This Weeks Theme: Pencil Week

As everyone starts their school year, kids are excited to see their best buds on a daily basis, take some new classes, and wear their new school clothes and backpack. Parents on the other hand, are looking forward to having some 'time off', while the kids are busy learning. But this week's theme, is all about staying involved with your kids extracurricular activites. The more you are involved, the more you know about your child's life, outside of your home. As busy as our lives are as parents, try to stay as involved as you can... join the PTA, become a room mother, or a team coach. Staying involved sends an unspoken message to your children, "I'm here. What matters to you, matters to me, and I want to be a part of your life."

Sidways Week

Theme: Sideways - Teaching Toddlers about changing direction.
Concept: Forward, Backward, and Sideways

DID YOU KNOW that moving sideways stimulates the brain? When you move sideways left, the right side is stimulated and vice versa. Why stimulate the brain? It is like turning the power switch on, learning is enhanced and expanded. It is easy to see how moving the body increases academic learning.

The equipment (toys) are set up to offer varied opportunities to move forward, backward and sideways. Remember to start by being the leader. Your child loves to mimic you! Once your child is actively engaged in play, your role should switch from leader to follow/safety net. Try to help your child as little as possible. Let them try everything they want to. You just catch of necessary.