We at Ready Set Grow Preschool Nassau understand the importance of an emotionally safe environment, and we make sure to insure one for your child. This is an article from www.scholastic.com written by Bruce D. Perry, M.D., Ph.D. about how to create an ideal environment for your child.   Why are the first days of [...]

  Ready Set Grow Preschool understands your child’s need for a stimulating and safe environment. We provide a safe environment for your child, so we hope that you do at home as well. A stimulating environment is just as important as a safe environment so we found this article for you to read about how [...]

  Sometimes children can have a hard time adjusting to preschool. Ready Set Grow Preschool has found and article on www.kidshealth.org that is all about helping your child adjust to preschool and some tips for the first day. Take a look at this article and maybe it can help your child to adjust!   Preschool [...]

  Preschool can help young children learn social skills and help them interact with others but the importance of child-parent bonding with without parallel. Ready Set Grow Preschool wants your children to develop into loving and caring members of society. Parent-Child bonding is very important, read this article about what you can do to bond [...]

  The Center on Social and Emotional Foundations for Early Learning discusses how classroom interactions can enhance social development among preschoolers in their short brief “Using Environmental Strategies to Promote Positive Social Interactions.” They maintain that meaningful social development can occur amongst preschools peers when the children are not only given the opportunity to interact, [...]

  We’ve said it numerous times that here at Ready Set Grow Preschool we want your child to have a memorable, exciting experience at preschool. The preschool years set the ground for the future and we want to insure your child not only learns a lot but also has a lot of fun. So if [...]

Enrolling your little one in preschool can bring many questions: How well will my child adjust to preschool? Will my child make friends? Will the teacher understand my child?   Establishing and maintaining an open, clear channel of communication with the preschool teacher can lessen many parental concerns.   Getting to Know the Teacher   [...]

  At Ready Set Grow Preschool Nassau we have an Imagination Room along with a Math & Science Room, and a little gym. We believe that free play is very important for a child’s development. Here is an article we found that explains why:   When your child plays freely, like when he hunts for [...]

  Ready Set Grow Preschool Nassau loves reading articles from preschoolers.about.com and this article is no exception! “Going green” and being environmentally conscious is one of the greatest lessons in generativity. Teach your preschooler to think ahead and care about the world, teach them to keep it clean.   Think your preschooler is too young to understand [...]

  Ready Set Grow Preschool always wants children to play nicely. This article is all about teaching children to be polite and teaching children “nice” words. We think all parents should take a look at this article.   Teaching Manners to Children: Learning “Nice” Words: There is a place for “Please” and “Thank You” in your preschooler’s vocabulary! [...]

  Although your children learn a whole lot socializing with other kids their age in preschool class, it is important for them to socialize with others outside of class. At Ready Set Grow Preschool Nassau we know how important social development is with children. At preschoolers.about.com we found a really well written article about how to [...]

  This article is a continuation from “Kindergarten: What They Learn”. At www.pbs.org they have a lot of great information on toddlers, preschoolers and kindergarteners. Ready Set Grow Preschool Nassau wants your child to have the best experience at school because we know these early years set the foundation for learning in the future.   Growing [...]

Kindergarten is an important time in your child’s life. After preschool this is where school really begins for children! At www.pbs.org they have a very descriptive article about what children will learn in preschool. We at Ready Set Grow Preschool Nassau hope that you enjoy this article and learn something new!   The Basics   Most [...]

  Every year kids start school — and every year parents wonder what to do. Whether it’s your child’s first day at preschool or the start of fifth grade, there are always new challenges. Kids, as well as parents, often struggle with saying goodbye at the classroom door and hello to the start of a [...]

  Here at Ready Set Grow, we strive to provide the highest quality educational experience and understand how important it is to make each child feel safe and comfortable in their environment. Help facilitate emotional and social development including separation, cooperation, manners, self-discipline and curiosity.Allow children to engage in new experiences using all senses. Focus [...]

Doing research on the internet on what children will learn and what teachers will teach in preschool, we have found yet another great article that parents should check out at www.pbs.org. This article answers simple questions with detailed answers about your preschool child and their experience in preschool. At Ready Set Grow Preschool Nassau we [...]

