E-books are swiping kids' story time

·         Article by: DOUGLAS QUENQUA , New York Times 

·         Updated: October 11, 2014 - 10:01 PM

·          

Clifford the Big Red Dog looks fabulous on an iPad. He sounds good, too — tap the screen and hear him pant as a blue truck roars into the frame. “Go, truck, go!” cheers the narrator.

But does this count as story time? Or is it just screen time for babies?

It is a question that parents, pediatricians and researchers are struggling to answer as children’s books migrate to digital media.

For years, child development experts have advised parents to read to their children early and often, citing studies showing its linguistic, verbal and social benefits. In June, the American Academy of Pediatrics advised doctors to remind parents at every visit that they should be reading to their children from birth.

ECFE's 40th Birthday Party!

 

Apple Orchards

If you get a chance this month, check out some apple orchards!

Aamodt's Apple Farm

Address: 6428 Manning Avenue, Stillwater, MN 55082
Phone: 651=-439-3127
http://www.aamodtsapplefarm.com
Great selection of apples: Honeycrisp, Haralson, Cortland, Zestar & more. During peak apple season, the orchard buzzes w/ family fun including wagon rides, haybale maze & the "Honeycrisp Express" kiddie train. PYO apples or pre-picked inside the Apple Barn, along with baked goods, specialty foods & gift items. Visit the adjoining vineyard & winery--St Croix Vineyards! Check website for hrs, apple varieties, & "Daily Deals." Aug-Dec: Daily 10a-6p.

Development

This week, in class, we talked about development and how all children develop at their own pace. Parents brought up factors that influence development like individual growth, inborn temperament, personal abilities and the environment. Understanding development is important. It is important because it helps us to keep realistic expectations. Understanding development helps to keep our focus on supporting development by teaching children social skills and reinforcing efforts. Click here for a link to developmental stages.

Sometimes it is difficult to tell when a behavior is a part of normal development or when it is a cause for concern. Help Me Grow is a great resource if you ever have questions about development. Click here to go to Help Me Grow.

Welcome!

It was a great first week for back to school at ECFE! It was wonderful to see families from last session and welcome new families.

Parents came up with some ideas for topics (listed below). We will vote on the topics in the next class, so if you come up with any other ideas please send an email to Val!

Topics
Tantrums, Strategies, Dealing
Discipline: Strong Willed Children
Meals, Ideas
Chores and Cooperation
Raising Respectful Kids
Stuff to do/Winter
Age Appropriate Discipline
Managing Transitions
Potty Training
Sibling Relationships
Food Picky Eaters
Moving Children Beyond Gender
Dealing with other Kids, Inappropriate Behavior, Bulling

Speakers
Naturopath
Dietitian
Sexual Development Speaker

Pot Luck!

A fun night was had by all at our end of the season Pot Luck! It was a beautiful night to spend with ECFE families.  Nothing is better than good friends, good weather and good food! If fact, the food was so good that we received an unusual number of requests for recipes.  If you have a recipe you want to share send an email to Val.  To check out the recipes that people have already sent in check out this link! or the Parent Recipes tab on the left. 

Here is a link to Sarah's wonderful black bean dish! and the healthy and tasty pumpkin oat cookies!

Links to Stranger Danger and Other Articles

At the request of parents here are some links to articles on Stranger Danger, Talking To Your Children About Death, Helping Younger People Cope with Cancer Deaths and Funerals, and Coping with Grief and Loss Understanding the Grieving Process .