Young Scholars Academy

Where Children Develop a Love of Learning

 5815 Tutt Center Point - Colorado Springs, CO 80922
 (719) 522-9099
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Letting Go: Routines For Infants & Toddlers

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I’ve been working in the early childhood education field about twice as long as I’ve been a mom, and if there was anything that I learned early on that I most definitely transferred to motherhood, it was to trust your baby. We as adults spend so much time staring at the clock as a gauge for our workday, schedules and routines, but our babies don’t come with this skill. So much of what society has taught us says that children need strict schedules, and it just isn’t so.

While this is my favorite bit of advice, it’s usually the most difficult for new parents and new teachers to accept. Letting go can be extremely hard! Here’s the thing though, it’ll make life SO much easier. Consider a few things:

1. As adults, we don’t typically have the same appetites day to day. Some days we may be less hungry than others, and some we feel the need to snack around the clock. This applies to infants and toddlers as well. It can be so stressful making sure our kiddos are eating enough, whether that’s in the early days with breastmilk or formula, or into toddlerhood when they might eat a bit or two off their plate. Small amounts almost constantly for a bit and then full, ravenous meals after? Completely normal, with the exception of some extreme circumstances of course!

Trusting them to take in what they need, however often they want it is important. They don’t watch the clock for feeding times and neither should we. I can’t tell you how many times I heard, “but he JUST ate,” while nursing my boys. Normal!

2. As adults, we may sleep better one night than the next, or have a day where we have much more energy than the day before. Infant and toddler sleep comes in waves that coincide with brain and body development, as well as illnesses and teething. Some nights will go swimmingly, and others will have you dreaming about coffee before the sun even thinks about coming up. The same goes for naps during the day. Typically infants and toddlers will fall into their own routine with naps, but needing more or less at times (or full on refusing them) is a normal part of their development as well. Bedtime falls into the same sometimes as well, much to our dismay. Some kids thrive on a strict bedtime routine, but some don’t and that’s ok too.

3. As adults, we have mood swings. We just do! We have days where we feel more motivated, happy, energized, passionate, fulfilled, etc. This applies to infants and toddlers too! We can have the best activities and plans for the day that may go amazingly, and the next we might get nothing done with our kids because they’re fussing or more tired or need more snuggles. My favorite example of this was a few years ago when I got both boys ready to go to our weekly playgroup and they fell asleep right before we pulled into the parking lot. We missed playgroup that day. I got myself some coffee and drove around while they got some much needed sleep. I just imagine the nightmare it would’ve been if I had decided to wake them instead and attempt playgroup.

My point really is to let go of the reigns a little bit and remember that our tiny humans are humans! They didn’t come with a manual or instructions for a reason. Forcing them to grow up too fast and abandon developmentally appropriate behaviors helps no one and is most often the source of stress for us as parents. Time frames for naps, feedings, developmental milestones, and so much more are going to vary child to child so try to get in tune with what your kiddo is telling you. If it’s feeling too hard or too stressful, chances are that you’re pushing too hard for something they aren’t ready for yet, or you’re simply packing too much into your day. Take a breath and meet them where they are. You’ll all feel so much better for it!

Ms. Amy
Parent Connection Coordinator
Infant Toddler Nursery Supervisor

Free and Cheap Things to do in Colorado with Your Family

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What is a life in Colorado if you have never formed a Colorado adventure bucket list and what better time to do that than now right before your kiddos go back to school. School in and of itself is a time of stress and chaos and these 10 weekend getaways/ day adventures are must dos regardless of if you are a native.

  1. The Penny Arcade

    The infamous penny arcade located in Manitou Springs is a summer hot spot for locals and tourists alike. The penny arcade is cheap, close to home and has tons of activities for all ages. The kids (and parents) can lose themselves for hours without exceeding budgets. While you’re there be sure to enjoy some fun summer treats.