We want to continue to provide parents with information about their preschooler and what they should be learning at the “preschool age” We have found another great article we want to share with you about “The Ages & Stages of Preschool Children”. At Ready Set Grow Preschool Nassau we are committed to providing your child [...]

At Ready Set Grow Preschool Nassau we want to give you the parent some insight on what your child should and will learn in preschool. We have found an article from www.parents.com that explains what your child should learn throughout preschool. There are all sorts of ways your child will learn. Preschool children learn through [...]

  At Ready Set Grow Preschool Nassau we want to give you the parent some insight on what your child should and will learn in preschool. We have found an article from www.parents.com that explains what your child should learn throughout preschool, this continues with age 4.   Preschool is getting plenty of play these [...]

  At Ready Set Grow Preschool Nassau we want to give you the parent some insight on what your child should and will learn in preschool. We have found an article from www.parents.com that explains what your child should learn throughout preschool, we continue here with age 3.   Preschool is getting plenty of play [...]

At Ready Set Grow Preschool Nassau we want to give you the parent some insight on what your child should and will learn in preschool. We have found an article from www.parents.com that explains what your child should learn throughout preschool, here we start at age 2.   Preschool is getting plenty of play these [...]

Ready Set Grow Preschool Nassau wants to ensure your child’s safety not only at our preschool location but anywhere and everywhere. Here are some tips we found in an article about “Playground Safety”:   Playgrounds or backyard swing sets are wonderful for preschoolers. Not only can they help develop gross and fine motor skills, they [...]

  Although we know that the warm weather is not here yet, at Ready Set Grow Preschool Nassau we are committed to providing your preschooler with the best care and along with that some great ideas for family summer fun. Here we have found an article that gives 8 great summer ideas for you and [...]

Here at Ready Set Grow Nassau County we want to insure that your child is ready to attend preschool, and will have a fun, fulfilling experience at our preschool! We found this article giving some tips on how to prepare your child for preschool. Check it out!   After careful consideration, you’ve decided your child [...]

  Ready Set Grow Preschool Nassau County wants to teach your children to clean up after themselves! Cleanliness is very important to us at Ready Set Grow Nassau. Here is an article we found about teaching your preschooler to clean up:   Cleaning up after a fun day of play is probably tops on your [...]

  At Ready Set Grow Preschool Nassau we are very concerned with cleanliness and hygiene!   “Wash your hands!” It’s a phrase that I find myself saying at least a dozen times a day, and one that I hear repeated at least few times hygiene more.   With concerns about the seasonal flu and H1N1 virus [...]

In operant conditioning, positive reinforcement involves anything that follows a behavior that makes it more likely that the behavior will occur again in the future. When a favorable outcome, event or reward occurs after an action, that particular response or behavior will be strengthened.   One of the easiest ways to remember positive reinforcement is [...]

  Ready Set Grow Nassau County believes in positive reinforcement with preschool children to help them learn!   Positive reinforcement has not always been a tool teachers have used. There was a time that teachers convinced students to pay attention, learn their lessons etc. by making them sit in the corner with a dunce cap [...]

  You wrestle for ten minutes with your 3-year-old to get his jacket on, yet his preschool teacher has ten kids (including yours) dressed for the playground in less than three. What’s her secret? Partly, of course, the advantage of not being a parent  – kids really are more inclined to behave for outsiders.   But [...]

  What to expect at this age   “You can’t have it!” your preschooler shouts as he grabs his toy truck from his playmate. No sooner have you smoothed out that squabble than another erupts. “No!” he yells as his visitor heads toward his rock collection. Why doesn’t your child know how to share? Well, [...]

  There are a few simple things you can do to help your preschooler understand the idea of sharing. The problem is, your youngster doesn’t want to share, and in fact the concept of sharing is a bit foreign to him. For a toddler with a new toy, their focus is on that item being [...]

  Preschool teachers can pull the science out of the environment and make it part of daily experience. Preschoolers find science in trips to the park and the playground, water and sand play, making fruit salad, rolling toys down a ramp, and building with blocks. Science is based on curiosity, and teachers reinforce children’s inherent [...]

