Shape Matchup Activity!

Want to set your child up for success by teaching him or her all about shapes?
 
Can your child already recognize certain shapes because of everyday items found around your house?
 
Is your child aware of different size objects around your home?
 
We recommend a great activity to practice shapes and sizes by Trish Kuffner, found on FamilyEducation.com:
 
Materials

• Colored construction paper 
• White construction paper 
• Pen or marker 
• Scissors 

Directions

1. Cut basic shapes (circle, square, rectangle, triangle, heart, and so on) out of colored construction paper. 
2. Trace all the shapes onto a piece of white construction paper. 
3. Have your child match the colored shapes to those drawn on the white paper.  

This might seem like just a fun playtime activity, but you’re really helping your child to be set up for success. Want your child to be the next great mathematician? The earlier fundamentals are learned, the better your child will perform in school and beyond! This shape matchup activity helps develop your child’s cognitive senses for math concepts from geometry to sorting and patterning.

Little Angels Preschool in Ypsilanti have been serving Saline, Ann Arbor, Milan, Pittsfield Township, and the surrounding areas for more than 20 years. Your child will gain positive self-esteem, confidence and a healthy sense of value through Experienced-Based-Learning at our daycare center. Call (734) 998-0233 to schedule a tour!

Little Angels Preschool in Ypsilanti utilizes the Reggio Approach

"The value of a toy is not merely in the having of the toy; it is realized when a child plays. The right toy played with at the right time elicits the joy and wonder of learning."

 

Julie Schneider, preschoolengineer.blogspot.com

Little Angels Preschool in Ypsilanti is working to become a Reggio inspired learning community. We know that children learn best when they are challenged to think for themselves. Kodo Kids equipment offers high quality tools for study. 

Children must be given the opportunity to the experience of empowerment. These tools allow team work, or a chance to work alone.
Children need to develop problem solving skills using past knowledge, trial and error, and logic. When a child is able to succeed at moving the water from point A to point B they are struck with pride and accomplishment. They continue to try new things, learn perseverance.

In an ever changing world we must learn to adapt, using tools with multiple uses or solutions shows children there can be many answers to the same problem.

We need your help to better our learning community. “With donations from Go Fund Me for the Kodo Kids equipment our hope is to fully enrich the lives of individuals in our community by developing problem solving and adaptation skills”, says Diana, Director of Little Angels Preschool & Daycare in Ypsilanti.

Any donations are well appreciated, as it gets us one step closer to becoming a Reggio inspired learning community! Donate on our Go Fund Me page here: https://www.gofundme.com/qb6sj934  

Schedule a Tour of Little Angels Preschool & Daycare Today!

We've been serving the Ypsilanti, Ann Arbor, Milan, Pittsfield Township and Saline area for more than 20 years. Your child will gain positive self-esteem, confidence and a healthy sense of value through Experienced-Based-Learning at our daycare center.

Do you know of a parent looking for a quality daycare or preschool in Ypsilanti or the surrounding areas? Please encourage them to contact us to schedule a tour of Little Angels Preschool & Daycare.

Baby Talk or No Baby Talk That is Thee Question!

Yay or nay for baby talk?
 
Do you believe that imitating your babies babbling can be beneficial to your child’s vocabulary growth?
 
Or, do you think that speaking in a regular tone rather than a sing-song voice would be just as beneficial for your child, and that’s why you don’t baby talk?

According to PBS Parents, “Experts call this musical way of talking “parentese” and report there’s a true value to it. Parentese helps parents and caregivers connect to their babies and helps babies develop language skills.” If it can help benefit your child in the long run, why not try speaking baby talk every now and then. It couldn’t hurt!
 
With baby talk every child is exposed to drawn out vowels and exaggerated facial expressions, which allow a baby’s brain to remember the sounds they hear to help better recognize language. Before you know it, your baby will be rolling out sentences and performing in the school play!
 
Has baby talk worked for your children? Why are you for or against baby talk? Let’s start the conversation on our blog in the comment section.

