by Melissa Kay | Jul 10, 2018 | Blog, General, News |
Keep those developing brains stimulated all summer. It is important for your child (and you too) to enjoy the summer. But along with fun in the sun and plenty of R&R, you can keep your child’s brain active with education. As long as you make learning fun and interesting, it won’t feel like work. Plus, transitioning back to school in the fall will go much more smoothly. Here are some simple ways to keep learning going during the summer months. The effort will pay off in the long run. Outdoor Reading Club Get some kids and parents together on Sunday afternoons to form a casual book club. Choose adventure books or topics that are light and fun. Perhaps you can pack a picnic and make it a learning lunch. Pick a shady spot under a tree and cool off after playtime. The kids will look forward to the change of pace and page-turning enjoyment. Museums When the weather is hot, getting indoors is something kids will be begging to do. Rather than going to the movies or an arcade, make indoor time educational. Most museums are open year-round, so round up the kids for a tour at an art or natural history museum. You can spend all afternoon exploring and admiring. There’s always something new to navigate, so go as often as you can to check out every nook and cranny. Gardening Plant some flowers, herbs, or even fruits and veggies in your yard or on a sunny windowsill this summer. The kids will be proud of their accomplishments as they see their garden thrive while learning what it...
by Melissa Kay | Jul 8, 2018 | Blog, News |
Are the kids asking for a new puppy (or kitten)? What about a hamster or even a fish? Whatever type of pet they’re pleading for, perhaps now is the time to consider adopting a family pet. Summertime is a nice season to welcome a new “family member,” since the kids are out of school and have more time to spend getting acquainted and caring for the pet. Here are three reasons to stop putting off what may be something positive and fulfilling for your family. So many pets need loving homes, so why not yours? Revs Up Responsibility As kids mature, they need to learn about taking responsibility. While every step depends on their age and level of understanding/maturity, parents have the role of teaching their kids to be responsible. Caring for a pet is the perfect chance to instill the values you want your child to embody. Not to mention how important this is for the pet. Be it cleaning, feeding, grooming, playing, etc., your child must take an active role in the care of their new pet. It won’t seem like much of a chore. They’ll be having so much fun anyway. Cultivates Caring Caring for others – be it a pet or a person – is something we must teach our kids. Being kind is of the utmost importance. We all deserve to be treated fairly and with compassion, humans and animals alike. Caring for a pet is a wonderful way to show your child what it takes to be patient, nurturing, and loving. While it will likely come naturally, the more you show your child...
by Melissa Kay | Jul 4, 2018 | Blog, General, News |
Summertime birthdays mean you can make the best of the warm temperature and have an outdoor party. Yes, your child will miss out on classroom cupcakes and cards. But the other kids don’t have the summer fun added to an already special occasion. Here are three summer birthday party ideas your child is sure to love. And their friends will have a ball too. Picnic in the Park Gather the kids and any parents who can help out and head to the local park for a picnic party. Find a cool spot in the shade and whip out pre-made finger sandwiches, cut-up veggies and dip, crackers, cookies, and punch. Nothing fancy, just kid-friendly fare that’s easy to make, take along, and enjoy. Instead of a cake, bake mini cupcakes the kids can pop in their mouths. As you all sit on blankets and towels on the grass, the day will be casual and laid-back. After lunch, the kids can toss a ball around or play on the equipment. Fun for all without the fuss. Backyard BBQ Invite everyone over for a tasty BBQ in the backyard. Grill up franks, burgers, kebabs, and veggies. Play music, organize backyard games, and let the kids hang out and simply enjoy a day in the fresh air. After the hot food is finished, gather the kids in the kitchen for a make-your-own-sundae bar. Everyone gets a generous scoop of their favorite ice cream flavor and you can line up bowls of toppings like chocolate chips, sprinkles, berries, marshmallows, and hot fudge. That’s way more fun than a slice of sheet cake! Pool Party...