  Walk into almost any preschool class in the country, and you’ll see children sitting quietly in circles, forming orderly lines, raising their hands to speak, passing out napkins and snacks. The question is: How do teachers do it? How do they get a dozen or more children under 4 to cooperate, willingly and happily? [...]

  While 3- and 4-year-olds still need plenty of parental help, our preschool experts agree that kids are typically able to do more than many of us think. Here’s how you can encourage them:   1. Expect more. Most people have a way of living up (or down) to expectations — preschoolers included. “At school [...]

If your preschool students don’t seem to understand the importance of sharing, you might be at your wit’s end. Try some of these sharing activities for preschoolers, and watch your students become more aware of the importance of giving to others.   The importance of giving to others is important to impart to students. These [...]

  Parents of preschoolers know that although their children might be developmentally capable of sharing, they sometimes have a hard time doing it. But although sharing is almost second nature to older children and adults (we hope), preschoolers are only beginning to learn that there are more important things than getting what they want, such [...]

“I want a snack!” Most parents know that phrase all too well. We may occasionally roll our eyes upon hearing it, but it is OK for kids to eat a little something between meals. In fact, snacks can play a big part in fulfilling a child’s daily nutritional requirements.   The important thing is to [...]

  When was the last time your child sat down at the dinner table and said, “Gee, thanks for this delicious plate of healthy food! Can I have seconds?” We can’t promise these tips will convert your picky eater into a fruit and vegetable fan, but they should make good food choices more attractive for [...]

  Preschoolers are not great at multitasking. They are incredibly smart, have amazing imaginations and are curious beyond belief, but when it comes to doing a few major things at once, it can be overwhelming. Adjusting to preschool is tops on the list of “things that can cause a child stress.” And even if your [...]

  Whether this is your child’s first year in preschool or he’ll be returning for his second or third, you want to make sure that the experience is a positive one. It’s easy to ensure school success — by employing some tried-and-true methods, you’ll help your child have a great year in preschool as well [...]

Can’t get your kids to eat their veggies?   Researchers at Pennsylvania State University have a cunning plan. They suggest you discreetly add broccoli, zucchini and all that other green stuff to kids’ meals.   Reuters news service reports their research found kids get more vegetables that way. And, while most of us might detect [...]

Becoming Learners   In preschool, children first learn “how to learn.” They begin to form their attitudes toward school and to see themselves as learners. Strong preschool experiences will help a child think, “I am a good learner. I can find problems to solve. I can master a difficult task.” These experiences show preschool children [...]

  The Basics   In preschool, children learn about the world through play. Subject areas aren’t separate in their minds or in the classroom. The objects preschoolers find on a nature walk, like feathers, rocks and leaves, might help them figure out math concepts like “big, bigger, and biggest” or motivate them to visit the [...]

  The significance of social and emotional development is seen in every area of a child’s life. A child will have a strong foundation for later development if he or she can manage personal feelings, understand others’ feelings and needs, and interact positively with others. Differences in social and emotional development result from a child’s [...]

  Research shows that if children start school with a strong set of attitudes and skills that help them “learn how to learn,” they will be better able to take advantage of educational opportunities. While some learning skills come naturally to children, others can be developed through a supportive environment. Tips for building learning skills: [...]

  Five-year-olds have a varied repertoire of music and are able to compose and arrange music within specified guidelines. They create realistic art with recognizable subjects and more detailed settings. They also recognize that art can tell a story. The movements of children this age show mature form and an increased ability to balance and [...]

  “How do I get my child to eat fruits and veggies?” “Is it okay for my child to take a vitamin supplement and then eat anything he wants?” “My child only eats five foods: chicken fingers, fries, applesauce, cereal and milk.” Do any of these questions and comments sound familiar? As a registered dietitian, [...]

  Your preschooler’s brain may understand that it is raining and she can’t go outside and play, but her body still wants to go a mile a minute. Young children by nature are active creatures and while it’s nice to have a relaxing day at home where you aren’t on the go, you need to [...]

Children’s birthday parties have come a long way since the days of a slice of cake on a paper plate at the kitchen table. But don’t fret about planning a bash for your baby. Just follow some simple steps to make it easier — and super-fun — for the birthday boy or girl.   Plan [...]

