We're learning Language and Literacy Skills
Do it!
Give your preschooler two-step directions, like, "Get your coat and go to the door." Or "Take off your socks and put them in the hamper." Use pictures, words and numbers to make a chart or schedule of tasks so your preschooler can visualize the steps. As they finish each step, move the task to the complete side of the schedule. Many tablets and computers have templates and apps to help create a personalized system.
Read it!
How to Catch a Star by Oliver Jeffers. Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse by Kevin Henkes.
We're learning Mathematical Thinking and Expression
Do it!
Encourage your preschooler to use tongs or tweezers to pick up objects from one bowl and transfer them into another. Cotton balls or other small items are good objects for them to use. Holding their hand with yours, demonstrate and assist them with the skill. As you move the items, use words to describe what it looks like. Listen together for the sounds the objects make as it is grasped and transferred. Hold, feel and explore the objects and describe them as they play.
Read it!
How Do Dinosaurs Get Well Soon? by Jane Yolen. If You Decide to Go to the Moon by Faith McNulty.
We're learning Social Emotional Development
Do it!
Talk with your preschooler about things that make them nervous, scared, excited, sad and happy. Tell them things that make you feel those ways, too. Find photos of feelings in books magazines and on the web. Practice making the different faces and help them describe the feeling. Use your preschooler's hand to feel your face expressing an emotion. Discuss ways they can recognize when others may be experiencing the same feelings.
Read it!
Lotta on Troublemaker Street by Astrid Lindgren. The Way I Feel by Janan Cain.
We're learning Social Studies Thinking
Do it!
Ask your preschooler to help plan a family meal. Together make a list of things needed from the store. Let them help you find the items at the store. Draw pictures of the grocery lists so they can recognize the foods. Provide opportunities for them to see and feel the items in many ways--canned, frozen and fresh. Point to the names and match the picture with the products. Explore the size options available. Talk about dietary restrictions and feeding concerns. When possible, help them reach, grasp and hold items along the way.
Read it!
SuperDuper Teddy by Johanna Hurwitz. Lunch by Denise Fleming.
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2023 PA One Book Selection |
Mel Fell by author Corey R. Tabor is the 2023 PA One Book Early Literacy selection! Mel Fell is a triumphant tale of a young bird learning to fly, emphasizing the importance of self-confidence and encouraging children to feel brave.
Libraries and early learning programs throughout Pennsylvania have received copies to share with young children. Visit your local library to access a copy and check out the PA One Book website for early learning activities, crafts and resources around the book.
The Pennsylvania One Book program is entering its eighteenth year promoting the importance of early literacy development in preschoolers and the significance of reading early and often to children, as well as engaging them in conversation and other activities around books. The program has remained successful in part due to the partnership of collaborating agencies that all support early childhood literacy efforts. Each year, a different children’s picture book, is chosen by the committee to be highlighted.
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Celebrate Month of the Young Child |
During April, let’s celebrate Month of the Young Child (MOYC)! Month of the Young Child focuses public attention on the needs of young children and their families and recognizes the early childhood programs and services that meet those needs.
How can you become involved in MOYC?
- Look for ways to celebrate in your home, early learning program, or community.
- Create a display that shares why quality early learning is so important.
- Read stories of families who have been impacted by quality early learning.
- Share your story about the impact of quality early learning.
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Families of Children Receiving Early Intervention Invited to Virtual SICC Meet and Greet |
Pennsylvania State Interagency Coordinating Council (SICC) invites families of children currently receiving Early Intervention (EI) services and parent co-chairs of the Local Interagency Coordinating Councils (LICC) to join the SICC Family Meet and Greet on April 6, 2023, from 11:30am -12:15pm. This event takes place through Zoom. Please note the meet and greet is designed exclusively for families by families.
The SICC Meet and Greet is an opportunity to connect with other EI families, learn more about the purpose of the State Interagency Coordinating Council and how families can be involved. When you register, the Zoom details for the Meet and greet invitation will be sent to the email you used to register.
The SICC meeting will follow at 12:30 pm, and participation is highly welcomed and encouraged but not required.
