know that she is loved wholly and unconditionally, all of the time.
2. He should know that he is safe and he should know how to keep himself safe in public, with others, and in varied situations. He should know that he can trust his instincts about people and that he never has to do something that doesn’t feel right, no matter who is asking. He should know his personal rights and that his family will back them up.
3. She should know how to laugh, act silly, be goofy and use her imagination. She should know that it is always okay to paint the sky orange and give cats 6 legs.
4. He should know his own interests and be encouraged to follow them. If he could care less about learning his numbers, his parents should realize he’ll learn them accidentally soon enough and let him immerse himself instead in rocket ships, drawing, dinosaurs or playing in the mud.
5. She should know that the world is magical and that so is she. She should know that she’s wonderful, brilliant, creative, compassionate and marvelous. She should know that it’s just as worthy to spend the day outside making daisy chains, mud pies and fairy houses as it is to practice phonics. Scratch that– way more worthy.

But more important, here’s what parents need to know.

1. That every child learns to walk, talk, read and do algebra at his own pace and that it will have no bearing on how well he walks, talks, reads or does algebra.
2. That the single biggest predictor of high academic achievement and high ACT scores is reading to children. Not flash cards, not workbooks, not fancy preschools, not blinking toys or computers, but mom or dad taking the time every day or night (or both!) to sit and read them wonderful books.
3. That being the smartest or most accomplished kid in class has never had any bearing on being the happiest. We are so caught up in trying to give our children “advantages” that we’re giving them lives as multi-tasked and stressful as ours. One of the biggest advantages we can give our children is a simple, carefree childhood.
4. That our children deserve to be surrounded by books, nature, art supplies and the freedom to explore them. Most of us could get rid of 90% of our children’s toys and they wouldn’t be missed, but some things are important– building toys like legos and blocks, creative toys like all types of art materials (good stuff), musical instruments (real ones and multicultural ones), dress up clothes and books, books, books. (Incidentally, much of this can be picked up quite cheaply at thrift shops.) They need to have the freedom to explore with these things too– to play with scoops of dried beans in the high chair (supervised, of course), to knead bread and make messes, to use paint and play dough and glitter at the kitchen table while we make supper even though it gets everywhere, to have a spot in the yard where it’s absolutely fine to dig up all the grass and make a mud pit.
5. That our children need more of us. We have become so good at saying that we need to take care of ourselves that some of us have used it as an excuse to have the rest of the world take care of our kids. Yes, we all need undisturbed baths, time with friends, sanity breaks and an occasional life outside of parenthood. But we live in a time when parenting magazines recommend trying to commit to 10 minutes a day with each child and scheduling one Saturday a month as family day. That’s not okay! Our children don’t need Nintendos

**Feedback Please***

Preschoolers Don't Eat Lunchables

So let me weigh in on packing lunches once again!  This is just my personal. opinion backed up by many years of classroom experience with young children.  I am not a huge fan of prepackaged items for preschoolers lunches and even up until 2nd grade I don't think they should have prepackaged food.  Even prepackaged food provides a serving that is too large for most small children and then they just throw away what they don't eat.  There are some great healthy prepackaged foods on the market, so I don't want to discount it 100%.  I know you can totally visualize this in your head...grocery shopping with your children.  Every aisle you go down they want brand XYZ that has picture of a Disney princess or a Toy Story character or Sponge Bob (cringe!) on it.  "Please, Please, Please buy it for me!!"  Eventually you cave and buy brand XYZ with the cartoon character on it.  Let me tell you a little secret.  Your child does not want that particular item because it is so yummy (and it might be delicious) they want it because they have been "brainwashed" ( I use that term very lightly, so don't get all crazy upset).  Children's television programming has been saturated with commercials for this item or that item using cartoon characters or even candy to elude your child into asking you to buy it for them.  GENIUS! The only problem is the food they are marketing is not very healthy for your child's growth and brain development (if they would only slap Snow White on a package of apples or broccoli! Right? Here's to hoping....).   Instead the food is loaded in salt, nitrates, sugar (did you know sugar suppresses the immune system for 6 hours after consumption?), dyes and fat.   I am not saying eliminate these items from your household, just cut back.  You will also save a ton of money. 

So now what? I am not going to leave you hanging.....  I have a solution to giving your child healthy delicious food and also giving them fun food in character themed packaging. You ready for it???  Purchase character themed bags and containers instead.  I have a few pictures to show you what I am talking about...

I picked these up at the 99 cent store

And if you want to be more green, you can use containers.  You can buy the some like the ones below or you can just buy regular Glad reusable containers and put fun character stickers on them.  Your children will LOVE this and it makes for great lunch conversations.....

Please comment below and let me know what you think....

Classroom Fun!

We were so busy at school last month! I just wanted to share some of the fun things things that we did with the children this month.  First we made a yummie and COLORFUL snack...."Rainbow Toast".  This activity is really simple and so much fun for the chidren in your classroom or your little ones at home. 
Here is what you need:

Food Coloring
New watercolor brushes
Milk
White Bread
Cooking spray

This is how you do it:
Simply color the milk in the desired colors.  You need a very small amount for each color.  Then, paint the white bread.

