Make a Wise Choice for PreK and Elementary School

Make a Wise Choice for PreK and Elementary School

Make a wise choice for PreK and elementary school by thoughtfully considering the options available. Use the considerations and questions below. The process doesn’t need to be complicated. Compile a list of possibilities in your community. Use the school websites to gather information. Determine what type of school would best fit your family and provide…

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12 Tips for Transitioning to Kindergarten

A table with wooden letters and colorful Play-Doh containers sets the scene for kindergarten. Text overlay reads, "12 Tips for Transitioning to Kindergarten," with "FaithFirstParent.com" at the bottom right.

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

Open spiral notebook with grid paper and a pen on top, perfectly suited for jotting down notes during terrific parent-teacher conferences, placed on a white wooden surface.

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

Two children, embodying the idea that play is practice for life skills even in preschool years, are bundled in winter clothing and building a snowman. The child on the left sports a blue hat and red gloves, while the one on the right dons a white beanie. Stick arms and a carrot-like nose adorn their frosty creation as snow blankets the ground.

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

A brightly lit art classroom features colorful chairs around white tables, ideal for spring conferences. Paintbrushes rest in a clear jar beside paper towels, while shelves brimming with art supplies line the background, creating a vibrant setting perfect for posing helpful questions.

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

A mother and child share a tender moment, touching foreheads and smiling warmly at each other. The background is softly blurred with greenery, emphasizing their close bond and the nurturing of emotional intelligence and executive function skills.

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

A person in a dark outfit leans back against the kitchen counter, silhouetted against a window. The dimly lit scene, with scattered kitchen items, evokes a contemplative mood tinged with separation anxiety.

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

A woman with dark hair holds a young child with light brown hair close, soothing them through separation anxiety. The child wears a plaid shirt and rests their head on her chest. The background is softly blurred, suggesting an outdoor setting with warm, natural light.

“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

A yellow school bus is captured speeding along a road, a slight blur indicating swift motion. This traditional school vehicle features its iconic stop sign on the side. In the backdrop, trees and the familiar road complete this quintessential school-day scene.

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

A young child with curly hair, wearing a gray shirt and gold hoop earrings, looks directly at the camera with eyes full of questions. The background is softly blurred, highlighting the child's expressive eyes and slight smile.

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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