Reading With Your Children

We know reading to your children is important but why?
Children who read:

•  with a adult have a larger vocabulary than those who don't.
• are building reading and writing concepts
• develop language skills.
• have enhanced concentration skills.
• are encouraged to have a thirst for knowledge.
• are exposed to different experiences, places, people, and cultures.
• develop empathy and understanding

Here at The Academy of Gateway reading is a daily activity. The children read with the teachers throughout the day and our encouraged to explore the books in the classroom.

In our Kindergarten Boot Camp Program the children have a in classroom library. The children learn to check out, return books, and how a library works. 

Throughout the community there are opportunities to get your child involved in reading. Linebaugh Library is bringing their summer reading program to The Academy. You can sign up here or at the Library. This is a great program that encourages children to read by setting goals and earning prizes.

Dolly Parton's Imagination Library is a book gifting program that mails free, high quality books to children from birth until they begin school, no matter family's income. 

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For more information about our preschool program click here.

Summer Safety

Memorial Day is fast approaching and summer fun is in sight. Summer fun means more time spent outdoors and possibly in or near water. In all the fun it is important to keep safety a priority.

Here are some tips to keep your summer healthy and accident free.

• Remember to wear sunscreen and bug repellent. Don't forget to reapply.
• Protect your eyes and wear sunglasses.
•  Prevent dehydration. Take a break in the shade and get water about every 15- 20 minutes.
•  Wear your helmet when riding bikes, scooters, or roller blades.
•  Be safe in water. Wear life jackets not floaties. Floaties give a false sense of safety. Always supervise children. Don't assume someone else is watching. 
•  Never hike, swim, bike, or explore alone. Use the buddy system and tell someone where you are going and when you will be back.

Here at The Academy of Gateway safety comes first, along with the fun. 

For more information about our preschool program click here.

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Intentional Play

Intentional play is playing with a purpose. Meaning teachers are consciously planning activities and learning experiences with a deliberate and specific goal in mind to meet the children's needs and help them learn and grow. 

One way to be intentional is to encourage high level play versus low level play. High level involves scenarios, multiple roles, props and planning. Encouraging and supporting this type of play fosters a intentional and prosperous learning environment.

Another way to build Intentional teaching into your classroom or home is by child guided or adult guided play.

Intentional teachers support child-guided learning experiences when children are:

• Exploring materials, actions, and ideas actively and making connections on their own
• Establishing interpersonal relationships and learning from one another
• Considering and investing their own questions about materials, events, and ideas
• Motivated to solve problems on their own 
•  So focused on their objective that adult intervention would be an interruption
• Challenging themselves and one another to master new skills
• Applying and extending existing knowledge and skills in new ways

These behaviors signal teachers that a child-guided experience will be beneficial but this does not exclude using other teaching strategies and planned activities.

Intentional teachers employ adult guided learning experiences to:

•  Introduce children to new material to experience
•  Help children learn established systems of knowledge
•  Draw children's attention to something of interest to them
• Encourage children to reflect on how or why something has happened or help them consider what might happen 
• Engage children with a skill or concept teachers know they will need for further learning
• Offer support and suggestions when children appear stalled, discouraged, or frustrated
• Scaffold experiences when children seem ready for the next level of mastery but may need assistance to attain it on their own
• Introduce a material or idea to a child who uses materials or actions repetitively over time

Intentional teachers keep in mind that child guided and adult guided experience is an important part of the full learning picture.

Here at The Academy of Gateway Intentional teaching is apart of our daily routine and curriculum.

For more information about our preschool program click here.

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The Importance of Tummy Time

Tummy time is critical to baby's development and you can start as soon as baby's is born!
 Tummy time doesn't have to be on the floor. It can be on your chest. You can use  a colorful mat and make it as interactive and fun. Play peekaboo, introduce toys, let it be a time for you and baby. Experts say to shoot for 30 minutes a day.
Safety always comes first. Be sure to use a firm surface, clear of any blankets or any material that could pose a suffocation hazard.
Tummy time is important for many reasons. It helps strengthen baby's neck, back as well as helping shape baby's head. It is a great way for baby to work on fine motor skills. There is even evidence that tummy time helps reduce SIDS.

Here at The Academy of Gateway tummy time is part of our daily routine and it is a lot of fun!

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For more information about our preschool program click here.