Challenging behavior and positive behavior are actually two sides of the same coin. Children exhibit what we call challenging behavior because they do not yet have the social, emotional, language, and cognitive skills to behave in more positive ways. As early childhood educators, we see challenging behavior as a learning opportunity. Through our responses to […]
Parents can share a lot of worldly advice to prepare their kiddos for their first year in elementary school, but sometimes the best advice comes from the “big kids” themselves. We asked some of our school-age students to share their best tips for making the most of elementary school – here’s what they had to […]
Through our School Readiness Pathway, each child is set on his or her most fitting path toward school preparedness. We know education is not a one-size-fits-all experience, and our pathway curriculum ensures success for each child by tailoring learning experiences to his or her unique needs. So what exactly are the steps along our pathway? […]
Anxious about math? You’re far from alone. For millions of adults, a lack of confidence in math skills – often tracing back to negative childhood experiences – has had lasting repercussions. Besides leading to missed career opportunities and ongoing frustration in everyday tasks, studies show that math angst can even be transferred to others. For […]
By Mia Wenjen of PragmaticMom and I Love Newton Two of my kids are starting new schools this year. We, as a family, are finally done with elementary school and my youngest will be starting middle school with vastly more kids than before. My middle daughter has finished middle school so her brother will have it to himself; […]
The ability to self-regulate is an important skill for children to develop. It helps children as they learn to follow rules and understand limits. Recent research has found that kindergarten teachers rank the ability to self-regulate as the most important characteristic necessary for school readiness. There is also evidence that self-regulation levels have a stronger […]
Even though you see your child’s teacher every day when at drop-off and pick-up times, and you speak to them about how things are going just as often, parent-teacher conferences are still an important element of the relationship between teachers and families. So why are these meetings so important for young children? The time spent […]
As children grow, the skills they need to learn and develop change. Normal developmental growth frequently involves children taking on and practicing milestones or challenges until they master them. But it’s also important for children to positively embrace learning, and that begins with a strong start in early childhood, that will lead to success in […]
We’re committed to assessment-based curriculum. Why is this so important? Since curriculum is what happens in the classroom every day, when it’s customized to the developmental needs of the specific children in that class, it is more effective. Assessment-based curriculum means children are exposed to, and given practice in, those skills that they are ready […]