Family Potluck - Pajama Family

Toddler Buffet

via www.ontobaby.com

Cute, cute idea...a mini buffet.

Exploring Science with Children (via @PBSParents)

via www.pbs.org

"Helping children engage in the world of science can be daunting. Many parents feel they don’t know enough about science to help their children at all. Those who do know the world of science may be confused about how to help young children learn about complex concepts. A common question from adults is, “How can I explain such a hard concept in a simple enough way for my child to understand?"
Read entire article

Source: PBS Parents

Superhero Play Teaches Children to Help Others

"Superhero play is a natural activity for preschoolers — within certain limits...

At your child’s preschool, a boy emerges from his "bat cave" ready to combat evil. Sound familiar? Superhero play is an everyday occurrence in numerous preschool classrooms. But many parents wonder if the violent behavior of superheroes in television and film negatively influences a child’s social development. Experienced teachers know that superhero play is inevitable and can provide a valuable opportunity for young children to learn about helping others..."
read entire article

Source: GreatSchools

How Important Is Play in Preschool?

"Even as preschools strengthen their academic focus, play maintains a vital role...

Preschool — it’s not just about the sandbox anymore. As elementary school becomes more rigorous, so does preschool. Children are expected to learn certain skills in preschool so that they are prepared for elementary school. Considering the limited time in a preschool setting and the pressure for success later on/in higher grades, where does play fit in?..."
read entire article

Source: GreatSchools

Top 100 Baby and Children’s Health Blogs

"Raising a child in this world can be a daunting, dangerous, and confusing task. From various diseases, both new and old, to household risks, parents need all the information they can get. To help you get the information you need, we’ve combed through hundreds of blogs to compile the best 100 baby and children’s health blogs, which are designed to inform, educate, and help you raise healthy children..."
read entire list

Source: Ultrasound Technician Schools

St. Patrick's Day!

Leapin’ Leprechauns Puzzle
Little Leprechaun Coloring Page
Pot of Gold Coloring Page
Shamrock Pattern
St. Patrick’s Day Crafts Activities & Recipes

Coloring Pages Galore at Coloring Book

You will find just about everything at Coloring Book...click on the Coloring button to view the entire book.

The home page lists new additions to the site and there is a monthly newsletter so you can be automatically updated when new pages come online.

Blue Bear by Robert Lewis

You can read Blue Bear online, click here
and then click on Blue Bear's House.

In the book, BlueBear lives in a little cottage not too far from the sea. As summer begins, he decides to plant a garden and grow tomatoes. After tending his garden all summer, he harvests the tomatoes and decides that he should bake some bread so he can have a tomato sandwich.

Baking bread can be messy but BlueBear manages to bake a lovely loaf that fills the cottage with a wonderful aroma. Making a sandwich with his homegrown tomatoes and his homemade bread, BlueBear has a lovely picnic on the hill near his house.

BlueBear's motto is "Always be kind and gentle." and his philosophy is manifest throughout this book. BlueBear is the person we all want to be, peaceful, happy, enjoying the simple things in life. Take the time to share this vision with your young child.

to purchase Blue Bear, click here...

Picture Book Museum

A beautiful and special museum...

"The mission of The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art is to inspire, especially in children and their families, an appreciation for and an understanding of the art of the picture book. In fulfilling our mission, we aspire to build bridges to an appreciation of art of every kind and to provide an enriching, dynamic, and supportive context for the development of literacy. We deliver this mission by collecting, presenting and celebrating the art of the picture book from around the world and by providing interactive experiences and programs that are engaging and educational..."
Home Page | Virtual Tour


Source & Logo: The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art

Resources:
Suggestions for Sharing Picture Books with Young Children
12 Favorite Picture Books
Art Activities: Collage, Puppets & More
40 Years of Brown Bear
Eric Carle's Technique
Brown Bear Activity Guide
Education Resources

Kindergarten Ready or Not?

"Starting kindergarten is one of the biggest milestones in a child's life. Here are some tips to help you decide whether your child will be socially, academically and physically prepared to start "big kid" school.  Check these guidelines to decide if your child is ready for kindergarten..."
read entire article

Topics Covered
School Cut-off Dates
How Do I Know If My Child Is Ready?
Get Advice and Observe
Should You Wait?
Delaying Kindergarten
Entrance Can Cause Problems
How Parents Can Help
Parents Know Best

Source: GreatSchools