Great New Preschool DVD Series

Lots To Learn is an award-winning DVD series for preschoolers. The series introduces preschoolers to the world of nature, the world of animals and the world of music. It is original and refreshingly different. Children join Buster and Gato in fun explorations, such as counting in Spanish and singing along with a kazoo. Each volume of the series includes singing, dancing and exercising. There is imaginative live-action video and colorful, interactive animations. The only problem will be how your preschoolers will want to "do it again"!

Summer Reading Fun

One of life's greatest pleasures for me is reading a good book. This has been a constant joy in my life since I was in second grade. As a child, a trip to the public library "beat" a trip to the local park or the community pool. I still have to endure my family sharing how when we went to the drive-in movies as a family, I would have a book in my hands. Okay, maybe I was a bookworm...
Today's public libraries are awesome! You can check-out DVDs, surf the internet, or pause and read the latest edition of your favorite magazine. And, the offerings for children are delightful! Most branches offer special story hours for preschoolers at least once a week. With summer comes the always fun (and literacy promoting) "Summer Reading Club". If you've never included this in your child's summer fun, then start NOW! It's a great way to get children "interested" in leisure reading, and you can never start too young OR too old.

If you are scoping out some "new" reads for your youngster to take along on summer vacation or to summer camp, here are a few fun offerings:

For ages 8-12:
The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey (Mysterious Benedict Society)
by Trenton Lee Stewart

Goosebumps HorrorLand #1: Revenge of the Living Dummy
by R.L. Stine

For ages 9-12:
Six Innings
by James Preller

For ages 12-17
Audrey, Wait!
by Robin Benway

All of these treasures, and many more, can be purchased and/or explored through the ChildCares.com Amazon store (click here).

One of my very favorite Mary Engelbreit "sayings" is:
"Books fall open, you fall in."

For me, this always has, and still does, say it all...

CraigsList.com

I only discovered this awesome resource in the last couple of years, and as I mention it to others, I realize that a LOT of people out there still are unaware of its existence. This is an especially great resource for those of us who work in the education arena. The domain is www.craigslist.com and it is available pretty much all over the country which means you can check it out specifically to your "neck of the woods". I love it. There are no fees involved.

Here's an example: You can search for teacher supplies by way of doing a "search" for teacher supplies in "garage sales" or do a broad search in ALL "for sale" categories. It works both ways: if you have equipment for sale, etc., then list it on CraigsList at no charge, AND, no fee even when you actually make the sale.

Needing to hire someone or looking for a new position? Then why not check out CraigsList as a possibility???!!! You can even post your resume at no charge.

Needing to expand your children's library with gently used books at reasonable cost or maybe even at no cost? This site is an excellent resource for just that type of thing.

So, what do you have to lose? Check it out; you can thank me later. : )

Kids Dart. Drive Smart.

Kids dart into streets without checking for oncoming traffic. And because their depth perception isn't fully developed, young children can't accurately judge the distance of an approaching car.

Riley Hospital for Children partners with the community to remind motorists to slow down and take extra precautions as children return to school OR as they are out and about for the summer - both times of the year when more children are injured while playing and bicycling.

To find out how you can get involved in Riley's Kids Dart. Drive Smart. campaign, visit www.ACallToChange.org.

Life's Seasons

I meant to add this to the earlier post:

"Childhood is the most beautiful of all life's seasons."

— Anonymous

Nature's Bounty

I sure hope you are taking advantage of all this season has to offer: blue skies and sunshine; warm breezes and butterflies; bunnies and turtles and frogs, oh my; birds of all colors and sounds; insects galore - some that even look like dead leaves or twigs! Okay, I really enjoy all that warm weather has to offer to kids of all ages. Explore the wilderness in your own backyard or journey to the local park. Go on a nature hunt for any manner of "cool" stuff; your kids will enjoy whatever you define the adventure to be - just do it! Get out there with the kids in your care and have a blast!

The Gift of Time Together

Kids, on average, today have so many toys and possessions that anything new may not be remembered. A great alternative is the gift of time. Making a date to go to the zoo, the children's museum, the "make your own pottery" shop, a concert or play, ice skating, etc. can be something a child will remember for years to come. You can present this gift of time by way of a gift certificate or a special note; you can even include a small token gift. Following are some suggestions:

The Gift of Reading: Make a special trip to the local library. Help the child in your life sign up for their very own library card. This gift should include the promise of regular trips to the library, along with visits to story hour.

The Gift of Art: Plan a special trip to a museum, an exhibit or gallery. Be sure to include a special snack and perhaps even a visit to the museum gift shop.

The Gift of the Nature: Any child loves a trip to the park or local nature preserve. Combine this with a picnic snack just for the two of you.

The Gift of Tradition: Many families have the tradition of an annual visit to the circus, an ice show or the local team's ball game. This is a great annual gift for the special child in your life.

The Gift of You: This is a really simple alternative, but perhaps one of the most special. Give coupons for a cookie making session, making paper dolls, riding bikes, reading aloud, or playing their favorite board game. Make each coupon for an hour or two, and make it redeemable for when the child wants.

I'm sure you get the idea. ANY special time you can offer the child in your life will be a gift they will treasure always. Have fun!