by Melissa Kay | Jul 2, 2018 | Blog, General, News |
Children learn so much by simply observing the world around them. When you display positive behavior, it rubs off on impressionable youngsters. What better way to instill kindness and a caring spirit in your child’s mind than to “walk the walk?” Teach your child valuable and long-lasting lessons in kindness. What you say and do matters. Your child looks to you for guidance, so lead them in a positive direction. Here are some little things you can do regularly to make a lasting impression on your child. Be Patient What’s the rush? And why the frustration? Take a few deep breaths if you feel like you’re losing your cool or you’re at your wit’s end. When you exhibit patience, you show you have respect for others and self-control. Show your child that giving others your time and understanding goes a long way. Things may take a tad longer or not go the way you’d prefer in “a perfect world.” But taking a step back and giving others a break will lead to a more harmonious environment. Pay it Forward Every so often, do something nice for another person for no reason at all, aside from the fact that you want to brighten their day. Maybe you can pay for the coffee for the person behind you in line at the café. Let someone go ahead of you in line at the grocery store. Offer to watch the neighbor’s kids on a weekend night so they can go out for dinner. Volunteer to bring water and snacks to the next Little League practice even if it’s not your turn. Your...
by Melissa Kay | Jun 25, 2018 | Blog, General, News |
OPEN HOUSE ANNOUNCEMENT Hey there Upper West Side parents. We invite you to an open house at our Upper West Side location – 101 W. 85th St from 10AM – 1PM on Sunday, July 1. Meet our experienced staff. Learn about our emergent curriculum. You and your family will enjoy music, art, and storytime as you see the facilities. Meet parents from the neighborhood. All are welcome, but if you can RSVP ahead of time, that would be helpful. Click here to reserve. Or call 212-419-5416. The Upper West Side location is new, eco-friendly, and state-of-the-art, serving kids ages 2-5 + UPK. All My Children will walk with you on a quick “60 seconds journey,” a one-minute illustration to introduce ourselves from an eye of a working mother in the metro NYC area. Worth watching! At All My Children we are committed to preparing young children for school and life readiness. Our safe, nurturing, eco-friendly learning environment and ethical character define our dedication to instilling within each child the skills necessary to continuously develop their own knowledge and their desire to establish a better world. Using The Creative Curriculum, Common Core standards, and Music, Movement, Drama, and Nature programs, we form the foundation of our learning-centered program. We look forward to meeting you at the open house! 101 W 85th Street, New York, New York 10002...
by Melissa Kay | Jun 24, 2018 | Blog, General, News |
By now we all know how important it is to read to our children. But have you thought about sharing the power of poetry with your kids? Poems are fun to read, inspiring, and creative. Slip some poetry into your bedtime reading routine and see if your little ones enjoy something new. Here are some recommendations for poetry books your kids (and you) are sure to love. Once, I Laughed My Socks Off If you’re looking for a good laugh, choose this book by Steve Attewell for its collection of fun poems that are long-form. Early Childhood Education Zone describes Once, I Laughed My Socks Off: “Not your typical one-page poems, these creative stories last several pages, with words so vibrant that you have no trouble imagining what it would look like to have your socks running down the road, or dancing around your home. While funny, they also help teach life lessons.” After All, I’m Just a Ball For the kid who loves sports as much as stories, After All, I’m Just a Ball, by Cari Garfield will be a ball of fun! As per Amazon, “Each sports ball comes to life in his own character and personality telling the child what incredible things he can do.” The riddles will keep your little one interested and intrigued, making bedtime reading something to look forward to. Where the Sidewalk Ends Choose a classic book that you may have read as a child yourself. Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein is a collection of poems by the famous author that kids have been enjoying for decades. As Common Sense...
by Melissa Kay | Jun 22, 2018 | General |
Hooray! Summer is here. School is out and fun in the sun is in. But just because this carefree season is upon us doesn’t mean that precaution isn’t important. There are hazards the summer brings that all parents must pay attention to. Here are some safety tips for summer to keep your kids protected while they enjoy the vacation. It’s always better to be cautious. Follow these guidelines for a safe summer without incident. Sunscreen Kids love to play outdoors, but a nasty burn will ruin the day. Not only is a sunburn painful and unsightly, it can be dangerous. Be sure to apply a high SPF sunscreen to your child’s skin about 30 minutes before they play outside. Even if it’s overcast, the rays of the sun can still sting. A baseball cap can also protect their face even further. If possible, play in the shade when available and try to avoid the peak hours of sunshine. Reapply sunscreen after swimming to be sure your child is covered. Swim Safety No matter how advanced a swimmer your child may be, water safety is a must. Do not let your child swim without a lifeguard on duty and keep an eye on your child at all times. If your child is not a strong swimmer, a life vest will be a safety net. If you are at the beach, swim in designated areas only. At the pool, stay in the shallow end unless your child has been taught to swim in the deeper water by an instructor. Additionally, never allow your child to swim in a T-shirt or loose-fitting...
