I teach Pre‑K 3 at an advanced Christian school, and I truly love working with this age group. We have a curriculum we follow, but I also like to add supplemental activities to make learning more hands‑on and meaningful for the children. In our class, we focus on introducing letters and their sounds, as well as numbers 1-20.
By the time children join us, we hope they’re already comfortable identifying basic shapes and colors. Ideally, they’ll recognize most of their letters by the time we do our quarterly evaluations (yes, we have to do evaluations for 3-year-olds), although this is never a requirement for acceptance. The one thing we do require is that all students be fully potty‑trained and no longer using pull‑ups or diapers during the day.
I’m always happy to answer questions and help families understand what to expect as their little ones join our class!
Summer is here, and that means fun in the sun! But it also means plenty of time for reading, and with the right books, your kids will keep learning and combat brain drain over summer vacation.
The summer months are a great time to take your kids to your local library and help them explore books that interest them. However, you’ve probably noticed that not every book is right for every child. Here are some tips to help your kids unearth educational titles that will not only challenge them but draw and keep their attention!
If you’re a preschool teacher or parent looking for a playful way to connect reading with hands-on learning, look no further than the beloved Froggy series by Jonathan London. With over two dozen titles full of energy, humor, and relatable childhood moments, the Froggy books are a hit with children ages 3–6.
Whether Froggy is learning to swim, going to school, or trying to sit still during story time, these books are packed with opportunities for discussion, laughter, and fun learning extensions. Let’s explore some of the most popular Froggy books and then hop into some adorable classroom crafts and activities your preschoolers will love.
Few picture books have captured the hearts of preschoolers, parents, and teachers quite like Llama Llama Red Pajama by Anna Dewdney. With its catchy rhymes, relatable themes, and expressive illustrations, it’s no surprise that the Llama Llama series has become a classroom favorite. These books not only entertain but also support emotional development, early literacy, and positive behavior modeling.
Whether you’re a preschool teacher planning your next circle time or a parent looking for enriching read-alouds and activities, the Llama Llama books offer a world of playful possibilities. In this post, we’ll explore several must-read titles in the series and share easy, engaging classroom crafts and activities to bring Llama Llama’s world to life.
As a parent, there’s nothing more heart-wrenching than watching your child struggle — especially when it comes to reading. If your child is reading below grade level or battling low confidence with books, summer can feel like a ticking clock. But here’s the good news: with a simple summer reading plan, you can help your child grow their reading skills, boost their confidence, and maybe even learn to love reading.
If your child is like my son — held back in third grade and just wrapping up fourth — and reading feels more like a chore than a joy, you are not alone. Many 4th and 5th grade students are still building the foundational skills they need to be fluent, confident readers. And summer is a perfect time to slow down and focus without the pressure of classroom comparisons.
Let’s walk through a realistic, encouraging, and parent-friendly summer reading curriculum for struggling readers — especially kids around age 10–11.
Why Is My 4th Grader Struggling With Reading?
If you are thinking about some of the things you might be able to do to improve your ability to learn, there are all sorts of approaches you might want to take. It could be that you are a student or studying for some further course, and you want to make sure that you are doing your best. Or maybe you just appreciate the power of learning and you know that it is always better for your life if you can improve that. Whatever the situation is, being able to learn well is hugely powerful for sure.
With that in mind, let’s take a look here at some of the really powerful solutions you might be able to make use of in order to improve learning. If you can take on board these things, you should find that you are able to learn so much more effectively, quickly and thoroughly, and that the benefits of that are going to become clear.
Rainy day activities for children and the whole family are ideal for passing the time in a more meaningful way. And what is more meaningful than learning? But learning doesn't have to be boring, and children learn in various ways, so you can sneak education into fun and games.
Children learn from just about anything as they are developing. In the home, you can try some fun and engaging activities, from practicing writing to getting physical with movement games.
As a parent, one of your most important jobs is nurturing your children's education. While it's
essential to provide a solid foundation in their early schooling years, you also want to encourage
your kids to embrace opportunities for further education later in life. Continuing to learn, grow, and
develop new skills through higher education can open up a world of possibilities for your child's
future.
