Posts Tagged ‘Early childhood education’

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The Goddard School Promotes the Power of Play for Learning

Tuesday, September 21st, 2010

Art - Painting Infant & TeacherPlay for Tomorrow’s Ultimate Block Party is coming, and The Goddard School hopes that it will change the way you think about play forever. In a national event on October 3 in the Bandshell area of New York City’s Central Park, and in Mini Block Parties at Goddard Schools nationwide during the preceding week, the organizing team, Play for Tomorrow, will join forces with The Goddard School and non-profit organizations, government agencies and large corporations to kick-off a powerful new, global movement designed to recognize and celebrate the power of play for learning.

“Playful learning has always been at the heart of the curriculum at The Goddard School,” states Sue Adair, Director of Education and Quality Assurance for Goddard Systems, Inc. “It’s been clear to us all along that children learn best when new skills are presented to them in a playful and engaging way, and now there is a whole body of research to back us up.”

Play for Tomorrow is the consortium behind the “playful learning” movement. The Ultimate Block Party is the premier event in a national education movement, co-founded by Kathy Hirsh-Pasek, Ph.D, Professor of Psychology at Temple University in Philadelphia, who believes that how we play as children helps us succeed in school and shapes who we become as adults. “The workforce of 2040 is in our preschools today,” says Dr. Hirsh-Pasek, “and we must ensure that, as a nation, we are well equipped to thrive in our global economy.” Together with its partners, Play for Tomorrow is committed to building a public groundswell for the importance of play in fostering lifelong learning and to help enact change in policy and education.

“The Goddard School has been selected as the exclusive national preschool sponsor of Ultimate Block Party because of its long-standing commitment to the importance of play in early childhood education,” states Adair. As an activity sponsor at the Central Park event, and in Mini Block Parties ranging from a single day to a full week at individual schools, Goddard will invite children and families to join in fun-filled, playful learning activities designed to make learning an engaging and hands-on experience.

As part of the culmination of the events leading up to the main Ultimate Block Party in Central Park, on October 1, at 10 am local time, all Goddard School children will participate in a nationwide game of “Simon Says” and then join in singing the Goddard School Play Along song, written exclusively for The Goddard School. The song’s final chorus sums up the spirit of the Play for Tomorrow movement: “Goddard’s power of play makes learning fun, and we’ve only just begun.”

Parents will also ask their children to take a “Play Pledge” that states, “We believe in the Power of Play. Our family pledges to encourage playful learning. We recognize that play helps children explore and discover and is the foundation of creative and confident learning.” Beginning September 2, families also can take the “Play Pledge” on Goddard Schools’ Facebook, and download The Goddard School Play Along Song and helpful play tips by visiting www.goddardschool.com/blockparty.

“Many of the critical life skills that contribute to success in the workplace are actually developed on the playground and in the playroom,” says Adair. “Play time helps children develop creative and problem-solving abilities, encourages them to work cooperatively and builds their self-confidence. These are the skills that we need in our government and business leaders of tomorrow.”

To learn more about playful learning and The Goddard School, families are encouraged to visit www.goddardschool.com/blockparty.

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Posted in Activities, Development, Learning through Play | No Comments »

Ready-Set-Play at The Ultimate Block Party: The Arts and Sciences of Play

Tuesday, August 10th, 2010

At The Goddard School, we take play very seriously.  Play is the foundation for learning, fostering self-confidence and developing skills for collaboration, cooperation and problem solving. Play is the first step in a lifetime journey of discovery because it teaches a child about his or her capabilities, strengths and even weaknesses.

That’s why we’re so excited about a great event that’s being planned for October 3, 2010, in New York City’s Central Park.  At The Ultimate Block Party – The Arts and Sciences of Play, families will experience firsthand the vital role play has in learning.  Families can play, discover, cooperate, collaborate, have fun – and begin to understand how play builds important skills for learning.

The Goddard School is proud to be a sponsor of The Ultimate Block Party (UBP), which is the brainchild of a distinguished group of educators and childhood development specialists who have one important goal in mind:  spreading the word that children who build a strong foundation of social, logical and behavioral tools through play will be better equipped to learn and to lead in the future.

While the intent of the day is serious, the focus is on fun with activities ranging from the world’s largest game of Simon Says to sing-alongs and an obstacle course.  Check back with us to find out more about these activities, to discover ways that you can get involved and to learn about resources you can turn to for more information about the “whys” and “hows” of making play a priority for your child.

