Back to School

It's that time of year when the kids head back to school. Many parents start thinking about going to preschool or Pre K if they are not already. Putting your child in a quality preschool program has many perks.

• Preschool introduces them to the basics of school.
• It allows them to improve their social skills and make friendships.
•  They can be creative and express themselves in a whole new environment.
• Your child will be in the hands of a professional who has been trained in early childhood education.
• They will have fun creating childhood memories!

The first few days of preschool can be hard for the parent and child to navigate if this is their first time. It's a big deal to a child and while you both may be excited and nervous about this new adventure it can be a great one with some preparation.

Tips for handling the first days of preschool:

• Take time to establish a morning routine and don't rush. 
• Be consistent when setting your school schedule.
• Arrive early and allow time to settle in.
• Bring something that comforts them. A small soft toy, blanket, or even a family picture.
• Don't let on that your nervous and be positive. Your attitude is contagious and they definitely pick up on it.
•  Encourage them to be independent and dive into the classroom.
• Give hugs and reassure them you will be back. Keep it short and sweet. 
• Talk about the school and classroom being a place for them to have fun with their friends and teachers. 
•  Remember that meltdowns happen and their teachers are trained to handle it.

Look at all the fun times we have at The Academy of Gateway!

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Healthy Snacks

It's back to school time! Back to school means packing lunches and snacks. After the first month we start to run out of options and creativity. The grocery store makes it so easy to reach for a processed snack instead of something healthier. Children often get hungry between meals and need something to nourish their growing body. Here are some great snack ideas for your preschooler.

Get creative and let your little one help make their snacks. Look at these great ideas and see what you can come up with.

Here at The Academy we are a Gold Sneaker Facility. This focuses on things that prevent childhood obesity. We make sure they get in movement daily and have healthy food choices. Including lots of healthy snacks.

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Music with your Infant and Toddler

Did you know that early music experiences can enrich your child's language, literacy, social development, cognition, attention span, mathematical, fine motor and self regulation skills?

The first six months are critical to the development of babies auditory system. In toddlers, music increases their sensory development and can create neuron pathways between cells in the brain. Children can learn a musical instrument or to read music much easier before the age of twelve but you don't have to enroll baby in violin lessons just yet. Here are some simple ways to incorporate music into your infant or toddlers routine.

•  Turn on music at home or in the car.
•  Let your toddler have a jam session with pots and pans while you cook dinner.
•  Do a bedtime song when you do bedtime stories.
•  Teach songs with gestures. Ex. Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, Itsy Bitsy Spider, and Wheels on the Bus
•  Make homemade musical instruments. 
•  Dance and clap with them when you hear a beat.
• Go to Music Festivals as a family.

Here at The Academy of Gateway our weekly focus is Music. We had Ms. Kelly from Music with Mommy come do some sessions with the kids. They had fun learning all about music.

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Nature Week

This week at The Academy of Gateway our weekly focus is nature. It is all about getting outside and exploring our surroundings. When you explore with your little one you can keep it simple by just talking with them about what they see. Ask open ended questions that encourage back and forth conversation. Here is a Nature Bucket List to get you started.

Our AOG kids went on a nature walk outside. They observed rocks, leaves, and sticks. They played, built, and used their imagination. 

Today the Nashville Zoo came to The Academy. It was great to see all the animals and learn about how they live and where they are from.

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Outdoor Art Fun

This summer is flying by. About this time of year the kids start getting bored outside. Have some fun by taking the art outside. There are so many art projects that are more fun outside and you don't have to worry about the mess.

Here are some great Outdoor Art Ideas:

• Nature Art Rubbings
• Rock Painting
• Sidewalk Puffy Paint
• Frozen Popsicle Paint
• Observation drawings 
•  Paint pictures using sticks and leaves
• Do vertical surface painting
• Paint with water guns
• Paint with your bike
• Make mud sculptures
• So many more ideas!!!

Here are some of examples of the fun we had with Outdoor Art at the Academy of Gateway.

For more information about our preschool program please click here.

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