In order to get your kids excited about and prepared for the prospect of further studies after high
school, there are some key strategies you can employ.
Every child faces challenges at school from time to time. It could be struggling with a subject,
feeling overwhelmed by homework, or dealing with social issues. As parents, it’s hard to watch
your child go through a rough patch. But with the right support, they can overcome these
hurdles and thrive again. Sometimes, even small actions can make a big difference.
One common struggle many kids face is math, so private math tutoring can be a great way to
help children who are falling behind or losing confidence. But there’s more to supporting a child
than just academic help. Let’s explore five practical tips to help your child navigate a difficult
school period with confidence and resilience.
As a parent, there are few things more important than ensuring your child gets the right support and resources to succeed, especially when it comes to school. In January 2021, my child was diagnosed with dysgraphia and ADHD. But their struggles began long before that. When COVID hit and school switched to virtual learning, they were in kindergarten. I honestly felt like they weren’t ready, but my now ex-husband insisted there wasn’t enough money to repeat preschool. Given what I know now about his handling of finances, that’s just one of many reasons he’s now my ex.
My child didn’t even get their glasses until they were almost five, and I was told they probably couldn’t see properly for most of their life. That’s a whole other story, but all I’ll say is, Mamas, trust your instincts. Don’t let anyone convince you otherwise.
After nearly two years of virtual learning with my child at home, I just knew something wasn’t quite right. It wasn’t that there was something "wrong," but they clearly needed more support. Their brain simply works differently. And I was doing it all by myself even though I was married then.
The bureaucratic hurdles we faced to get them the help they needed were heartbreaking. Navigating the system to get your child the right education means jumping through hoops, wading through endless red tape, and feeling like the system doesn’t always prioritize helping children. I remember their second-grade year—my child’s teacher was overwhelmed by a classroom full of kids who didn’t have reliable support at home or who were acting out. I saw this firsthand since I was the room mom (the only way I could actually get into the school). The teacher didn’t quite see what I was seeing, but she advised me to seek an outside evaluation if I thought something was wrong. My ex of course tried to say that we couldn't afford it, but I reminded him of our health savings account. He then tried to say that we didn't have enough in there so I said I would pay for it with my savings. When we finally got the diagnosis of dysgraphia and ADHD, it was a huge relief to know I wasn’t imagining things. Of course, my ex chimed in with, “Oh, I got to listen in on this,” with a smirk, but hearing that diagnosis from the professional just wiped that smirk right off his face.
From there, my child began their Section 504 plan, but it wasn’t until third grade that we found a teacher who truly understood and helped us navigate the system to get them the real support they needed.
My child was falling behind in a few key areas, and as much as I tried to help at home, I knew they needed more than what was being offered in the classroom. It became clear that I needed to explore more specialized support, which led me on the journey to get them an Individualized Education Plan (IEP).
Balancing work and study is a challenge that many students face, especially when pursuing higher
education alongside a full-time or part-time job. With the rise of online learning, more people now have
the opportunity to further their education while managing their work responsibilities. However, this
flexibility comes with its own set of challenges, such as time management, motivation, and maintaining
a healthy work-life-study balance.
One of the biggest concerns for working students is how to stay organized while juggling
multiple responsibilities. Without a structured classroom setting, it can be easy to fall behind on
coursework. At the same time, work obligations can take priority, making it difficult to focus on
assignments. Despite these challenges, many students successfully manage both work and
education by implementing the right strategies.
If you are considering an education degree online, whether to advance your career or transition
into teaching, it is essential to create a system that works for you. Understanding how to
manage time effectively, set priorities, and utilize available resources can help you stay on
track. In the following sections, we will explore practical ways to balance work and study
efficiently while ensuring long-term success.
As parents, we are always in pursuit of exciting and instruction-based ways to engage our kids. It's
sure to change everything when we find the right material that will spark their curiosity, cultivate a
love for reading, or expose them to the wonders of the world. This is true for young explorers as
much as it is for seasoned readers. One of the best resources is the National Geographic Kids
magazine subscription, which delivers science, adventure, and discovery straight to the door of your
child. If you want to help your child discover what lies in the world, you can subscribe right away
through Mag Shop.
