Pre-Tend play

Science -0-3

Taking your toddler to different  places helps with social skills. Experience is what builds a brain. Your toddler is also getting vocabulary that helps with reading  and speech. In order for a child to start reading  the child must understand speech.

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The ability to walk - up and down stairs

Observation
December 10,2014
Time :9:30am
Gender -African American boy
Age three yrs and 10weeks


 Today it was pouring and we had to take the train. Ajani woke up and did not want to eat breakfast . I told him that we will take it to grandma(baby sitter) who is 85yrs old. I told him that it is raining and he needs to were his rain coat and his rain boots. He began running under the table and giggling each time I went to get him he ran to the other side  sticks his tongue out and began saying na-na-na.
I final was able to grab him "you caught me, he said with a big smile". I put his rain coat on and start zipping it and allowed him to zip the rest of it "NaNa I did it", good job. I helped him with his boots.


We headed for the subway . I held his right hand as we walked down the stairs. He is able to walk down the stairs with one foot in front of the other with out tripping. When we got to our stop he was able to walk up the stairs with one foot in front of the next . He was able to balance as he went up and down the stairs.


This is a skill that young children need before they get to pre-school. This is called gross motor skills.

How To Prepare Your Baby For School: Toys and Building Blocks

Infants- Brain development

It is important for you to play soothing music for your infant . It helps them with listening skills , patterns  in sounds , language development , language skills. Your infant cannot speak as yet but her brain is recording all the information and when she is  begins to speak.
You should also speak with your infant just as you do the rest of the family in order for young children to learn language they need to hear it.


 As your baby gets a little older you begin to play music with words about 4 months old. What will happen your baby will begin singing along with the music once  she begins to speak.

Pretend play 0-3

Playing is a very important part of brain development during the infant/toddle years. It is important that you provide items that provide variety of experiences for your toddler. Boys  will grow up to be fathers one day and nurturing is a very important . Playing with a doll teaches them empathy and to be gentle.  If we are going to change behaviors of  the next generation we need to do things different .
Many times I hear adults defining what is  boy toy and a girl toy. We need to begin to look at our parenting style with a different lens.
You should provide androgynous experiences for your infant/toddler, this means do not be rigid.

The party crew-December 6,2014

Music class for the party crew. Listening skills is needed for kindergarten . These boys re leaning the joy of a live performance.They are also learning how to function in a diverse  space.

Having fun

 Children's museum of the Arts 12.6.12
Social skills learning how to interact with different spaces and people

Taking initiative -Wanting to dress self

3 years and two months
December 7,2014


Earlier  this evening  Ajani put a pair of shorts on . I remember a few months ago he tried to put his pants on and put both legs in one foot of his pants. I discovered that when he tried to walk and was not able to .
 He is now 3 years and 2 months old .
 he does not want to go to bed because his mom went out .

It is 8:30 pm . He took off his all in one pajamas . "Na Na can I get a socks" . I got him a pair  and went back to typing . About 10 minutes went by . I hear him calling "NaNa look". I looked over . With a big smile "Na Na look I put my socks on". Wow that a good job ."yes I did I put my socks on " he said.

He is also able to put his boots on.

Infants/toddlers must be given the opportunity to build self-esteem and self confidence  which build competence. These are all school readiness skills and they are needed for life.

Problem solving

Ajani and his mom working on a floor puzzle 2 years and 3 months . The brain grows the most  during the first three years when the  wiring of the brain is taking place.

Experience is the key ingredient when it comes to building a brain

Ajani observing at the NY Transit Museum December 6,2014. Experience is what builds a brain.

Still time to purchase toys and books...

As you purchase toys for the holidays consider getting an age appropriate book or developmental toy.


That gift will last longer than an outfit...it takes a village to develop a brain.


We have gently used books and developmental toys you don't have to spend a great deal on gifts, use the rest of the money to place in a savings account for her.

We also have a great folding play mat for infants and toddlers. You can use it at your child care program as well. The mats are brand new recently arrived.

Contact us today and we can pick out a great selection for you

Be well





Sample of age appropriate books

observation-December 7,2014

Observation
Time: 7:30 pm
Ajani age 3years.2 months
boy
Only child
I am sitting at the table . I put down my glasses on the table. Ajani takes up my glasses and  runs with it . I  called "Ajani give me my glasses " . He ran and put it under the couch. I got up and he stand in front of me with his hands stretched  out . I tried to get around him and he tried to block me by moving from side to side  with his hands out. He is also making a face naynaynay with his tongue sticking out.

I was able to get around him and as I kneel down to get  my phone from under the couch he again tried to block me. He got on his stomach and put his hands under the couch in an attempt to push my glasses further under the couch.
I was able to get my glasses.


