October is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Awareness Month. More than 1 out of 3 of sudden unexpected infant deaths that occur in the United States each year are from SIDS. Recent research also shows that unsafe bedding, such as soft or loose blankets in baby’s sleep area, remains a leading cause of infant death. We dedicate October to inform you of the best sleep practices to keep your baby/child safe. 5 SIMPLE STEPS TO MAKE YOUR BABY SAFE TO SLEEP 1. PLACE YOUR BABY ON HIS OR HER BACK TO SLEEP ALONE. 2. PLACE OUR BABY IN A SAFETY-APPROVED CRIB, BASSINET, OR PROTABLE PLAY AREA WITH A FIRM SLEEP SURFACE AND FITTED SHEET. 3. REMOVE ALL SOFT OBJECTS, TOYS, BLANKETS, BUMPER PADS AND PILLOWS FORM THE THE SLEEP AREA. 4. DRESS YOUR BABY IN A SLEEPER OR SLEEP SACKINSTEAD OF USING A BLAKET OR OTHER COVERING. 5. PUT YOUR BABY TO SLEEP ALONE IN A CRIB OR BASSINET. BED SHARING IS DANGEROUS! BELOW ARE SHORT VIDEO CLIPS BETTER ADDRESSING THE ISSUE OF SAFE SLEEP AND HOW YOU CAN ACHIEVE THIS FOR YOUR CHILD/REN. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=09kNXxYB_Ko (SPANISH) https://www.google.com/search?q=youtube+video+on+safe+sleep+for+your+baby+in+spanish&rlz=1C1GCEB_enUS917US921&ei=XJZtYdGyNcO5tQbUhpWoBQ&ved=0ahUKEwjR0OrcptTzAhXDXM0KHVRDBVUQ4dUDCA4&uact=5&oq=youtube+video+on+safe+sleep+for+your+baby+in+spanish&gs_lcp=Cgdnd3Mtd2l6EAMyBQghEKsCOgcIABBHELADOgUIIRCgAToICCEQFhAdEB5KBQg8EgExSgQIQRgAUIofWLo0YOg2aAFwAngAgAGJAogB8AuSAQUyLjcuMpgBAKABAcgBCMABAQ&sclient=gws-wiz#kpvalbx=_vZZtYfqRGJv0tAaMk5GQCA16 Please contact your Parent as Teacher Educator if you would like more information, to ask questions, or request assistance in assuring your baby's environment is best practices for Safe Sleep! Understanding Temper Tantrums
Temper tantrums can be extremely upsetting for parents to manage. It is important to remember that tantrums are a normal part of child development. The good news is that there are parenting behaviors that can help your child manage their tantrums. To learn more about how to survive tantrums gracefully, check out the article “Top Tips For Surviving Tantrums” https://healthychildren.org/English/family-life/family-dynamics/communication-discipline/Pages/Temper-Tantrums.aspx If you have any further questions, or simply need to talk, please reach out to a Parent as Teacher Educator at High Grove Early Childhood. We are here to encourage, help, educate, sympathize, and do life with you. Let’s Play Outside!
