This blog is for parents, care givers and teachers who need new ideas, places to turn or just want to investigate something different for children 0 to 4 years old.
Come on in, look around and please leave feedback.
If you have a site, book or other resource that should be here, please email me or leave feedback so we can add it.
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Healthy-Family.org
A delightful website that looks at first glance to be simply about staying healthy with sugar free candies, gluten free bread products and parental controls for Kindles and computers. But a deeper look reveals links to a tremendous amount of resources geared towards parents who want fun and educational websites for children.
The kids' central button brings up numerous links to age divided pages, some of which I have also noted on this list. From there children of all ages can go pages for fun activities and learning. There are also plenty of links to various websites for allergy prone children, how to treat them with avoidance diets and links to plenty of food brands for allergy sufferers. A discussion forum allows parents, teachers and/or caregivers to ask questions or discuss concerns about a variety of topics.
This is a great website that can be perused for plenty of resources.
The kids' central button brings up numerous links to age divided pages, some of which I have also noted on this list. From there children of all ages can go pages for fun activities and learning. There are also plenty of links to various websites for allergy prone children, how to treat them with avoidance diets and links to plenty of food brands for allergy sufferers. A discussion forum allows parents, teachers and/or caregivers to ask questions or discuss concerns about a variety of topics.
This is a great website that can be perused for plenty of resources.
Healthy-Family.org | Staying healthy in a modern world . (n.d.). Healthy-Family.org | Staying healthy in a modern world . Retrieved December 6, 2011, from http://healthy-family.org
Naked Reading: Uncovering What Tweens Need to Become Lifelong Readers
Okay, this may seem like a very odd book to have on an infants and tots list BUT let me assure everyone that this book is in my top 5 items for parents, teachers and child care givers of the preschool set. Please don't let the name fool you, it simply describes such a deep love of reading that not even being soaking wet mattered.
In short, the author, Teri Lesesne, discusses ideas and philosophies behind turning tweens into lifelong readers. The only disagreement I have with her is that becoming readers starts long before a child becomes a tween. By then for many children it may be too late. Building a love of books should start at birth or even before.
Please pick it up!
In short, the author, Teri Lesesne, discusses ideas and philosophies behind turning tweens into lifelong readers. The only disagreement I have with her is that becoming readers starts long before a child becomes a tween. By then for many children it may be too late. Building a love of books should start at birth or even before.
Please pick it up!
Lesesne, T. S. (2006). Naked reading: uncovering what tweens need to become lifelong readers. Portland, Me.: Stenhouse Publishers.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
The New Read-aloud Handbook by Jim Trelease
This timeless treasure provides ideas and inspiration for parents, teachers and care givers who want to read aloud to the children in their lives but are hesitant or already are reading aloud but need new excitement. Each edition is full of wonderful ideas and resources but the 6th edition has some great new "discussion" about handling non-reading influences like television.
The format of the book is easy to read and the second half of the book is stories to enjoy with children of all ages. This is a wonderful resource for every parent or teacher.
The format of the book is easy to read and the second half of the book is stories to enjoy with children of all ages. This is a wonderful resource for every parent or teacher.
Trelease, J. (2006). The new read-aloud handbook. New York, NY: Penguin Books.
Friday, December 2, 2011
PBSKids.org
This site is provides games and activities both on-line and off line for children of primarily 3 years and older. For the younger group, the website revolves around the television programs that PBS airs throughout the week and helps to extend the ideas learned during the shows.
Since some of the PBS shows revolve around classic stories, by integrating shows, the books and the activities on the web, the children are receiving the same characters and story through different mediums. Even if parents are leery of the use of computers at such a young age, each activity provides non-computer ideas to go along with the episode.
While not in my top 10 website, this one is definitely in the top 20 for its integrated approach to learning and the appropriate shows it provides.
Since some of the PBS shows revolve around classic stories, by integrating shows, the books and the activities on the web, the children are receiving the same characters and story through different mediums. Even if parents are leery of the use of computers at such a young age, each activity provides non-computer ideas to go along with the episode.
While not in my top 10 website, this one is definitely in the top 20 for its integrated approach to learning and the appropriate shows it provides.
PBS KIDS: Educational Games, Videos and Activities For Kids!. (n.d.). PBS KIDS: Educational Games, Videos and Activities For Kids!. Retrieved October 16, 2011, from http://www.pbskids.org
All about coloring website
This website is just fun and frivolous for parents, teachers and caregivers. Printable coloring pages for themes of all types, with numerous pages in each category this website will provide hours of fun for toddlers and preschoolers of all ages. I even know adults who have been coaxed into coloring a few holiday pages for a window or two.
A bonus to the site are the links provided on other pages. Some are downloadable games for older children but others are on-line games for young children. Still another page leads to a variety of educational websites available to anyone. All you need to do is check the websites and see if they are appropriate or useful for your child/ren.
