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Dr. Pratiksha Rigley
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Nurturing Good Character Traits in Preschoolers

Every parent wants their child to develop character traits such as compassion, generosity and kindness, but how do you get from point A to point B? Are preschoolers capable of learning and understanding these traits? And if so, how can parents and caregivers support their development?

According to the  National Scientific Council on the Developing Child, the early years of a child’s life lay the foundation for a wide range of important developmental outcomes, like self-confidence, mental health and the motivation to learn. The earlier these softer skills are fostered in young children, the more likely they are to be successful in school and later in life. And while it may seem like your child is too young to grasp these concepts, the foundational behaviors needed to develop empathy and other social-emotional skills that make us good people are actually nurtured in the first years of life.

Oftentimes the best way to teach young children about these intangible skills and traits is to provide hands-on learning opportunities and to reinforce the concepts in a variety of ways. Primrose Schools suggests the following tips for parents and caregivers to use at home:

•      Build an understanding of different traits. Even at a young age, children begin to build their understanding of traits like generosity, respect and gratitude. Read books such as “I Can Share by Karen Katz (ages 2-5) and “When I Care About Others by Cornelia Maude Spelman (ages 4-7) with your child and take the opportunity to discuss the positive traits that the characters possess. Ask questions and help your child apply the concepts in the book to real-life experiences.

•      Introduce important life skills. Even very young children can begin to learn about essential life skills, such as manners, safety and caring for the environment. Letting children take care of their very own plant will promote responsibility while also teaching the importance of caring for the world around them. Modeling these life skills is also a great way to introduce them, especially for younger children.

•      Make time for hands-on learning. Children get most excited about giving back when they are able to experience it firsthand. Introduce your child to helping those in need by starting small in your community. Whether it’s collecting coats for a clothing drive or making cards for the local nursing home, it’s rewarding to see your child begin to understand the huge impact a simple project can have.

Young children learn through repetition and observation. One of the best ways for you to nurture positive character traits is to lead by example and consistently model what it means to be a good person. Sooner than later, your child will start imitating you and be on their way to becoming a kind, caring individual.

For more helpful parenting tips and information, visit our blog at  www.PrimroseSchools.com/blog and sign up for the  Pointers for Parents newsletter.

Primrose School of Frisco West 214.469.1381
Primrose School of Park Cities 972.685.2100
Primrose School of Plano at Preston Meadow 972.964.6826
Primrose School of Prestonwood 469.791.9131
Primrose School of Waco at Woodway - Coming in 2019!
Primrose School of Temple - Coming in 2019!

 

Dr. Pratiksha Rigley
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Teaching Little Hands to Make a Big Difference

In today’s world, it is important take purposeful steps to help children grow up to be compassionate and generous human beings. Children who learn the value of giving back at a young age are better able to develop a sense of empathy and citizenship. In addition,  research shows that young children who have high prosocial skills – or behaviors meant to benefit another – are also among the most cognitively ready for school.

While teaching young children the joy of giving back can seem overwhelming for parents, helping to instill these attributes in your little ones may be simpler than you think. A study conducted by two Harvard anthropologists, John and Beatrice Whiting, observed the altruistic practices of children of six different cultures. Their findings indicate that, regardless of culture, gender or socioeconomic status, the most significant differentiating variable is that children assigned more household responsibilities are more helpful and giving.

Encouraging children to contribute to the well-being of the family at a young age – by taking care of the family’s pets, helping parents care for younger siblings and performing household chores – teaches them the importance of giving back, and, more importantly, the sense of fulfillment derived from helping others. Parents can use the following tips to help nurture selflessness and generosity in children at home:

1. Model kindness to your child and others. Let your child see you offering to help a neighbor or co-worker and express to him or her the happiness you feel when helping others.

2. Remind your child how helping benefits others. Include your child in simple activities by asking for help. For instance, you might say, “Who wants to be my special helper today and help carry laundry to the washer? We won’t have clean clothes without you!” Or, “The dog looks hungry. I bet he’d really appreciate it if you gave him his food and water.”

3. Acknowledge helpful behavior. Show your appreciation and explain why it was helpful to you. For example, rather than just saying “Thank you,” instead say, “Thank you for helping me carry the dishes to the kitchen without being asked. That saved me a lot of time.”

4. Encourage giving. If another child doesn’t have a toy to play with, suggest that your child offer up a toy so they can both have something fun to play with.

5. Avoid rewarding generosity. Avoid material rewards for helping and giving behaviors. Treats for good deeds may work in the short term, but over time children may become less generous when the rewards stop.