Parents as Teachers recently hosted a fun opportunity for our families to gather at Winchester Park to play outside in the beautiful fall weather and connect with other families. It was a wonderful time to get to know each other and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine! There was lots of running, jumping, climbing, balancing, swinging, sliding, and laughing going on! We capped off the fun by enjoying some delicious popsicles together. It was a great time! Did you know that playing outside lets your child use his/her large muscles and practice balance? It gives the brain practice putting together messages from different sources--muscles, senses, and balance. Another good thing is the stress release that comes from just being in nature. Your yard, neighborhood, playgrounds, and parks provide lots of hands-on experiences. These stimulate your child’s senses as well as introduce them to science and math fun. Parents as Teachers would like to encourage you to take advantage of the beautiful fall weather and get outside to play and enjoy nature with your child! We hope you are planning to join us for Popsicles at the Park on Wednesday, September 22. THE IMPORTANCE OF PLAYGROUNDS FOR CHILDREN Most adults remember their school recess times with fondness. These opportunities to leave the constraints of the classroom behind and set out for another playground adventure are memories you cherish forever. However, today’s children are overwhelmed with an abundance of activities and fewer opportunities to enjoy outside play. Video games, TV, after-school activities and an increasing focus on academics have led to disappearing playgrounds and playtime. This reduction in free play can negatively impact the development of children. Playgrounds are essential safe spaces where children can be themselves and express their fun-loving nature while developing crucial cognitive, physical, social and emotional skills. In this post, we’ll explore why more and more child development experts are advocating for more playground and free play opportunities for kids. Read the full article or jump to a specific section:
Playgrounds are safe spaces where kids develop crucial physical, social, emotional and imaginative skills. In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at how a child’s development benefits from playing on the playground. Learning Through Play You can’t have a playground without play. To put it simply, play is a spontaneous activity children engage in to have fun. Experts in a variety of fields including psychology, biology, health and education have conducted a multitude of studies on the concept of childhood play all proving the same critical fact — play is an essential aspect of learning. When children play, they gain a huge variety of skills:
Playgrounds are the perfect place for children to engage in free play. Structured play — including sports or organized activities — differs from free play. When a child is on a playground, the different structures and spaces give them the freedom to choose how they want to play. They can explore their own natural tendencies, interact with a broader range of age groups and awaken their creative instincts. Physical Benefits When you watch children on a playground, you’ll soon see that although they’re having fun, they’re definitely getting a workout. The CDC recommends children should have at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity every day — and the playground is the perfect place to get this done. Plus, when kids get into the habit of exercising and see it as an enjoyable experience, it encourages them to remain active as they get older. Playgrounds are a vital aspect of healthy development, providing a place for children to get a full-body workout, including exercises that strengthen their arms, legs, torso and so on. From the cardiovascular system to the circulatory system, each is nurtured and benefited through vigorous play. Children see a vast variety of physical benefits through playground play:
Social Development Playgrounds are not generally a solitary activity. Whenever you visit a playground, other kids are bound to be there. When children meet other kids on the playground, it teaches them important lessons about social norms and how to interact with others, all of which will come in handy in adult relationships and their future workplace. Learned social skills include:
Emotional Impact The physical and social benefits of play are more obvious. However, there are also subtle emotional changes in your child’s wellbeing that may not be as recognizable, yet are still vitally important. Physical activity and unstructured playtime on a playground serve as a healthy way to help children deal with their emotions and reduce stress levels. Not only can play serve as a distraction from their problems, but happiness is a natural byproduct of outdoor activities. Children experience many other positive emotional impacts when they’re allowed the freedom to play on a playground. Playtime benefits children because it:
Promotes Imagination Kids do more than slide, swing and climb when on a playground. Just listen to the conversations, and you’ll realize a variety of other make-believe games are taking place. Imaginary play is a given whenever kids are on the playground. When children use their imagination and play make-believe, it teaches them social roles. Creativity also fosters a child’s ability to problem-solve and develop their personality. By using their imagination, kids can try out different ideas and identities. This helps them construct a strong sense of self, as they discover their likes, dislikes and beliefs. Although developing self-identity will continue throughout their young life, the foundation begins with these innocent make-believe activities on the playground. Makes Education More Fun When a child’s school has a playground, these short breaks allow kids freedom and fun, which, in turn, makes the educational experience more fun. In fact, researchers now understand the importance of playgrounds in schools and how they have an important impact on a child’s ability to learn and develop. Opportunities for play also have an effect on children’s attendance rate at the primary school level. When a child knows there will be opportunities to let loose, they often find it easier to listen and learn in the classroom environment. CONTACT LITTLE TIKES COMMERCIAL TO LEARN ABOUT OUR HIGH-QUALITY PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT When you choose Little Tikes Commercial, we understand the importance of playgrounds for the development of children. For more than 35 years, we’ve encouraged children to explore their world and learn fundamental lessons through adventure and imagination. Whether you’re looking to replace the playground at your school or want to add some play structures to your community park, we’re committed to delivering innovative designs to promote the value of outdoor play and fun for the children you serve. We invite you to contact us today to see what we can do to assist you with your playground project. https://littletikescommercial.com/blog/importance-of-playgrounds-for-children/ ENJOYING LOTS OF FUN AS WE FINISH 2021!