While definitely more of a fun site, coloring.ws has pages for all skill levels and promotes dexterity and motor skills, color recognition, understanding of various holidays and themes all while having fun (and perhaps eating a few crayons).
A bonus to the site are the links provided on other pages. Some are downloadable games for older children but others are on-line games for young children. Still another page leads to a variety of educational websites available to anyone. All you need to do is check the websites and see if they are appropriate or useful for your child/ren.
While definitely more of a fun site, coloring.ws has pages for all skill levels and promotes dexterity and motor skills, color recognition, understanding of various holidays and themes all while having fun (and perhaps eating a few crayons).
All About Coloring. (n.d.). All About Coloring. Retrieved December 1, 2011, from http://coloring.ws
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Bright Hub! Early Childhood Education website
I like this website for the fun poems and rhymes for toddlers you can find. Poems are great for learning while doing actions but the kids just know they are having fun. This website is geared for preschool teachers of probably toddlers through pre-k age and it does have a Christian base to it but provides secular options throughout.
Parents should not feel intimidated by the thought that this is teacher site, everything on here is user friendly and enjoyable for all children. In fact some of my favorite songs the transition time songs on the website and these can be used by anyone! Even children at home can use a funny transition song and these are incredible.
The entire website is worth using on a regular basis for everything. But for the 0 to 4 group, make sure you click on the early childhood button.
Parents should not feel intimidated by the thought that this is teacher site, everything on here is user friendly and enjoyable for all children. In fact some of my favorite songs the transition time songs on the website and these can be used by anyone! Even children at home can use a funny transition song and these are incredible.
The entire website is worth using on a regular basis for everything. But for the 0 to 4 group, make sure you click on the early childhood button.
. (n.d.). Bright Hub! Early Childhood Education. Early childhood education articles, preschool teaching tips. Retrieved August 12, 2011, from http://www.brighthub.com/education/early-childhood.aspx
Tumblebooks Library
Tumblebooks library website employs bright colors, interesting books of all levels, the newest technology and plenty of options for "reading" to entice learners of all ages to dive into stories for fun. This website is one I had not used until about 6 months ago and now that I found it, we are using it at our house. The books for school age kids give the accelerated reader levels which is helpful but more important for the younger set are the the books that read to you!
Under the story books tab are picture books for young readers. These books are read longs, with wonderful readers who tell the story as the child watches the pictures and can follow the words. For early readers, parents can set this up and let their child read several stories to practice reading. But even pre-readers will love to listen to the stories and see the pictures. These early experiences with books will enhance pre and early readers positive experiences.
Under the story books tab are picture books for young readers. These books are read longs, with wonderful readers who tell the story as the child watches the pictures and can follow the words. For early readers, parents can set this up and let their child read several stories to practice reading. But even pre-readers will love to listen to the stories and see the pictures. These early experiences with books will enhance pre and early readers positive experiences.
Tumblebooks - eBooks for eKids!. (n.d.). Tumblebooks - eBooks for eKids!. Retrieved June 1, 2011, from http://www.tumblebooks.com
Your Babies First Year by the American Academy of Pediatrics
The third edition of this encyclopedia of infant care, is updated with the latest information on vaccines, diseases, disabilities, in addition to basic facts on health and growth. A huge resource at 800 pages, this book is inexpensive and can be an asset to parents and caregivers alike.
The coverage of injuries, diseases and illnesses is in depth which is one of the reasons I recommend the updated version for caregivers. Having a guide to scan or search when a child is symptomatic helps determine the immediacy of contacting parents during the work day versus over reacting to something as simple as a running nose or normal ear tugging.
As with any resource, nothing can be all seeing and apply to every child. That is the nature of children, they are all individual and special with patterns of learning unique to themselves.
The coverage of injuries, diseases and illnesses is in depth which is one of the reasons I recommend the updated version for caregivers. Having a guide to scan or search when a child is symptomatic helps determine the immediacy of contacting parents during the work day versus over reacting to something as simple as a running nose or normal ear tugging.
As with any resource, nothing can be all seeing and apply to every child. That is the nature of children, they are all individual and special with patterns of learning unique to themselves.
Your Babies First year (3rd ed.). (2010). New York: Bantam.
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Things to do with Toddlers and Twos
Written before the computer era for small children, Ms. Miller has created a resource of over 400 pages of movements, hand motions, finger plays and other fun for kids as young as parents want to start. The title suggests toddler which indicates roughly a 10 to 12 month old but many of the hand and finger motions can be done by smaller children with help. And the chants, songs, poems and rhymes can be said to non-verbal children promoting speech.