This behavior is very interesting .
I wondered where does he learn it ,as he goes to a baby sitter  with one other child that is younger than he is .
Is this behavior the inception of bullying ? Or can it become such if this 3 year old is not guided towards  positive behavior?  As a caregiver it is very important for you to be in tune with your toddler this will allow you to observe and guide . Guidance teachers discipline which will result in  socially acceptable behaviors .It is important to guide infants/toddlers towards the behavior that you want.

Fine motor skills

Ajani is trying to manage his fingers . He is not able to hold up two fingers as yet . Managing your body takes  while.

Pretend play

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Experience is what builds a brain

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Winter tip -fo keeping your gloves safe

I know during winter cloves and hats are usually getting lost . Here is a tip to keep them from getting lost . Put  a hole in each clove ,tie a string  at  each hole make sure that the string is the correct length . Then put it through the sleeves of your  infant/toddler jacket . See picture below .This will save you a lot of time and frustration. 

 Feel free to share our blog with your friends.Hats and scarves you can stick in the jacket sleeves . Your toddler will observe you doing that and will begin doing that also. This helps when she gets to pre-shool.

Petting a dog

Social skills

Arts festival
August 2014


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Science during 0-3 years

Ajani is observing some ants.

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The birth day boy

Adaptive social behavior in Diverse Setting

August 2014 Age 2.11 years 

Young children must be able to function in diverse settings . However, you will need to provide them with the experiences .
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Making choices- Brain development

October 28,2014
8:40am
3.1yrs
Ajani has been awake since 6:00am . He walked to the kitchen and I asked "Ajani what do you need? I want breakfast" he said. I wormed up some oat meal for him . I got his table and his chair . Here is your breakfast .
"That's not breakfast that's oat meal" he said with a straight face . I kept a straight face trying not to let him see that I was surprised at his response. " What would you like for breakfast I asked"?
He placed his pointer on his cheek and began I want egg, turkey bacon and plantain . Ok I will make it for you." Okay" he said.
I made his breakfast while he waited . I gave it to him and he at most of it. I cut the plantains in circles. He  began to stack them and they kept toppling over. Mommy look I made a cake.

Pretend play is a skill that young children need before they get to kindergarten. Infants and toddlers must be given the   tools that will allow them to be creative  . When you toddler is using his potty for a hat go along with her by saying wow that is  nice hat.
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Self-help skills-0-3

The ability to feed your self  is a skill that is needed before you get to school.Being able to feed your self builds self-esteem and self-confidence.This also helps the toddler to mange their body . When your child is eating the should be allowed to sit for as long as they want. Try not to be in a hurry . This gives the child the opportunity to learn how to sit and focus if there is a favorite show that the child likes for ,example Back Yardigans -In the Deep  put it on or she may make a request.

 Every moment is a leaning one plus you are teaching your child how to multi-task . The ability to focus is critical in order for your child to be successful in kindergarten.

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Brushing teeth

November 27th
Time :7:50m
Age 3.2

Ajani is running with speed  from the bathroom and he darts under the table. His mother walks into the room . Ajani she calls .No  I don't want to ,No I don't want to . What is the problem ? I asked as I paused my fingers above the key pad on the computer. "He don't want to brush his teeth". Ajani is still under the table repeating "I don't want to".

This activity is a challenge and will take some time for him to understand that brushing your teeth is a life long activity. This will take some time for him cooperate for now he  cries when he gets it done . His mother puts the tooth paste on the tip of his rag  and uses it to clean his teeth.
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Focus- ability to focus

Collage

Ajani did this collage on August 8,2014 he was 2 years and 11 months. Several pictures were in a container and he choose the ones that he wanted and actually pasted them right side up. He was able to do this because of the experience that he has had with books.

Activities like these teaches self-regulation ,the ability to focus  among other things. Many children  are not able to focus these skills must be taught during the early years when the wires in the brain is being connected.

At home  you should cut some pictures out and keep them in a container where the toddler has access to it. Allow the child to squeeze the glue bottle  she will pour a lot at fist . You will just need to guide and encourage.You will also get a chance to introduce new words -such as squeeze,little , collage, too much.
You can also have a  discussion about the pictures.You can do intentional teaching by cutting out certain pictures . This is a great way to introduce the shapes  also.
This is a school readiness skill


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Guidance- observation

Observation
November 26,2014
Age 3.2 years
Male
Time :9:30 pm

Ajani is sitting at the table he is looking at pictures on the computer. He is there for about 10 minutes. He is now calling his mom . "Mommy Mommy". I am sitting a few feet from him and his mom is in the kitchen. He is still calling and I heard a thump on the table along with the sound of his voice calling "Mommy Mommy". I looked over and observe him banging his hand on the table  with an angry look on his face . Ajani !  he paused his hand in mid air "why are you banging on the table? " I asked him . I calling mommy ". His mother turned around still in the kitchen but facing him. "Ajani I can hear you there is no need for you to bang on the table".
"Where did he lean that  behavior ?", I asked in amazement .

