Sunday, August 30, 2015

You will survive! 9 tips from veteran parents for the first day of kindergarten



It's unfamiliar and real, uncomfortable and authentic. It's kindergarten, a milestone that says things are getting complicated for parents. Or is it? Here are some tips from parents who wished they knew then, what they know now. Parents who have experienced the first day of kindergarten send-off and survived. Read how you will survive too.

Sunday, August 23, 2015

Transitioning to Preschool



For those parents that are getting ready to transition their child to preschool, here are some tips from Parent's Magazine to make smooth transition.

Sunday, August 9, 2015

Make Learning Moments out of Everyday Activities!



Many people think that to get their child ready for preschool or kindergarten, they need to do flash cards, workbooks, recite the alphabet over and over, etc. Instead of those things try some other, more 'fun' activities, that while doing your child won't even know they are learning!

1) Sort colored goldfish into piles by color.
2) Cut up magazines and let your child tell a story using the pictures.
3) Bake cookies, talk about measuring, how many ingredients are needed, etc.
4) While playing catch with a ball, ask your child to find other things in your house that are the same shape. You can do this with any object!
5) While reading a story ask your child to think of rhyming words to go with words that are being read in the book.
6) Use cool whip or pudding to practice writing their name in, or even the first letter of their name.
7) Use fruit loops and a pipe cleaner and make a pattern.
8) While eating trail mix or chex mix, sort items into like piles.
9) Sort their stuffed animals by size.
10) Count how many steps you have in your house together as you go upstairs.
11)  Match socks together.

This list could go on forever. Those everyday things that you do that might take a few extra minutes if your child wants to help, let them! Remember, you are your child's first and most important teacher.

Written by Nicole Elliott, Early Intervention Teacher, ICISD

Sunday, August 2, 2015

Milestone or Modern Convenience? – Part I: Overuse of the Sippy Cup and Pacifier



If you haven’t read it yet, be sure to check out the first blog post in this 2-part series, Milestone or Modern Convenience?  – Part I: Overuse of the Sippy Cup and Pacifier, to learn important information about an infant’s need for sucking and the risks involved with overuse of the pacifier and sippy, cup!
Now that you are familiar with the pluses and minuses of pacifier and sippy cup use,  what about when the parents are ready to help baby “give up” the sucking habit?   Again, as the resource for all things infant and toddler, we can suggest the following tried and true strategies at Early Intervention Strategies for Success.