  GYM PARTY 1 Hour Gym Activities, 1/2 Hour Party Celebration, Invitations, Party Paper Goods, Pizza, Choice of Juice or Soda, Instructors & a Hostess Bring your own cake   Activities: Gymnastics with balance beams, bars, rings & trampoline Lil’ Sport Court, Relay Races, Soccer, Volleyball, Basketball, Color War, Olympic Theme Challenge, Cheerleading, Dancing   [...]

  We begin attending birthday parties at a very young age and keep up with the social tradition till the end of our lives. It’s one of those cross-cultural, social traditions that it is important to feel comfortable with from early on in life. When your child is the host or when your child is [...]

After careful consideration, you’ve decided your child is ready to start preschool. You’ve done your research and chosen a school that you think is best suited for your child. Now all you have to do is sit back and wait until back-to-school time rolls around, right? Not quite. Before starting school, now is the time [...]

  If your little one is starting preschool soon, there is lots you can do to help her prepare for that all-important first day. Things like site visits and back to school shopping are great ways to introduce the idea of preschool to your child, as are reading books. With comforting words and vibrant pictures, these starting preschool books [...]

So you’ve done all the research and picked out the perfect preschool for your child. Last night, you made sure your little one got to bed early so he’d wake up ready to go. A backpack stuffed with supplies like crayons, paper and glue sticks are waiting by the front door. That all-important first-day-of-school outfit [...]

  Millions of kids go to camp each year, continuing a summer tradition that’s been around for generations of American children. Camp is so much more than just getting your kids into nature! Learn why you should send your kids to camp this year.   I have cherished memories of spending my youth on Grandma’s [...]

  For some families, summer camp is an almost automatic rite of summer. When school ends, summer camp begins. Families with two parents working outside the home that need child care to cover the summer months often find that summer camp fits the bill. And it’s fun too!   Pros and Cons of Summer Camp [...]

  Too often these days, parents feel they have no choice but to pack their child’s schedules with adult-supervised, adult-driven activities such as organized sports. But, as a  report from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) makes clear, such activities should not come at the expense of free and unstructured play, which is critical to [...]

  The next time your child comes to the pediatrician it might be a good idea that she leaves with a prescription for some daily ‘free play’ time.   With all of the structured activities and the strictly scheduled lives that kids have these days, many kids are left without any real time to just [...]

  Reading is a core subject in early childhood education. Parents often wonder what they can do to help their preschooler be a successful reader even before he or she begins to read, sometimes resorting to fancy computer software and aggressive reading strategies to help give their child a leg up.   However, simple everyday [...]

  When parents think of scientific learning, they probably think of the chemistry experiments and and biology textbooks that characterize science class in elementary school and above. But preschoolers are already actively engaged in scientific learning, both inside the classroom and out. As they ask questions and seek answers to their “how” and “why” questions, [...]

  1. A Day Jam-Packed With Learning   Many dual-income and single-parent families look for all-day child care solutions. All-day kindergarten provides more educational opportunities and development than other kinds of child care.   2. Advanced Academics   Compared to those who go to half-day kindergarten, kids who attend an all-day program score higher on [...]

  Drop-off dread   It is Monday morning and you are not dreading the morning traffic, or the meeting with your boss, but instead you fear the drop-off scene at your child’s preschool. You are hoping that you will at least reach the school lobby before he cements his feet to the ground and screams [...]

As a parent, the greatest gift you can give your child is a positive self image. A belief in one’s self empowers a child to achieve in all areas of life from the schoolroom to the playground. Progressive Gymnastics-East fosters success in children by bringing out the best in each child through safe, exciting classes geared [...]

Here at Ready Set Grow, we strive to provide the highest quality educational experience and understand how important it is to make each child feel safe and comfortable in their environment. We believe that the early years of learning are the most valuable. The first five years of a child’s life is a time of [...]

Help facilitate emotional and social development including separation, cooperation, manners, self-discipline and curiosity. Allow children to engage in new experiences using all senses. Focus on language comprehension, expression and verbal clarity. Our program is designed for each child to transition from the sensory- motor world of toddlers to an increasingly social world. Children will have [...]

