By Bonnie Neugebauer Reprinted from Child Care Information Exchange, August 1990. There are at least three major problems with concentrating our time and energies on holiday celebration: 1. It’s extremely difficult to give holidays meaning that is developmentally appropriate for young children. Most holidays are based on abstract concepts that…
“Free, imaginative play is crucial for normal social, emotional, and cognitive development. It makes us better adjusted, smarter, and less stressed.” This bold statement comes not from the latest issue of Young Children, or a keynoter at the annual meeting of the Chicago Metro AEYC, but from the Scientific American…
By Patty E. At least 15 years ago, David Elkind, a renowned professor at Tufts University wrote a book titled, The Hurried Child. It caused quite a stir for both parents as well as educators. Much of what he was saying was and is true. A criticism was that he…
If the holidays are a time for cheer and peace on earth, why can they feel like a crash course in need, greed and speed? Many factors can make the holidays hectic, like the pressures of family and our own expectations. But one unavoidable factor is advertising. This is the…
Mary Ucci: Guidelines For Speaking With Preschoolers About Change, Child Health ALERT As parents, health care providers, and educators, we want to help children build strong emotional foundations that will “support” them through the many changes that will challenge them throughout their lives.
Body Growth in Early Childhood Changes in Body Size and Proportions: 2 to 3 inches in height and about five pounds in weight are added each year. Children gradually become thinner with girls retaining somewhat more body fat. Posture and balance improve, resulting in gains in motor coordination. By the…
By Lisa Murphy, Ooey Gooey Inc.Power play is typical in preschool age children. It is characterized by play that allows children to be in control, to try new roles, to release tension, and to participate in vigorous physical activity.
In her new book, Taking Back Childhood, Exchange author Nancy Carlsson-Paige writes that childhood culture has changed dramatically in just one generation. Social trends – screen time, commercialism, sped-up daily life, violence and sexualization, academic pressures – are changing how children experience their early years.
In her book, Learning to Lead: Effective Leadership Skills for Teachers of Young Children, Exchange Director of Community Development Debra Sullivan observes that "the strength and enthusiasm of leadership at the middle and lower levels of any group or program create the strength and enthusiasm at the top."
Oven-Baked Carrot Fries 1 1/2 lbs. carrots 1 tsp. sugar 2 Tbsp. olive oil 1/2 tsp. salt 2 Tbsp. finely chopped pinch of pepper fresh rosemary Preheat oven to 425. Line a shallow pan with foil. Using a sharp knife, slice away the tip and end of each carrot; peel…