Little Angels Preschool in Ypsilanti have been serving Saline, Ann Arbor, Milan, Pittsfield Township, and the surrounding areas for more than 20 years. Your child will gain positive self-esteem, confidence and a healthy sense of value through Experienced-Based-Learning at our daycare center. Call (734) 998-0233 to schedule a tour!

11 Ways to Grow Family Time!

Do you want to spend more time bonding as a family?
 
Day-to-day tasks that need to be done at home would be a great place to start! Chores can teach your child the valuable skills and lessons they need for their future. In addition, chores give children a connection and a sense of purpose in your family.  

Our teachers at Little Angels Preschool in Ypsilanti have compiled a list of chores you can do as a family around your home, including:

1.    Fold laundry
2.    Dust shelves
3.    Wash dishes
4.    Make beds
5.    Clean up toys
6.    Pull weeds
7.    Plant flowers
8.    Shovel snow
9.    Bring in light grocery items
10.    Cook or help prep dinner
11.    Clean spills and dirt
 
Imagine how fulfilled you’ll feel when your family feels a sense of closeness after you’ve added bonding time. The more time you spend together, the closer the family bond you’ll have for years to come!
 
Have you tried implementing something like this already in your home? Do you notice a difference in your family’s closeness or your child’s skills? If you decide to try some of these chores as a family, we’d like to know how it worked for your family.

Little Angels Preschool in Ypsilanti have been serving Pittsfield Township, Saline, Ann Arbor, Milan, and the surrounding areas for more than 20 years. Your child will gain positive self-esteem, confidence and a healthy sense of value through Experienced-Based-Learning at our daycare center. Call (734) 998-0233 to schedule a tour!

Preschool Children and Grief in Ypsilanti

Have you lost someone recently?
 
Has a major tragedy cast a shadow over your life?
 
How do you cope with grief?
 
This is an important issue. Equally important is how the children in your life are coping with that same grief. When you lose a friend or family member, it can be hard to find time to deal with your feelings and to help your children do the same.

Little Angels is proud to serve preschool Ypsilanti children and their families, and we understand that it can be a stressful process to counsel a grieving child. However, there’s always a lesson that can be learned. As a parent it’s important that you let your child know as a family it’s important to be there for one another. This is a teachable moment for children on how to deal with stress and to teach sympathy/empathy.
 
Grief is as natural for children as it is for adults, but it can often show itself in different ways and for different amounts of time. According to the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, preschool age children usually view death as temporary and reversible. It may be some time until they accept the loss in their life as final.
 
Avoid the temptation to keep the truth from your children, as painful as it may be for you and them. Children can pick up on subtle signs, and often know when you’re lying. Being truthful with your child builds a connection of trust and allows you to be there for them to talk about their feelings.
 
Children’s grief can display itself as anger in the form of rough, aggressive play, irritability, and nightmares. The child may also temporarily “regress,” speaking and acting younger than they are, while demanding food or attention. Young children believe they are the cause of what happens around them, and may blame themselves for the death, leading to depression and withdrawal. Just remember that each child copes in his or her own unique way. Negative behaviors can be expressed but you should discourage them from becoming long term habits.
 
You only want the best for your child. We want the best for them too! The National Alliance for Grieving Children reports that grieving children often feel less alone when they can be with other kids who have experienced loss. For preschool Ypsilanti children, we recommend Ele's Place, a healing center for grieving children and teens. Four branch locations support families throughout the Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids, Flint and Lansing areas and beyond. You can learn more about them on our Online Resources page, under the “Parents” menu.
 
If you’re looking for more resources to teach your child about grief read these books recommended by The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

Looking for Family Groups in Ypsilanti or Ann Arbor?

Are you looking for parent or family support groups in Ypsilanti or the surrounding areas?
 
There are many parents in the area who have similar interests and children at the same milestones as your family. Many groups in the area provide opportunities for parents to mingle, get advice, and support each other in their parenting endeavors.

Some groups in the area include:
 
1. Hike it Baby
2. La Leche League
3. Ann Arbor Parents Without Partners
4. Ann Arbor Parents Meetup Group
5. Lamaze Family Center
6. Saint Joseph Hospital Breastfeeding Club
7. Ann Arbor Baby Wearers
 
If you need a few more suggestions on family groups in the area, feel free to ask our staff. We’re always willing to help support and guide our Little Angels parents and guardians.
 
