How can you increase your child’s vocabulary at home without reading the dictionary aloud? It is important to work on a child’s speech and language development before the little learner has stepped foot in a classroom. Today we are exploring some activities to teach vocabulary to preschool students at home!

Talk to Your Child

You can start building your child’s vocabulary by simply having conversations with them. When you use a word your little one may not now, take the time to explain what the word means and how to use it. Even before your child can understand you, you can exposer her to language by describing to her what you are doing as she watches you go about your day. This can build word association and help expose your child to new language and help her develop relationships between objects and activities and the words that describe them.

Define a Word with Care

If your child asks you what a word means, use a simple definition so they can understand. A great way to help a child understand a new word is to act it out. Take a few minutes to talk about examples of this fun new word in action. This also keeps the fun and play in teaching vocabulary to preschoolers! Fostering a love of learning at a young age will set your child up for success in the future.

Since there are so many words in the English language that describe similar things, take the time to differentiate this new word from similar words. Is that tree big or gigantic? Is the mouse little or tiny? Is this game fun or exciting?

[Read more…]

Our ultimate goal as parents is to prepare our children to face the world and hope that they help to make it a better place.

September is National Courtesy Month. The American culture is so fast and impersonal these days that it is easy to forget the rules of politeness that once governed our society. Take advantage of this month’s focus on courtesy as a chance to teach your children skills that will let them reap lifelong benefits.

You’re their First Teacher

Children aren’t born knowing how to hate. They aren’t inherently rude. In fact, children are born with an innate need to please their parents. That being said, bad habits are often learned from their environment.

The good news? You are your child’s first teacher. Encouraging good habits and manners from day one can set your child up for success. Even before your child says their first words, they are observing the customs of their environment. If you want them to say “please,” “thank you”, and “excuse me”, do so in front of them. Be courteous to others.

National Courtesy Month is also a good time to reflect on your own habits. Hold open doors and hand out compliments.

[Read more…]

The preschool achievement gap between  middle-class and low-income families can be devastating. Preschool-age children who live below the poverty line are 1.5 years behind their peers in education. As they grow older, this preschool achievement gap does not close. By age 10, the children from low-income families are still woefully behind.

If a child is not enrolled in a quality preschool program at a child care center, they may experience a preschool achievement gap. This achievement gap is not likely to be narrowed by grade school alone. This preschool achievement gap can evolve into having a hard time getting into a good college or finding a good job. The preschool gap is a reality educators and families must combat with high quality preschool programs. Preschool programs can close the achievement gap and set children up for academic success.

Benefits of Early Childhood Education

Early childhood education is important because a child’s mind is rapidly developing in his or her early years. The first 5 years of a child’s life make up the foundational years for linguistic, cognitive, social, emotional, and regulatory skills. Prepare your children  for kindergarten by enrolling them in a high-quality preschool program.

The long-term benefits of early childhood education have been studied extensively for years. Some studies have found children who attended preschool are more likely to graduate high school.

In a Princeton publication called “Long-Term Effects of Early Childhood Programs on Cognitive and School Outcomes” by W. Steven Barnett, “Five of 11 studies with achievement test data found statistically significant positive effects beyond third grade.” The benefits of early childhood education extend beyond your child’s kindergarten years.

[Read more…]