School is back in session, but the long days and warm weather still sparks our need to be outside playing and exploring. Kansas City offers so many FREE fun and educational opportunities for families. So, before the midwest winter blows in and sends us running indoors, let’s explore what our city has to offer! There is something for the history buff, nature lover, culture connoisseur, action seeking, book loving, sightseeing, tummy pleasing person in each of us! Clink on the link below to tour the 33 FREE Things To Do In Kansas City! https://www.visitkc.com/visitors/things-do/33-free We would love to hear about your visit to one or more of these great Kansas City locations. And as always, we love to see your children’s smiling faces, so upload a photo of them exploring our great city! Your Parents As Teacher Educator Team is excited about our new year! Looking forward to LOTS OF FUN AS WE FINISH 2021! Deaf History Month https://diversity.fsu.edu/article/deaf-history-month March 13th, 2021 - April 15th, 2021 When I was 11 years old I would ride the bus home with one of my best friends, Matt. He was several years younger than me, but our families had been friends all of our lives. We would ride bikes, chase their farm animals, and play in the stream next to his house. In order to communicate with Matt I took sign language classes at a local community college. Matt is deaf. He couldn't communicate with me like my other friends and family, but other than that he was 'normal'. In middle school we did a family trip to Disney world, and in high school I attended his dance at Gallaudet University. Today, Matt is married, has a son, travels extensively, is a computer genius, worked on NASCAR cars, and now a teacher. Matt and I chose to focus on the things we had in common and developed an amazing friendship. I still use many of the skills I learned from Matt today; like teaching my children basic sign language when their verbal skills were not as developed. National Deaf History Month is recognized and celebrated every year from March 13th to April 15th to recognize the accomplishments of people who are deaf and hard of hearing. Three key events impacted the deaf community that occurred in American history: On April 15th, 1817 the first public school, American School for the Deaf was opened. On April 8th, 1864 Gallaudet University – the world’s first institution devoted to advanced education for the deaf and hard of hearing – was officially founded, and more than 100 years later on March 13th, 1988 Gallaudet University nominated I. King Jordan as their first deaf President. Deaf History Month appears to have started on March 13th, 1996 when two deaf employees working at Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library in Washington, D.C. started teaching their colleagues sign language. This occurrence progressed into a week of deaf awareness created by the library. Quickly after that, deaf awareness week evolved into a month-long period devoted to promoting a greater understanding of the deaf community. In 1996, the National Association of the Deaf proposed the week become a full month, and officially in 1997, the first annual, nation-wide National Deaf History Month was in effect. In 2006, the American Library Association (ALA) and the National Associate of the Deaf officially announced that March 13th to April 15th is National Deaf History Month. Do you know that these famous five deaf people who changed the world? Ludwig Van Beethoven Will.i.am Thomas Edison Helen Keller Jane Lynch Now is a great time to discuss with your children about diversity and inclusiveness by sharing about these people and all they accomplished in their lives. As parents, we can encourage inclusiveness by giving children opportunities to interact with peers who are different than them. This builds friendships, comradery, and a sense of community. Everyone has strengths and weaknesses; let's help children develop their strengths while focusing on the strengths in others too! Below is the American Sign Language alphabet. Maybe you can all learn to spell your names! March 21 - March 27 is National Poison Prevention Week When life happens, poison centers are ready 24/7/365 with fast, free treatment advice by calling Poison Help (1-800-222-1222) or visiting poisonhelp.org. Whether it’s a question or an emergency, Poison Help can provide life-saving information when people need it most and it is faster and more accurate than an internet search. On average, 90% of poisonings happen in American homes each year and more than 70% of people who call Poison Help get the help they need right where they are—saving the cost of a trip to a doctor or hospital. Because this information is life saving to you and your family I feel best connecting you to the National Poison Control Center for the latest information, tips and guidelines.
