What to get our children for Christmas, Hanukkah, winter celebrations, or any other holiday also stumps me. I try to maintain only a maximum amount of “toys” in our home, and adding to the collection… Read More »Gift that Spark Wonder and Play
As the crisp air of fall sweeps in, painting the world in vibrant hues of orange, red, and gold, it’s the perfect time to encourage children to step outside and revel in the seasonal splendor.… Read More »Autumn – The Surprising Benefits of Outdoor Play for Children’s Central Nervous Systems
As parents of toddlers, preschools, and littles, we all feel the push for literacy. Not able to sing the alphabet by preschool – oh me! Still swapping out “b” and “d” – oh dear! Not… Read More »Nurturing Creativity: A Cornerstone of Early Childhood Development
What is “grit” anyways? Essentially it boils down to perseverence, persistence, and the ability to be resilient over time. Developing grit in children is essential for their success in life. Grit came back into mainstream… Read More »Developing grit in children for success in life
What is divergent thinking? “Divergent thinking is the center of human creativity.” – Amit Ray. What practices support nurturing divergent thinking? Divergent and Convergent Thinking are terms often used in tandem. The terms, coined in… Read More »Teaching Problem-solving: How to support divergent thinking.
As a seasoned educator, I have seen the transformative power of praise in child development. Praise, when used effectively, can help children feel valued and confident, enhance their self-esteem, and foster a positive attitude toward… Read More »The Art of Encouragement: A Guide for Parents on How to Use Positive Praise Effectively with Children.
Many of us will still remember a childhood before technology. Our mom or dads sent us outside to play in the afternoon with a hat and a little sunscreen and said “Be home by dinner… Read More »Nurture in Nature: How to feed their souls by playing outside every day.
Mixed-age learning is a trademark of Montessori schools. It is also often seen in Scandinavian early education programs. In this post, we will explore the benefits of mixed-age learning and offer some ideas on incorporating… Read More »Foster empathy, leadership, and collaboration in mixed-age learning
Play is an essential part of a child’s development, providing opportunities for growth and learning. Children engage in various types of play as they grow, from sensory play to imaginative play, and understanding the stages… Read More »Understanding Children’s Play Development through Parten’s 6 Stages of Play
As parents, grandparents, or caregivers, we all want the best for the children in our lives. We want them to be happy, healthy, and confident as they grow up. One of the best ways to… Read More »Unlock Your Child’s Imagination with Open-Ended Toys