Help You Child Become a Problem Solver

In Today’s fast paced society where everyone is connected at all times we expect immediate answers and solutions.  These demands can cause a great deal of stress for adults as well as for children. 

Teaching children to take the time and steps necessary to become problem solvers can alleviate stress and inappropriate responses to challenges.  Here are some great tips from the National Association for the Education of Young Children to help your child become a problem solver.  

http://families.naeyc.org/child-development/help-your-child-become-great-problem-solver        Problem Solving

Encouraging Creativity

Why is getting messy and creating those lovely works of art that you can't quite give a name to important?  One of the strengths of our country has always been being creative and resourceful.  As we move more and more towards testing and product based projects and worksheet education in young children's programs we are creating rote learners instead of creative thinkers.  If you doubted the value of process based hands on learning and the value of getting messy read this post.  It is a great article by Cindy Rzasa Bess, Ph.D. a Professional Speaker/Trainer, Developmental Psychologist, Education Consultant in her November Newsletter 

Art Smart from the Start

Back when I was a little girl, I always believed that giving my parents a hand made gift was the ultimate expression of love.  I made kiddie-loomed pot holders and clay animals; original paintings worthy of a popsicle stick frame; and, even the ever popular orange juice can converted into a pencil holder.  When we were going through my dad’s things after his passing I was stunned to find a drawer containing fifteen OJ can pencil holders!  He kept everyone!  Apparently my belief about the ultimate expression of love went both ways!  It was a very touching moment for me, to say the least!

Encouraging and supporting the flow of personal creative self-expression in a young child is one of the greatest gifts an adult can give him or her. Providing the chance for a preschooler to dabble in the arts and try new experiences is priceless and precious.  Unleashing his or her inner creativity, which ultimately follows its own path to self-expression, is a precious present.  Acknowledging that he or she is a wonderful and creative individual, capable of making great things that beautify the world is a meaningful message.

Hands-on learning through individual creativity should be highly prized in the education process.  Refraining from demanding conformity from these young hearts and minds is only fair at this tender age.  Imagination should be given a chance to grow, blossom, and flourish before the shackles of compliance are clapped shut.  It is okay for bears to be pink or green; and its fine for bunnies to have five ears.  It is alright for the wheels on the bus to be square; it makes for an interesting ride. Children have a whole lifetime to conform to societal expectations and to eventually admit that bears are black, brown and white.  Why force them to give up their innocent, inventive, and innovative perspective in favor of the old boring one adults share?  Teachers who are in touch with their own inner child know this truth, and do not squelch individual creative self-expression, but instead honor it and give it space to thrive.

Children learn best through doing.  They are by nature curious little beings.  They love to try new things and explore and experience the world, and their place in it. Jean Piaget said that young children construct their own knowledge by interacting with their environment.  They learn by doing solving problems and experiencing their options.  There are so many places in the Early Childhood Classroom where they can explore and experience their creative and inventive self:  The music center, the dramatic play area, the science center and the art center.  Even the block area and the fine motor small building toys allow for the child to create new structures and discover their ability to change the world through their action.  There is nothing greater than seeing the smile of accomplishment as it crosses a child’s face.  They know they have done something valuable and often show you their work with pride, with the accompanying announcement of “I did it!”

How can Artistic Self-expression be included in the ECE classroom?

· Incorporate Visual arts - drawing, painting, sculpting (play dough), making textiles (weaving), creating collages

· Encourage Language Arts - Discuss rhyming and create a group poem, write stories as a class, write a book of tales as a group and add it to the book nook

· Enjoy Performing Arts – Theater (putting on a puppet show, re-enacting a fairy tale);

       Singing (to the group or leading the group in song);

       Dance (music and movement)

Why offer Art?

Creative Art enables:  Self-expression

                                                   Communication of ideas -- without words

                                                   The discovery of one’s self

                                                   Exploration of the physical world and its properties

                                                   Learning to follow directions

                                                   Acquiring new skills, mastering and redefining them

                                                   Thinking “Out of the Box”

                                                   Cooperation and collaboration

                                                   Demonstration of persistence and tenacity

   Expansion of vocabulary

   Extension of experience

But most important of all it says to a child, you do not need someone else to provide toys and produce special things for you, for you are capable of making them yourself to use, play with and enjoy!