  It is very important for children to receive the proper nutrition. During the pre-school years the body is growing rapidly. According to Keep Kids Healthy, proper nutrition can prevent many medical problems, including becoming overweight, developing weak bones, and developing diabetes and will also ensure that your child physically grows to her full potential. [...]

  No preschool program would be complete without a steady supply of preschool crafts.   Every parent loves to proudly display their child’s artwork on the refrigerator for all to see.   There are plenty of other reasons to include arts and craft activities though. Give a child art supplies and you’ve got a recipe [...]

  Children naturally love art – painting, drawing, making music, the theater.  Unfortunately, when schools cut back on budgets, the arts are usually the first to go.  It seems that schools do not appreciate the importance of art in building a kid’s brain.   Physiologically, the human brain consists of 2 parts, the left and [...]

  Arts and crafts can be a very effective development tool for children. When done in class or with friends, they can become a great way to socialize while still giving kids some privacy. They are also great sources of personal satisfaction, as kids will feel proud of themselves when they are able to finish [...]

Have you considering taking a mommy and me class with your infant or toddler? Are you wondering what benefits a mommy and me class offers? Are you not even sure what a mommy and me class is? Are you just searching for something for you and your baby to do together?   A Mommy and [...]

  Another way to bond with your child is to take a “Mommy and Me” or “Daddy and Me” class together.   Where to Find a “Mommy and Me” or “Daddy and Me” Class:   Ready Set Grow Nassau offers Mommy and Me classes!   Benefits of “Mommy and Me” or “Daddy and Me Classes”: [...]

Children benefit from an active lifestyle and participating in any sport. The American Academy of Pediatrics believes that partaking in organized sports provides a chance for young people to increase their activity and develop socially and physically. Gym.Net adds that gymnastics is one of the most comprehensive lifestyle exercise programs available to children, incorporating strength, [...]

    Wondering whether to enroll your child in a gymnastics program? Learn the benefits of gymnastics and why this tough sport is worth a try.   Gymnastics is one of the most challenging sports for kids. It requires tremendous skill, concentration, strength, and perseverance, plus it has a high potential for injury. So why [...]

Kids this age are walking and running, kicking, and throwing. They’re naturally active, so be sure to provide lots of opportunities for your child to practice and build on these skills.   How much is enough? According to the National Association of Sports and Physical Education, each day toddlers should:   • get at least [...]

Toddlers learn by playing and they learn a lot between ages 1 and 3. At 1, a child may be working on a wobbly walk and just starting to use words. But by 3, most can balance briefly on one foot and speak in short sentences.   During these important years, toddlers will enjoy playing [...]

Encourage Activity   It might look like just child’s play, but toddlers are hard at work learning important physical skills as they gain muscle control, balance, and coordination. Each new skill lets them progress to the next one, building on a foundation that leads to more complicated physical tasks, such as jumping rope, kicking a [...]

Playgrounds and outdoor play equipment offer kids fresh air, friends, and exercise. So it’s important for parents to make sure that faulty equipment, improper surfaces, and careless behavior don’t ruin the fun.   Each year, more than 200,000 kids are treated in hospital ERs for playground-related injuries. Many of these could have been prevented with [...]

Play is moti­vated by plea­sure. It is instinc­tive and part of the mat­u­ra­tional process. We can­not pre­vent chil­dren from self-initiated play; they will engage in it when­ever they can. The prob­lem is that we have cur­tailed the time and oppor­tu­ni­ties for such play. Obvi­ously we can­not turn the clock back and reverse the tech­no­log­i­cal, social, [...]

Play is rapidly dis­ap­pear­ing from our homes, our schools, and our neigh­bor­hoods. Over the last two decades alone, chil­dren have lost eight hours of free, unstruc­tured, and spon­ta­neous play a week. More than 30,000 schools in the United States have elim­i­nated recess to make more time for aca­d­e­mics. From 1997 to 2003, children’s time spent [...]

Why is active play important?   Active play helps your child learn healthy habits. There are many health benefits of active play, such as:   Active children are less likely to weigh too much.   Keeping your child active now helps lower the chance of developing chronic diseases like Type 2 diabetes.   Activities, like [...]