You may also consider taking your child with you to volunteer for a nonprofit organization. Choosing volunteer activities that are age-appropriate is important. Children as young as 3 years old enjoy participating in group activities and are able to follow directions. Think through the following questions to help select a volunteer opportunity that is right for your family: Does the organization have experience working with children and families? Will the organization staff welcome my child’s participation? Is there a specific job that my child can do successfully? Can the organization help my child understand how his or her efforts benefit others?

Compassion and generosity are important traits for every person to have. Helping young children learn the joy and fulfillment of lending a helping hand to others will empower them to make a difference in the world, both as children and adults.

For more helpful parenting tips and information, visit our blog at  www.PrimroseSchools.com/blog and sign up for the  Pointers for Parents newsletter.

Dr. Pratiksha Rigley
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10 Ways to Reduce First Day of School Jitters

By: Dr. Pratiksha Rigley Franchise Owner, Primrose School of Frisco West, Park Cities, Plano at Preston Meadow, and Prestonwood


The first day of school is often a nerve-racking time for parents and young children alike. Little ones are embarking on a brand new milestone in their educational journey, and parents have to come to terms with their baby growing up. It can be tough on the whole household, but there are steps parents can take to help ease the transition.   

Children need to feel confident and prepared going into their first day of school. Simple adjustments to their routines at home leading up to the big day can help the whole family feel better about the change.
 
Primrose Schools provides the following 10 tips to help reduce your child’s first-day jitters:

  1. 1. Read about the first day with your child. It is often the anticipation of the unknown that makes children anxious about going to a new school or classroom. Reading about it gives children an opportunity to imagine their own experience and express their fears. The following books can help your little one prepare for how they might feel when school starts:
    • “When Mommy and Daddy Go to Work“ by Joanna Cole
    • “First Day“ by Joan Rankin
    • “The Kissing  Hand“ by Audrey Penn
    • “Don’t Go“ by Jane Breskin Zalben
  2. Prepare your child for longer periods of separation in increments. Before leaving your child at school for the first day, have her stay with a grandparent or a babysitter for increasingly longer periods of time. This time away will help her build trust that you will always return.
  3. Tour the school with your child. Visit the classroom your child will be in, meet the teacher and tour the playground so the places and faces he will see on the first day will feel familiar and safe. Afterward, talk about what you both saw and how fun the different activities looked. Refer to the teacher by name to help your child think of him or her as a person you know and trust. Reinforce the idea of school being a safe place to learn and play.
  4. Set the stage. Talk to your child about the first day of school and help her visualize what the day’s activities are likely to be. “On Monday when you go to school, you will see your friends, play on the swings and read stories. Ms. Smith will be there to help you. It will be a great day! And Mommy or Daddy will be there to take you home when school is over for the day.”
  5. Shop for school supplies. Most children love shopping for school supplies. Give your child the opportunity to pick out a few items he likes (within reason, of course) to provide a sense of ownership and responsibility in the decision-making process.
  6. Establish a daily routine that fits your family’s school-year schedule and try to stick to it. Don’t wait until school begins to start implementing your weekday morning routine. Begin activities at the same time every day starting least two weeks before the first day of school.  
  7. Nighttime routines are important, too. The whole family can help make the morning of the first day (and every school day) easier by taking care of tasks the night before. Try making it a habit to pack book bags, complete homework and pick out the next day’s clothes in the evening to avoid morning mayhem. 
  8. Get your rest. Read a bedtime story early enough in the evening for your child to get a good night’s sleep. Many morning issues can be avoided if everyone is well rested and ready to begin the day!
  9. Say a quick goodbye and promise to come back. When dropping your child off at school on the first day, give a quick hug and kiss, cheerfully say goodbye, and promise to return later.
    When you linger, you undermine your child’s confidence that you feel good about where you are leaving her. 
  10. Establish a partnership with your child’s teacher. Children look to their parents’ behavior for emotional cues. The more comfortable you are with your child’s teacher, the more comfortable your child will be. Over the first few weeks of school, regularly touch base with your child’s teacher about how he is adjusting. The more visible you can make the connection between home and school, the more secure your child will feel. 

For more helpful parenting tips and information, visit our blog at www.PrimroseSchools.com/blog and sign up for the Pointers for Parents newsletter.


www.PrimroseFriscoWest.com
www.PrimroseParkCities.com
www.PrimrosePlanoPrestonMeadow.com
www.PrimrosePrestonwood.com

Primrose School of Waco - Coming in 2019!
Primrose School of Temple - Coming in 2019!