by Melissa Kay | Jun 20, 2018 | Blog, General, News |
What could be more refreshing that a cool and fruity drink? When the temperature starts to rise, we must stay well-hydrated. Kids need plenty of fluids to stay healthy, so why not serve up something delicious? Fruity drinks are always a hit; kids love their sweet taste. And parents love that they’re getting the vitamins they need for their growing bodies. Here are a few recipes that are so easy to follow and taste terrific. Bottoms up to something good and good for you! All recipes make 2 servings. You will need a blender to make them. Melon Mix-Up Ingredients: ½ medium cantaloupe cut into cubes ½ medium honeydew cut into cubes 1 cup cubed watermelon (remove seeds) ½ cup lemon-lime seltzer 1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup Put all ingredients in blender and blend until smooth. Serve in tall glasses and enjoy! Berry-Banana Blast Ingredients: 2 medium bananas cut into bite-sized pieces 1 cup diced strawberries ½ cup blueberries ½ cup raspberries 1 cup soy milk (or whatever milk you prefer) 5 ice cubes Put all ingredients in blender and blend until smooth. Serve in tall glasses and enjoy! Outrageous Orange Ingredients: 1 cup orange juice 2 medium oranges peeled and diced (remove seeds) ½ cup orange-flavored seltzer 1 cup vanilla yogurt (or plain) ½ cup skim milk (or whatever milk you prefer) ¼ cup maple syrup (or 1 tablespoon honey) Put all ingredients in blender and blend until smooth. Serve in tall glasses and enjoy! Your kids will simply love these fruity drinks. Whip one up for an afternoon snack or even for a quick breakfast. Delicious!...
by Melissa Kay | Jun 9, 2018 | Blog, General, News |
As your child gets older, they will learn new words to add to their ever-expanding vocabularies. A broader vocabulary means more ways they can express themselves. Kids with larger vocabularies tend to do better in school. They also have more confidence in their communication skills. They can use what they know to excel in many areas of life. Not only in school, but socially, and eventually when they seek employment. Here are some simple, everyday things you can do to boost your child’s vocabulary. Throughout the day, you can sneak in some teaching. It doesn’t seem like learning at all! Before you know it, your child’s vocabulary will be larger and more advanced. By next year, their vocabulary can double! Use New Words Many things can be described in various ways. There is more than one word for many items. Interchange the names and words and use new adjectives to describe things your child already knows. Repeat the new words and encourage your child to use them too. They will have more than one way to express what they want to say. It will give them flexibility and freedom to expand on their knowledge. Soon they’ll be communicating at a more advanced level. Don’t Use “Baby Talk” Many times, parents use “baby talk” when communicating with their little ones. Sure, it feels natural and sounds cute. But it doesn’t do much as far as helping their vocabulary grow. Use the proper words for things instead of made-up babble. Use your normal voice and talk to them as you would an older child. As your child gets older, you can...
by Melissa Kay | May 18, 2018 | Blog, General, News |
As your child continues to learn the English language, it’s never too early to start learning another. The younger kids are when they start learning a second tongue, the more they are able to absorb the language. PandaTree notes, “Foreign languages are most easily acquired as a child. (This gives) your child the chance to learn a foreign language is like giving her a gift for life.” Brain Development By learning a second language, your child’s brain development is enhanced, as per PandaTree. “The mental benefits of learning a foreign language as a child show up in a number of different ways. Children who speak a foreign language perform better on standardized tests in math and English than their monolingual peers. They also start reading earlier. And they are better at understanding grammar.” By learning two languages at once, your child’s vocabulary will be rich and will only grow as they do. So why not start as early as possible to reap the most rewards? An Educational Edge Starting on a second language early will give your child an edge. According to Edublox Online Tutor, “By the time your little one enters school, they will be ahead of other kids thanks to their additional language skills.” And this is a step in the right direction that can last into adulthood. As per Edublox Online Tutor, “Adults who speak a second language have better career opportunities than those who don’t. From job promotions to transfers abroad, employees with a second language are considered more valuable.” A second language under their belt can set your child up for lifelong success! Emotional Enhancement Along with...
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