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Guidelines for Choosing Developmentally Appropriate Toys for Children

September 20, 2022 by Young Scholars Academy Leave a Comment

Toys are more than just child’s play – they can play a crucial role in promoting healthy development and learning. When buying toys for your children, it is crucial to choose the ones that are developmentally appropriate. This means picking toys that are well suited for your child’s age, stage of development, and interests. With so many choices on the market, it can be overwhelming trying to figure out which toys to buy. Luckily, there are some guidelines you can follow to help you make the best choices for your child.

Consider your child’s age and stage of development

The best way to do this is to think about what skills they are currently working on mastering. For example, if they are working on their fine motor skills, you might want to consider a toy that requires them to use their hands in a specific way, like building blocks or a puzzle. If they are working on their gross motor skills, you might consider a toy that gets them up and moving, like a tricycle or baseball set.
healhty parent-child relationship

Consider your child’s interests

What does your child like to do? If they are interested in music, you might want to consider a toy that plays music or an instrument. If they are interested in animals, you might want to consider a toy farm set or stuffed animals. If they are interested in sports, you might want to consider a Nerf basketball hoop or a football.

Consider your child’s learning style

Does your child learn best through visual aids? Then you might want to consider a toy that is brightly colored and has lots of patterns and shapes. Does your child learn best through auditory aids? Then you might want to consider a toy that makes noise or plays music. Does your child learn best through tactile aids? Then you might want to consider a toy that can be manipulated with their hands, like clay or puzzles.

Prioritize quality

You want to ensure you are getting a high-quality toy that will last long enough for your child to get lots of use out of it without falling apart after just a few days of playtime. Look for well-made toys with durable construction and design features that stand up to wear and tear (and toddler tantrums!).

Make safety a priority

All toys should be safe for children to use, but some toys pose more risks than others. Avoid toys with small parts that could be swallowed or choked on, sharp edges that could cut or scrape, or toxic materials that could cause health problems if ingested. Always read the labels and warnings on toys before purchasing them to make sure they are safe for your child.

Look for toys that encourage exploration and discovery

Toys that allow children to experiment, explore, and figure things out on their own promote problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Look for items like building blocks, puzzles, stacking toys, and simple machines your child can take apart and put back together again.  

Avoid electronic toys

Choose toys that do not require batteries or electricity to operate whenever possible. These types of toys tend to be more expensive and can quickly become outdated as technology changes. They also tend to encourage children to be passive viewers instead of active participants in their own playtime.

By following these guidelines, you can be sure you are choosing the best possible toys for your child’s development and learning. And, most importantly, you can be sure your child is having fun!

Here at Young Scholars Academy, we aim to create an engaging learning environment, filled with meaningful fun activities that create such big memories, your kids will happily remember throughout the years! We pride ourselves in the quality of our establishment and maintain an environment that is clean, safe and loving for all. Our classrooms provide every child a place where they can explore, discover and enjoy learning through kinesthetic experiences. Visit us to learn more!

 

Filed Under: Activities

Let Your Babies Play

August 26, 2022 by Young Scholars Academy Leave a Comment

When the pandemic first started and distance learning became the new reality for millions of children, I noticed an alarming and saddening trend. Many parents equated distance learning with homeschooling and worried about younger children who may have been missing time in preschool and early childcare centers. I saw parents searching for curriculum ideas for 2-year-olds and asking what their infants and toddlers need to be doing by certain ages. The answer is simply just to let them play.

It’s been proven that by letting children play, they learn and build cognitive, motor, sensory and social skills. They learn more by exploring the world around them using their 5 senses, moving around on their own, discovering how to use their body works, and manipulating objects in their environment than they do by being “taught” a complicated curriculum that tries to get them to do things they aren’t necessarily ready for.

The coolest thing about our curriculum here is that the activities are play based. The children are given the tools and get to explore how they work, fit together, react, etc. All of this helps introduce and strengthen skills they’ll need later on such as reading, writing, communication, and social interaction. So how do you teach an infant, a toddler, and a preschooler? You play with them. You read to them. You give them love and affection. You do all the things that are proven brain builders and set them up for success in the least complicated way. If you’re struggling with ideas, we have resources! Check out your child’s daily lesson plan at YSA. 

