by Melissa Kay | Nov 1, 2019 | Blog, News |
It’s just the start of the month, but November is always immediately associated with Thanksgiving. Once Halloween is over and done with, we’re on to the next big holiday. From the turkey to the apple pie, families love all the delicious food at the Thanksgiving feast. But there is more to the holiday than feeling satiated…or stuffed. It’s about giving thanks – to our loved ones, the things we have, our health, happiness, and life in general. These children’s books are perfect for this time of year. Their Thanksgiving themes are great teaching tools for young children learning more about the holiday. Plus, whenever there’s an opportunity to open a book and read with your child, take it! 10 Fat Turkeys by Tony Johnston 10 Fat Turkeys is a fun rhyming read with silly stories of turkeys and their many activities. It teaches kids to count backwards, another useful perk from this entertaining book filled with colorful and creative illustrations. The Thankful Book by Todd Parr Caring for others, respecting the world around us, and giving thanks to those who mean so much are all incorporated into The Thankful Book. This one’s a special read that gives children insight into the meaning of Thanksgiving and why they’re so special too. Happy Thanksgiving, Curious George by H.A. Rey Fans of the adorable monkey Curious George will be delighted to read this tabbed board book with their kids. Happy Thanksgiving, Curious George is a fun read as George adores all aspects of the holiday, from the parades to the plentiful food. Llama Llama Gives Thanks by Anna Dewdney The small size...
by Melissa Kay | Oct 17, 2019 | Blog, News |
As Halloween approaches, get into the spirit sooner by diving into a great book. Kids who are eager for the 31st to arrive can get a jumpstart on the holiday by flipping through the pages of a Halloween-themed book. From pumpkins to costumes to ghosts and goblins, these kid-friendly books will make the season a little bit spookier. Spooky Pookie by Sandra Boynton Pookie is an adorable pig who’s not quite sure what to dress up as for Halloween. With cute illustrations and lots of laughs, kids will read Spooky Pookie from cover to cover. Room On The Broom by Julia Donaldson A witch is flying through the sky with her kitty cat when her stuff blows away. Some friendly animals find her stuff and hope to take a broomstick ride as a reward. What happens next? Room On The Broom will keep kids on their toes. Peek-a-Boooo! by Sandra Magsamen Little ones who love to see and touch will enjoy the multi-sensory experience Peek-a-Boooo! has to offer. The pages have mirrors so kids can see themselves in various costumes, setting the tone for a terrific Halloween. Arthur’s Halloween: An Arthur Adventure by Marc Brown When Arthur and his sister are off trick-or-treating, she finds herself inside a spooky house. Arthur musters up the confidence to go in to get her out. Arthur’s Halloween: An Arthur Adventure is a suspenseful story, perfect for the spirit of the season. Have a Happy Halloween! Reading these books will make the festivities even more fun. Do your kids have Halloween-themed books they like to read? Share the titles in the comments. For...
by Melissa Kay | Oct 10, 2019 | Blog, News |
Some children are reluctant to speak up in class. Even if they understand the lessons and know the answers, participating makes them fearful. Be it because they’re shy or worried about what others might think, the idea of having all eyes on them is dreadful. Even when the other students do their share, kids who refrain from participating aren’t inspired enough by their peers to follow suit. There are teachers who require that every child chimes in, but some only select from the ones who raise their hands and actively contribute. The silent students are more like bystanders who do learn, but they’re not getting as much as they can out of each lesson. Parents can help their children feel more confident and comfortable by practicing at home. It may take some time getting used to, but before long, these kids will be a regular part of the classroom activities. Your encouragement will boost their self-esteem, and the stronger your child becomes, the more they’ll shine like the stellar student they know they are inside. Here are some ways you can help your child come out of their shell and stand out. Read books out loud together Practice spelling Introduce them to new people Join after-school clubs and teams Volunteer Call family friends and relatives Record family activities Put on puppet shows Do family singalongs Host a neighborhood potluck dinner or picnic Form a kids’ book club Enter a talent show While you’re out doing errands, suggest your child ask questions and make requests to store clerks and cashiers Simply do things that help get your child to step...
by Melissa Kay | Oct 5, 2019 | Blog, News |
We all obviously love our kids unconditionally. Saying the words straight to them rolls naturally off our tongues. We kiss and hug them, tuck them in at night, and provide a strong and soft shoulder to cry on. These demonstrations of love come second nature, and children find comfort in knowing we’re there for them through the good, bad, and in-between. Along with the usual displays of our adoration, there are the subtle ways we can confirm our everlasting love for our children. There is no need for grand gestures when the most genuine acts are so substantial. Kids don’t require a lot to know they are loved. Purity and simplicity can be just as moving as monumental moments. Here are some little ways to show you care. You’ll know you’ve made a difference when you see their eyes sparkle and smiles from ear to ear. Some Quick Thoughts Leave a sweet or silly note in their lunch box Share a secret you’ve never told a soul Steal a squeeze when they least expect it Cuddle up on the couch on a cold afternoon Make pancakes (at least once a week) instead of serving cold cereal Give them a small gift for no reason at all Compliment them on something they’ve been struggling with Remind them why they’re unique Give them five reasons why they are a good friend Sing along to their favorite song Do an impromptu dance party after supper Sneak into their room while they’re pretending to sleep and whisper something loving in their ear See, it’s the small things kids will remember when they look...