Active play is essentially physical activity with spontaneous and occasional bursts of high energy. It can occur indoors or outdoors, alone or with friends and family. Even before children can walk, they can start playing. As they get older and learn more skills, opportunities for active play increase.   Active play is essential for all [...]

When it comes to preschool education, there are two lines of thought. One says that preschoolers need to be taught early academic skills in order to get a leg up on future school achievement. Another says the focus should be on social and emotional development. But, new research from Penn State University says it doesn’t [...]

  A study released by the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA) shows that the type of preschool a child attends at 4 years old, will affect how he or she learns at 7. The study, the largest of its type to date, followed 5,000 preschoolers in 1,800 schools across the world. [...]

Do you know if your child’s preschool is accredited? Should you care? Considering the fact that fewer than 10 percent of America’s preschools have gained accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children, chances are your child’s preschool is not one of them.  Most parents either don’t know about preschool accreditation, or [...]

Five Significant Reasons For a Preschool Education   1. Brain development is highest during the first four years of life. The brain is forming important neural paths to help develop the child’s ability to perform and function and learn well. Children are able to learn at a rapid rate and want and need to learn [...]

  Preschool education is a hot topic among parents and early childhood educators today. If you are the parent of a preschooler (or younger child) you need to ask yourself why you should care about preschool learning. There are three key reasons why you should not only concern yourself with your child’s preschool education but [...]

  The big moment has arrived and you need to let go of your baby. Yesterday she was crawling, today she is ready to make friends and go to big school. But how important is preschool?   “There’s increasing evidence that children gain a lot from going to preschool,” says Parents advisor Kathleen McCartney, PhD, [...]

  The Importance of Preschool   1. What’s the difference between childcare and preschool?   Childcare centers are generally an option for working parents who need their children to be taken care of during the day; centers accept babies as well as toddlers and are full-time, full-year programs. Preschool refers to an early-childhood educational class [...]

Self Confidence   One of the greatest things we can give to a 2 – 6 year old is more self confidence. Gymnastics, with the many small chal- lenges in each class, builds the confidence in themselves for every preschool student. Forget the cartwheels, building self confidence can affect every child in a major way [...]

The parent who states that they think “…gymnastics would probably be good for their child” might be surprised to know just how good it is. With pediatric obesity at an epidemic level of 13% of children and adolescents in the United States, getting children away from the television or computer games and into the gym [...]

It is important to introduce art manipulation at an early age. This helps develop a child’s imagination and creativity.  A child can start developing the building blocks for fine motor skills and open a world of imagination. If you want to enhance those skills, enroll your child in our Ready Set Grow Pre-school in Nassau [...]

For most parents, children’s play is just that — diversion or entertainment. Kids do seem to like it, after all, and their pleasure in devoting hours to play, make-believe, and following their imaginations is usually obvious.   But to think that play matters only in so far as it brings pleasure is to miss the [...]

As a parent, what is my role in play?   Parents are their children’s first and best playmates. Parents have a role in being involved in their children’s play. Children tend to be more creative when their parents are involved in their play. The best play occurs when the adult plays alongside the child, rather [...]

Children learn through play   Toys are fun, but toys are also tools that help children learn about themselves and the world around them. Play is critical to the healthy growth and development of children. As children play, they learn to solve problems, to get along with others and to develop the fine and gross [...]

For many years, early childhood researchers have studied the role of play in the growth and development of children. They have found that ‘constructive play’, like food, love, care, and hope, is an essential building block for children – a critical part of the foundation children need to lead healthy, happy, and productive lives.   [...]

From birth to adolescence, constructive play is vital to most aspects of children’s intellectual, emotional, social, and physical development. Consequently, play prepares children for academic learning – as they begin their school years and at each step along the way. Ultimately, play prepares children for rewarding adult lives. Many experts believe that adult personality may [...]

As infants, children explore their physical and social world through their senses. Adults can facilitate learning through play by providing infants with opportunities to see, touch, taste, and smell a variety of phenomena. At this stage, give-and-take games such as peek-a-boo with loving, responsive adults help infants learn to interact socially.   At the toddler [...]

