Childhood Memories

Childhood memories are full of imagination. This is what makes childhood so magical. Making these memories isn't as complicated as we make it. Sometimes it is the little things that make the biggest impressions . Here are some ideas for your family.

For more information about our preschool click here.

Movement with Preschoolers

Gross motor movement is very important in early childhood. Gross motor skills are the skills that require whole body to move and use large muscle groups. It can include walking, running, sitting up right and hand eye coordination. Getting preschoolers moving isn't a issue. They naturally love to move but trying to get them to fine tune these skills is the focus. We also try to instill a love for movement by exploring different options so they can carry these skills into adulthood.

This week at The Academy of Gateway we had a stilt walker come share his talent with the preschoolers. 

Exploring hopping in the classroom!

Have fun and get your preschooler moving! 

To learn more about our preschool program click here. 

Science Projects For Your Preschooler

In early childhood science is an extension of  every child's world. They do it naturally through wonder, discovery, and exploration. We can greatly influence this by asking questions about what they are learning, directing them to how this is science, and inspiring them to want to know more. 

Can you imagine the excitement of your preschooler when they get to make a volcano erupt?

Click here for a quick low mess volcano experiment.

We have had some rainy days lately. What better way to explore weather but with a visual experiment that they can see how rain occurs.

 Click here for this fun rainy day experiment.

For more information on our preschool program please click here.

The Importance of Art in Preschool

Art is important in early childhood. Painting with a paint brush improves the child's fine motor skills. When children experiment with art materials they are learning science.When they feel good about the art they create it builds their confidence.

Ways to Inspire Creativity in Your Little One

• Be prepared for a mess
• Let them get messy. Put down newspaper or even paint outside.
• Remember everything can be cleaned up.
• Let your child do free art and don't give direction
• Ask them precise questions about their art and describe it to you.
• Let them work independently from you. You don't want to frustrate them because they can't do what you are doing. Instead be interested and supportive in their creative process.
• When they are finished with their art work don't be critical or make suggestions. Let them feel a sense of accomplishment .

For more information about our preschool program click here.

Benefits of Bubbles

During our Power of Sensory week we had fun with bubbles! There are many benefits of any sensory activity in early childhood. Here are some benefits unique to bubbles:

• Bubbles have a calming effect on children
• Blowing bubbles encourages deep breathing
• Bubbles are a great turn taking activity and encourages them to take turns
• They encourage language development. You can encourage children to say "Go" when you blow the bubbles and "Pop" when they pop
• Blowing bubbles strengthens muscles in the mouth and may benefit children with speech development.

To learn more about our preschool program please click here.