Process versus Product Art

Believe it or not there is a place for both in the early childhood classroom.   However the rule of thumb should be Process Art always available, Product Art occasionally incorporated.  Children can benefit from having an activity that requires active listening and following directions.  Examples can be replicated every one in a long while. But, these projects should be done rarely and be used as a means for assessment. Although parents like to see the standard choo-choo train made from colorful pre-cut paper shapes, or the duck made of glued yellow feathers come home, it is not the best way to teach a child about art and the true creative experience.  Real art comes from within.  Children should be encouraged to be the artists that they are within their own being.  Art should not be a method for assessment. Refrain from doing “product art” too often, after all they have a whole life time to bend to society’s will.  This is the time for active, unencumbered fun, and self-expression.

Whenever you work with a child, encourage imagination and creativity wherever you can. Refrain from asking young children to conform to a preconceived idea of who they should be, what they should be doing and encourage freedom of expression in language, in art and in play (Of course, within limits.)  When a child is allowed to produce original work there is a greater process going on.  They are able to define their own area of interest and way of interacting with the materials.  They are able to define and develop their own plan of action and are able to solve problems in unique ways as they happen.

When children are encouraged to be creative in their pursuits they:

· Learn to work through events                     

· Recreate things they know or situations they have encountered

· Make sense of the bigger world                 

· Grasp the importance and value of symbols through representation

· Enhance their self-esteem                           

· Increase motor skill development and refinement

· Become more independent                         

· Develop new cognitive skills and learn new concepts

· Feel more competent                                   

· Develop stronger social skills

· Understand qualities or properties of materials (sticky glue, runny paint, etc.)

Also, when they are encouraged to try new things and create something that comes from their own brain, we are encouraging innovation and invention in later development.  When they are forced to conform to predetermined and preconceived patterns, their own creativity is squelched.

However, children can make their own space ships and cars from simple classroom materials, and these can be constant reminders that they can make significant contributions to their own world.  By making children aware of their potential as creators and producers, we empower them to break free of the consumer role that the business community would gladly have them fill.

Please be respectful of a child’s art work and realize the value it holds for him or her.  There is nothing sadder than to see a child deflate as a teacher writes directly on his or her picture.  If you as an adult really NEED to note it is a picture of a house and of Mommy, do so on a post it note that can be peeled off, rather than on the child’s actual art work.  Just because you are bigger than him or her, doesn’t mean you don’t have the right to “graffiti” his or her work.  Showing respect for a child’s efforts is vital and also considerate. Encourage, acknowledge, and offer the chance to be creative, constructive and productive.

Please also realize that there are many children who are dissuaded from painting and using messy materials in the home.  If they don’t have time in the early childhood setting to discover the different textures and tactile experiences that come with messy art, a whole part of the self-to-be might never come to fruition.  Doing is the key to learning.  Being with the materials is the key to understanding them in relation to the self.

Hopefully when the beautiful masterpieces come home, they are given a prized place for display and are not relegated to the 3” deep with artwork refrigerator museum.   Nothing sends a stronger message to a young child than to see his or her parents frame a piece of artwork and display it prominently in the home.

Staff is Key In A High Quality Child Care Program

Making a decision about which child care or preschool program is best for your child is a crucial decision in your child’s first step in the life long learning process.

 

Staff is Key! Visit the prospective school and Observe the teachers interactions with children.  How are teachers interacting with children? You should see teachers in engaged conversations with children at their eye level, either sitting on the floor or with them in low child size chairs. 

            You should see a lot of eye contact, just as you would in a meaningful interaction between adults.  Another important aspect to observe is if there is active listening and two way conversations occurring on the part of the teacher and child, as opposed to the teacher being pre-occupied or distracted with other events in the room.  Active listening shows an interest in the child and places a value on what the child is saying. 

            Interactions should be warm and friendly, with gently encouraging tone of voice. 

Good teachers are energetic, patient, and enthusiastic about the children, the activity and the environment.  They look for teachable moments, whether it is a butterfly going by or a leave falling or a chance to teach positive social interaction. 