If you decide to try some of these parent groups, we’d like to know how they work for you. In addition, are there any other alternative parent groups that you’re already a part of that you’d like to suggest to other parents? Please let us know in the comments! At Little Angels Preschool in Ypsilanti serving Saline, Ann Arbor, Milan, Pittsfield Township, and the surrounding areas, we’re dedicated to our students’ health and well-being. (734) 998-0233

13 Tips to Help Your Child Eat Their Veggies at Home & at Their Preschool in Ypsilanti

Children go through phases of what they will or will not eat, this is normal. We know as parents that we want our children to have a diverse palate and nutritious meals.

Our teachers at preschool in Ypsilanti suggest the best thing to do is not force your child to eat veggies, but make it a fun experience!

According to WebMD, a few proven ways to get kids to eat more veggies include:

1. Take your child to a farmers market and have them pick a veggie.
2. Try to offer a selection of different foods for salad night, taco night or pizza night.
3. Make it fun by making faces with cut up veggies.
4. Avoid battling over veggies.
5. Offer new veggies with a familiar one.
6. Don’t give up! Children’s appetites change over time.
7. Make veggie popsicles and smoothies.
8. Take advantage of peer pressure. If their friend is bold enough to try veggies, your child may follow.
9. Try roasting veggies! It helps bring out their natural sweetness.
10. Serve veggies with dip!
11. Have veggies ready to eat as a go-to snack.
12. Set a good example! Make sure your child sees you eat your own veggies. They will be more likely to do the same.
13. Sneak veggies into baked goods.

If you decide to try some of these tips to help your child eat more veggies, we’d like to know if it was successful. Imagine clean plates and no complaints at dinner time! We hope that your child becomes more adventurous in their eating habits, as well as, a better health role model for the future.

Little Angels Preschool in Ypsilanti have been serving Saline, Ann Arbor, Milan, Pittsfield Township, and the surrounding areas for more than 20 years. Your child will gain positive self-esteem, confidence and a healthy sense of value through Experienced-Based-Learning at our daycare center. Call (734) 998-0233 to schedule a tour!

5 Reasons Why “Me” Time is Important!

Are you struggling to find time for yourself?
 
Do you constantly feel stressed?
 
Do you ever do anything for you?
 
It’s so important to rejuvenate! The Huffington Post puts this into great perspective, “The reality is that yes, we get to a point where we don’t care if there’s a little spit up on our shirt – but we also know that we need a break every now and then, too.”
Being a Parent is one of the coolest and most rewarding jobs on the planet! However, being a parent can be overwhelming and stressful if you don’t have the occasional break.
 
The Huffington Post suggests that “me” time is important because of the following:

1. It helps to compartmentalize.
2. It lets you see your child differently.
3. It reminds you who you are.
4. It extinguishes anger.
5. It can make your partner appreciate you more.

Have you ever taken “me” time for yourself? Do you notice a difference in your energy or stress level? If you decide to take some “me” time, we’d like to know how it worked for you. Wouldn’t you like to have more sustained energy throughout the day?

Little Angels Preschool have been serving Pittsfield Township, Saline, Ann Arbor, Milan, and the surrounding areas for more than 20 years. Your child will gain positive self-esteem, confidence and a healthy sense of value through Experienced-Based-Learning at our daycare center. Call (734) 998-0233 to schedule a tour!

September Fun Family Events in Washtenaw County!

Are you bored of doing the same old thing every night?
 
Are you looking to do something fun and unique with your family this month?
 

It’s almost fall, so there are some fun events in town sure to get you excited about the upcoming holidays! Our kids experts here at Little Angels Preschool in Ypsilanti have brainstormed a few great ideas for you:
 
To name just a few…

• Visit the Ann Arbor Farmer’s Market
• Go see “Close Encounters”: a benefit for The Creature Conservancy
• Attend Downtown Storytime at the Ypsilanti District Library
• Check out Wiard’s Orchards and Country Fair
• Go to the 42nd Anniversary Jamboree: Dawn Farm
• Spend some time at “The Littlest Scientist”: Ann Arbor Hand-On Museum
• Run the Corn Maze at Talladay Farms
• Celebrate at the 7th Annual Harvest Festival: Pittsfield Township Parks and Recreation

All of these events are family friendly, with many events, games, and fun for everyone!
 