Then, you put in the pan to grill with a little cooking spray or in your toaster oven to brown...then, enjoy!

Here is the other fun thing that we did last month-Color Mixing! 

This is what you need:

Mini ice cube trays

Food coloring

Eye droppers

Sturdy clear cups

Fill one cup with red, one with blue and one with yellow food coloring and add water to each of the cups.  Check out the picture below.....

Enjoy!!!









A Few of My Favorite Things: Craft Supplies

So art and craft supplies for children are a bit of an obsession of mine.  Before I go any further, let me show you a pic of my favorite school supply magazine....they have great quality products that are affordable.  Oh and they have a website as well...maybe you have heard of them?

Discount School Supply.  Last time I checked, you do not need to be a school to order from them...also visit their website at  http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/ 

Here are a few of my favorite products from them:

1.  Do you have a hard time getting your kids to put the caps on markers after the use them.  Do you eventually lose the caps and the markers dry out?  Check out this creative way to get the most use out of you markers without them drying out

2.  These are fabulous little stampers that make colorful pictures (they are basically a glorified bingo marker for children).

They also provide activity books.  I personally like to use them with coffee filters, tissue paper or plain white paper.  Let the child create their own artistic expression.

3. For your older 3's and up...I think beading is so much fun.  But this skill can still be very challenging for little one's.  I like to use pony beads and pipe cleaners (for stringing).





4. Stamp pads are great to have handy.

5.  Eye droppers



My Favorite Things: Preschool Lunch Ideas

Preschool lunches can be a source of frustration...parents are at a loss sometimes for what to send to school for their child.  Some schools follow strict N.A.E.Y.C. nutrition standards and some have a no peanut policy.  Then to add another layer on to that...preschoolers can be picky eaters! Well, I am here to tell you that there are many great ways to pack a lunch that will be stress-free for you and satisfy your picky eater.  Here are some of my most favorite lunch ideas:

First, I am a BIG fan of these little thermos':

I think that this is tried and true-it has evolved in it's look, but I had one as a child as well.  You can put anything in this and send to school.  Some suggestions are:



1. Leftovers from the night before.
2. Chicken Nuggets
3.Soup
4.Quesadilla
5. Sliced turkey dogs
6. Grilled Cheese
7. Mac n Cheese
8. Butter Noodles
9. Yogurt with fresh fruit
10.  Fill half-way with milk and in a separate container or bag send some cereal to add to the milk.

Other fun ideas that preschoolers love....

*They love to DIP...almost anything.  Send veggie sticks and some ranch dip or hummus and veggies or pita.  Our preschoolers LOVE hummus!

*Make your own lunchable.  Let me tell you..remember this...preschoolers do not eat lunchables.  Marketing on TV makes them ask you to buy them...darn marketing! They may take a bite and then realize they don't like them.  I am ok with that!  But they will eat one that you make for them.  Get some healthy deli meat (I love Boars Head) and some of your child's favorite cheese.  Use a biscuit cutter (for a nice round lunchable-esq shape) or your favorite cookie cutter and cut away.  Get some ritz crackers and whoala...LUNCHABLE-healthier style :0)

*Many schools are a peanut-free zone.  There are some yummy alternatives.  I personally love sunflower butter and cashew butter is a close second.  There is also almond butter. 

Here are some pictures to give you an idea of the size/amount that you should pack for your child...

Here are a few of my favorite brands/products for kids (and me, too..shhh!)

I may update this later....what products do you love?





Estaablishing Bedtime Routines

Establishing Bedtime Routines

Bedtime routines can be a struggle for many families…With so much going on in our preschoolers little worlds from play-dates, dance class, karate, swimming lessons…. it is no wonder going to bed is sometimes the last thing they want to do. Sleep is a crucial element in a child’s development, just as much as healthy eating habits are. And as children this age establish their autonomy and independence and become aware of things they can control, it is not unlike them to negotiate with you at bedtime. I am sure you all have heard, “Just one more story,” or kiss or hug or sip of water. The list can go on and on. It is so important to establish a bedtime routine that works for your family. As a routine is established, your child will learn to embrace and expect it each night. Here are some tips to help:

1. Bedtime should start the same time every night…one hour before you want your preschoolers head on the pillow. Be firm…A typical bedtime for preschoolers is between 7:00 and 7:30p.m.
2. Have a wind down time. Make sure their activities are calm prior to getting ready for bed. And make sure to give a 10 minute warning before you are going to “get ready” for bed.
3. Watch what they consume prior to bed. A small snack is fine, but limit the sugar intake.
4. Keep it calm. Television may seem like a relaxant, but it actually acts as a stimulant. Even though your child “looks” calm, watching TV…. their brain is actually being over stimulated and once turned off your child will have more of a difficult time calming their body. Turn it off and take it out of your child’s bedroom.
5. Make sure the routine is the same. Make a to-do list….bath, pajamas, brush teeth, comb hair and 1-2 short stories…visuals are very helpful for some children.
6. Read, read, read….What can be more exciting than a bedtime story or two (no more than two)?? Let your child pick out the stories.
7. Let them fall asleep naturally on their own. As tempting as it may be want to lay with your child until he drops off into slumber, don’t. Don’t let your child become dependent on you to fall asleep. Preschoolers should be able to fall asleep on their own. Make sure the room is a cool and dark place. A night-light is fine and/or soft music. A kiss and hug goodnight. Remind your preschooler that you will be back to check to see if they are asleep in a few minutes. Make sure you do. Always, always follow through. Keep your promise.