by Melissa Kay | Oct 1, 2019 | Blog, News |
October brings the fun of fall. There’s pumpkin picking, jumping into piles of leaves, pie making, and we’re back to a warmer wardrobe. Perhaps the thing kids look forward to the most is Halloween. As soon as we flip the calendar page to October, thoughts of trick-or-treating, costumes, parties, and decorations come to children’s minds. Of course, parents don’t condone gorging on sugary treats all the time, but on this one day of the year, most moms and dads loosen up and let the kids have at it. With so many mini chocolate bars and other crave-worthy confections, it’s too hard not to let the kids dig in. And plenty of parents rummage through their kids’ sacks seeking their favorite treats. Shhh…don’t tell the kids! Some Ideas… This year bring out the joy of Halloween by going all out. How about doing a collaborative costume theme for the entire family? You can decorate the inside and outside of the house to get that “haunted” spirit that makes Halloween stand out. It would be fun to throw a party and invite the kids from school to come by for games and snacks. Of course, trick-or-treating is a thrill as the kids go door-to-door and hope each house is well-stocked with candy to hand out. If your child’s school allows for dress-up, perhaps you can have two costumes this year – one for school and one for trick-or-treating. This would be exiting for the kids who aren’t sure which one to pick. Pack them a Halloween-themed lunch by using a pumpkin-shaped cookie cutter to turn their sandwich into a work of...
by Melissa Kay | Sep 27, 2019 | Blog, News |
My name is Miri Michel. I was born and raised in Israel and migrated to the states in my preteen years. I have been living in New York ever since. My better half is Michael and we are parents to 7 children. Yes, 7 crazy, amazing children. Raquel, Lia, Hillel, Harel, Ari, Adele, and Yosef. My children are my biggest teachers and simulators in this thing called life. I hold a dual degree in early childhood education and education with special needs. I have been in the educational field for over 15 years part of which I’ve worked as a SEIT and classroom teacher. I currently hold a position as a FCC educational coordinator at AMC. I’m excited to be working with AMC and looking forward to continued learning and growth in the field of...
by Melissa Kay | Sep 27, 2019 | Blog, News |
Hello, I am Lindsay Cieri. I’m a new member of the Educational Coordinator team at All My Children. Raised in Cleveland, Ohio, I have been living in NYC for the past nine years. I’m passionate about working with children and collaborating with teachers! I’ve received a dual Masters in Teaching from Fordham University in Early Childhood and Early Childhood Special Education (Birth-Grade 2). I was a lead teacher at two Special Education preschools in NYC and a lead literacy teacher for children seventeen months through eight years old at a literacy enrichment program. I am looking forward to working with the talented teachers and staff at All My...
by Melissa Kay | Sep 27, 2019 | Blog, News |
My name is Michaela Yaniv. I have eight years of experience as an early childhood director and teacher. I have my bachelors in early childhood education and child psychology. Additionally, I have my Master’s degree in early childhood and special and general education. Realizing how children and the world of childcare and education is constantly evolving, I am always learning something new. This betters myself and ultimately provides better educational services to children. All My Children is a place of exploration and wonder for your child, a world of creative learning and development. I am a strong advocate for the All My Children vision- “Each child is a world, the world is in our hands, and we can make a world of difference!” As an educator and a mother myself, I am well aware how much every parent desires the caring, loving, nurturing environment for their children, especially with regards to a daycare facility. I look forward to what this year brings as I raise All My Children to the next level!...
by Melissa Kay | Sep 27, 2019 | Blog, News |
Hi! My name is Sarah Chuzhin and I am joining the AMC family as an educational coordinator. In the past, I have served as an educator and director in progressive early childhood programs, as well as working independently as an educational consultant. With over twelve years of experience in the educational field, I have designed classroom environments that are progressive, positive, engaging, and meaningful. Additionally, I have lectured at educational conferences, addressing differentiation and curriculum development. I am currently in the process of completing my Masters degree in special education. I am the proud mother of two beautiful girls who have contributed to my educational beliefs. My educational philosophies are deeply rooted in The Reggio Emilia approach, as well as the Montessori Method. As the saying goes, “When a flower isn’t doing well, you fix the environment in which it grows, you don’t fix the flower.” I am excited to work with AMC’s stellar team of educators to raise the bar in...
by Melissa Kay | Sep 27, 2019 | Blog, News |
Hello, my name is Lisa Grundborg. I’ve been an Instructional Coordinator/ Director at All My Children since August, 2018. I have a BA in Sociology, an MS in Elementary Education and I have been certified by NYS to teach N-6 as well as 7-12 Social Studies since 1994. I have taught for twenty three years, of which ten of those years I instructed children as a UPK teacher. During that time, I mentored teachers, directors, and New York City public school principals in best UPK practices. Additionally, in 2016, the NYC Chancellor Carmen Farina held a news conference in my classroom promoting the upcoming registration for UPK. It is a privilege to be a part of All My Children and greatly look forward to serving the children, teachers and directors in this remarkable educational...
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