Cooking   Children enjoy cooking. Sometimes they like the product, but even if they don’t, they always appreciate the process. It’s fun to do something that is a grown-up activity–and discover that kids can do it too!   Preschools often tie cooking projects to other themes the class is working on. For example, in the [...]

Circle Time   Generally teachers begin this group time with a specific topic for discussion. It may be a topic related to a project the class is working on, or it may focus on a specific skill. For example, in the beginning of the year, the teacher may play games to help the children learn [...]

Dramatic Play   The housekeeping/dress-up corner should be stocked with play items and props that encourage young children to play make-believe. Look for pots and pans, stuffed animals, dolls (soft, unbreakable, washable, and multiethnic), toy telephones, hats, purses and tote bags, unbreakable tea sets, doll beds and carriages.   Playing make-believe lets a child bring [...]

Some art projects are part of a theme that the class is studying. For example, as part of the seasons’ curriculum, the children might gather pine cones, leaves, and acorns during a fall nature walk. They will later use them in art projects, such as to make leaf rubbings, to assemble in collages, or to [...]

There’s so much going on in the block corner that it’s easy to understand why it is often the most popular area in the preschool classroom. It can also become the focus of incredible territorial struggles. Sometimes groups of children begin to act as if they own the space. Often boys dominate the area, making [...]

The Food Guide Pyramid for young children (displayed below) was designed by the US Dept. of Agriculture to promote healthy nutrition in children from the age of 2 – 6 years. It is meant to be a general guide to daily food choices. The main emphasis of the food pyramid is on the five major [...]

The five basic food groups for kids have been determined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture as a means to educate parents and child care providers about proper nutrition. This information was updated in 2005 to promote even healthier eating.   1. Grains   ◦ Foods in this group include breads, rice, pasta and cereals. [...]

In order to stay healthy, you have to eat a variety of nutritious foods every day. It’s not that easy to eat healthy though, and that’s where the Food Guide Pyramid can help you out!   Food Pyramid – The Pieces of the Puzzle   The Food Guide Pyramid is an easy way to learn [...]

All foods are not created equal. A T-bone steak tastes nothing like a bran muffin, and the two foods do totally different things to your body. If you ate just steaks, three meals a day, you’d be a very unhealthy person (unless you’re a wolf-kid). Eating only muffins morning, noon, and night would be almost [...]

  The media’s popularization of findings from studies indicating a causal link between music training and spatial reasoning in young children (Rauscher et al. 1993, 1997) has caught the attention of many and spurred interest in the inclusion of music in early childhood education. Curriculum models that substantiate this point of view   are credible; [...]

  More than 3 million students are enrolled in kindergarten programs in the United States. Slightly more than half of those students are enrolled in full-day programs, and the remainder attend more traditional half-day kindergarten. However, there is no consistency across states regarding requirements for kindergarten. In some states public schools must offer kindergarten; in [...]

The positive effects of high-quality early education found for cognitive, linguistic, social, and economic outcomes has led to substantial public investment in preschool programs for economically disadvantaged children. An important question in the design of public preschool programs is whether learning increases as time in preschool is increased.   The results of a randomized trial [...]

  How much attention do students at your school get? Class size is one factor to consider when evaluating a school’s effectiveness. But small class size alone does not ensure a good education. The quality of the teaching, the school leadership, the size of the school, the amount of parent involvement and other factors are [...]

  “Smaller classes!” That has long been the battle cry of parents and education reformers. The logic behind such advocacy makes perfect sense–children get more one-on-one attention, teachers get to know students better and can better design lesson plans to meet each child’s needs. With more engaging lessons and such personal attention, there’s less class [...]

  The camp experience enriches lives and changes the world.   Camp provides children with a community of caring adults, who nurture experiential education that results in self-respect and appreciation for human value. All of the outcomes — self-identity, self-worth, self-esteem, leadership, and self-respect — build personal competencies. These personal competencies are reflected in the [...]

It is easy for parents to identify their child’s physical needs: nutritious food, warm clothes when it’s cold, bedtime at a reasonable hour. However, a child’s mental and emotional needs may not be as obvious. Good mental health allows children to think clearly, develop socially and learn new skills.  Additionally, good friends and  encouraging words [...]

