Water and Music Play Fun For All!

Does your child enjoy music? They’ll LOVE this activity that will teach them all about rhythm, pattern, tempo, pitch and tone! It was created by Alec Duncan, and we found it on ChildsPlayMusic.com.au:
 

Materials

•    Water trough
•    Stainless steel and aluminum bowls – various sizes
•    Stainless steel and aluminum pot lids – various sizes
•    Various strikers (plastic mixing spoons or bamboo or plastic chopsticks work well)
•    Short lengths of garden hose
•    Plastic drink bottles
•    Spray bottle
•    Random lengths of 90mm PVC stormwater pipe
•    A guiro made from 40mm corrugated plastic drain pipe (not the type with slits in it)
•    A shaker made from 40mm PVC pipe with gravel inside
•    A packing tape drum (see here for a video of how to make one for yourself)
•    A plastic canister (or any plastic container or small bucket)
 

Directions

Photo Credit: ChildsPlayMusic.com.au

Allow children to experiment with the sounds each bowl, hose, and pipe make when you dip them in and out of water while tapping on them with chopsticks. Repeat! 

Watch the water and music play video here for a demonstration!
 
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 Beethoven? The earlier music is taught the earlier your child can fine tune his or her craft! This water and music activity develops both their small and gross motor skills which could help better their mobility. Also, this music activity is a great way for your child to learn math and science skills.
 
Little Angels Preschool in the Ann Arbor area has 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!

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!

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.

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.

10 Ways to Deal With Your Children’s Fears Head On!

Does your child have fears?

Do your child’s fears prevent them from living a normal life? 

When we experience fear, our hearts beat faster, our nerves activate, we break out in sweat, and we feel a “lump in our throat.” This isn’t the greatest feeling in the world, but you know it’s fear when you experience it yourself.

Some common childhood fears include: ghosts, large objects, strangers, dogs, snakes, spiders, being home alone, noises at night, fear of failure, etc.

There are many types of fears, so it’s important to let your children know that you’re there for them if they need you. Most children will grow out of their fears with time, but with some kids it may take longer.

According to Kids Health from Nemours, “to help your child deal with fears and anxieties:

• Recognize that the fear is real.
• Never belittle the fear as a way of forcing your child to overcome it.
• Provide support and gentle care as you approach the feared object or situation with your child.
• Teach kids how to rate fear.
• Teach coping strategies. Using you as "home base," your child can venture out toward the feared object, and then return to you for safety before venturing out again. Kids also can learn some positive self-statements (such as "I can do this" and "I will be OK") to say to themselves when feeling anxious.

Give these recommendations a try. Your child will be able to live a better, less stressed life by conquering their fears when they’re younger rather than shrugging it off and having to deal with it again when they’re older. If your child doesn’t face their fears during their childhood it could reduce their quality of life.

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 Milan, we are dedicated to our students’ health and well-being.

Why is Getting the Right Amount of Sleep Crucial for Kids?

Is your child having a hard time sleeping at night?

Are there monsters under the bed? In the closet?

Does your child have many extracurricular activities that keep them riled up all night?

According to the National Sleep Foundation, “children ages 5 to 12 need 10 to 11 hours of sleep each night.” When your child is fast asleep, it also allows you a haven of comfort and joyful rest. You’ll feel refreshed and ready for the day’s festivities.

If your child isn’t getting enough sleep, it’s important that you put them on a sleep schedule. Sleep schedules have been known to help a child stick to a routine. According to WebMD, “there is no one right routine for everyone, but in general, your routine should include all the things that your child needs to do before going to sleep, like brushing teeth, washing up, putting on PJs, and having a snack or drink of water. Your child may want to be read to, talk about the day, or told a story. Whatever you choose to do, keep the routine short (30 minutes or less, not including a bath) and be firm about ending it when it's time to sleep.”

According to Parents.com, not getting the recommended amount of sleep per day can lead to problems in school like:

• Attention problems
• Reduced cognitive functioning
• Dulled memory
• Hyperactive behavior
• Emotional outbursts
• Attendance issues

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some healthy right before bedtime snack recommendations?

Healthy snacks before bedtime that we recommend include cereal, fruit, graham crackers, string cheese. Try to avoid large snacks as it can interfere with having to get up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom.

What if my child refuses to go to sleep at a scheduled time?

If your child refuses to go to sleep at a scheduled time, stand firm and set limits. Be clear with your child on the rules you set and stick to them.

Should I stick with a routine even on the weekends?

If you don’t want your child to fall out of a sleep schedule, then it’s better to stick to the schedule that you’ve laid out. If you’re loosey goosy on the weekends, your child may think that they can get away with going to bed later during school nights. Keep your eye on the prize! 

A sleep schedule that your child sticks with in the long term will give you more “me time.” Can you imagine what you could do in an extra hour of child-free time? You could read the novel you’ve always wanted to finish, watch your recorded soap operas, wash your hair in peace, etc. The possibilities are endless! 

At Little Angels Preschool in Ypsilanti, we’re dedicated to our students’ health and well-being. Do you know of a parent looking for a quality daycare in Milan or the surrounding areas? Please encourage them to contact us to schedule a tour of Little Angels Preschool & Daycare.