Follow The Wonder Weeks for information about what’s happening in your baby’s brain and how you can support them through it. Lookup Vroom, an amazing app that has you covered with activities, bedtime routines, tips, and more up to the age of 5! Don’t sweat if they aren’t doing advanced math or writing novels. Education isn’t a race or a competition. Relax and let your children build the positive brain foundations that will set them up for success down the road.

 

Ms. Amy

Infant Nursery Supervisor

Parent Connection Coordinator 

Filed Under: Activities

Moving On Their Own

August 25, 2022 by Young Scholars Academy Leave a Comment

Moving on to words on their own. They will be responsible for their own belongings. A teacher running a kindergarten class on their own has so much responsibility such as curriculum, assessments, instructions, preparation, and many other tasks that they cannot keep track of Bobby’s shoes, or Mary’s hair bow. They cannot solve every issue of which blue crayon belongs to whom or redo worksheets because a child can’t find their homework. This is why it is so important to teach your children how to blow their noses, wipe themselves after using the bathroom, and put their stuff away.

Academic progress is important and at Young Scholars the teachers are very aware of that but they are also knowledgeable in the fact that learning math, science, and literacy can be difficult if they become overwhelmed with tasks of self-care. To best prepare your child for grade school it is best to think about the whole child. Introduce the alphabet, numbers, writing, and science but forget to teach about emotions, responsibility, and respect for themselves and others. The teachers here at Young Scholars are the best resource you can have to bolster your child and give them a head start for grade school life.

Ms. Dotty

Lead Pre-Kindergarten Teacher

NAEYC Coordinator

Filed Under: Activities

8 Helpful Ways to Survive the Terrible Twos and Threes

August 24, 2022 by Young Scholars Academy Leave a Comment

Anyone who has ever had a toddler knows that the terrible twos and threes can be, well, awful. From temper tantrums to defiance, plenty of challenges come with raising a young child. This is often the phase where children assert their independence, and they can be quite uncooperative. Does this sound familiar?

If you’re currently in the throes of the terrible twos or threes, don’t despair. There are things you can do to make it through this challenging phase. Here are eight helpful ways to survive the terrible twos and threes:

Be prepared for tantrums

Tantrums are a natural part of childhood. They’re a way for kids to express their frustration, anger, or disappointment when they can’t have their way. Though tantrums can be challenging for parents, there are some things you can do to help prevent them from happening or at least make them less intense. One of the best ways to deal with a toddler tantrum is to be prepared for it. This means having a game plan in place so that you know how to respond when your child starts throwing a fit. Try to stay calm and avoid reacting in an angry or frustrated way. This can be difficult, but it’s important to remember that tantrums are a normal part of childhood development.
healhty parent-child relationship

Set limits and be consistent

It’s important to set limits with your child and to be consistent with those limits. This can help prevent tantrums from happening in the first place. If you know they are likely to have a tantrum when they don’t get their way, try to avoid situations where this is likely to happen. For example, if your child tantrums every time you leave them at daycare, try to make drop-offs as short and painless as possible. It’s also important to be consistent with your discipline. If you tell your child they need to stay in time-out for five minutes, make sure they do stay in time-out for five minutes. Consistency will help your child know what to expect, making it easier for them to behave as you want them to.

Use positive reinforcement

Positive reinforcement is a great way to encourage good behavior in children of all ages. When your child does something you want them to do, make sure to praise them or give them a hug. This will let them know that they’re doing something right and are more likely to continue that behavior. You can also use positive reinforcement in the form of rewards.

For example, if your child stays in time-out without trying to leave, you could give them a small treat when they’re finished. Just be careful not to overdo it with the rewards, or your child may start expecting a reward every time they behave.