Dr. Pratiksha Rigley
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Four Simple Steps to Ease Back to School Jitters

By: Dr. Pratiksha Rigley, Franchise Owner, Primrose School of Frisco West, Park Cities, Plano at Preston Meadow, and Prestonwood


The first day of school is quickly approaching, which makes parents and young children alike nervous. On top of that, young children thrive on predictable routines, which can make shifting from the often less structured activities of summertime to the busy school year schedule tricky. However, with a little preparation, you can help turn some of your family’s back to school anxiety into excitement.

Here are four tips to ease your child’s back to school jitters:
 

  1. Get back into a routine. Because children thrive on consistency, start easing into school-year habits – including morning and nighttime rituals, and consistent mealtimes and bedtimes – before the first day.
  2. Read, read and read some more. Anticipation of the unknown tends to make children anxious about school. Read books about starting school, like “The Kissing Hand” by Audrey Penn, to give your child an opportunity to imagine his or her experience beforehand and express any fears.  
  3. Prepare your child for longer periods of separation. Before school starts, have your child stay with a grandparent or a babysitter for increasingly longer periods of time. This teaches your little one to trust that you will always return.   
  4. Tour the school together. Visit the school and meet the teacher so the places and faces your child will see on the first day feel familiar and safe. Talk about what you saw and how fun the school looked. Refer to the teacher by name to help your child think of him or her as someone you know and trust.  

For more helpful parenting tips and information, visit our blog at www.PrimroseSchools.com/blog and sign up for the Pointers for Parents newsletter.


www.PrimroseFriscoWest.com
www.PrimroseParkCities.com
www.PrimrosePlanoPrestonMeadow.com
www.PrimrosePrestonwood.com
Primrose School of Waco - Coming in 2019!
Primrose school of Temple - Coming in 2019!

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Dr. Pratiksha Rigley
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Summer is a time to slow down, spend time outdoors and have some fun! While this change of pace is an opportunity for families to get more rest and relaxation, it’s important that children still engage in activities that encourage learning.

Fortunately, the summer season provides plenty of ways for children to explore nature and discover science, so “find learning opportunities” does not have to be another addition to your to-do list. The outdoors provides the perfect setting for young children to experience physics, chemistry and biology in ways that they can relate to and understand.

Swinging, sliding and swimming are great examples of activities that your little one is likely already doing that also introduce her to the fascinating world of science.
 

  • Swinging: Swinging back and forth on a swing set allows children to experience the effects of motion and gravity. Children realize that as the swing comes to a stop, they must push off the ground to set the swing back in motion.
  • Sliding: Slides allow children to experience the effects of gravity and friction. Children realize they can slow down by pressing on the soles of their shoes, or go faster by lifting their feet.
  • Swimming: Children experiment with the scientific principle of buoyancy while learning to swim, asking questions like, “Why do I float sometimes and other times I sink?”


It’s not necessary for you to explain the science behind each activity—the experiences alone build a foundation for learning and help children grasp scientific principles later in life. But, to build on your child’s learning and encourage his natural curiosity, consider explaining the science in a hands-on way by setting up simple experiments.

For example, if your child asks what she needs to do to float, try this interactive game to help teach her why some objects sink and others float:

  1. Help your child fill a bucket with water and gather miscellaneous items that will not be harmed if they get wet.
  2. Ask your child to predict if items will float or sink and ask for the reasoning behind each prediction.
  3. Allow your child to place the items in the water, one at a time. As each item is tested, let her change her prediction—it shows she is thinking critically and refining her thoughts  based on evidence. Listen to her observations each time.
  4. After your child has tested each item, ask her how the items that float or sink are similar to one another.

Finding ways to play with science this summer doesn’t have to be complicated. Just follow your child and listen to her questions—science is everywhere!

To learn about my Primrose Schools, visit the websites below. For more helpful parenting tips and information, visit our blog at www.PrimroseSchools.com/blog.

  • Primrose School of Frisco West - www.primrosefriscowest.com
  • Primrose School of Park Cities - www.primroseparkcities.com
  • Primrose School of Plano at Preston Meadow - www.primroseplanoprestonmeadow.com
  • Primrose School of Prestonwood - www.primroseprestonwood.com
Dr. Pratiksha Rigley
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How to Bring Out the Natural Scientist in Your Baby or Toddler

By Dr. Pratiksha Rigley
Franchis
e Owner, Primrose School of Frisco West, Park Cities, Plano at Preston Meadow and Prestonwood

The early years of a child’s life are consumed by a desire to explore and experiment with objects. Well-known developmental psychologist Jean Piaget fittingly called young children “natural scientists” because of this inclination. By tapping into children’s tendency to explore and discover, parents, teachers and other adults in children’s lives can actually help nurture and extend their learning.