 We explained that banging on the table is not an acceptable behavior. "Ajani that is not the way you get your mother to come over". She hears you but you need to give her a few minutes. I am hoping that he will not exhibit that behavior again however,if he does we will guide him towards the behavior that is socially acceptable. You must be in tune with your toddler and guide them towards positive behaviors . I do not know if he leaned this behavior some where or it was an impulsive behavior . If he does we will need to explain to him each time :Patience ,patience . . . . .

The infant/toddler years are most critical because the brain is developing  at a rapid pace  and experiences is the key ingredient during this period. However,you must be in tune with your child in order to guide them towards the behaviors that you want. You are getting them ready for life and research shows that the first three years are key to  planting the roots of socialization.Remember that you are building a brain and the once the brain is exposed to an experience it does not forget it.


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Literacy - Brain development

2.11 years




Ajani is now able to request the book that he wants you to read to him by the title and he can also pick out the book .
He has the same set of books since he was an infant however ,now he is reading his books with a different eye. He will point to the pictures and and will spell out some words. He is able to identify all the letters in the alphabet . He also likes to read on his own by reading the pictures .

Having books that are age appropriate for you infants/toddlers is critical. The books should have large prints and few words  and a lot of pictures. You need to have books that have the sight words these are words that children need to be able to recognize before they get to kindergarten . Having the right books will give your child a good experience with seeing these words . These are words that your  child should be able to  recognize by sight .

 In order for a child to begin to read they must have a rich vocabulary (words) books are one way to build vocabulary. All these experiences are called readiness skills for kindergarten.

The First 3 years- Brain development- Experience is the key to brain development

The first thee years are  critical and you must  give  your young child  different experiences . Each of these experiences expands their cognitive skills ,the amount of things that they know. Remember that your baby is born with a clean slate and will only know what you expose the brain to. The brain grows the most during the first three years.




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The three year old- Brain development

Observation-11-22-14
Ajani is now three years and two months. He wants to do his own thing. Usually when he attends arts week-end at his aunt's school he would sit though all the performances, however this week-end (11/23/14) he told his mom "no I don't waana sit". His mom asked "why you do not want to listen to your Titi sing " "no I do waana sit". His mother had to sit out the performance with him.

I observed the frustration on his mother's face, because this is the last fall arts week-end for her sister. I did not intervene.  I observed this  first time mother carefully handle the situation in a professional way. This was done because she has been coached. She also has access to reading materials about brain development and the first three years how critical they are.


Coaching first time moms is critical in helping them to navigate those first three years (you will get frustrated if you try to interact the same way you were raised, you should modify how you do things based on your little one. There is a great deal of excellent research out there and this blog lol).


 Getting your toddler to cooperate takes patience, time and guidance. I find that asking them in a calm voice and explaining the behavior that you would like helps. When you  demand the behavior that you would like they become less cooperative. Communication is key in building relationship and trust.




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Problem solving--taking gentle risks

Have a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving


Recently I was at the park and this child was climbing on the spider web. The parent would not allow the child to explore  she kept saying be careful you may fall. That is not good words for young children to hear. Exploring and taking risk must be allowed and parents should provide guidance ,support and encouragement. You make the space safe by being there just in case and also if the child slips do not make a big  deal. You can say let's try again  because children need to he encouraging words.
Developing  the muscles in your legs, arms, fingers and wrist are very important. Young children need to be able to control their bodies. When they are able to  control their body it builds their self-esteem and self-confidence.

Do not prevent your child from taking risk.




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Traveling with an infant or toddler for the holiday

Good day,


I hope everyone is doing well. As you prepare to spend Thanksgiving with family and friends remember to take a few essential items for your toddler.


Toys and books. Especially items that help keep her focused such as puzzles, leggo and a train set. You should also have a few easy to carry items for the car, train or bus items that are easy to pull out and not too big. If you have age appropriate children's music for the trip carry that also.


If your toddler is being potty trained (or already potty trained) carry a bottle for your little one to pee in, let's face it sometimes the bathrooms are very dirty on the road or very few to find in time. I thank you friend J for that tip.


Remember you can share the blog with others. They too can subscribe


Again enjoy Thanksgiving.


Be well


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Science- Is this a goat ?

                           

       

Lets see who is going to stop looking first. Stem begins during the infant/toddler years.

Diversity -

Socialization: Being able to function in a diverse  space is very important to brain development.