This resource is great for the motor skills of the 12 to 36 month age (roughly) range. Check the libraries, eBay, used book stores or Amazon as it maybe harder to find at a local book store.
This resource is great for the motor skills of the 12 to 36 month age (roughly) range. Check the libraries, eBay, used book stores or Amazon as it maybe harder to find at a local book store.
Miller, K. (2000). Things to do with toddlers and twos. Boston, Mass.: Telshare.
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Caring for your Baby and Young Child, 5th Ed. Birth to age 5...
This tome weighs in at 3.5 lbs and 928 pages to cover the basics of a child's life from birth to age 5. And the American Academy of Pediatrics, who authored (ie: sponsored) this book do not suggest this is anything other than a basic guideline of the standards at each period of growth. They do cover topics such as social and emotional growth as well as the physical and cognitive growth. These additional aspects are important as the infant grows from birth to toddler and on to a preschooler and beyond.
Additional pages are dedicated to childhood illnesses, injuries, vaccines, birth disorders, and problems such as potty training, sleep problems, and so on.
A good all purpose resource for the first five years.
Additional pages are dedicated to childhood illnesses, injuries, vaccines, birth disorders, and problems such as potty training, sleep problems, and so on.
A good all purpose resource for the first five years.
Shelov, S. (2009). Caring for your baby and young child, 5th edition: birth to age 5 (5th ed.). New York: Bantam.
Friday, November 18, 2011
Starfall website for the young learner
Starfall . com is a fun website that uses animated characters, bright colors and cheerful music to teach children as they play games, build animals and sing songs. The site provides games for children from roughly 2 to kindergarten or older but the magic of the website is that parents can use it to refresh their memories as well.
A few of the fun features of Starfall include nursery rhymes, colors, a talking library that highlights the word as it reads, plus math and reading skills from very basic to kindergarten level.
When looking at the front page of the site, parents will note the member site information at the top. Starfall does have a paysite and the price is reasonable for the benefits received but no one should fell it necessary to invest. The website is one of many that provide opportunities for toddlers and pre-schoolers to learn reading skills and computer skills at the same time.
Overall this website is helpful for parents, teachers and caregivers as an idea source, game source and if they want, to give learning experiences in basic computing to little ones while learning and having fun.
A few of the fun features of Starfall include nursery rhymes, colors, a talking library that highlights the word as it reads, plus math and reading skills from very basic to kindergarten level.
When looking at the front page of the site, parents will note the member site information at the top. Starfall does have a paysite and the price is reasonable for the benefits received but no one should fell it necessary to invest. The website is one of many that provide opportunities for toddlers and pre-schoolers to learn reading skills and computer skills at the same time.
Overall this website is helpful for parents, teachers and caregivers as an idea source, game source and if they want, to give learning experiences in basic computing to little ones while learning and having fun.
Starfall's Learn to Read with phonics. (n.d.). Starfall's Learn to Read with phonics. Retrieved November 7, 2011, from http://starfall.com
Mommy, teach me by Barbara Curtis
Want to learn how everyday activities are actually teaching your toddler and preschooler necessary life skills as well as motor skills and coordination? Read this book by Barbara Curtis and see how she has created a preschool "curriculum" of sorts from ordinary everyday life. With her background as a Montessori teacher, she recognizes that each thing a child does can be a learning opportunity.
One example could be setting spoons on the table for breakfast and counting to three with mommy as it is done. A normal chore becomes a chance to reinforce some counting in a fun and helpful way.
One example could be setting spoons on the table for breakfast and counting to three with mommy as it is done. A normal chore becomes a chance to reinforce some counting in a fun and helpful way.
Curtis, B. (2007). Mommy, teach me!: preparing your preschool child for a lifetime of learning. Nashville, Tenn.: B&H Publishing Group.
Friday, November 11, 2011
Zero to Three Website
Zero to Three is a website used by the Coast Guard to train in home care givers and any parents with special needs, concerns or who just wanted resources other than the standard "books". During my continuing education for my daycare certification, I started using the website and have not actually stopped even though the daycare closed in 2008.
So, now that the recommendation is done, here is why this is a great website. It is not static like a book that requires time to be updated and published. The website is routinely updated with new data, ideas and suggestions. No waiting for months or years for the latest information on breastfeeding, stomach sleeping, teething, etc. The staff updates this when new findings come out and if parents sign up, will send email newsletters with updates.
Topics include: child care, child trauma, mental health assessment, school readiness, early intervention, dealing with seperation, and so on. This website provides plenty of information on the lives of little ones from birth to 3. It is definitly worth perusing once in a while.
So, now that the recommendation is done, here is why this is a great website. It is not static like a book that requires time to be updated and published. The website is routinely updated with new data, ideas and suggestions. No waiting for months or years for the latest information on breastfeeding, stomach sleeping, teething, etc. The staff updates this when new findings come out and if parents sign up, will send email newsletters with updates.