  2. Paint Mines Interpretive Park

    This park is located out East near the city of Calhan, and has absolutely stunning views and interesting trails. This is a great beginner trail and is semi accommodating to off-road strollers. The only negative thing I noticed is in regards to the trails. Most of the trails there are visibly marked off with signs indicating dogs are not allowed, so if you’re considering making this trip, please leave the fur babies at home. This trip is absolutely free and a great place for an afternoon picnic. The kids will surely tire out by the end of this trip.

  3. Goldbelt scenic tour

    The goldbelt scenic tour is a neat drive that includes interesting sites, beautiful scenery and pull-offs, the worlds largest gold rush, mountains and a lot of the Colorado old mining district. If you have a few history buffs in the family, this is a trip for you!

  4. Cripple Creek Heritage center

    When you hear Cripple Creek you certainly don’t think of a place for children BUT The Cripple Creek Heritage center is yet another trip for the history buffs and children alike. There are a slew of interesting hands-on activities that let you re-live the glory days of gold camp and the mining industry. You won’t want to miss it. In addition to the heritage center the drive there isn’t so bad itself.

  5. Focus on the family

    Focus on the family is a really nice Christian based bookstore/library where you can go pick-out some books and hang out. They have a ton of different summer activities for children including a small hands on play area. Your trip there cannot end without a ride on their giant slide and ice-cream cookie sandwiches!

  6. Seven Bridges Trail

    This trail is located outside of Manitou Springs and includes a moderate 3.5 mile hike, don’t worry.. you don’t have to do the whole thing. Luckily, dogs are allowed on this trail, but must be kept on a leash. While on this hike that is suitable for children you will see waterfalls, a bounty of Colorado native plants, and of course bridges. The views are breathtaking and the exercise is always nice and of course the best part is that this attraction is completely free!

  7. John Venezia Park

    John Venezia park is a a free Colorado attraction and park that cannot be matched. I’m telling you, this place will not disappoint! John Venezia park is in Colorado Springs and is filled with an assortment of activities for all ages. Generally, the kids favorite is the splash pad. There is also a huge playground with large interactive structures, tennis, pickleball, and big fields to run around in. Most days you can find ice-cream on site as well! The opportunities for fun are literally endless at John Venezia Park and the best part is, this attraction is free!

  8. Red Rock Canyon

    Red rock canyon open space is another place full of interesting sites, trails, and world famous red colored rocks. The trails range from casual walking to moderate hiking with a lake on site. If the kids and dogs just need to get out and run this the perfect place to do so and the best part is… it’s free!

  9. Pioneer museum

    The Pioneer Museum is located in downtown Colorado springs and is jam packed full of culture, history, and
    interesting facts about our local heritage. If you’re looking for something close to home and are in the mood for learning interesting facts about our home this attraction is a must do!

  10. Colorado farmers market

    Colorado springs and surrounding cities are jam packed with farmers markets and no summer is complete without visiting at least one for some locally sourced homemade honey, palisade peaches, Pinon beans and other goodies depending on the season. You’ll be surprised at what our community has to offer right here in front of you and the best part, the whole family can chime in and try some new things plus you are shopping local!

I hope this well thought out list gives you at least ONE activity in or around our immediate community to experience. We can’t wait to hear all about it!

Ms. Morgan
Parent Connection Coordinator
Lead Toddler Wrangler

The Top 6 STEM Toys for 3-year-olds

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Do you want to cultivate your toddler’s curiosity and creativity? Would you like to broaden your little one’s sense of imagination? In this post, we will list our top recommended STEM toys for 3-year-olds. But before we go into details, let’s first explore what these educational toys are.

What are STEM toys?

“STEM” is the acronym that stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. The primary purpose of STEM toys is to help children develop essential skills that will become necessary when the time comes for them to face the real world. These toys represent simplified versions of real-life challenges. For example, building kits teach kids about engineering and putting things together.

Children’s learning can be more engaging, fun, and interactive with STEM toys. They simplify complicated science, technology, engineering, and math concepts into age-appropriate activities that children can understand more easily.

