EmpoweredEd2020

Look at the differences between a typical preschool child’s hand (left) and a typical 7 year old hand (right). Their hands are still developing and are not fully formed.    So what should they be doing to support this?   PLAY!!  Playdough, painting, coloring, cutting, gluing, playing outside, digging in dirt, sensory play, dress up play, science experiments, beading, puzzles, throwing balls, etc.  All of these things help their hands develop. When they are physically ready to write, they will! No need to rush them, they will show you when they are ready.”  http://dlvr.it/RxSQR0

Art exploration is not only fun and entertaining, but also educational. Here are some tips for growing your budding artist. Children are naturally curious. From the minute they gain control of their limbs, they work to put themselves out into the world to see how it all works. They explore, observe and imitate, trying to figure out how things operate and how to control themselves and their environments. This unrestricted exploration helps children form connections in their brain, it helps them learn—and it’s also fun. Art is a natural activity to support this free play in children. The freedom to manipulate different materials in an organic and unstructured way allows for exploration and experimentation. These artistic endeavors and self-directed explorations are not only fun, but educational as well. Art allows youth to practice a wide range of skills that are useful not only for life, but also for learning. Skills youth practice when participating in art activities include: • Fine mo...

82 percent of parents look for ways to encourage their children’s learning through play, according to research results found in The Toy Association’s “STEM/STEAM Formula for Success" report.  The first three years of life are a critical period for children’s brain development. During this time, the brain is especially responsive to external input due to the brain’s ability to shape itself. Introducing the right toys at the right time can help infants adapt to change and explore the world around them, as learning happens naturally through play.

I have read countless articles about the lessons handed down by moms to there sons…here is a list that you may find amusing especially if you have an Italian mom. Now that you have become parents you may find yourselves using these very pearls of wisdom. 1. My mother taught me TO APPRECIATE A JOB WELL DONE. “If you’re going to kill each other, do it outside. I just finished cleaning.” 2. My mother taught me RELIGION. “You better pray that will come out of the carpet.” 3. My mother taught me about TIME TRAVEL. “If you don’t straighten up, I’m going to knock you into the middle of next week!” 4. My mother taught me LOGIC. ” Because I said so, that’s why.” 5. My mother taught me MORE LOGIC. “If you fall out of that swing and break your neck, you’re not going to the store with me.” 6. My mother taught me FORESIGHT. “Make sure you wear clean underwear, in case you’re in an accident.” 7. My mother taught me IRONY. “Keep crying, and I’ll give you something to cry about.” 8. My mother taught m...

Summer learning has long been a primary strategy in efforts to advance early school success. With research showing that  children in low-income families can fall 2.5–3 years behind by fifth grade , The Campaign for Grade Level Reading has worked together to support local communities in developing high-quality, comprehensive summer learning systems and programs.   Dozens of studies now confirm the positive benefits derived from these programs. In fact,  CGLR community coalitions across the country  have identified effective strategies that leverage summer learning as a part of efforts to move the needle on grade-level reading achievement.   This year, with the disruption caused by the Covid-19 crisis it is more important than ever to leverage the best practices of summer learning to keep kids engaged and on track after the extended school closures and the unpredictable plans for the return to school this fall.   Responding to this challenge, programs are shi...