Did you know that when preschoolers play, they learn? It's true! Use these activities to encourage your preschooler to play. Then visit the library to find a book about the activity.
We're learning Language and Literacy Skills
Do it!
Help your preschooler learn letters by pointing out the letter in their name when you see them on books, signs, etc. How many different places can you both find the letter? Adaptions to this activity include tracing letters, tactile letters, and audio alphabet apps on a tablet or CD. Make your own story book by finding words that make up the letters in their name. An example, A is for alligator, C is for car and E is for egg. My name is 'ACE.'
Read it!
I Like Myself! by Karen Beaumont. Lola Loves Stories by Anna McQuinn.
We're learning Mathematical Thinking and Expression
Do it!
Look for opportunities to count with your preschooler during daily routines. For example, count the chairs while setting the table or count how many socks go into the washing machine. When possible, provide hands-on opportunities for your preschooler to hold and feel objects. Cooking is a great opportunity for your preschooler to count. Encourage them to help prepare or make a meal. Count the number of ingredients. Take this one step further and describe the texture and color of each ingredient.
Read it!
Each Orange Had 8 Slices by Paul Giganti, Jr. Quack and Count by Keith Baker.
We're learning Social Emotional Development
Do it!
Give your preschooler a choice about what to do today. Ask them to explain why that activity was chosen. "Would you like to read or play ball? Why did you choose that?" Include options based on child's interest and abilities while building and strengthening skills. If they are having difficulty with the choices, ask them to tell you two things they would like to do. Explain they can choose to do 'x' or 'y' and to pick the activity they would like to do.
Read it!
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst. When Sophie Gets Angry--Really, Really Angry by Molly Bang.
We're learning Social Studies Thinking
Do it!
Talk with your preschool about where you live. Talk about whether you live in a house or an apartment. Give the address that includes the street, city and state. If they have difficulty doing this, take pictures of where you live and also look for pictures online or in books. Use photos, pictures from books and magazines, and technology to create a picture book. They can look at it and feel proud they helped to create the book.
Read it!
Telephone by Mac Barnett. Nana in the City by Lauren Castillo.
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Celebrating Black History Month |
During February, we celebrate Black History Month to focus attention on the contributions of African Americans to the United States.
Check out these ways you can celebrate with and teach your child about Black History Month.
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Families Invited to Participate in PA’s Prenatal-to-Age-Three Collaborative Family Leadership Learning Community |
- Do you have suggestions about child care, health and family support services for children and their families?
- Are interested in participating in decision-making about services in your community?
- Do you feel called to action to strengthen your community or participate in statewide policy reforms?
Then join the Family Leadership Learning Community! The Family Leadership Community will support family leaders to feel confident as an advocate for their own children and family as well as other families. Participants may expect to attend Pennsylvania’s prenatal-to-age-three collaborative subgroup virtual meetings as part of the experience, and may be offered the opportunity to continue involvement. Participants will receive a stipend payment for specific work and may receive assistance with technology necessary for active involvement. Find out how you can participate!
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Featured Article: Screen Time and Your Preschooler |
Studies have shown screen time use in preschoolers may have negative impacts on the brain’s white matter — an area key to the development of language, literacy and cognitive skills. In addition, the use of screen time can limit a preschooler’s time and attention in learning other skills they need for healthy development.
With so many people owning a phone, tablet or television, and screens in doctor’s offices, malls and restaurants, it can be difficult—or seem impossible–to limit the exposure to screen time with your preschooler.
Wondering how much screen time is too much for your preschooler? The American Academy of Pediatrics has recommendations for screen time use and PA's Promise has tips on how to limit your child's screen time. Read more.
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Community Inclusion for All |
A new resource, Pennsylvania Community Inclusion for All, highlights the importance of and provides resources for meaningful Community Inclusion, geared towards Pennsylvania children, ages birth to grade 6, and their families.
The PA Community Inclusion for All web page and public Facebook group can help increase opportunities of meaningful interaction between families and children with and without disabilities. It also provide professionals the resources for Community Inclusion to share with the families they serve and use the resources when practicing coaching in the community with families.
Visit, then share the resources with families and friends to inspire them to create and provide for a more inclusive environment. Read families stories of why and how they are doing it. You can even share your story, highlighting the struggles/challenges, professional support, effective strategies and outcomes of Community Inclusion.
