The holiday season is upon us, which means that kids and parents get a much-needed break from school and work. And while it’s a busy time of year and there’s always lots to do, families can keep learning in fun ways, which promotes family bonding while ensuring everyone’s mind is sharp come January. With Family [...]
As the holiday approaches, this question from one of our readers might be popping into your head… hope it’s helpful! My child goes to a daycare that has six full-time teachers and a couple more part timers. I’d like to show my appreciation for their work with holiday gifts but there are so many teachers [...]
My son is struggling in pre-school, and I think he may have a learning disability. What should I do? What procedures are in place to determine this? Parents are often the first to notice when their child is having difficulty in learning and when something is just not right. Ask your child’s preschool teacher whether [...]
I will be registering my son for kindergarten for next year. I want to ensure that he is successful in school. What should I do to get him ready? Starting kindergarten is a milestone for children and parents. Children who have some school-readiness skills adapt more easily to their new environment. These skills include being [...]
My three-year-old son is afraid of another child at his daycare centre. What should I do? The first step is to acknowledge his feelings. “It may be real or imagined, but nonetheless the child feels it,” says Alice Taylor, a children’s behavioural consultant in North Rustico, P.E.I. Reassure your child that you and the [...]
My four-year-old son has been in daycare for one year and he’ll start JK in September. What can I do over the summer to prepare him? To ease the transition, help your child become familiar with the school, says Gail Szautner, board chairperson for the Saskatchewan Early Childhood Association and executive director of Children’s Choice [...]
This summer, should I keep my five-year-old daughter in her daycare or send her to day camp? Both options have benefits. Daycare offers consistency and convenience, and you may have to pay all summer to avoid losing your child’s spot. But many parents send their kids to camp to expose them to a new environment, [...]
My daughter’s favourite daycare teacher is leaving. How can I help her adjust? “Kids thrive on routine, and that includes consistency in staffing,” says James Barker, an early childhood educator and a site director for Kids & Company in Toronto. “When a child is really attached, it can be scary for them. They have no [...]
I recently watched a TED talk with Stuart Robinson who has been studying the importance of play for children and adults. His arguments about the educational importance of play were very compelling – explaining that interactive, rambunctious and imaginative activities can help improve a child’s memory, social skills, general happiness and brain function. I have [...]