December 2018
Activities aligned with the Pennsylvania Early Learning Standards to help your preschooler prepare for Kindergarten. 
Let's Play and Learn
Did you know that when preschoolers play, they learn? It's true! Use these activities to encourage your preschooler to play. Then visit the library to find a book about the activity.

We're learning Language and Literacy Skills  
Do it! 
Help your preschooler look through magazines to find words that begin with the first letter as her name. Have her use a crayon to circle the letter. If your preschooler has difficulty circling the letters, use a stamper instead. Say the letter, sound the letter sound, sign the letter with your fingers, and touch the letter in braille. Trace the letters with your fingers and repeat the letter each time. 
Read it! 
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom  by Bill Martin Jr.  Miss Spider's ABC  by David Kirk.

We're learning Mathematical Skills
Do it!  
Prepare a meal with your preschooler. Show him how to measure different ingredients using measuring cups or spoons. Introduce mathematical vocabulary throughout cooking, such as cup, tablespoon, temperature, etc. Help your preschooler understand the steps by using visuals during a cooking activity for each step of the recipe.
Read it!  
Everybody Cooks Rice  by Norah Dooley.  In the Night Kitchen  by Maurice Sendak.

We're learning Science Thinking and Technology 
Do it! 
Experiment with magnets. Give your preschooler a refrigerator magnet and see where she can make it stick. Talk about what all those objects have in common. Take the time to move around and feel objects made from those materials, then experiment to see if the magnet sticks. 
Read it! 
Shapes All Over Town  by Joe Borer.  What Magnets Can Do  by Alan Fowler. 

We're learning Social and Emotional Development
Do it! 
Bake cookies for a family member or neighbor. Let your preschooler tell the person how he made the cookies. If he has difficulty with sequencing or communicating verbally, take pictures as you bake. After printing the pictures, help your preschooler put them in order from first to last steps. Put the pictures in a small photo album or on card stock for him to share with the recepient of the cookies. 
Read it!  
The Gingerbread Boy  by Richard Egielski.  Jelly Beans for Sale  by Bruce McMillan. 
Top 5 Gifts for Your Preschooler
Did you know there are five gifts you can give your preschooler this holiday season that won't cost a penny, but will last a lifetime? 

School Success Starts at Home
Parents who play with their kids and provide learning materials like books and craft supplies help ensure that their kids get started on the right foot. This quick video below from Child Trends has ideas for low or no cost solutions to help your preschooler get ready for school. 
Mindfulness for Children
Children of all ages can benefit from mindfulness, the simple practice of bringing a gentle, accepting attitude to the present moment. It can help parents and caregivers, too, by promoting happiness and relieving stress. This  article from The New York Times  offers basic tips for children and adults of all ages, as well as several activities that develop compassion, focus, curiosity and empathy.
Discipline Without Spanking
Spanking a child may increase aggression in a child, and may actually do long term harm to a child, says a new study by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

The AAP recently released an updated policy statement about the harmful effects spanking can have on children. The use of spanking is also ineffective in teaching a child responsibility and self-control. New evidence shows that it may actually cause harm by impacting a child's normal brain development.

Research has shown that striking a child, yelling at or shaming them can elevate stress hormones and lead to changes to a child's brain. Harsh verbal abuse is also linked to mental health problems as children get older.

There are other methods that teach children right from wrong and are safer and more effective. Depending on the age and development of a child, other methods may include redirecting their attention, distraction, changing the subject, positive reinforcement, time out and natural consequences. Visit the PA Promise website and watch the video below for resources related to parenting and discipline.

Contact your Early Learning Resource Center for more information about programs to support families in your community.
Keeping Kids Safe with Winter Safety Tips  
Whether winter brings severe storms, light dustings or just cold temperatures, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has some  valuable tips on how to keep your children safe and warm .  
Preventing the Flu
It's time to prepare for the 2018-2019 influenza (flu) season, as the flu is often more serious than the common cold in children. Each year, millions of children get sick with the flu, which can result in hospitalization or death. 

Annual influenza vaccine is recommended for all people 6 months of age and older. Children younger than 5, but especially children younger than 2 years old, are at an increased risk of hospitalization and complications due to influenza. 

Since infants younger than 6 months are too young to get their own flu shot, the best way to protect these very young children is for all family members and caregivers to get the flu vaccine. This is called "cocooning", and it is especially important for adults who care for infants younger than 6 months. 

Children who have chronic medical conditions, such as asthma, diabetes or neurologic conditions, are also at higher risk for serious complications due to influenza. Parents and caregivers can help protect more vulnerable children by vaccinating both the children and themselves.

Talk to your child's healthcare provider about flu shots and keeping your child healthy. Visit the  HealthyChildren.org website  for more info.
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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. 
  
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