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Posted in Development, Goddard News, Learning through Play | 1 Comment »

Ask the Expert: Transitioning to Childcare

Tuesday, July 27th, 2010

My daughter is currently cared for by my mom (her grandmother) while we are at work. I would like to move her to a center for a few days per week when she is 15 months old, mostly for additional stimulation and socialization. Can you please recommend steps we can take to make the transition the easiest on her?

Transitioning your child from home care to childcare is wrenching for every parent.  In fact, most babies and young children adapt to their new environment more easily than parents do.  And it’s important for parents to appreciate and care for their own emotions at this juncture.

As with so many things for young children, taking it slow and easy can work wonders.  If your child is moving into alternative childcare for the first time, make the transition gradual, providing lots of support.

  • Make sure your child meets the caregivers or teachers before moving into this new environment.  If you choose a childcare center or a preschool, make sure your child knows at least one other child in the class.  If your child doesn’t already know someone, ask the caregiver to suggest one or two children who might be good matches for your child, and set up a few play dates.
  • Talk to your child about the new arrangement, describing the friends to be made and the wonderful things to be done and learned.  Talk about being apart and getting back together.  Play games such as hide-and-seek that demonstrate being apart and together.
  • When moving to a new childcare arrangement, start gradually, if possible.  For example, allow your child to be alone at the childcare center for short periods at first, then slowly increase the time away from you.
  • Once the new arrangements are underway, get up a bit earlier so you have time together before you leave.  Also, make special family times in the evenings and on weekends.
  • Let your child take her favorite toy or “softie” to school.
  • Tell the caregiver or teacher of any factors that might influence your child’s behavior or needs for the day, such as a restless night, family illness or visits from relatives.
  • Be aware that separation anxiety may come and go in cycles.  You can ease your child’s upsets if you make your departure warm and smooth, staying long enough to let your child settle in, but without lingering.  And never sneak out or lie, telling your little one you “will be right back” just before you dash to the parking lot.  Your child needs to be able to rely on his trust in you as he navigates this new world.
  • When you pick your child up, ask the caregiver about what happened during the day.  Then discuss the day’s events with your child.

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Posted in Ask the Expert, Dr. Kyle Pruett, Preschool, Tips | No Comments »

Parent-Teacher Communication

Wednesday, July 14th, 2010

Teachers - Goddard SchoolEstablishing a strong, open line of communication between parents and teachers is an essential part of any child’s education.  Doing so allows parents to always remain apprised of their child’s progress and, should a problem arise, allows for easy discussion on ways to address and remedy the situation.

Never hesitate to get the lines of communication flowing.  As your child’s teacher greets each new student on the first day of school, take advantage of the situation to introduce yourself as well.  Ask how and when would be the best time to contact them if you have questions or just want to check in on your child’s progress.

Try to communicate with your child’s teacher regularly.  Frequent chats help build your parent-teacher relationship and allow for a constant flow of feedback so you both can better understand and address your child’s needs.

Becoming involved in school events and/or parent-teacher organizations offers another great forum for developing parent-teacher communication.  Make an effort to attend open houses, social events and/or join the school’s PTO.

Once the lines of communication are established, you and your child’s teacher can work together throughout the school year to monitor and guide your child’s educational goals.

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Posted in Preschool, School | No Comments »

Ask the Expert: Reluctant Reader

Monday, July 12th, 2010

We’ve always been a family of readers and take turns reading aloud together for a half hour every evening.  This couldn’t be more painful for our eight year old.  He’s bright but loves just about everything else better than reading.  Are we pushing too hard?

By third grade, children develop their own learning style, drawn from their early patterns of exploring the world.  Some explore by looking, others by listening, tasting, moving, or touching.  The favored mode of exploring shapes later preferred learning styles.  Your child may resent reading because it draws on one of his less-preferred exploration modes.  Give him a break and let him strut his stuff instead.  Can he teach the family a game or share a discovery?  We can’t all be bookworms – we’re simply not born that way.

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Posted in Ask the Expert, Reading | 1 Comment »

Managing Parental Emotions of Childcare

Friday, July 9th, 2010

Don’t pretend you’re fine when you’re not.

It’s much better to acknowledge your feelings.  It’s normal to feel grief at this change.  You will come through sooner and better if you face your feelings head on.

Sensory Table with Teacher & Young GirlDon’t believe you are a bad parent for choosing childcare.

If you have chosen a good center or caregiver, you can be confident that your child is in good hands, so there is no logical reason to feel guilty.  But if you continue to feel guilty, it’s important to come to grips with these feelings.  Be especially alert if you are tempted to change your parenting style.  For example, some parents start easing up on setting limits to compensate for their guilt.  Such behavior leads nowhere you or your child want to go.