As a parent, you want the best educational tools to inspire and engage your kids in learning. If you're looking for an exciting way to teach science, MEL Science might just be the perfect solution for your family. With over 100 hands-on science kits and 50+ immersive digital experiences, MEL Science turns learning into an adventure, making STEM education fun, interactive, and easy to integrate into your homeschool curriculum.
As a parent in Thailand, you will want your best for your child at any time, while taking the time to
transform your child’s bedroom into a space that helps to develop learning and creativity is an
investment in their future that is worth making. Indeed, one of the most overlooked yet impactful pieces
of furniture that can be added to your child's bedroom is the writing table, while the addition of a well-
chosen table can encourage better levels of focus, instil discipline and ignite creativity in ways that truly
support the academic and personal development of your little one.
As we start 2025, screen-free learning pads are becoming an essential tool in early childhood education. These interactive, engaging devices offer an alternative to traditional screen time, fostering cognitive, emotional, and physical development in young children. Screen-free learning pads promote hands-on activities that help children build critical skills while maintaining a healthy balance between technology and real-world interaction. This guide is designed for parents, educators, and caregivers of children ages 2-5, highlighting the benefits of incorporating these tools into daily learning routines.
Selecting the right tutor for your child is a critical decision that can significantly influence their academic journey. With numerous options available, parents often feel overwhelmed when trying to find the ideal fit. Subject expertise, teaching style, availability, and personality should all influence your choice. As education continues to evolve, tutoring has taken various forms, including in-person sessions and online options. Finding the right tutor can bring more than academic improvement; it can boost a child's confidence and motivation. To help you navigate this process, we'll explore critical considerations when choosing a tutor that meets your child's needs.
Online education is rapidly evolving, making significant strides in how individuals of all ages acquire knowledge and skills. With the rise of technology and the growing acceptance of remote learning, this educational transformation has made learning more accessible and flexible than ever before. The shift from traditional brick-and-mortar institutions to online platforms has not only altered the landscape of education but has also catered to diverse learning needs, preferences, and circumstances. From young children in their formative years to lifelong learners, online education offers new opportunities for growth and development.
Arts and crafts play an essential role in early childhood education, engaging in creative learning
projects stimulates a child’s imagination which leads to the development of many other
important life skills they will use in the years to come. Participating in arts and crafts is a fun and
creative way for preschool children to practice their problem-solving capabilities and develop
their fine motor skills.
The art creation process has many benefits for young children, which is why it is such an
important part of the daily curriculum at day care in Penrith, it helps them to develop their
attention span while laying the foundation for more advanced studies like language and math.
One example of how arts and crafts affect our children is to think of the future architect
beginning their life's career journey by constructing toy buildings from cardboard and clay, that
seed is planted at the daycare's activity table!
A school’s culture can either be its greatest strength or its greatest obstacle. In many cases,
poor school culture is an invisible barrier to student achievement, teacher satisfaction, and
overall performance. Schools with positive, inclusive environments often see higher levels of
student success and better retention rates for both teachers and staff. Yet, the task of shaping
school culture doesn’t happen by chance; it requires strong, purposeful leadership. Educational
leaders play a pivotal role in building and maintaining a school environment where both
students and staff can thrive.
This article explores the ways in which educational leaders can shape school culture to foster a
more supportive and effective learning atmosphere.
Exploring diverse education opportunities is essential in today's rapidly evolving world, where knowledge and skills are vital for personal and professional growth. With a myriad of options available—from traditional classroom settings to online courses and vocational training—individuals can tailor their educational paths to meet their unique needs and aspirations. This exploration not only broadens academic horizons but also fosters critical thinking, creativity, and adaptability. As we delve into various educational avenues, it's important to consider factors such as accessibility, support systems, and the impact of these choices on future career prospects. By being informed and proactive, one can navigate the complexities of education with confidence and purpose.