For more events in your area visit: Ann Arbor Family.
 
Happy harvest!

6 Reasons to Go to the Library!

Does your child enjoy reading?
 
How often do you take your child to the library?
 
Do you feel like libraries are an important part of learning?
 
Libraries are truly helpful in order to give children the chance to read books they may never have had a chance to read otherwise. Reading develops a child’s imagination and gives them a way to experience adventures without leaving home!
 
“I know who I was when I got up this morning, but I think I must have been changed several times since then.” 

― Lewis Carroll, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass
 
Make your summer an adventurous one, by taking a trip to your local library to see what it has to offer. Local libraries provide many benefits to young children including:

1. Children’s programs
2. Reading rewards
3. Unlimited supply of free books
4. Story time
5. Expands vocabulary
6. Teaches responsibility
   

If you decide to take your child to the library this summer, we’d like to know if the trip was successful. Libraries can be a great escape from the sweltering heat in the summer, so give it a shot! Reading a book with your child helps them develop their vocabulary skills faster!
 
Little Angels Preschool in Ypsilanti have been serving Saline, Ann Arbor, Milan, and the surrounding areas for more than 20 years. Your child will gain positive self-esteem, confidence and a healthy sense of value through Experienced-Based-Learning at our daycare center. Call (734) 998-0233 to schedule a tour!

Preschool in Ypsilanti Suggests 7 Ways to Encourage Kids to Read!

Does your child enjoy bedtime stories?
 
Can your child identify certain words, letters, and phrases?
 
Can your child build small sentences?
 
If you answered, “Yes,” to the above questions, that’s great! However, if some of your answers were no, it’s not the end of the world. Every child learns at their own pace. It’s helpful to learn how to read earlier on in life because it can be harder to advance their education without learning the fundamentals first.

According to PBS, there are many things you can do to encourage your preschooler to read including:

1. Build reading into everyday routines.
2. Read and reread your young child’s favorite books every day.
3. Read books with a variety of characters.
4. Enjoy rhyming books together.
5. As you read, point out the important features of a book.
6. As you read, point to each word with your finger.
7. Use stories to introduce your child to new words.

If you decide to try some of these things with your child, we’d like to know how they work for you. Wouldn’t you like to see your child do well in school? By encouraging reading early in life, you’re helping them succeed. Are there any other alternatives that already work for you that you’d like to suggest to other parents? Please let us know in the comments! We’d love to hear from you!
 
Little Angels Preschool in Ypsilanti have been serving Saline, Ann Arbor, Milan, and the surrounding areas for more than 20 years. Your child will gain positive self-esteem, confidence and a healthy sense of value through Experienced-Based-Learning at our daycare center. Call (734) 998-0233 to schedule a tour!

Preschool in Ypsilanti Discusses 6 Ways to Deal With Tattling at Home

Is your child a tattletale?
 
Are you worried that your child may not outgrow tattling?
 
Tattling is common in most households, so there’s nothing to fret over. The cause is often sibling rivalry if it’s happening at home, so make sure you give each child the attention they deserve. If you can work through the tattling problem with your child, imagine being able to come home from work to a home that’s relaxed, comfortable, and much less stressed. When you and your children get along well, that dream can become a reality!
 

How to Fix a Tattletale Problem:

According to MetroParent Magazine, there are nine things that can help combat your child’s tattling problem, including:

Photo Credit: Aleksandra Kostina, Flickr

1. Consider the motivation behind the tattling
2. Teach the difference between minor and important telling if someone is in danger
3. Acknowledge your child’s feelings
4. Coach your child on problem-solving skills
5. Be a mediator between the children to help figure out a resolution
6. Play the role of supportive consultant rather than punishing or taking sides
7. Maximize listening skills by taking an interest in what your child has to say
8. Use matter-of-fact phrases like “There are only two grownups in this house, and it’s our responsibility to enforce the rules.”
9. Wait it out! Your child should outgrow tattling eventually

If you come home every day your young child can’t wait to tattle on their older sibling, you’re going to be annoyed and frustrated. So, there’s no harm in trying some of these techniques. They could make a huge difference for your peace of mind!
 
