What Skills Should Your Child Have by Age 5 February 8, 2008
Here are some skills your child should develop by age five. There are two different skills I’m talking about. First there is Gross Motor skills and then there is Fine Motor skills.
Some Gross Motor skills are: Walking Running, Jumping, Hopping on two feet and one foot. March, Alternate feet walking down steps, Walk a straight line one foot in front of the other, Walk backwards, Trow a ball, Kick a ball, and go down a slide.
Some Fine Motor skills are: Cutting and to hold scissors the right way, Pasteing, Grip a pencil, Button buttons, Zip a zipper, Build Blocks and trace simple objects.
Now it is told that girls are better in fine motor skills then boys. This is because girls more often then boys like to color and paint, they use their creative side to make crafts, and play with dolls and tea sets, where as boys like to do more gross motor activites. Some examples are, playing football, baseball, and tag.
Have your child eat Healthy February 8, 2008
Everyone wants their child to be healthy and one way to do so is having your child eat healthy. Children will most likely eat what ever is available. Thats why it is important to control your childs intake of food and what food their eating. Children spend 40% of their day sncking. You should give your child a variety of choices of fruits and vegetables. One way to get children to eat fruits and vegetables is to have them as part of a meal. Find out what types of fruits and vegetables your child likes. Try to avoid sugary foods and drinks such as candy and soda. Avoid deep fried foods, try boiling, grilling, roasting, or steaming. Try to give your child plenty of protein and fiber. Pay attention to cereals and breads. You can give your child yogurts and low-fat cheese.
Now I’m not saying that your child can’t have some things like candy and soda. Just try to limit the intake. You can make candy and soda a once in a while treat. Also every now and then and it’s kind of understanding that children will have fast food especially when parents are always on the go.
To help your child eat health you should also eat healthy. Show your child that eating healthy is good. Your their role model, children most times want to have what their parents or guardians have.
What to Look for in a Preschool February 8, 2008
Some things I would look for in a preschool beforing sending my child.
1. A good reputation, I would talk to other parents who send their child to the facility, is the facility friendly and welcoming. Before thinking about enrolling my child I would want to go and observe to see how the children and teachers interact.
2. I would want to know if the preschool has their licensing up to date. I would ask if the facility meets all expections for health and saftey department.
3. I would like to see that the facility is a clean and safe facility. If the facility had a kitchen I would make sure the kitchen area is clean, food preparation areas are far from toilets, trash isn’t left sitting un-emptied, and the building is well ventilated. The preschool should follow rules for safety, toys should be in good shape. All medications and cleaning products are kept out of childrens reach. Does the prescool have a first aid kit and fire extinquisher, do they have a fire excape plan. Is the school safe from unwanted persons.
4. I would like to know that the staff is qualified to deal with differnt problems that may arise, and do they have the proper education to teach young children. Is the staff a caring staff will children get the attention they need, how do the staff interact with children and how do they discipline children. Does the facility meet the requirement for teacher- student ratio.
5. How is the curriculum? Does the curriculum include physical activity, a time to rest, individual activities and group activities. Does the teacher read to the children. Does the curriculum include crafts that use fine motor skills. Is time given for socialization. Does the prescool provide meals or snacks. Does the school have appropriate toys and games which give the child imaginative play. Is their games that are stimulating for childs creativity. Does the child meet each childs needs.
6. What is the location of the facility. Is the facilicy located in a safe environment.
7. If their is a playground, is the equipment safe for the children. Is their plenty of room to allow children to run around and use gross motor skills.
8. I would look at the cost of the school and ask myself if I’m able to afford it.
What would you look for in a preschool?