On average Preschoolers need 11-13 hours of sleep each night. A Bedtime routine should be a calm transition to sleep. Everything from your voice to your body language should be calm. As you move from the front of the house back to the bedrooms or from downstairs to upstairs….dim or turn off lights, turn off TV’s, cell phones and computers. If your child is frequently waking up in the middle of the night, put them to bed half an hour earlier. Engage with your children and enjoy this quality time. Allow a week or two for routine to be firmly established (although it should only take a couple of days for your child to begin to expect the routine). Be firm and consistent…don’t deviate and negotiate. They are learning to be life long learners…together we can help them to be successful!

A Few of My Favorite Things: For Preschoolers Lunches

Meal time is an oh so frustrating time for many parents.  There tends to be high expectations(from parents as far as the amount of food they think their child should be consuming) and a low performance (from the child who has a stomach is the size of a hard boiled egg).  What I am saying is... parents tend to give their children too much food at meal times.  This can be very overwhelming for a child.  Children of all ages want to feel a sense of accomplishment with everything they do..including eating their meals.  It is best to give them less and allow them the opportunity to finish and feel proud of eating their meal and say, "Look! I finished all my dinner!".  They can always ask for more.  If they chose not to eat still then oh well.  They will not starve and you will let them know when the next meal time or snack time is (sometimes it is not til breakfast), then carry on with your day.  Do not get sucked into being a short order cook.  If a child knows that you will eventually make them what they want to eat in that moment, they will never try new or different things.  Remember, children continue to do things as long as they are working for them.  When "whatever it is" stops working for them, the child will eventually give up! They are smart little people! Just remember when feeding them, the rule of thumb is a tablespoon of each type of food for every year of age (ages 2-6). 

My biggest frustration as a preschool teacher is over packed lunches that children barely eat.  Then to add another layer to that, a frustrated and concerned parent that comes to me asking me why their child is not eating at lunchtime.  I fully understand and validate the concern.  However, we need to have our expectations in line with reality.  Know your child.  A whole sandwhich, a bag of pirates booty, an unpeeled orange, an 8oz waterbottle and a ziploc bag full of goldfish is barely going to get eaten by your typical preschooler.  I have compiled some pictures of my favorite lunchtime items and ideas for you to look at.  With the busy lives we lead it is incredibly easy to get sucked up in prepackaged and convienent items to pack your child's lunch with.  I am not necessarily agains pre-pacakaged items...just know your consumer ;0) My next post will be on yummie lunch ideas for school and home.

Thermos' are great for sending leftovers to school the next day.  I love cookie cutters for cutting out sandwiches in different fun shapes.  I think that container lunches are great because they make it easy for you to portion your child's lunch. I think the reusable lunch sacks are great and very green :0) You can find them all over etsy.com.  Giving your children reusable bottles allows for you to decide what type of beverage to give them for lunch and how much.  I think the colorful ones are great for your older children...they are collapsible :0)

Fun Family Activities

Here are some great ideas for fun crafts and learning experiences to do with your children (credit given to pinterest.com).  Thought I would share....enjoy!

Picture number 1: Homemade Crayons- made from old, broken and unused crayons in your house or classroom.  Simply chop up into small pieces, put in molds and bake.

Picture number 2: Zig Zag Car Races-great for hand-eye coordination and fine-motor development.  All you need is a long piece of butcher paper, some zig-zag lines and cars and you are good to go!!!

Picture number 3: Sensory Bags:  Simply add hair gel (from the dollar store), glitter (optional) and mix.  Remember to seal the top with some packing tape so it will not leak.  You can add fun confetti or small foam shapes for an I SPY type of bag.

Who knew...

Who knew in the fall of 1996, when I took a random Monday night Early Childhood Education class (only took it so I would have 12 units so that I could stay on my folks medical insurance) that the course of my future would change.  I figured I liked working with kids and I could get something out of taking the class.  I have always loved working with children.  I babysat from age 11 on and loved it!  I mean making extra cash was a total bonus but I just loved being with little people.  I was originally going to school to become a pediatric neonatal ICU nurse. But sitting in that night class (it was Art & Music for Early Childhood)I became intrigued and curious about becoming an early educator. And that was it! Who knew?  I love my career.  Their innocence and complete honesty and total sense of wonder for the world around them is what makes me passionate about working with the little people.  I know without a doubt I am doing what I was put on this Earth to do.  People are always telling me I should write a book or create a site where I could share all of my experiences, ideas and knowledge with the world,  So here you go...this blog is dedicated to that!.