            Ask about the longevity of teachers in the program.  Happy teachers not only provide stability for children but in most cases mean they like their job! Teacher’s should be organized and prepared and give children an opportunity throughout the day to choose activities. 

            Finally you should see happy faces and lots of smiles on the part of the teacher and the child, an enjoyment of life and the experiences they encounter together.  Listen for “Happy” sounds coming from all the classrooms. 

            For more information on this topic or to obtain a copy of a free check list you can use as you visit child care centers, call or visit Kathy Feigley at Kangaroo Kids Child Care and Learning Center, 1047 Route 28 Branchburg, 908-231-7800 or email staff@kangarookidschildcare.com or connect with Kathy on Kangaroo Kids LinkedIn Page or Like Kangaroo Kids Child Care Facebook page.  Watch for more things to look for in quality programs for young children in future posts.  

Are You Ready For The First Day of School?

The transition to preschool is often marked with two steps forward, one step back, as your child grows and learns in amazing ways — but at the same time, regresses in some behaviors, too. In Scholastic for Parents, Child psychiatrist Joshua Sparrow, M.D., is an assistant professor at Harvard Medical School professor and co-author, with T. Berry Brazelton, of Touchpoints 3 to 6 and a former preschool teacher and gives this advice about how to ease your child's transition.

Starting preschool is a big step for many young children. What are some of the biggest challenges they face?
The most common challenge for most kids is saying goodbye to their parents, or trouble separating. For some children this may be their first time out of the home. Others may have separated before, but are now in a new, possibly more demanding situation.

How can parents help soothe their children's separation anxiety?

First, they can look within for whatever ambivalence they have about leaving their child, because he will pick up on those feelings. If there's any hesitation or discomfort or doubt — which there often is; you hate to leave your child when he's unhappy about it — but if you don't feel good about where you're leaving him, or about the fact that you have to leave him, your child's going to feel, "Well, maybe this isn't really a good place or idea." The first thing you have to do to prepare your child is to prepare yourself.

How else can parents help ease the transition for their preschooler?
There are a number of things you can do to prepare your child. Prior to starting school, take your child to visit the classroom and meet the teacher. If there's a way of having a playdate with one of the other children who will be attending the preschool, that's great, because then the children can welcome each other when they begin school. You could give your child a transitional object, like a favorite blanket or teddy bear they can carry around with them all day; or even a story so the teacher can read it. And give your child lots of reassurance that "Mommy's coming back," or "Daddy's coming back."

To reinforce the idea, you can play a little game in which something disappears from sight but your child rediscovers it. Roll a ball under the couch and say, "Look, we can't see it. Do you think it's still there? Let's go look." When your child finds the ball, you can say, "See, even though we couldn't see the ball it's still there, just like Mommy when she went to work." What you're doing is reinforcing "object permanence," a concept that comes earlier (by the end of the first year) but can be threatened by the emotional challenge that separation presents.

What are some of the ways preschool helps a child grow? By Child psychiatrist Joshua Sparrow
For some children this may be the first time they're going into a group setting where the attention by caregivers will be divided among several children. Learning to share the relationship to the teacher will be a major new gain. Also, the child will be learning to make friends, share, take turns, and hold back on impulses, areas in which they're still making progress. Preschool will present them with more opportunities to practice these skills. They'll also have opportunities to learn about other children's feelings, and to discover the joy of being generous. It's very early, but you'll see examples where the child will say, "Do you want to play with this doll?" That's their little gift, and they're learning the internal pleasure they get out of that.

Also, at this age kids love the daily routine of preschool. They get excited about mastering the schedule — they know when storytime and snack and lunch and nap happen — and they're really thrilled with themselves. Their fantasy play becomes stronger around this age, and there are ways of being more elaborate with their imagination when other children are around. They also benefit from their peers in terms of language acquisition, and even motor development. You may start to see them climb up on a slide more readily, for instance.