If you decide to try some of these things with your child, we’d like to know how they works for you. In addition, are there any other alternatives that already work for you that you’d like to suggest to other parents? Please let us know in the comments! At Little Angels Preschool in Ypsilanti serving Saline, Ann Arbor, Milan, and the surrounding areas, we’re dedicated to our students’ health and well-being.

Why Does My Child Lie?

Does your child tell lies?
 
Are you wondering why?
 
Do you worry that your child may be developing a lying problem?
 
No need to worry! Telling lies is completely normal stage for children. Most of us did it at one point or another, but it’s important not to let the telling of lies get out of hand. Instead, imagine what your life would be like if you had a steady flow of truthful communication between you and your child?
 
If you and your child were able to speak openly about everything, there would be a lot less opportunity for lying. Trust is the KEY!
According to Parenting.com, here’s why certain ages groups tell lies:
 
Toddlers: Telling small fibs is common for ages 2-3. These are often fibs “denying they’ve done something wrong or in order to gain something for themselves.”
 
Preschoolers: “This is the age of invisible friends, horned monsters and talking rainbows. Preschoolers who tell tall tales can be pure play, or sometimes wishful thinking, usually insisting their fantasy world is real.”
 
Schoolkids: When 5 – 8 year-olds lie, it usually “benefits someone else or is told to avoid hurting someone’s feelings.”
 
Tweens: Tweens (ages 9 – 12) tend to be a little bit secretive but that doesn’t mean it’s a bad thing. It usually means they’re maturing and wish for more independence.
 

How Should I Handle My Child’s Lies?

The best way to help wean your child from lying is to encourage them to express themselves truthfully. Building a relationship is critical, because without a trusting relationship, getting to know one another can become difficult.
 
Don’t be afraid to open up your feelings to your child and tell them how you feel when they lie. Do you feel angry? Are you filled with disappointment? Are you sad? This can help open up a dialogue and hopefully get your child to open up as well, if you handle it calmly and with love.
 
If you decide to try some of these things with your child, we’d like to know how they work for you. In addition, are there any other alternatives that already work for you that you’d like to suggest to other parents? Please let us know in the comments! At Little Angels Preschool in Ypsilanti serving Saline, Ann Arbor, Milan, and the surrounding areas, we’re dedicated to our students’ health and well-being.

6 Ways to Deal with Aggression in Toddlers and Preschoolers

Is your child aggressive toward other toddlers or preschoolers?

Does your child have a history of biting, kicking, or hitting?

What have you done to help solve the problem?

If you’re having a hard time dealing with an aggressive child at home, you’re not alone! Many toddlers display aggressive behavior around two years old mostly because they’re frustrated. Toddlers have a limited vocabulary to express how they’re feeling, which results in frustration. 

Photo Credit: George Hodan

How would you like to get a good report from your child’s teacher every day? You would have less frequent trips to the preschool and daycare in Ypsilanti, and have more YOU time!  

According to Parents Magazine, “if your child has a tendency toward aggressive behavior, it's up to you to help him develop judgment, self-discipline, and the ability to express his or her feelings in appropriate ways. Here are six ways to do that:

1. Set firm consistent limits.
2. Help your child find new ways to deal with their anger. 
3. Instill self-control in your child.
4. Avoid encouraging your child to be tough.
5. Don’t spank as a form of discipline.
6. Control your own temper.”

Give these recommendations a try. It’s important that you portray how your child should behave yourself because, after all, they learn from you! Your child will pick up on your signals. If they continue to struggle, it may be beneficial to speak with a doctor regarding your child’s behavior.

If you decide to try some of these things with your child, we’d like to know how it works for you. In addition, are there any other alternatives that already work for you that you’d like to suggest to other parents? Please let us know in the comments! At Little Angels Preschool in Ypsilanti serving Saline, Ann Arbor, Milan and the surrounding areas, we’re dedicated to our students’ health and well-being.

