Events & Updates - Young Scholars Academy

Prepping For The First Day of Preschool

December 13, 2017 by Young Scholars Academy Leave a Comment

Young Scholars Academy has preschool classes! — You CAN make the first day of preschool awesome!

The first day of preschool is such a huge milestone for children. In some cases this is the first experience parents will have being separated from them!

There are many feelings that come into play during this time for both the parent and child. It is important to really plan and be prepared for this day, as it will help with the waves of emotions that tend to occur.

Here are a few steps to take in preparations for that big first day:

1. Have your child tour the school with you. Once you have made the decision to enroll, bring your child to his/her new preschool to take a tour and explore the new surroundings. Your child will be spending a majority of their day there; they need to feel a sense of familiarity. Drop offs may be a bit hard at first, but having the chance to explore their new classroom before the first day offers a chance to lay a small bit of foundation.

2. Adjust bedtime and wake times before the first day. If you will need extra time in the morning for drop off be sure to try and get into that routine before starting school. Get your childs body adjusted as much as possible to any new wake up times, this may include setting up earlier bedtimes if necessary.

3. Communicate with your child about what is happening! They need to understand the best they can that they are going to be having fun, playing, learning, making new friends etc., but that you will come back! Sometimes it is very important for the child to hear the actual words” I will be back for you at XYZ time”. Hopefully the school will have routine board and you can show your child details about their day and about the time you will be returning. It is important for some children to have that detail of their day specifically mentioned so they have an “end” to their day and know that you will be coming for them.

4. Be prepared the night before. Have their backpack filled with everything that they need, your preschool will let you know what is required. Be sure to have everything labeled with their first and last name (or initial) so that new unfamiliar items to the new school do not get misplaced or lost. Have your child layout their first day of school outfit so that there is no fuss in the morning of what to wear.

5. Leave ahead of schedule that first day. Of course you are going to want take 100 pictures, there may be some fussing, you might forget the backpack, or his/her socks might feel weird. Pack ahead because you are not going to want to feel rushed. Allow a bit of extra time that morning so that no one feels stressed out and anxious that the schedule is not being met.

6. Most important, keep your feelings in check. I know this is so hard! If your child feels your sadness, worries, or sees you crying – they will carry that with them. They might feel that “negative” sensation that they shouldn’t be there, its hard for them to realize where your emotions are coming from, they are just growing up and this is a big step for everyone involved. Wait until you have exited the room completely then you cant let it all out! I promise, no judging!

So, take a deep breath! Being prepared as much as possible will greatly ease this huge transition for your family. Be sure to talk to your child about what is going on and make them feel excited and apart of the decision to start school. Preschool is their first experience of school, so make it exciting and fun!

~Ms. Whitney R.
Curriculum Coordinator

Personal Boundaries with Youth!

December 9, 2017 by Young Scholars Academy Leave a Comment

learning boundaries Young Scholars Academy in Colorado — Help your child learn boundaries

A huge part of helping our children maneuver this world is helping them set reasonable boundaries. At a basic level, this means learning when to say “yes” and when to say “no.” Guiding your child to make positive decisions for their well being.

Learning boundaries, even at a young age, will help set up a roadway of respecting others. The more a child sees and feels how their personal boundaries are respected, the more likely they are to respect others. Empowering your child to make decisions for themselves, no matter how small, sets them up to advocate for themselves. Here are a few helpful hints to guide your child along this journey!

Carol Horton, a Texas family and adolescent psychologist, suggests one of the best ways to advocate personal boundaries is to model them for your children. Respecting your child’s personhood and offering choice are great examples to put into practice. For example, with my own son I never force him to hug a family member – including me.

As he is growing up and learning to express himself, I feel it is important for him to know that I respect his personal boundaries. I ask him, “can I have a hug/kiss?” and I respect his answer, no matter how bad I want a hug before he spends a weekend with grandpa!

Now, I know my son to be a cuddler, so rarely is his answer “no” but I do want him to know that he has the option to say so. A great option here, and for anything, is offering choice. Decision making develops a resourceful skill your child will need the rest of his life. If a hug or a kiss is denied, maybe offer a high five or blowing a kiss instead. This is a simple alternative where affirmation is still available but it also gives the child a say in how it is done.

The ability to choose creates a sense of control. When your child feels they have control in their lives, the more likely they are to respect the choice of others. Practice giving your child choice in even the simplest of activities, like choosing pajamas for the night or which cup to use at dinner. The more decision making is practiced, the more they get used to it and the more he recognizes the choice in others.

The main picture here is that your child’s body and feelings belong to them. Your child is their own person rather than a part of you. Have discussions as the opportunities arise about boundaries! Take those moments and help put them into play by modeling what is right and wrong!

~Ms. Caitlin H.
Wellness Coordinator

The Value of Teaching Children Teamwork

December 4, 2017 by Young Scholars Academy Leave a Comment

summer program | Young Scholars Academy in Colorado — Teamwork helps us all be successful!