It important on the first day of school to make the morning as stress free as possible by picking out clothes the night before and having back packs and supplies ready in a specific place by the door.  Get up a little early so you are not rushing.  Make breakfast time a relaxing time to talk about all the fun the new school year will bring.  If your child is very apprehensive talk about a special thing you will do after school like a visit to the park.  This will help to assure them you will be back.  Partner with your child’s teacher to help ease the transition.  The teacher can give you some tips for drop off and tell you what they will be doing the next day so you have something to discuss on the ride to school on the second day in order to reinforce how much fun your child will have at school.

At Kangaroo Kids we encourage the parents to visit a number of times with their child before leaving the child on their first day of school.  This helps the parent and child to form bonds with the teachers that will help to make the transition on the first day go more smoothly.  A familiarity with the environment and new faces provides a more secure foundation for their first drop off at a new school.  We also encourage parents to send a family photo that may get lots of wet kisses on the first few days. 

Celebrating Children, Building The Future

Week of the Young Child 2013 Theme:

“Early Years Are Learning Years”

The Week of the Young Child is an annual event sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).  NAEYC, the world’s largest early childhood education association, has nearly 90,000 members and is committed to providing and promoting excellence in early childhood education.  The primary goal of the Week of the Young Child is to celebrate and bring attention to the unique qualities and needs of young children and their families.   Also, the Week of the Young Child is a time to honor the educators and other professionals who nurture and provide safe, loving educational environments that can greatly impact the lives of young children.  This year’s theme is “Early Years Are Learning Years.” 

The Week of the Young Child was first established by NAEYC in 1971 and honors more than 35 million children nationwide aged between infancy and eight, and the families, teachers, caregivers, and other adults who help children make the most of the opportunities of their early years.  The event was created to focus on the fact that a child’s future academic and professional success has its’ foundations in the care the child is afforded during the formative years (birth through five).   Popular literature illustrates that during these early years children develop essential social, physical, cognitive and communicative abilities and that the level of these abilities are greatly advanced in the presence of constant, responsive and consistent care.  In today’s economic times, where many families have two working parents, the importance of high quality early childhood programs is critical.  High quality interactions include, but are not limited to, sustained and engaged play, open-ended conversations, individualized learning experiences and recognition of the importance of family involvement. 

Approximately 13 million infants, toddlers, and preschool children are regularly in non-parental care in the United States, including 45% of children younger than one year.  Young children and their families depend on high-quality education and care, which help children get a great start and bring lasting benefits to New Jersey.  The Week of the Young Child is also a time to recognize the importance of early learning and early literacy, and to celebrate the teachers and policies that bring early childhood education to young children.

Kangaroo Kids, a NAEYC accredited school celebrated this special week with a unique schedule of events.  They kicked off the week with special treats for families.  Children had special events all week in their classes, which emphasize the importance of literacy, staying fit and giving back to the community.  The also studied the arts by creating their rendition of famous artists.  Kangaroo Kids also hosted a Scholastic Book Fair to emphasize the importance of literacy. Finally, Kangaroo Kids brought the Week of the Young Child to a close by having an ice-cream social.  A perfect opportunity to enjoy a delicious treat while socializing with classmates and reflecting upon the week! 

You can celebrate the at home every day as well!  Take a moment to read a special book or work on a

cooperative craft or art project.  Be creative paint with a car instead of a traditional brush! Children love helping in the kitchen and will be thrilled to help prepare dinner or dessert for the family.  If you are going to bake something with your child, perhaps you can even make extra and bring the baked goods to a local nursing home, shelter or other community institution!  Community outings are always special and places such as libraries and children’s museums host many family friendly events.  Please don’t forget that the best possible way to connect with your child is simply to talk to them.  Drop the cell phone, put away the computer, get at their eye level and engage your child in sustained conversation.  A free and invaluable way to get into the mind and heart of your child!

If you would like information about upcoming programs at Kangaroo Kids or a list of special activities you can do with your child call 908-231-7800 or email us at staff@kangarookidschildcare.com     

Be A Kangaroo Kid for A Day

If you have never tried Kangaroo Kids April is your opportunity to experience their outstanding curriculum, caring professional teachers and family friendly environment!

April is nationally acclaimed as Week of the Young Child and as a part of the celebration Kangaroo Kids Child Care and Learning Center is offering new students a free day of child care! Just call anytime during April to schedule your child's day of free child care!