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Fun Nature-Based Learning Activities |
Aligning with the 2023 Pennsylvania One Book selection, Mel Fell by Corey R. Tabor, Lindsey Brown, owner of Brown’s Family Child Care in Venango County, shared several nature-based activities.
The activities are perfect for early learning programs, or to do in the home, and are part of a homemade nature-based curriculum approved through Department of Education and aligns with the PA Early Learning Standards.
Do you have a fun early learning activity you'd like to share? Send it to Mary at marhal@pakeys.org.
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Call for DEC Family Committee Members |
The Division for Early Childhood (DEC) Family Committee is recruiting professional and family members. Family members are invited to take this opportunity to become an engaged and active leader within DEC. Members representative of the diversity of DEC’s membership, including race, ethnicity, religion, gender, national origin, age, and disability, are encouraged to apply.
The DEC Family Committee functions as a necessary and significant arm of the DEC Executive Office, formed to highlight and promote family engagement within the organization, field, and practice.
Parents of Children with Disabilities and/or Delays (through age 8) Currently Receiving Early Childhood Services; Parents Whose Children with Disabilities are No Longer Receiving Early Childhood Services; and Individuals with any type of lived experience with Early Intervention and/or Early Childhood Special Education are invited to apply to serve on the committee.
The Committee meets monthly on the 4th Thursday of the month from 5:00 - 6:30 PM Eastern Time. Membership to the Family Committee offers the opportunity to bring your experiences and expertise to DEC and network with DEC members across the country who are dedicated to the role of families at all levels of participation. Apply by Friday, April 7, 2023, for consideration. Learn more.
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What is Equity and Why is it Important for Children? |
Equity means an effort or strategy to ensure all who need services have access to and an understanding about opportunities. It may include treating everyone with an equal amount of respect and care, regardless of:
- social-economic status
- race
- class
- culture
- gender
- sexual orientation
- ability/disability
- language
- national origin
- indigenous heritage
- religion
- other identities
Equity recognizes that not everyone comes from the same starting place. Regardless of the identity or financial background of someone, there may be a need for assistance in different and unique ways.
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Activities for Exploring Nature with Young Children |
Project Learning Tree® released a resource for families and teachers to connect children ages 1–6 to nature, with a focus on trees. Trees & Me: Activities for Exploring Nature with Young Children offers hundreds of ideas for fun, indoor and outdoor, learning experiences for toddlers and preschoolers to explore nature through their senses, experience trees throughout the seasons, and connect with their community. Take a look!
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The Role a Sibling Plays in Developing Empathy |
There are benefits to having a sibling! Having a brother or sister can impact how confident a child is, how well they do in school, how they interact with friends, can boost a younger siblings language development and their understanding of others point of view. It can even play a role in the development of empathy.
Empathy is the key to understanding another's perspective and valuing people. Children who kind, supportive and understanding, influence their siblings to act and behave in similar ways. These empathetic traits develop into life-long behaviors towards friends, spouses and parents.
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Helping Parents Be Parents |
Parenting can be challenging. There's no such thing as a perfect parent, and there are a lot of different ways to be a good one.
The Early Learning GPS has tips, tools, and resources to help when families encounter challenging behavior with their child.
Parenting is challenging, and the challenge comes with little direction at times. Just as there are no perfect children, there is no such thing as a perfect parent. Pennsylvania Family Support Alliance (PFSA) believes every parent needs and deserves two things: Information, and support! Visit the PFSA website for resources and support.
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When you're planning summer activities, remember to make an appointment for vaccinations. Scheduling your children now for the vaccines they will need to start the next school year will help you cross one important item off your hectic back-to-school list this fall.
Immunizations should be part of your children's regular school physical before they enter kindergarten. See the schedule of needed immunizations for students attending Pennsylvania schools. For more information regarding vaccines required for your children, please contact your children's health care provider.
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Top Pins for Preschoolers
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The Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) provides families access to high quality services to prepare children for school and life success.
Find more information about Quality Early Learning in Pennsylvania
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