Call to Action
Is Your Preschooler Playing Enough at School?
by Rae Pica
March 4, 2009
There are so many choices in preschools today, it's no wonder that parents are overwhelmed when making decisions about where to send their children.
In brief, the preschool you choose should be one that respects children’s intellectual, social/emotional, and physical needs. This describes a traditional, play-based preschool, as opposed to the academic-oriented education being touted – and sought after – in today’s superkid climate. So, when you visit ...
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Rae Pica is a children’s physical activity specialist and the author of A Running Start: How Play, Physical Activity, and Free Time Create a Successful Child (Da Capo Press, 2006) and Great Games for Young Children (Gryphon House, 2006). She has shared her expertise with such clients as the Sesame Street Research Department, the Centers for Disease Control, Gymboree Play & Music, and the President’s Council on Physical Fitness & Sports. She is also co-creator and host of "Body, Mind and Child," a radio program in which she interviews experts in the fields of early childhood education, child development, the neurosciences, and more. Listen at www.bodymindandchild.com.
Column Archive
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Body-Part Smarts
February 20, 2008, 12:00 am
Before children can learn how to use their body parts – especially in a coordinated fashion – they have to know what and where they are! Read More
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Foster Intrinsic Motivation!
February 13, 2008, 12:00 am
Kids aren't dumb. They know false praise when they hear it, and they know they're going to receive it regardless of what they do. So why bother making an effort? Read More
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Let It Snow!
February 6, 2008, 12:00 am
Kids don't get much upper torso exercise these days. They don't get enough exercise, period. But, considering how little time they spend climbing, hanging, and swinging, upper torso exercise is being seriously neglected. Read More
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Multitasking for the Munchkin Set
January 30, 2008, 12:00 am
Do I think young children should be learning to multitask? No! But that doesn't mean that there can't be multiple benefits derived from a single task! Read More
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Focus on the Fundamentals!
January 23, 2008, 12:00 am
I'm a big believer in children acquiring fundamental movement skills before trying to tackle the more complex ones. After all, a person wouldn't try diving before knowing how to swim. Similarly, a child shouldn't be expected to run and kick a ball before he can do either of those things well on its own. She shouldn't be expected to catch a small white ball when she still hasn't mastered catching a large, colorful one! Read More
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Take a Hike
January 15, 2008, 7:28 pm
I'm often asked what can be done to get children outside and active. The answer is that, depending on the age of the child, it can be as simple as telling her to go out to play or as difficult as practically pushing her out the door! Read More
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Bring Out the Scientist in Your Child
January 9, 2008, 12:00 am
Young children are natural-born scientists. Help yours to explore the concept of gravity with this fun exercise! Read More
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In Defense of Active Learning
January 2, 2008, 12:00 am
A few decades ago, children dug in the sand and splashed in mud puddles. They collected rocks and leaves. They played with other children.They touched, tasted, smelled, listened, and observed. They experienced! And because young children are concrete (not abstract) thinkers who learn by doing, they not only experienced; they also learned â a lot. Read More
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Help Your Child Learn Empathy
December 26, 2007, 12:00 am
What do you think utopia would be like? I’ve always imagined it as a world in which everyone can imagine what it’s like to be everyone – and everything – else. To be able to put themselves in the “shoes” of people they know, people they don’t know, and all of the world’s creatures. If everyone possessed that level of empathy, the world would be a much nicer, much safer place. Read More
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Enjoy Winter Sports Indoors!
December 19, 2007, 12:00 am
In my last column I wrote about keeping kids active when it's cold outside, recommending a blend of indoor and outdoor activities. Here's another way to keep children active in the winter, by pretending to do indoors what you'd normally do outdoors! Read More
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