Topics include: child care, child trauma, mental health assessment, school readiness, early intervention, dealing with seperation, and so on. This website provides plenty of information on the lives of little ones from birth to 3. It is definitly worth perusing once in a while.
ZERO TO THREE: Homepage. (n.d.). ZERO TO THREE: Homepage. Retrieved October 12, 2011, from http://www.zerotothree.org
Thursday, November 10, 2011
What to Expect the First Year
This book is one in a series of books that many parents turn to during pregnancy and early childhood for information, reassurance and peace that their child is "normal". The authors do a good job of describing the typical month by month growth of an average child while answering questions about topics of interest to todays parents. Each chapter outlines the typical growth, then dicusses what a doctor's appointment might look like, and finally discusses concerns parents might have which generally consists of the question and answer section. The beginning chapters discuss topics such as breast feeding, selecting a doctor and what a new baby needs.
Obviously no book can provide all information on infant care but What to Expect... is an excellent starting point.
While not a book for teachers or care givers, this is an excellent resource for parents and as an added bonus is generally easy to find in a library, used book store or from a friend.
Obviously no book can provide all information on infant care but What to Expect... is an excellent starting point.
While not a book for teachers or care givers, this is an excellent resource for parents and as an added bonus is generally easy to find in a library, used book store or from a friend.
Murkoff, H. E. (2008/2003). What to expect the first year (2nd ed.). New York: Workman Pub..
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Enchanted Learning
Used, by us, primarily for crafts, printables and the foreign languages, Enchanted Learning does have a free and pay side although the $20 for a full year is absolutely worth the cost. The entire site covers lessons on an abundant number of themes, music, several foreign languages and art all at grades from pre kindergarten to about 6th grade.
Patrons can get lost in the website for hours just exploring the different themes, activities, crafts, science plans, and so on. The printable pages include coloring pages, alphabet and number copy work, blank pages, as well as educational based pages if wanted.
As previously stated, whether using the free site or the full access site, this website is definitely worth checking out for ideas.
Patrons can get lost in the website for hours just exploring the different themes, activities, crafts, science plans, and so on. The printable pages include coloring pages, alphabet and number copy work, blank pages, as well as educational based pages if wanted.
As previously stated, whether using the free site or the full access site, this website is definitely worth checking out for ideas.
Col, J. (1998). ENCHANTED LEARNING HOME PAGE. ENCHANTED LEARNING HOME PAGE. Retrieved September 12, 2011, from http://www.enchantedlearning.com
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Teaching your children joy
Richard and Linda Eyre have written a series of books about child rearing and this is probably the best. Written in the mid-1990's, it is timeless and does not rely on the Internet, computers, gimmicks or other fancy tactics to convince children that they can have happiness in their lives.
The Eyre's believe in listening and talking to children, setting boundaries, goals and then helping even small children achieve them and recognize those achievements.
Each chapter or lesson is short and has suggestions to learn how to create joy in our (including the children) lives, then how we can share that joy. And each lesson grows on the previous one.
Joy is so important in a child's life and this book is one resource for parents.
The Eyre's believe in listening and talking to children, setting boundaries, goals and then helping even small children achieve them and recognize those achievements.
Each chapter or lesson is short and has suggestions to learn how to create joy in our (including the children) lives, then how we can share that joy. And each lesson grows on the previous one.
Joy is so important in a child's life and this book is one resource for parents.
Eyre, L., & Eyre, R. M. (1994). Teaching your children joy. New York: Simon & Schuster.
What your preschooler needs to know.
Core Knowledge has created an entire series of the What your... needs to know books that cover a range of topics depending of the level. For the preschooler level, the topics are more general and involve a lot of reading aloud together and learning the typical songs, poems, rhymes and such.
There is a section for parents on how to help prepare a child for kindergarten and what type of skills they should have before attending school. Then the book is divided into sections including science, Poems and rhymes, history, art and so on. The pages all have beautiful color illustrations that are bright and attention getting which is important for preschoolers.
The entire series is well put together and thought out with this book being no different. Definitely a great resource for parents who don't want to send a child to preschool and need an all-in-one resource for cognitive learning.
There is a section for parents on how to help prepare a child for kindergarten and what type of skills they should have before attending school. Then the book is divided into sections including science, Poems and rhymes, history, art and so on. The pages all have beautiful color illustrations that are bright and attention getting which is important for preschoolers.
The entire series is well put together and thought out with this book being no different. Definitely a great resource for parents who don't want to send a child to preschool and need an all-in-one resource for cognitive learning.
Hirsch, E. D., & Bevilacqua, L. (2008). What your preschooler needs to know. New York, NY: Bantam Dell.
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