From the moment babies enter the world, their curiosity sparks a need to observe and classify objects and actions. Their brains actually change as a result of the new things they learn. As children continue to grow and explore, new discoveries help them enrich, modify, reorganize – and sometimes replace – their initial theories with quite different ideas. This type of hands-on learning explains why a child may scrutinize a new object in an effort to figure out how it works, or experiment with sound and movement as she learns how to use her body to communicate.

“Children need safe environments where they can experiment freely and take risks without the fear of being told, ‘That’s not how you’re supposed to do that,’” says Dr. Rigley, Franchise Owner of Primrose Schools of Frisco West, Park Cities, Plano at Preston Meadow and Prestonwood. “When we support children’s natural tendency to try things out, we are cheering them on to discover and tackle new challenges creatively. This is an important step in helping them build determination and confidence in their own abilities.”

Adults can encourage infants and toddlers to explore and learn in simple and fun ways. Primrose recommends the following activities to bring out the natural scientist in young children:

  • Give your baby colorful, safe objects that he can examine by looking, feeling, tasting and smelling.
  • Talk to your baby, providing a play-by-play of everything he does. This commentary helps babies organize and understand what’s around them.
  • Fill a large shallow bowl with water and provide your infant with simple scooping tools for endless exploration and fun. You can do this in the bathtub as well.
  • Fill a large bowl or shallow tub with dry beans, rice or sand. Your child will enjoy sifting this material through his fingers, picking it up and pouring it out. Be sure to keep a close eye on your little one to make sure he doesn’t try to eat any of it – some dried beans can be a  choking hazard for children
  • Make “cloud dough” with flour and cooking oil (8 parts flour: 1 part oil). It feels powdery like flour one moment and then moldable like damp sand the next. It’s easy to make and the unique texture will amuse your child to no end.

Learning through play and exploration allows young children to investigate topics that interest them in more depth. And, offering safe and supportive environments for little ones to explore in helps them develop into well-rounded, creative learners. Create opportunities for your child to experiment with new objects, textures, or other phenomena on a regular basis – the crib, playroom, bathtub and backyard are all excellent laboratories for young children!

To learn about Primrose Schools of Frisco West, Park Cities, Plano at Preston Meadow and Prestonwood, visit our school websites (listed below) or call our Area Director Jamie Hatton at (865) 771-1696. For more helpful parenting tips and information, visit our blog at  www.PrimroseSchools.com/blog.

Dr. Pratiksha Rigley
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Encourage a Lifelong Love of Learning
Premier preschool prepares children for success in school and life

From the moment children are born they start learning, and research shows that the first five years of a child’s life hold the most potential for cognitive development. It is essential that young children get the education and care they need during this time to maximize their learning and development. 

Primrose Schools® offers a caring and nurturing environment where children receive a high quality education through its proprietary, research-informed Balanced Learning® system. This proven approach to learning balances academics, play and character development and is based on the leading philosophies in early education, including those of Montessori, Piaget and Vygotsky. The Balanced Learning curriculum nurtures children’s academic, social, emotional, physical and creative development, helping them build a well-rounded foundation of skills to be successful in school and later in life.

“We know that the first five years of a child’s life are the most formative in terms of brain development and opportunities for learning,” said Dr. Pratiksha Rigley, Franchise Owner of Primrose School of Parl Cities. “The Primrose curriculum has been specially crafted to maximize learning that focuses on the whole child, nurturing character development alongside academic lessons, to help children build the foundation they need to reach their greatest potential.”

However, learning doesn’t stop outside of the classroom. Parents are encouraged to support their child’s learning at home by providing opportunities for her to explore and investigate the world around her. Here are some fun activities you can do with your child to fuel her excitement for learning and her cognitive, physical and social-emotional development.