Don’t become critical of your child’s caregiver.

It’s important to have a good relationship with caregivers.  Their observations and advice can be extremely helpful to your parenting.  If you find you feel critical even though the caregiver’s work doesn’t merit such an attitude, recognize that your feelings are a part of the separation process.  Then begin to focus on the caregiver’s talents and good qualities.  Rest assured that no caregiver will take your place in your child’s life or heart.  The new attachments to other warm and loving caregivers are beneficial.  They also are good signs of your child’s emotional maturity and your achievement in nurturing that maturity.

Don’t underestimate the importance of the transition to childcare.

If you pretend the new routine doesn’t matter, you may underestimate the good things that can come from this new experience for your child and you – new friends, new learning, new sources of information and new ideas on parenting.

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Posted in Preschool, Tips | No Comments »

Child Care Prep Tips for Parents-to-Be

Wednesday, June 9th, 2010

Expectant parents have a lot on their minds from shopping for playpens, to stocking up on diapers, to baby proofing the house. They also have to make a decision about child care. If both parents are going back to work after the baby’s arrival, one thing that must be added to the checklist is finding high-quality child care.

Start Early
The best time to begin researching child care providers for your infant is before your child is born. It might sound a little silly to begin your search so early, but there are a few good reasons to do so. Many families reserve their children’s spots early on, creating long waiting lists at many child care providers. A mom-to-be who waits until the last trimester may encounter some restriction in going out and taking a tour, especially if she needs bed rest. The sooner you find a provider that you are comfortable with, the sooner you can relax and enjoy the time with your newborn.

Location
Another factor to consider is location. You may feel more comfortable having a child care provider close to home, but you’ll need to think about whether this creates problems with picking your child up on time after work due to traffic. You could also choose a location closer to your work, but this could create problems if you ever work from home. If you choose to breast feed, it is more practical to pick a location near your workplace, this way you may be able to go to your baby and nurse. Find out the designated area for breast feeding and if there is a quiet place where you can do this. A few other questions to ask is which parent will be primarily responsible for dropping off and picking up your child, or will you share that role. If you’re sharing the role perhaps you should find a child care provider that is centrally located.

Health & Safety
There is nothing more important than your child’s safety, and when it comes to health and safety there is no question too big or small. Find out if proper hand washing techniques are being utilized. Go ahead and ask about diapering procedures, and whether the location is cleaned every day by a professional. Be clear about any illness policy that determines when children are too ill to attend. Take a tour and see for yourself if the environment is clean and inviting. With all of the concern over immunizations these days, it’s important to ask if the school requires a medical screen and updated immunizations in order to enroll a child, and if the teachers have to provide a medical screen as well.

Director and Teacher Qualifications
You’ll certainly want to find out if the school employs teachers with education and experience in Early Childhood Education. Don’t assume that the school requires ongoing teacher training and development, ask about their plans for ongoing professional development. Make sure to inquire whether teachers are required to have first aid/CPR training. It’s important to know if children are supervised by sight and sound at all times and if the group sizes are small. Smaller group sizes and low teacher-to-child ratios ensure better supervision and safety. These ratios vary from state to state, so inquire about regulations.

Getting a third party opinion is not a bad idea either. You shouldn’t base your decision solely on that, but getting input from friends and family definitely helps in making a decision. To get a real sense of what the typical day is like at the child care provider, you should also make it a point to visit during hours of operation. Plan ahead by asking about other classrooms as well so that you can see the program that your child will attend as he/she grows.

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Posted in Development, Parents, Preschool, Tips | No Comments »

Learn…Playfully!

Friday, June 4th, 2010

Excerpt from Me, Myself and I

With a lot of  focus on accelerated learning, parents may be tempted to do too much of a good thing, jettisoning playful games and enjoyable family events in favor of  boring early learning programs.  As with adults, too much input from the outside can cause children to tune out.

Young children have a fierce drive to learn, and they are thrilled with their new discoveries.  This is a wonderful time to strengthen the foundation for a child’s lifelong love of learning.  They key is to do it in a way that respects and responds to each child’s interests, pace and temperament, and not to some external need to keep up with the Joneses or their kids.

One well-documented trait of children who do well in school is that they love to learn.  Activities that build love of learning are money in the bank for a child’s educational success.  You don’t want to squelch that drive to learn by substituting joyless, skill-pushing memory activities for real exploration, discovery and learning.