Most of the time we correlate teamwork with sports. Team sports are a great example of what teamwork is but not the only form.

Teamwork is when we form a unity and work together towards achieving a goal. Teamwork is a lifelong skill that children will use both personally and professionally. Implementing teamwork young means they will feel more comfortable using it as they grow.

So, what are some valuable skills in teaching teamwork to children? Communication, social skills, and emotional skills are just a few. Think about communication. Sure, they can talk to their friends but are they effectively communicating? Are they listening to understand or to respond? Teamwork gives children the opportunity to improve their communication skills. Listening is an important portion when it comes to communication. Children practice listening skills while working in a team as they actively listen to their team members. They’ll also pick up social cues in communication that they can add to their toolbox of social skills.

Teamwork promotes children to use an interpersonal way of thinking. Like any other skill, social skills are learned. Teamwork helps children to learn to work with others and negotiate through conflicts. They get an opportunity to voice their opinions and listen to the opinions of others. In return they gain self-concept, self-esteem and confidence. Teamwork also allows children to learn emotional skills. Emotional competencies such as self-regulation and motivation are just a few examples! They regulate their emotions by working through or coping with problems.

Motivation is an essential value in teamwork and in life. Ever notice how much effort a person will put forth when motivated? It’s the same for children. Teamwork encourages self-motivation and the ability to motivate their team members. As they get older they will understand what motivates them and use that to work at achieving the goal or task at hand. There are so many valuable skills to learn from teamwork. Not only will the skills they learn support them as children in learning but will also be an assets for them in their adult lives.

~Ms. Sarah W.
Professional Development Coordinator

One Baby, Two Baby…

December 1, 2017 by Young Scholars Academy Leave a Comment

parenting tips Young Scholars Academy — Older siblings can be big helpers!

So, you have that one little cutie in your life. You think you couldn’t possibly love another like that first. You think you have it all figured out with that one little love. However, you decided you want to grow that little family and add another child.

To me, your heart expands when you have a second child. You don’t replace the love for the first. You allow more room in your heart and you fall head over heels all over again. But with all that said, it is a whole different journey with two.

First off, grow eyes in the back of your head and maybe an extra pair of arms. It is a blessing to have multiple children for parents and siblings. But the work load doesn’t just double, but maybe even triples. When you have one settled the other one needs something. I find success by carving out one on one time with each child.

It is a very different world for the oldest sibling to welcome a new addition into their world. So, let them be a part of that change and welcome their help with your new bundle of joy. Make the older siblings big helpers let them play a pivotal role in the baby’s life.

The first child isn’t used to sharing attention or time. The first child needs to know he is still important and loved. Giving him his own one on one time allows him to know you still love and care for him. Also, even a toddler sibling can help with the care of their new sibling. This makes them feel important and part of the change.

Routine is also a major helper with maintaining the chaos of new baby and siblings. Establish a routine early and stick to it as much as possible. Even as adults we like to know what to expect from day to day. Children are no different. When things are going to be different discuss how the day is going to look for your children. This doesn’t only allow for children to adjust but also builds amazing vocabulary and communication skills. Routine helps everyone feel in control of the day.

You still need you time. Welcoming another addition in the family can be very overwhelming for everyone involved. It is especially time consuming for mom. However, you still need to be beyond mom. You need to be an individual that still carves out a little time for yourself. This can mean half an hour for reading or just time reflecting on the day. Personal health is just as important as the health of the little people in your stead.

Beyond all else remember that each of your children just need to feel loved and respected. It is a big change for all involved to welcome a new addition to the family. It is a blessing for all involved even in the time of chaos. Remember even in the craziest of times that you can do this and embrace each minute.

-Ms. Michaela R.
Child Success Advocate

Taking Away the Pacifier

November 22, 2017 by Young Scholars Academy Leave a Comment

“Do I take away the pacifier?”
There are many good reasons for your baby to use a pacifier. Your baby may need it to self sooth, especially in times of stress or major changes to their routine. A pacifier should never be used instead of your own personal touch or attention.

The American Academy of Pediatrics actually recommends pacifier use in children under the age of one for naps and bedtime to help reduce the risk of SIDS. You always be sure that baby has positive and healthy eating habits before introducing a pacifier. One of the most common fears with pacifier use to parents is the effects it may have on their child’s dental health. The first few years of use is not a risk.

Webmd states that use after the age of 2 teeth and jaw problems can correct itself but after age four problems may be long lasting and need help to correct. The important thing about pacifier use is to let the baby lead the way.

Don’t force them to use it if they don’t want to. When you do decide to wean them off go at the child’s pace. Be present in the process and don’t expect them to quit cold turkey. Go slow. Be aware of the things going on in your child’s life that raises their stress levels. They may need it at those times.

The most important thing is to remember that your support is the best influence to removing the binky.

Want to know the five binky basics? Check out the article 5 Binky Basics: What You Need to Know About Pacifiers

~Ms. Dotty
NAEYC Coordinator