Infant Healthy Development & Nurturing Relationships

We all know infants need parents, but what impact do caregivers have on social and emotional health? Check out this post from Too Small to Fail on infant mental health:

“When a baby cries for attention or smiles for the first time, he is communicating with the people around him so that they can help him meet his physical and emotional needs. But how his parents respond to those early communication attempts—as well as the security he feels from these early interactions—will help shape his mental health and social skills for years to come…”

Also, watch “Connecting with Babies: The Power of Parent/Child Interaction” here.

Boost Activity with Music

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The Learning Station has put together this great printable that explains what is going on in your child’s brain when she is engaged in music & movement, along with activities & techniques for enhancing learning opportunities. Click here to download a copy to share with parents & teachers! 

Patriot Day

As this is a day to look back and honor the memory of lives lost, take advantage of the opportunity to teach young children the importance of history and the significance of patriotism.

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Healthy Hygiene

Learning healthy hygiene habits can cause any child to struggle. Children who have disabilities might have additional trouble learning these habits, but promoting a child’s independence is important. Here are some things to keep in mind when instructing a child in healthy hygiene:

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• Realistic Expectations: Know when the child is ready to take on a new task, and develop basic skills before moving towards bigger goals.
• Creativity: A child with a disability may need to start with modified or partial instructions in order to achieve gradual success.
• Patience: It can be difficult for a parent to watch a child struggle with something seemingly simple, remember to allow time to go at the child’s pace.
• Praise: Frequently affirm a child attempting a new skill – everyone needs a personal cheerleader when trying something new!

For specific examples and more ideas, refer to this PDF from the Government of South Australia.

Grade-Level Reading

Check out this video from the Campaign for Grade-Level Reading and visit http://gradelevelreading.net/ to learn more.