parent involvement in early childhood education

Take it outside—the benefits of music that is!

Leave a Comment / Minds on Music /

Ah, summertime. Warmer temperatures, playing in sprinklers, catching fireflies, and walking barefoot in the grass—summer is the perfect season to “take it outside.” In the world of childcare curriculum development, it can also mean the season of the slide. No, not the slide found at the local playground or park, but the summer slide, which refers to what can happen to the early literacy
Learn more »

Take it outside—the benefits of music that is! Read More »

Increase parent involvement in early childhood education with a Breakfast Club

Leave a Comment / Minds on Music /

Looking for an easy and fun way to increase parent involvement in early childhood education? Start a Breakfast Club. In a recent issue of the NAEYC publication, Teaching Young Children, Lynn A. Manfredi shares her success at inviting parents to join the class during breakfast time. In the morning, parents eat with their children, connect with other parents and the teachers, and children start
Learn more »

Increase parent involvement in early childhood education with a Breakfast Club Read More »

Investing in children through parental involvement in early childhood education

Leave a Comment / Minds on Music /

We talk a lot about early childhood education around here. We know—as Ed Markey said: “Education is not only a ladder of opportunity, but it is also an investment in our future.” Children, especially those most at-risk students, receive even more benefits from participating in an early childhood curriculum that prepares them for a lifetime of learning! In a perfect world, early childhood education
Learn more »

Investing in children through parental involvement in early childhood education Read More »

5 reasons why family involvement in education matters to ELL students

Leave a Comment / Minds on Music /

Parent is another word for teacher—regardless of what any thesaurus says! (It’s also another word for nurse, doctor, chef, driver…) So, of course, parent involvement in early childhood matters. Studies continue to highlight the importance of family involvement in education, especially in regards to early language and literacy development. After all, we’ve said it before: a parent is a child’s first and best teacher.
Learn more »

5 reasons why family involvement in education matters to ELL students Read More »

5 ideas to involve the whole family in being green

Leave a Comment / Minds on Music /

Sustainability for kids can start with a seed—literally and figuratively. We put together five ways to involve the whole family in protecting the environment for kids. From planting a garden to planting the knowledge about the importance of sustainability, we think you and your family will enjoy “going green!” 5 ideas for family involvement in education that will have you seeing green Take a
Learn more »

5 ideas to involve the whole family in being green Read More »

4 new research-proven benefits of music on children

Leave a Comment / Minds on Music /

An elementary school teacher wrote: “The education of a child involves three major components: teacher, student, parents.” We absolutely agree that parent involvement in early childhood education in collaboration with classroom teachers best equips children for a successful learning environment at school and in the home.  Music can help build connections between the teacher, student, and parents. The benefits of music on children and
Learn more »

4 new research-proven benefits of music on children Read More »

6 websites and mobile apps for kids that support early literacy development

Leave a Comment / Minds on Music /

Talking to babies, toddlers, and preschoolers throughout the day, reading together, and playing learning games for kids all help support early literacy and language development. When babies react to their mothers’ voices, they are responding to the familiar cadence of the language. While sitting in a parent’s lap listening to a story before bedtime, toddlers begin to see and recognize letters and sounds and
Learn more »

6 websites and mobile apps for kids that support early literacy development Read More »

5 ways Kindermusik prepares PARENTS for Kindergarten

Leave a Comment / Minds on Music /

Of course, Kindermusik helps prepare young children for school success. (You can read just 9 of the ways our music classes for babies, toddlers, big kids, and families lay the groundwork for success in elementary school.) But, Kindermusik also prepares parents for Kindergarten. Here’s how: 5 ways Kindermusik prepares parents for Kindergarten, including parental involvement in early childhood education You get real-life experience with
Learn more »

5 ways Kindermusik prepares PARENTS for Kindergarten Read More »

5 reasons to use music as part of a Head Start, Early Head Start, or Parents as Teachers curriculum

Leave a Comment / Minds on Music /

Although the poet Robert Frost was not a preschool, Parents as Teachers, or Head Start teacher, we think he could have been writing about what happens inside a early childhood classroom when he penned: “I’m not a teacher, but an awakener.” Every day in Parents as Teachers and Head Start programs around the United States, preschool teachers awaken the potential in children. At Kindermusik
Learn more »

5 reasons to use music as part of a Head Start, Early Head Start, or Parents as Teachers curriculum Read More »

FOL Fridays: Pairing Language with Movement

Leave a Comment / Minds on Music /

Pairing language with movement sets the stage for cognitive and kinesthetic learning.  The right hemisphere of the brain is our emotional side where much of our creativity is channeled.  The left hemisphere organizes logical skills, such as language.  When children are engaged in movements determined by the lyrics, the brain automatically cross-references both hemispheres, mapping creativity and logic (Fishbourne, G. 1998) Tips for parents: 
Learn more »

FOL Fridays: Pairing Language with Movement Read More »