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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Those Precious Prepositions
July 18, 2007, 1:15 pm
Prepositions, those little words so critical to language and life, are everywhere. They can be found IN our everyday speech, spilling OUT of books and magazines, and they are a big part of our most cherished children's songs and nursery rhymes. What's the best way for parents to give their kids a solid understanding of this tiny but mighty set of words? Get moving! Read More
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Alleviate Your Child's Fears with Games
July 11, 2007, 12:00 am
What were you afraid of as a child? The dark? Big dogs? Spiders? These are just some of the things that frighten children. Some adults, too! Read More
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Take a Listening Walk
July 4, 2007, 12:00 am
Kids just don't walk much these days. They walk to the car, from the car, into a building, to the escalator, and then maybe to the desk where they sit for most of the day. But they don't walk to go somewhere or for the simple sake of walking. Read More
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Alphabet Fun
June 27, 2007, 12:00 am
The mind and body are connected and dependent upon each other. For young children, especially, lessons learned through the body make a lasting impact on the mind. Read More
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Silly Solutions: Playing Games Can Boost Confidence
June 20, 2007, 12:00 am
I've seen children as young as four years old who are afraid of failing or looking foolish. They're the children who sit on the sidelines during music and gym class regardless of how badly they want to join in the fun. They color meticulously (and fearfully) inside the lines and they don't dare raise their hands in class because they might have the wrong answer. Being silly is a wonderful antidote to this kind of fear. Read More
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Get Physical With Your Kids!
June 13, 2007, 12:00 am
Here's the bad news. This is thought to be the first generation of children with a shorter lifespan than their parents. The good news is that it doesn't take much to turn things around. We just have to make sure our kids are physically active! Following are some tips for making that happen: Read More
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Scarves, Soccer, and Stories: Promoting Visual Tracking
May 16, 2007, 12:00 am
First, the tallest boy in your class gets called. Next it's that small but lightening-fast girl who sits behind you. And after her, it's your best friend. Read More
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Learning through Play
May 2, 2007, 12:00 am
What do you remember most about childhood? Chances are, many of your fondest memories aren't about fancy toys or intricate events, but of playing. Read More