  1.  Create something together: Piece together puzzles to exercise decision-making and critical thinking skills. Toddler-through-kindergarten students at Primrose participate in Noggin' Joggin'® activities like this every day at school to help stimulate reasoning, memory and concentration. You can also make simple crafts together to encourage creativity and imagination. 
  2. Write a story: Practice and apply language and literacy skills in a meaningful way by writing a story with your little one. Get your child’s input on the storyline and ask him to add the illustrations. Primrose focuses on developing children’s listening, speaking, reading and writing competencies, appreciating the value of literacy for enjoyment and as a means of communication.
  3. Play outside: Toss a ball or chase each other in a game of tag. The American Heart Association recommends that children get at least an hour of physical activity every day to stay healthy and grow strong bones and muscles. The Primrose Thumbs Up!® curriculum incorporates fun physical activities into daily classroom experiences to help children learn and develop important physical skills and a love for being active0
  4. Plant a garden: Teach your child about nutrition and the science of how things grow by planting a fruit and vegetable garden at home. Children are more likely to try foods that they’ve helped prepare, so make sure to involve them in planting, watering and preparing food from the garden. At Primrose, students tend to a garden called the Primrose Patch. 
  5. Model good character: Parents are the most influential teachers in their child’s life. Model compassion, kindness and generosity for your little one and involve her, when you can, in simple activities. You can volunteer at an animal shelter, bake zucchini bread for the local fire station, or share veggies from your garden with a neighbor. Primrose students participate in hands-on giving activities, such as collecting books for local hospitals, through Primrose Promise Giving? Events. 

 To learn more about the many benefits of enrolling your child at Primrose School of Park Cities, please visit primroseparrkcities.com or call 469-941-6033.

Dr. Pratiksha Rigley
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The value of reading with young children is well documented. Beyond developing early language and literacy skills, reading increases children’s ability to understand the emotions of others – a critical life skill that leads to empathy and compassion. Parents can help support the development of these skills by being intentional with story time. In addition to making reading together a regular routine in your household, consider these age-specific tips and book recommendations to make the most of story time during the first five years of your child’s life.

Before Birth: During pregnancy, reading establishes voice recognition and promotes cognitive development in babies. The rhythm and melody of voices serve as the prenatal foundation for language. Choose rhythmic stories with cadence, warm tones or repetition – repetition leads to recognition! Primrose suggests: “How Do I Love You?“ by Marion Dane Bauer or “Chicka Chicka Boom Boom “ by Bill Martin Jr.

Birth – Age 1: Reading books should be a favorite bedtime activity at this age. With daily “tuck-in” stories and snuggling together at bedtime, infants begin to associate reading with comfort, warmth and security. Sturdy board books with bright illustrations are easiest to handle and invite participation. Books with familiar subjects, such as babies and animals, resonate since babies respond to faces and eyes before other stimuli. Primrose suggests: “Peek-a Who?” by Nina Laden or “Counting Kisses” by Karen Katz.

Ages 1 – 3: Reading a wide variety of stories helps toddlers build vocabulary and understand story sequencing. A sequence of events that is both interesting and understandable helps children identify with a book. Ask lots of questions, act silly and try out different character voices to make reading dramatic and engaging. Vivid illustrations, along with rhyming and repetitive text, will encourage lively dialogue. Primrose suggests: “Book!” by Kristine O'Connell George or “From Head to Toe” by Eric Carle.

Ages 4 – 5: Preschoolers should be encouraged to discover the magic of books for themselves. Books can help young children understand their own feelings when characters face similar life events, so pick topics they may be curious about. Also introduce new genres and topics, and more complex story structures for them to explore. Primrose suggests: “The Red Book” by Barbara Lehman or “A Splendid Friend, Indeed” by Suzanne Bloom.
 
Parents also can help extend children’s learning during story time by following the READ acronym, which was developed by the teacher training arm of the Atlanta Speech School – the nation’s most comprehensive center for language and literacy:

  • Repeat books three to five times. Discuss the story, characters and new vocabulary in each book.
  • Engage in and enjoy reading, using different voices for the characters to bring each story to life.
  • Ask “why” questions, letting your child share his ideas about the story.  
  • Do more with the book. Reinforce the story through related activities.


To learn about Primrose School of Prestonwood, visit www.primroseprestonwood.com or call 469-791-9131. For more helpful parenting tips and information, visit our blog at www.PrimroseSchools.com/blog and sign  up for the Pointers for Parents newsletter.

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It’s no secret that young children are full of natural energy, and it’s often more difficult getting them to sit still than be active. But did you know that the amount of time children spend daily being physically active is decreasing? 

Despite children’s active nature, it’s still important for parents to encourage and support their physical development starting from birth. Research shows that children who develop basic motor skills through physical activity are more likely to become healthy, active adults, and there is increasing evidence that daily physical activity helps children perform better academically and avoid anxiety and depression in their teenage years.