https://www.poison.org/ Please let your Parents as Educators contact know if you need assistance in making your living environment a safe place for your child/ren. Hello Families! My name is Aimee Alderman. I am new to Grandview C4 School District, but I have been a Parents As Teachers parent educator since 1996. And for six years prior to that, I was enrolled as a parent in Parents As Teachers with my three children. I have always loved this program! It is full of fun and information. As the days get longer and the weather gets warmer, everyone is going to be itching to get outside. There are so many ways to enjoy the outdoors close to home as well as out and about. Here are a few of my favorite ideas. In the yard, hand your children a bag and encourage them to collect dry leaves, twigs, and other natural artifacts. When they have their collection, allow them to spread it out and observe their treasures. Help them find words to describe their things such as smooth, rough, heavy, brown etc. Watch to see if they organize their things in any order. If you notice them place things in categories, point it out: “I noticed you have put all the small ones together.” Hand your children some paper and glue and allow them to make a nature collage. Display their art in a prominent place in your home. Here is a list of playgrounds in Grandview. Spend an afternoon “playground hopping” with your family. https://www.grandview.org/work/city-government/parks-recreation/parks At the playground, count with your child. Count anything you can think of: strollers, dogs, white cars, swings. Play a game of “eye spy.” And speaking of swings, swinging develops a motor sensibility called perceptual motor skills, also known as the proprioceptic sense. Swinging helps your child discover how their body feels in space and motion. This is a foundation for physical intelligence. For a bigger adventure, take your family on a hike at one of the amazing large parks in the area. One of my favorite parks is Cave Springs which is located on Gregory Blvd, just west of Raytown Road. https://kcparks.org/places/cave-spring-park/ There are several trails in the park. Some are paved and some are more rugged. There is a pond and even a small island that can be reached by a bridge. There are the remains of old summer homes; stone walls and stone chimneys. Try putting together a scavenger hunt for your hike. Here is an example: Find the island. Find the cave. Find the playground. Find the waterlilies. Find an historical marker. Find an old chimney. Find a park bench. Nature is a wonderful teaching partner. March forth and enjoy the great outdoors! And don’t forget to tell your parent educator all about your adventures! “The true essence of Valentine Day is true love. It is supposed to be a day when lovers, married couples, reaffirm their love and genuine affection for one another. It is not only for married couples; singles also partake in the celebration by spreading what is called agape love. Valentine day should teach us about sacrifice.” -www.vanguardngr.com/2018/02/true-meaning-valentine-day/ As February 14 creeps up on our calendars, our culture begins to shift their thoughts toward LOVE. Who can actually avoid the elaborately celebrated holiday of Valentines with all the advertisements of flowers, jewelry, candy, teddy bears, and cards flooding our media and stores? Valentine’s Day may not represent the ooey-gooey emotions lavished on you by a significant other, but it can still be packed full of love. Did you know there are several types of love? Eros: Romantic love Philia: Friendship love Storge: A Family love - represented between parents and children Agape: God’s love; selfless and unconditional I think I speak for all of us when I say, “We desire to be loved by others.” But how good are we at giving love? Do we make intentional choices to love others in the same fashion we want to be loved? How good are we at sacrificing our own desires to honor someone else’s? That puts a real spin on Valentine’s Day. Instead of focusing on how I am receiving love, I will focus on how I can give love. Although I am personally challenged to examine my life in all 4 areas of love, I am going to focus today on Storge Love: A family love. I read an article recently that said, “THE MOST IMPORTANT THING CHILDREN NEED IS JUST LOVE. That’s not just sentiment, it’s fact. Parenting research has proven time and time again loving your children is the one thing that makes all the difference – in so many important ways.” Please take time to read this short article on the benefits of showing love to your child... https://www.parent.com/blogs/conversations/the-most-important-thing-children-need-is-just-love My commitment this Valentine’s is to examine how I express love within the four types of love mentioned above. How do I show my husband I honor and respect him? How will I express my gratitude toward friends? How will I love my children (even when they are not loveable)? How will I represent selfless and unconditional expressions to my community? Let’s be real, this is a lot easier said than done. I hope this Valentine’s Day you will take this challenge with me, Instead of focusing on how I am receiving love, I will focus on how I can give love. On behalf of the Parents as Teacher Educators at High Grove Early Childhood we commit to express Philia: Friendship love to you and your families. Our desire is to equip you to become the best parent/teacher your child could ever have! Happy Valentine’s Day! |
AuthorThe parent educators with Grandview Parents As Teachers have over 100 years of cummulative early childhood and home visiting experience. Archives
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