Why Slowing Down Stimuli to Real Time Helps a Child’s Brain

By Eric Westervelt, NPR

Feb. 12, 2015

Our “Tools of the Trade” series is taking a look at some of the iconic objects that form a vital part of our educational lives. For an upcoming piece, I’m reporting on how young children learn through that most basic of preschool education tools: simple wooden blocks.

Dr. Dimitri Christakis has done done extensive research on blocks and play and lectured on media and children. He is the Director of the Center for Child Health, Behavior and Development at Seattle Children’s Research Institute. He’s also a pediatrician at Seattle Children’s Hospital and a professor of pediatrics at the University of Washington School of Medicine.

Thanks for sharing Layla!

Hi Val-

 I came across this today and thought it was a perfect thing to share with Ecfe friends. Every time my house is trashed (which is constantly these days) I think back to the day in class you talked about these being the messiest years of parenting.  So true!! 

 

Article: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/04/22/mom-life-anna-angenend_n_7079850.html

The Benefits of Helping Preschoolers Understand and Discuss Their Emotions

Thanks Marnie for sharing this great article from MindShift!

By Deborah Farmer Kris
Terrible Twos. Threenagers. Fearsome Fours.  These are years marked by tantrums and meltdowns — palpable reminders that young children haven’t yet learned how to regulate their emotions. But rather than wait for them to outgrow this phase, caregivers can use this window to teach emotional literacy skills that will yield immediate and long-term benefits.

Star and Tribune Article on Free-Range Kids

Moms, dads, we need more free-range kids

• Article by: GAIL ROSENBLUM , Star Tribune
• Updated: April 20, 2015 - 7:04 AM

I knew it wouldn’t be long before Bad Mommy and Bad Daddy were back in the news. The parents from Silver Spring, Md., clearly can’t stop.

“For the second time in four months, police picked up the children of Danielle and Alexander Meitiv on Sunday as they were walking home alone from a park that’s nearly a mile from their house,” according to news reports.

Safe Kid Day April 26

Why It's Important

Reagan's Story

On July 26, 2003, 2-year-old Reagan, her mom, Jennifer, and 5-year-old brother, Josh, were celebrating a cousin's third birthday at a pool party. During the festivities, Jennifer took Josh to the bathroom and asked a relative to watch Reagan. In the short time Jennifer was away, Reagan fell into the pool. A few minutes later, a cousin noticed Reagan at the bottom of the pool and a relative jumped in to pull her out.

"I'll never forget opening the screen door and seeing people doing CPR on Reagan," said Jennifer. Reagan was rushed to the hospital, put on life support and ultimately survived. "She was one of the lucky ones," said Jennifer. "I was given a gift and I feel like it's my responsibility to share my story and speak out because it can happen to anyone.

Make a donation in honor of Reagan | One Mom's Mission to Speak Out Against Preventable Injuries.

“No Drama Discipline”

This week we have been talking about positive parenting and discipline. Here is a link to a related video about the book "No Drama Discipline": Click Here to watch a video introduction to No Drama Discipline.

St. Anthony ECFE Garage Sale

For people interested in selling kids' items for the St. Anthony ECFE sale

Please join the Facebook page "St. Anthony ECFE sale." There will be a video posted on how to tag items. Sale is on Saturday, May 30!