“At Primrose Schools, we believe children’s physical development is as important as their intellectual, creative and social-emotional growth,” said Dr. Pratiksha Rigley, Franchise Owner of Primrose School of Prestonwood. “Through our exclusive Balanced Learning® approach, we’re able to help children build important foundational physical skills as they’re developmentally ready through a combination of purposeful free play and meaningful, age-appropriate activities.”

As part of the Balanced Learning approach, children at Primrose School of Prestonwood engage in physical activity each day through the Thumbs Up!® program. Through Thumbs Up!,children practice proper techniques for movement, balance and motor skills through fun exercises like running, hopping, throwing, catching, bouncing and more. 

Thumbs Up! balances structured, teacher-guided games and skill development with free play, which helps children develop physically and psychologically. Studies show that children exert themselves more during free play and learn essential life skills like decision-making, problem-solving, creativity and self-control as they exercise their curiosity and explore their environment. Even infants develop physical coordination and build early motor skills through group play, games and exercise.

Thumbs Up! activities are brought to life by the Primrose School of Prestonwood teaching staff, who participate in all activities and encourage children throughout the lessons. The Primrose approach to physical development also follows the highest professional standards and guidelines for developmentally appropriate practice developed by the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE) and the Council for Physical Education for Children (COPEC).

“Study after study shows us that developing healthy habits in young children leads to active, healthy adults,” said Dr. Rigley. “By building the right foundation, all children can develop the fundamental physical skills needed for lifelong health. We love partnering with parents and working together to create excitement for physical activity in young children, because we know we are planting the seeds for a brighter future.”

To learn about Primrose School of Prestonwood, visit primroseprestonwood.com or call 469-791-9131. For more helpful parenting tips and information, visit our blog at www.PrimroseSchools.com/blogand sign up for the Pointers for Parents newsletter.

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The first three years of childhood are consumed with exploration and experimentation. In fact, Jean Piaget, one of the most influential developmental psychologists of the 20th century, described young children as “natural scientists,” referring to how toddlers examine their surroundings to understand the world around them. Given this innate curiosity, children need safe spaces for exploration. They also need stimulating environments that foster early learning and development.  

 The Primrose Schools® exclusive Balanced Learning® curriculum is designed to provide high-quality educational experiences to support a child’s social-emotional, intellectual, creative and physical development. It includes a balance of purposeful play and nurturing guidance. Children have the flexibility to experiment and apply lessons and concepts on their own; while teachers guide children and ask questions to encourage curiosity, problem-solving, creativity and confidence. 

 “Encouraging a child’s natural tendency to learn through play and exploration allows him to investigate topics that interest him and develop his creative muscle,” says Gloria Julius, Ed.D. vice president of education and professional development at Primrose Schools. “You are witnessing imagination in action when you observe a child playing with a toy or even the box that the toy came in.”

 Primrose offers the following tips to help facilitate your child’s natural tendency to explore: 

 1.    Follow your child’s lead. Allow children to explore a new toy before giving directions or demonstrating how it’s supposed to work. For example, if your child decides that a yellow building block makes great dinosaur food, that’s okay! There isn’t a right or wrong way to play and learn.

2.    Create an environment for learning. Stimulate your child’s imagination by setting the stage for independent exploration. Identify your child’s interests and create a safe setting where she is free to explore. For example, if your child is fascinated by nature, visit family-friendly parks and nature centers and let her lead the way for the day. If you have younger children, you might allow them to explore new spaces within your home with close supervision.

3.    Tell stories. Storytelling is a wonderful way to expand a child’s imagination. Encourage your little one to make up a story about a pet or best friend. Start with a favorite book, and see if he can imagine substituting someone he knows as the main character. Take that character on a different adventure and try to imagine another ending for the story. This is a great way to break down boundaries that suggest things have to be done a certain way.

4.    Explore an idea. The next time your child has an idea or question, turn the conversation into an investigation of ideas. For example, if she asks, “Where do lions live?” say, “I’m not sure. Let’s find out.” Whether you find a book about lions or search for more information online, you are likely to discover far more about lions than where they live. Researching an area of interest your child has is another form of exploration that shows her the world is full of possibility while demonstrating the value of reading at the same time. 

 Young children are constantly discovering the world around them. By purposefully fostering their sense of wonder and exploration, adults can help extend their learning even further and nurture creativity. 

 To learn more about Primrose School of Prestonwood, visit primroseprestonwood.com or call 469-791-9131 to schedule a tour.