Our list of recommended STEM Toys for 3-Year-Olds

Magnetic Construction Toys

Historically, many engineering-themed toys have been geared toward boys. But more recently, many toy manufacturers have begun to offer beautiful and colorful sets for both girls and boys. A great example is magnetic construction toys, which provide 3-year-olds with plenty of opportunities to hone their problem-solving and motor skills.

A construction set effectively enriches your child’s creativity because it requires critical thinking, creating, and building. At the tender age of three years, children have incredible imaginations. Playing with building toys is a great way to trigger their growing curiosity.

Cash Register Toys

Playing make-believe is another great way for your child’s imagination to soar. Combine this with a STEM toy, and your child’s play session will become even more educational. These kinds of toys can teach your child the basics of math by practicing counting items and money. Enacting cash register scenarios also provide opportunities to learn about the value of honesty by learning about spending money. 

Magnifying toys

This type of toy is as simple as it gets. Toys that magnify objects and sights give kids a chance to see things in finer detail. As toddlers observe their surrounding environment, it can be fun to give them a tool to help magnify plants, rocks, and insects, as it further encourages their curiosity and increases their interest in science. With younger children, it’s best to purchase a magnifying lens that’s shatterproof and easy to grip.

Coding toys

Believe it or not, children as young as toddlers can be taught some basic concepts of coding, robotics, and computer processes. 

A good example is coding caterpillars. By connecting segments, this type of toy enables your youngster to decide which direction it will go. This is an excellent tool for enhancing your child’s developing fine motor skills. There are countless combinations that your child can produce.

Block sets

Just like magnifying toys mentioned above, block sets are simple toys that teach children the basics of engineering concepts and problem-solving skills. Children can explore the names and uses of different buildings and bridges as they design their own structures. Doing so allows them to discover which types of foundations are solid and which ones are unstable.

By playing with blocks, children also learn about numbers and measurements. They discover basic mathematical concepts such as shapes, numbers, counting, and arithmetic. They can also combine and sort figures based on similarities and differences.

Science kits

Children are curious by nature. You can empower their inquisitive minds and critical thinking skills through the use of science kits. These types of toys set them on the path to making good decisions by asking key questions. Science kits teach children the power of observation. They may not become professionals in the science field when they grow up, but such activities will encourage them to test and prove their hypotheses.

Enhance their innate curiosity and encourage them to follow their instincts. 

Before your purchase STEM toys for 3-year-olds…

There are three considerations when selecting a STEM toy for your little one:

  • Is it age-appropriate? Sometimes, parents want to save money by purchasing items designed for older children. This practice is not applicable when buying STEM toys. Age recommendation labels are there for a reason. They tell you which toys are safe for your children and suitable for their development stage.
  • Does it pique your child’s interest? Ask yourself, “Does my child gravitate to a certain kind of toy?”  before purchasing a STEM toy. It may not be a valuable learning tool if your child has no interest in it. Let children take the lead when choosing what types of toys to buy.
  • Is it interactive? Choose a STEM toy that creates a lot of possibilities. The process of building and rebuilding a toy in a variety of manners promotes increased development and maturation for children.

Young Scholars Academy has a collection of STEM toys for 3-year-olds. Contact us today for more information!

 

What’s A Midline & Why It’s Important

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Have you ever heard the term “crossing the midline?” Don’t worry you’re not alone, and it’s completely normal not have before this blog!

Even as an ECE teacher I did not know much about crossing the midline until I dove deeper into milestones and pre-skills to help children with fine motor, or hand eye coordination. So what exactly what is crossing the midline and why is it important to our little ones? Crossing the midline happens when your child moves their hand or foot across the “middle line” to work on the opposite side of their body. Before crossing the midline happens, a child will typically use only one side of their body at a time. I always think of an imaginary line that is drawn down the middle of your child.