Preschool in Ypsilanti Encourages the Importance of Outdoor Play

Does your child like to go outside and play?

Is your child’s development improving happening at a pace you’re happy with?

Does your child appreciate nature and what it has to offer?

There are many benefits to playing outdoors, but some kids don’t take full advantage of them. According to Early Head Start National Resource Center, reasons why children don’t go outside can be attributed to “adult fears about crime and safety; increased use of television, computer games, DVDs, and other digital media; more time spent indoors in structured activities; childcare arrangements with limited free time; and loss of natural habitats.”

Photo Credit: Petr Kratochvil

Does any of this sound familiar? You’re not alone. Many parents struggle to find chances for their children to run free, sometimes because of fear of bumps, bruises, and scrapes. It may be hard to believe, but those bumps, bruises, and scrapes they get in nature, help them develop mentally, physically, and emotionally!

According to the Early Head Start National Resource Center, outside play has many benefits including:

1. Helps improve overall fitness level
2. Builds stronger immune systems
3. Helps absorb Vitamin D for healthy bones and teeth
4. Helps regulate and balance sleep patterns
5. Helps protects against life stresses 
6. Increases creativity and imagination
7. Enhances opportunities to make decisions, solve problems, and collaborate with peers
8. Improves awareness, reasoning, and observation skills
9. Strengthens ability to focus and pay attention
10. Helps children learn about nature, life cycles, and how plants and animals depend on each other for survival

At Little Angels Preschool & Daycare in Ypsilanti, we focus on growing the WHOLE child, not just academically, but also their character and well-being. We’re dedicated to helping your child spend much of their day exploring nature. We feel that it’s the best and most effective way for children to learn and grow.

Do you know of a parent looking for a quality daycare in Ypsilanti, Milan, Saline, Ann Arbor or the surrounding areas? Please encourage them to contact us to schedule a tour of Little Angels Preschool & Daycare.

Preschool in Ypsilanti Recommends the 4 Absolute Best Ways to Prevent Biting

Does your child bite?

Have you struggled to come up with a solution?

Is your child getting into trouble at school as a result?

Biting is very common among toddlers, so don’t worry (at least not too much)! It can be frustrating for any parent asking hard questions like: Should I discipline my child? Laugh it off and say “they’re just playing”? It’s a hard choice to make for any parent. To prevent your child from biting, it’s helpful to understand why they’re doing it. 

According to NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children), children bite for a number of reasons including:

1. Relieve pain from teething.
2. Explore cause and effect (“What happens when I bite?”).
3. Experience the sensation of biting.
4. Satisfy a need for oral-motor stimulation. 
5. Imitate other children and adults.
6. Feel strong and in control.
7. Get attention.
8. Act in self-defense.
9. Communicate needs and desires, such as hunger or fatigue.
10. Communicate or express difficult feelings, such as frustration, anger, confusion, or fear (“There are too many people here and I feel cramped”). 

It’s important to be able to spot your child feelings before the situation arises so you’ll be well prepared to handle the situation.

NAEYC suggests there are plenty of things parents can do to prevent biting, including:

1. Have age-appropriate expectations for your child’s behavior based on his or her current skills and abilities.
2. Make sure your child’s schedule, routines, and transitions are predictable and consistent.
3. Offer activities and materials that allow your child to relax and release tension.
4. Use positive guidance strategies to help your child develop self-control.
5. Provide items to bite, such as teething rings or clean, wet, cold washcloths stored in the refrigerator. This helps children learn what they can bite safely, without hurting anyone else. 

Give these recommendations a try. Your child will take your lead. Set a good example and teach them proper manners. Biting hurts. For example, tell your child how the other child is feeling: “Look, Timmy’s crying because you hurt him.” Keep it simple, so your child will understand.

If you decide to try some of these things with your child, we’d like to know how it works for you. In addition, are there any other alternatives that already work for you that you’d like to suggest to other parents? Please let us know in the comments! At Little Angels Preschool in Ypsilanti serving Saline, Ann Arbor, Milan, and the surrounding areas, we’re dedicated to our students’ health and well-being.