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Groundhog Day is February 2! |
Groundhog Day is celebrated on February 2, 2021. It is based on the activities of a groundhog coming out of its winter hibernation to check for his shadow. The legend is, if the groundhog sees their shadow on this day, there will be six more weeks of wintry weather. If they don't, then spring weather is right around the corner.
The most important groundhog is Punxsutawney Phil who lives in a burrow called Gobbler’s Knob near Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania.
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Celebrating Early Literacy in February |
February kicks off with two special awareness days! Reading early and often your preschooler will help them learn about the world around them and develop important skills they will need to prepare for kindergarten.
February 6 is the Annual Take Your Child To The Library Day. It is a great time to build upon your preschooler's love of reading and learning. Visit your library to see what exciting activities they have planned. Find a library near you.
Share a photo of you and your preschooler reading a favorite book and tag PA's Promise for Children! Find us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!
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4 Ways To Help Your Preschooler Develop Problem-Solving Skills |
As preschoolers begin to transition into kindergarten, it's important they learn social and emotion skills, like problem solving.
These skills can help preschoolers understand the consequences of their actions. Preschoolers can also begin to understand how their actions can affect others.
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Assistance with Heating Costs
Winter is still here for Pennsylvania, and many families may struggle to pay for heating their homes. The 2020-2021 Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is available through April 9, 2021, to help families living on low incomes pay their heating bills in the form of a cash grant. Households in immediate danger of being without heat can also qualify for crisis grants.
The cash grant is a one-time payment sent directly to the utility company/fuel provider to be credited on your bill. These grants range from $200 to $1,000 based on household size, income, and fuel type. This is a grant and does not have to be repaid.
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State Parks and Forests Offer Abundance of Activities During Winter
With many people still limiting their indoor activities due to COVID-19, Pennsylvania state parks and forests continue to offer access to activities -- even during the winter months.
A lot of people don’t think about spending time outdoors in winter due to the colder temperatures; but with proper clothing and other safety precautions, there are plenty of benefits to spending some time outdoors now.
What makes winter recreation special? The scenery! The bare trees and vegetation in forests help make spotting wildlife easier, provide additional scenery from vistas, and uncover the vast rock formations that make up Pennsylvania’s varied natural landscapes.
You also don’t have to travel far to enjoy the health benefits of exercise and fresh air in the winter. Pennsylvanians are fortunate that with so many state and local parks and forests they can find an opportunity near them.
The winter season provides opportunities for activities that cannot be enjoyed year-round. Take advantage of some of these unique outdoor recreation opportunities. Read more.
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COVID-19 Information for Families
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Finding the Right Healthcare Professional for Your Child |
Don't underestimate the importance of choosing that first healthcare professional. They will shape the feelings your child has of healthcare visits. If your child is in need of specialty care or if there are a lack of health care professionals in your area, this could be challenging. However, a little homework prior to deciding on a health care professional may make for a more positive experience you and your child.
Get tips on how to find the right Healthcare Professional for your child and read about Angie who addresses a concern about her son with his healthcare professional in Be Your Child's Champion.
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February is National Children's Dental Health Month |
How many time a day does your child brush their teeth? Do they floss? It's never too early to teach your child how to take care of their teeth. During February's National Children's Dental Health Month (NCDHM) learn how you can help your child practice good dental health.
This year's theme is “Water, Nature's Drink!” This month-long national health observance brings together thousands of dedicated dental professionals, health care providers and others to promote the benefits of good oral health to children and adults, caregivers, teachers and many others.
The NCDHM Program Planning Guide offers program coordinators resources to promote the benefits of good oral health to children. The guide includes easy-to-do activities, program planning timetable tips, a sample NCDHM proclamation and much more.
Did you know that tooth decay is the most common chronic disease among children in the United States? The good news is it can be prevented with the help of CHIP! CHIP coverage includes teeth cleanings, check-ups, x-rays, fluoride, dental sealants, fillings, orthodontia services when medically necessary and much more. Get more info at CHIPcoversPAKids.com.
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When should you register your child for Kindergarten? |
Is it time to register for Kindergarten registration already?!? Yes, many schools are currently hosting Kindergarten registration for those children entering Kindergarten in the Fall of 2021.
Registering your child for Kindergarten NOW means you, your child and your child's school will be ready for the start of the new school year.
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Top Pins for Preschoolers
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The Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) provides families access to high quality services to prepare children for school and life success.
Find more information about Quality Early Learning in Pennsylvania
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