Now think about the pre-skills that you work on with your infant to walk. How does a baby cross their midline when rolling over from back to belly? Crossing the midline is a foundational skill that leads to more complex and necessary skills in children. When children can, they are using both sides of their brain to coordinate smooth, controlled, complex movements. It is important to combine movement patterns that cross the body for daily tasks such as reading, writing, and then also tying shoelaces pulling up their pants etc. When children start crossing the midline regularly it helps them train their brain to work together since both the right and left hemisphere are being engaged.

One key way to see if your child can cross the midline is have them draw a line from one side of the paper to the other. Do they switch hands midway through drawing the line or, do they continue to draw the line with their dominate hand the whole way through? Do they always use their left hand for left sided tasks and right hand for right hand tasks?

Do not worry if your little one is not crossing the midline as soon as you get done reading this blog, there are lots of fun activities and games to play to help your little build up their midline progression.

Here are 5 fun but simple games/activities you can play to help your little one with midline crossing:

1) Color matching bean bag toss. Make a pile of one color of bean bags on the left and one-color pile on the right. Then get matching buckets but put the left color bucket across the child on the right and vis versus for the left. Tell your child they can only use their left hand to throw the pile to the color bucket for the left pile and Right for the right pile. This will have them cross their body from left to right.

2) Yoga- Most yoga poses have your body stretch from left to right helping your child master balance and crossing the body.

3) Using the infinity loop is another great way to encourage children to cross their midline. They can trace or draw it on their own. Make sure the student is standing directly in front of the blackboard/dry erase board or sitting directly in front of the piece of paper.

4) Water painting with adult paintbrushes or rollers. Let your kiddo “paint” the side of the house using adult rollers this is a fun way to get them to cross the midline.

5) Wash the car, windows, or counters using only their dominate hand and reaching across to get the wholes surface area.

If you have more questions about midlines, stop by my classroom! This is a very cool kid-ism that you may not have thought about before!

Ms. Michaela
Lead Preschool Teacher
Social Emotional Coordinator

Comparing Your Kids

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As a teacher one question that you hear often and is the absolute most dreaded question is “Why isn’t my son singing his letters yet? Mary was by this age.” Many parents fall into the trap of raising siblings and comparing their accomplishments and the timeline in which they are achieved. After you get the first child going it can be natural to think that all the children will follow the same learning pathway.

Children can share DNA, home environments, and school environments but we must remember that each child is an individual in their learning style and the time they need to learn. One child might be great at reading and learns letters and sounds quickly while the next might learn them slower and with a different method such as a game of hopscotch instead of using flash cards. When comparing children to each other, we as adults can affect how children feel about themselves and their siblings.

One thing that comparing brothers an sisters to each others can initiate is sibling rivalry. Sometimes a sense of competition between siblings can be healthy. But when a child’s abilities to learn are used to compare them they can develop numerous negative emotions toward their sibling. One child might start feeling superior to the other and begin to be a little pushy in how they relate. The other can develop a sub servant attitude and begin to just follow instead of adding their own ideas to situations. This kind of rivalry can affect the bonds between them and cause a weakened relationship. Its great when siblings can feel supported by each other.

Comparing children can be a huge hit to a child’s self-esteem. They may start to feel inadequate and broken. If they feel that they are unable to meet previous standards they may feel they are not good enough. They may start to give up instead of trying new methods to learn. Children will start to believe that some things are unattainable. Maybe they aren’t good enough to be an astronaut. Just because they learn letters in a different way or in different pace doesn’t mean they can’t be an author one day. Being compared to others might affect how they think others view them. They might feel that aren’t loved the same.

The way to combat such comparisons is to avoid labeling a child. Even a nonchalant statement as “George is the family reader” can affect their siblings especially if the same the child is the one always being praised. Each child needs to be acknowledged as being special. As parents and teachers, we need to find out how each of our children learn. We need to encourage them to try different ways and to learn be actively engaged in exploring different learning methods. Building an environment based on individuality and sibling teamwork will put children in a positive mindset to learn and give them greater opportunities to be successful.

Ms. Dotty
Lead Pre-Kindergarten Teacher
NAEYC Coordinator