Ignore minor misbehavior

There’s no need to discipline your child for every little thing they do wrong. This can be counterproductive. If you discipline your child for every little thing, they may start to feel like they’re always in trouble, which can lead to behavioral problems. Instead, focus on the significant misbehavior, and try to ignore the minor stuff. This doesn’t mean you should let your child get away with everything, but picking your battles is important.

Give them choices

Giving your child choices is a great way to avoid tantrums and power struggles. When you give them a choice, they feel like they have some control over the situation, which can help prevent them from feeling frustrated. For example, if you’re leaving them with a babysitter, you could ask them if they want to pick out their outfit or choose a book to bring along.

Stay calm

One of the best things you can do when your child misbehaves is to stay calm. This can be difficult, but it’s important to remember that children often misbehave when they’re feeling upset or overwhelmed. If you react in an angry or frustrated way, it will only make the situation worse. Instead, try to stay calm and collected. This will show your child that they don’t need to act out to get your attention.

Don’t give in

If you give in to your child’s tantrums, they will only continue to have them. This is because they’ve learned that tantrums are an effective way to get what they want. So, even if difficult, it’s essential to stand your ground and not give in. Of course, this doesn’t mean you should be inflexible. If your child is upset about something, it’s okay to try to reason with them or offer a compromise.

Distract them

If your child starts to have a tantrum, try to distract them with something else. For example, if they’re throwing a fit because they don’t want to leave the park, try to interest them in something else, like an ice cream cone or a new toy. This diversion may not work every time, but it’s worth a try.

Dealing with terrible twos and threes can be tough, but it’s important to remember that it’s only a phase. If you can make it through this time, things will get easier. Just hang in there and be sure to use these helpful tips!

Here at Young Scholars Academy, we aim to create an engaging learning environment, filled with meaningful fun activities that create such big memories, your kids will happily remember throughout the years! We pride ourselves in the quality of our establishment and maintain an environment that is clean, safe and loving for all. Our classrooms provide every child a place where they can explore, discover and enjoy learning through kinesthetic experiences. Visit us to learn more!

 

Filed Under: Activities

Going Back To School

August 22, 2022 by Young Scholars Academy Leave a Comment

Welcome back to school everyone! And especially welcome to our new friends! The preschool years are the most important years. The majority of your child’s brain development happens during the first 5 years. Preschool is often overlooked just because it is not required. It does not make it less important though. Children that have had a head start of being in a classroom setting, learning to be around peers their own age, and dipping their toes into academics are going to be so successful in their future education.

Many parents are sweating the start of kindergarten because they worry that their child is not ready. The best thing you can ever do for your child is to surround them with books. If you have been regularly reading to them and with them their whole life, they are already worlds ahead of those that did not have that privilege. The next best thing you can do is get them into a preschool setting even if it’s not in your family’s plan to have them in childcare all of those five years. While they are with us, they will learn how to control their emotions and realize that children around them also have their own set of feelings. Going into a big kindergarten classroom can be daunting for a child that has never spent much time with other children or has only been around their siblings.

Another advantage to this is that your child will have already gained some friend-making skills along with learning how to navigate peers. If your child is in a well-structured preschool setting, they will breeze through knowing expectations. They will already know that they cannot play outside all day, but that there is a designated time. They will know that they have to do “work” and not just build with Legos ALL day long. Their brain will know that the day is broken into chunks and transitions. This is one of the hardest things to grasp as a young child anyway. They find what they like, and they want to do it until they decide that they are done. We still give them those freedoms during the day, but we have to build a schedule around it as well. It’s all about balance, and children that have experienced this for long enough will not struggle with transitioning quite as much or even at all.

Preschool is a special experience to have because it is smaller place to let your child first spread their wings with so many willing hands there to help them. We focus on the whole child. We care for their mental and physical well-being as well as their education. We believe that once the basic needs and emotions are taken care of then education will fall into place. I hope that if you have been contemplating preschool that you found this helpful.

 

Ms. Brooke

Lead Pre-Kindergarten Teacher

Literacy Teacher

Filed Under: Activities

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