There are a variety of ways you can use musical instruments in the classroom.   Create a music center and try adding… Baskets of musical instruments A CD Player A pretend microphone A mirror A little platform for a stage (square) Posters and books about music, composers, notes, and nursery rhymes. Staple together little books [...]

It is possible to make fruits, vegetables, lean protein, low fat dairy products and whole grains appealing to your kids. Let Them be Choosy   An afternoon snack gives kids the energy to play outside or do their homework. The important thing is to provide kids with choices. If all the choices you give them [...]

Whether at a party or a play date, preschoolers love games. No longer toddlers, they have a growing interest in playing with other kids. Physically, they’re now steady on their feet and learning to hop, skip, jump, and even somersault. Preschoolers are ready for games with simple rules — and don’t be surprised if they’re [...]

Just as infant and toddler classrooms are designed to meet the special needs of very young children, preschool classrooms must take into account the social, emotional, and intellectual characteristics of 3-, 4-, and 5-year-olds and the cultural backgrounds of these children. Consider the following:   The preschool child appreciates a beautiful classroom. The preschool classroom [...]

Preschoolers are active, spirited tykes. And while they’re generally adorable and fun, it’s perfectly normal for 3, 4, and 5-year-olds to be opinionated — especially about eating.   Here’s some advice from the experts on how to avoid preschool food fights.   Fend Off Food Fits   Preschoolers can be picky eaters. They may favor [...]

By the time their children start preschool, many parents have big plans for their bright academic futures. But early reading, writing and math skills are actually less important than developing the social and emotional skills needed to cooperate, pay attention and be motivated to learn — all of which are key to future success in [...]

     Do you love animals? We sure do! Guess what? Alley Pond Environmental Center comes and visits us here at Ready Set Grow Pre-school in Nassau County! They bring numerous animals like turtles, doves, rabbits & lizards to show the children. The children get to interact with them, touch them, but most importantly, they learn [...]

At Ready Set Grow we encourage our children to eat healthy and brush their teeth. Dental hygiene is important to our overall health. It is imperative to teach children at an early age the importance of taking care of their teeth. Every year we have a dental hygienist that comes to our school. Ms. Vicky brings creative [...]

Here at Ready Set Grow Preschool we believe in teaching our children about fire safety even at the ages of 2 to 4 years old. We team up with the Manhasset-Lakeville Fire Department every October to educate the children about fire safety.  The children become firefighters as they explore the fire truck. They receive a firefighter hat, fire [...]

     We have a blast celebrating our Ready Set Grow Pre-School kid’s birthdays. Our RSG community comes together to celebrate your child’s birthday. Parents, guardians and grandparents come to the celebration during our snack time. We blow out candles, sing happy birthday, take pictures and eat birthday goodies.  The children feel so special when they [...]

     It’s very important to provide structure and instill respectful behavior in your child’s life as early as possible.  Teaching respect and manners early can increase a child’s self-esteem. How is this possible? When a child is respectful to someone it will be reciprocated back to them. This will help them feel good about themselves. [...]

     Calling all Little Chefs!!!! During each school year at Ready Set Grow Pre-School in Nassau County, the children periodically become little chefs! During the different seasons we enjoy cooking delicious snacks. In the autumn months we make scrumptious apple sauce. We prepare a friendship feast by making fruit salad and friendship soup with our [...]

     Introducing your child to a pre-school environment can cause anxiety and uncertainty for both child and parent. The uncertainty and anxiety stems from separating from each other every day. Here, at Ready Set Grow pre-school in Nassau County, we understand that this can be a challenging experience for you and your child. Not only [...]

    We provide a unique early childhood education program. We have a unique transitioning room to room program, which will stimulate and engage your child throughout the day. One of the benefits of transitioning from room to room is that it decreases distractibility and restlessness while the Teachers provide structured learning activities that correlate with [...]

  Our teachers, at Ready Set Grow Pre-school in Nassau County know music is important for the neurological and physiological development for babies and toddlers.  Every day we entice the children to dance and sing in our movement room. The children enjoy singing and performing numerous songs such as, Wheels on the Bus, If Your Happy [...]