Kangaroo Kids Child Care and Learning Center was awarded #1 child care center in America by the National Association of Child Care Professionals and is one of only 7% of schools nationwide to achieve accreditation by the National Association for the Education of Young Children.

Twenty two of their “Hall of Fame,” staff members have been with Kangaroo Kids for a combined total of 260 years…so you never have to worry about high turnover, or inexperienced staff members. In fact, Three teachers at Kangaroo Kids have been awarded the prestigious honor of Teacher of the Year by the National Association for the Education of Young Children.

“We are proud to be being leaders in education of young children since 1991 and of providing high quality early childhood education programs for children from 6 weeks old through 9 years of age. Kangaroo Kids has infant, toddler and preschool programs as well as before and after school activities, summer camp and a full day private school kindergarten,” Said Director Kathy Feigley.

“Early Years Are Learning Years,” is the theme of the nationally celebrated Week of the Young Child. As part of the national Week of the Young Child™ Kangaroo Kids is honoring young children and all those who make a difference in children’s lives. Festivities will be held throughout the country during the week of April 23-27, 2012.

Kangaroo Kids will celebrating the week with an ice cream social, a book fair, and a visit from Clifford the Big Red Dog. They will also host a Joy of Reading program where friends, families, and the community will come to read to the children. Kangaroo Kids kindergarteners will also be sharing their new reading skills with their younger classmates. The kick off on Monday will be a breakfast to go honoring the Mom’s and Dad’s at Kangaroo Kids who provide a loving home environment and a partnership with the educators at Kangaroo Kids. The community is welcome to participate in any of the Week of the Young Child events. The book fair will be open every day from 8am to 6pm.

Young children and their families depend on high-quality education and care, which help children get a great start and bring lasting benefits to the future of our country. Week of the Young Child™ is a time to recognize the importance of early learning and early literacy, and to celebrate the teachers and policies that bring early childhood education to young children.

The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), is the largest organization of early childhood educators and others dedicated to improving the quality of early education programs for children birth through age 8. Founded in 1926, NAEYC has nearly 80,000 members.

You can also "like" us on our facebook page at Kangaroo Kids Child Care to learn more about the April Events or call 908-231-7800.

Most Popular Baby Names

According to the Social Security Administration, Jacob is the most popular boy’s name of the 21st century (so far), followed by:
• Michael
• Joshua
• Matthew
• Daniel
• Christopher
• Andrew
• Ethan
• Joseph
• William

The Favorite girl’s name is Emily, trailed by:
• Madison
• Emma
• Olivia
• Hannah
• Abigail
• Isabella
• Samantha
• Elizabeth
• Ashley

Go to http://www.ssa.gov/oact/babynames/decades/names2000s.html for year by year popularity of names!

Painting – Be creative! Instead of just using a paint brush, let your child paint with different instruments such as rollers, matchbox cars, q-tips, or even their fingers!

You can even use those old apples to do stamp painting by cutting the apples in half and dipping them in paint.

If messy projects aren’t your favorite just give your child a new paint brush and a bucket of water and let them do their water art on the sidewalk!

You never know, you might be encouraging the next Picasso!

Celebrate Week of the Young Child at Home!

Celebrate the Week of the Young Child April 10th to 16th with your children! Take a moment to read a special book or work on a cooperative craft or art project. Children love helping in the kitchen and will be thrilled to help prepare dinner or dessert for the family. If you are going to bake something with your child, perhaps you can even make extra and bring the baked goods to a local nursing home, shelter or other community institution! Community outings are always special and places such as libraries and children’s museums may be participating in special events to celebrate the week. Please don’t forget that the best possible way to connect with your child is simply to talk to them. Drop the cell phone, put away the computer, get at their eye level and engage your child in sustained conversation. A free and invaluable way to get into the mind and heart of your child!

Literacy

Literacy is the growing ability of children to construct meaning from print. The ability to read and write begins at birth as parents talk and read to infants and toddlers. Literacy skills, which are the ability to listen, speak, read, and write are all interdependent. These skills open to door to academic achievement and provide lifelong opportunities for learning, exploring, personal expression and pleasure.