Preschool

Is online preschool a good idea?

Lisa Steinke — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 23:00:00 -0800

Online preschool is the newest way to educate 3- and 4-year-olds, but will it properly prepare your child for kindergarten? Or will your little one potentially miss out on things like the important social skills developed through attending a traditional preschool?

4 Preschool skills needed for kindergarten success

Sarah W. Caron — Wed, 07 Nov 2012 13:00:00 -0800

There are so many important lessons taught in the preschool years. Find out the most important ones and how you can reinforce them at home so your child is prepared for kindergarten and beyond.

Fun ideas to entertain the little ones left at home

SheKnows Parenting Editors — Mon, 22 Oct 2012 14:00:00 -0700

Now that the school-aged kids are hard at work at school, you need something fun for your preschooler kids still at home. Many children cry when they see their older brothers and sisters heading off to school, but with these fun ideas, they'll be glad to push the others out the door and on their way so they can get creative — with their food!

Hosting great playdates

Vicki Clinebell — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 01:59:00 -0700

Hosting your preschooler's playdate? A little planning and preparation can help make it a fun time for everyone!

Staying connected with your preschooler

Maggie Marton — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 01:36:00 -0700

As your preschooler heads off to school for the very first time, it’s easy to fear that your close connection might get lost. There’s no need to worry, though. With a few simple strategies you can stay connected with your preschooler, whether she’s off to nursery school or simply becoming more independent at home.

Tips for keeping your preschooler happy in the car

Whitney Coy — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 16:43:00 -0700

Car trips are trying for preschoolers — and their moms! Use these tips to keep your preschooler happy in the car and make the trip a little more enjoyable for everyone.

Fun preschool activities that bring TV and books to life

Whitney Coy — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 16:26:00 -0700

Does your preschooler like to watch TV? Does she always have her head in a book? Bring those worlds to life!

Transitioning to preschool: What you should know

Whitney Coy — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 15:08:00 -0700

Is your little one ready for preschool? The transition from toddler to preschooler is a big deal, and there are a few things you should know to make it go more smoothly.

Best toys to donate to your preschool

Elaina Verhoff — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 15:00:00 -0700

After cleaning out old toys, your first inclination might be to haul off your donations to a local charity or consignment store. But don't forget about your child's preschool! Review this list of popular preschool toys to learn which toys preschools need most .

Cute T-shirts for preschool boys

Whitney Coy — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 14:48:00 -0700

Send him off to preschool looking slick in one of these cute T-shirts.

Educational toys that encourage learning at home

Christina Holt — Thu, 13 Sep 2012 14:00:00 -0700

There are many different toys that encourage children to learn — even from the home environment. But when looking for toys that encourage learning through play, it’s important to select a variety of toys that stimulate your child’s senses and spark the imagination.

Deaf boy forbidden to use his own name sign

Monica Beyer — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 11:00:00 -0700

A deaf 3-year-old Nebraska boy has been told that the way he signs his name — Hunter — violates the school’s weapons policy and he must change it. Is there more to the story? Read on.

My preschooler is depressed

Tiernan McKay — Wed, 09 May 2012 14:00:00 -0700

Depression is a grown-up word that doesn't discriminate when it comes to age. Have you ever wondered if your preschooler could be depressed? It's possible.

5 Must-have iPhone and iPad apps for preschoolers

Christina Holt — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 06:00:00 -0700

Download these entertaining apps to make your time with your preschooler on the iPad more educational and interactive.

Fun things to do with your preschooler

Whitney Coy — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 05:00:00 -0700

Preschool is a fun age. Preschoolers are just starting to learn about the world around them, and their curious minds are always ready for something new. This can also be difficult, because kids at that age need constant entertainment and interaction. If you’re at home with a preschooler all day, you may find yourself pulling out your hair trying to keep her occupied. Try some of these fun activities to have a good time together.

Preschool 101

Kat Hobza — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 05:00:00 -0700

If you think preschool is the snack-and-a-nap program you grew up with, think again. Preschools are very structured these days, and depending on how much parents are willing to plunk down for certain schools, the programs are downright aggressive. We’re assuming most of you don’t really want your 3-year-old to learn Latin, or expect your 4-year-old to know how to split an atom, so here's a basic program summary that will help you and your little one prepare for preschool.

How to find the perfect preschool

Michelle Maffei — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 11:30:00 -0700

Picking the perfect preschool can be as challenging as finding the perfect baby name, but with a little research -- and the right questions to ask -- you can find the right place for your youngster. From where to find referrals to questions like the adult to child ratio, discover the best way to find the right preschool for your kiddo.

Teach your child the letters

Whitney Coy — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 08:13:00 -0700

Learning letters is your child’s first step toward reading. Don’t wait until she starts school -- start now. Work with your child to help her learn letters, and she’ll have a leg up when she gets into the classroom.

Teach your child numbers

Whitney Coy — Tue, 24 May 2011 04:40:00 -0700

Remember when you learned numbers in school? Those days are long gone. Kids today are expected to know their numbers up to 20 before they even begin kindergarten. Get started now so your child is ready when it’s time for class.

Fun ways to teach your child sign language

Elaina Verhoff — Mon, 09 May 2011 09:22:00 -0700

The popularity of teaching sign language to babies has exploded over the past several years. Who wouldn’t want their wee ones to be able to tell them they’d like their blanket, more juice or a pair of red socks – even before they know how to talk? So much better than suffering through the frustrated cries of babies who can’t express their needs.

Helping students avoid bad influences

Laura Willard — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 11:59:00 -0700

As a parent, you take your job of guiding and positively influencing your child seriously. Unfortunately, as many parents learn when they first send their children to preschool, it doesn’t take long to undo some of that work! Throughout your child’s life, he will encounter positive influences among his peers -- and negative ones.