So what do you do?  Follow your child’s cues.  Other than fatigue, cues are all emotional.  Children show interest or disinterest, curiosity or frustration, boredom or enjoyment, impatience or pleasure, anger or delight.  Pay attention to your child’s moods and heed his cues.  Sometimes parents find this hard to do.  If you are engaged in some activity you think is really worthwhile, it’s easy to push the envelope until your child seriously wants out.  There is no gain in this.  Much better to move on to something else or just give things a rest when your child begins to show disinterest or fatigue.  You know all the signs.  No one is as expert as you at reading your child.

Art - Painting Girl C

For young children, the best learning is filled with a blend of wonder, giggles, excitement, interest, concentration, a touch of manageable frustration, concerted effort and laughter – all signs of the most positive emotional states.  Lessons learned and achievements mastered in these states are gilt-edged in three ways:

  • The child learns something new.
  • The child learns more about how to learn.
  • The child enjoys learning.

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Posted in Development, Dr. Kyle Pruett, Learning through Play | 2 Comments »

Early Stimulation

Wednesday, February 10th, 2010

Infant Girl Clapping

Brain research tells us that, of the 100 billion (!) nerve cells we are born with, the ones we are most likely to keep longest are the ones that are used regularly in our interaction with the world around us. This does NOT mean that we can increase our child’s intellectual or developmental competence through so-called ‘brain stimulation’ videos or surround-sound cribs.  Infants and toddlers enjoy learning first and best the things they learn in their relationships with the people that care for them.

Some things to keep in mind for the development of theirs:

  • Children can distinguish the voice of their father from their mother at birth – and their handling styles at six weeks.
  • The most useful kind of stimulation is the kind babies can manage, learn from, and interact with. Vocalizations like the coos and giggles they initiate should be returned in kind – matching volume, pitch, and rhythm if you can. Be alert because they’ll often throw in a variation. The same is true for older children who sing and initiate games like peek-a-boo or patty cake.  Tapes or videos are no match for the joy and value of ‘live.’
  • Want to encourage a positive self-image?  For babies, tender and frequent touch makes them feel treasured, and for toddlers and preschoolers, install a (safe) full-length mirror on the back of a door and provide dress-up or ‘pretend’ clothes and just watch them feel special.
  • Keep your eyes and ears open for emerging motor skills, interests, words, emotions, and feelings. When such competencies are new, they are both adorable and vulnerable.  Remember not to overwhelm children by requesting a ‘show’ of their new tricks. This can be over-stimulating and cause quite the opposite effect – anxiety about new abilities instead of confidence.  Let children practice and enjoy their new skill.

HOW you are as a parent with your children matters far more than any particular thing you may ever DO with them.  Development is not a race; it is a process that unfolds uniquely in each child. Rushing development erodes children’s belief in, and joy of, their own emerging abilities, replacing joy with frustration and discouragement – too high a price in my book.

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Posted in Development, Dr. Kyle Pruett | 1 Comment »

Benefits of a High-Quality Preschool Program

Tuesday, February 2nd, 2010

Children writingAn estimated five million children are in preschool programs, and the number is growing.  According to the Families and Work Institute, children benefit from quality programs with competent staff and good ratios. They suffer fewer behavioral troubles, have larger expressive vocabularies, feel close to their teachers, and enjoy more complex, less aggressive play with peers.

A high-quality preschool curriculum sets specific goals and uses learning and developmental standards that are age-appropriate. The curriculum builds on each child’s interests and natural curiosity and also allows them the opportunity to direct their own learning. Whole-class and small group activities as well as opportunities for individual interactions with the teacher are encouraged.

Preschool benefits children, their families and their communities. Children in quality preschool programs show improvements in the development of social skills and are more proficient in areas such as following directions, waiting turns, problem-solving, joining in activities and relating to teachers and parents. These advanced skills improve efficiency in classroom settings which allow teachers to spend more time working directly with children and less time on classroom management.

Studies have shown children that have attended preschool are more likely to do better on standardized tests, graduate high school and earn higher wages as an adult than their peers who did not attend preschool. They are also less likely to repeat a grade, to be arrested for a violent crime or to become teen parents.

At The Goddard School®, children are encouraged to explore learning centers including art, math, science and computers; to ask questions; and to take time making friends and socializing. The school focuses on building a strong and balanced foundation for each child and encourages them to develop at their own pace while supported by a team of dedicated teachers.

The Goddard School FLEX Learning Program™, based on the latest research in how children learn and designed with the assistance of experts, provides the optimal environment for the development of young children. The program’s foundation is the learning continuum that encompasses developmental guidelines with formative assessments, child-focused lesson plans, a creative and fun environment and a personalized child-centered approach that meets each child’s needs.

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Posted in Learning through Play, Tips | 3 Comments »

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