12 Tips for Transitioning to Kindergarten

Kindergarten, it’s a big deal for children! Some kids transition well into the next stage of their education. Others are comfortable at preschool and would prefer not to change schools or classrooms! And other kids vacillate between excitement and hesitancy. With all kids, acknowledge the emotions that go into the kindergarten transition. Taking the time…

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10 Tips for Terrific Parent-Teacher Conferences

Fall conferences provide an opportunity for parents and teachers to collaborate as a team to discuss the curriculum as well as the specific needs of your child. Make the most of fall preschool and elementary school conferences with these ten tips for terrific parent-teacher conferences. Keep ins mind, your child’s teacher is well trained and…

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Play is Practice for Life Skills: Preschool

According to Fred Rogers, minister, television personality, and author, “Play gives children a chance to practice what they are learning.” When children play, they are practicing and learning about new skills and concepts. Playtime puts these life skills into practice. Preschool play-based programs are incredibly beneficial for young children, integrating playtime to incorporate intentional and…

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15 Helpful Questions for Spring Conferences

Spring conferences are incredibly valuable to you as a parent to discuss your child’s social, emotional, physical, and academic growth. You and the classroom teacher, as well as other specialists in your child’s school, have been collaborating as a team since school began in the fall. Compare notes and make a plan for summer learning…

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Executive Function is Enhanced Through Play

Executive function is a buzz phrase in education. In the most basic terms, executive function allows a child to organize, plan, and get things accomplished. These school readiness skills are as important as academics. Self-regulation, problem solving, and attentiveness are all executive function skills. Play-based activities in preschool and at home, allow children to practice.…

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The Dance: Separation Anxiety in Parents

While providing tips and strategies for parents in how to help children cope with separation anxiety, I was struck with many parents’ reactions to the subject. Children are not the only ones who suffer angst when being separated from loved ones. Just when a parent gets comfortable with the changes in the child’s life, another…

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"I Want My Mommy!" Separation Anxiety in Young Children

“I want my mommy!” Being separated from what is known and comfortable can be difficult. Some children say goodbye and hop right into the classroom without a backward glance. Others have a hard time leaving the protective arms of the parent. Sometimes it is the parent who has a hard time letting go. The behavior…

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Back to School for Little Ones

It’s time to get our little ones ready for school! Lori Wildenberg, my ministry partner and co-author, and I have a lot of experience sending our preschool through college-age children out the door for the first day. Combining our knowledge with that of the 1 Corinthians 13 Parenting Team, you and your kids will be…

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7 Reasons to Ask Your Child Good Questions

How was school? Good. What did you do? Play. Did your teacher read a story? Yes. Tired of one word answers from your preschooler? Want to learn more about your child’s school day? First things first, ask better questions. Open-ended questioning is a helpful parenting skill for a variety of reasons. 7 Reasons to Ask…

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LOVE, LOVE, LOVE

Valentine’s Day! Tomorrow is the day. No doubt if you have children in preschool or elementary school, the preparations for February 14th are in full swing. Love is definitely in the air! Here are a few ideas for you and yours to make the day special. • Prepare a breakfast of pink pancakes topped with…

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