Fine motor Skills

It is very important to develop the finger and risk muscles.

Wow -

Expanding vacabulary

Wow

Hitting - The impulsive toddler

Observation :
Ajani is going through a phase that he has to guided through . He is now hitting and without provocation at times . He is very impulsive  whatever his brain tells him that is what he does.
I recalled when he discovered that he can throw items up and down he would trough what ever he could manage to pick up. When he is in the care he would throw things through the windows. We has to close the windows when he was in the car plus remove items that were in his arm reach.


Hitting- you have to be patient and  each time he  hits you need to explain to him that "hands are not for hitting"  explain  some of the positive things that we do with our hands. You can even create a jingle for both of you. Guidance is a constant during these critical years . When you become successful in guiding your toddler towards the behavior that is required the child will begin to learn discipline . This helps with self-regulation also . Giving your toddler words to use when there is a need will help also. You must  give time for your toddler to understand language  and appropriate behaviors. This is a part of social skills.
Ajani threw his shoes out the window we realized when he said my shoes a few times and we asked, Where is your shoes " I throw it" we had to turn back to get it  we were not on the highway which was good . We were on RT 21.

Science -Experience - is what builds a brain

 Children's zoo . I finally got you in my hand or should I say on my stick . I am wondering if my titi got a bird on her stick as yet? Wow this is cool. In this cage you are given a short stick with feed on it . It is very important to give your toddler different experiences.

This is a scene from a baby and wee session- These babies are doing finger painting . This is a sensory activity , the baby is using all her senses. We also explain to moms to introduce language during the activity- for example how does it feel ? Mothers also get a chance to meeting and discuss their challenges and joys.This  a pre-writing skill activity.

Brooklyn Children' Museum- October 2014

Socialization: Children are learning how to listen and follow directions . A skill needed for school.


 Certified Infant/Toddler Specialist

Sabree Education Services
347-524-4178

www.SabreeEducationServices.com
Visit our parent blog: www.SabreeHarlemParents.com

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Literacy skills- brain development

We introduced the letter H at 2.4 years old using his train tracks. This allows him to use the items to make H  on his own while he is playing. We introduce the straight letter because that how children begin to write and then they begin to make large circles.

Tea & Tots @ Beautiful Beginnings 3D Imaging Center--Free session

Join us in Scarsdale from 9:30am - 12:00pm (20 minute sessions)

as we speak about "The baby has arrived, now what?"

After you get feeding, sleep schedule, bath time, diapering somewhat down who helps with the other aspects.

We will touch on brain development, socialization, developing problem solving skills and language skills.
Session is faciliated by Daseta Gray, Certified Infant/Toddler Specialist

Beautiful Beginnings 969L Central Park Ave
Scarsdale, NY 10583 (in the Midwood Shopping Center--where Lakeshore is located)

Socialization -Brain development

Experience builds a brain

Stem is every where -Brain develpoment

Eating and stacking his food . Math and science is every where. Toddles mus be given time to eat and enjoy their meal and have a chance to discover new things.He is also watching his favorite show. Feeding your self is  kill that is needed for school.

Social skills- Brain development

Language skills are very important this experience introduced him to a new word hammock. Language development happens everywhere . Words allow infants and toddlers the ability to speak in sentences and they begin to learn that words make sentences. The more words they know the better they will become at expressing themselves. This is a part of cognitive skills that is needed for school.

Fine motor skills-brain development

Experiences are the key to brain development. This is a pre-writing activity .The boys are also learning how to focus ,make decision, learning how to self-regulate( the ability to sit for a while) developing their small muscles in their fingers and wrist and their eyes .This is also science because when they mix the colors they will discover a new color.
 These skills are needed for school. In order for them to be able to hold a pencil and write those fine muscles must be strong.These activities you should be doing at home.
This is also socialization because they are in a different space than home.
Ages 3 and almost 3.

Daseta Gray, M.Ed, Certified Infant/Toddler Specialist

Verified Trainer, Aspire
Sabree Education Services
347-524-4178

www.SabreeEducationServices.com
Visit our parent blog: www.SabreeHarlemParents.com

 

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Adapative Social behavior -During the infant /toddler years

 October 2014

 Young children must be able to adapt to diverse settings . Ajani went to a Native American Pow-Wow at Roosevelt Park in Baldwin. During ages 0-3 that is when you need to allow the brain to experience   different cultures.This is a part of Social  and Emotional development.The brain does not for get experiences.

Math is every where-apple picking

October  2014

Wow this is a big apple. Math is every where  giving your toddler math vocabulary is very important. These ae skills that your child needs before they get to kindergarten.Understanding language is  a critical part of the reading process . When your child understands to connect the word with the object or an action it makes it fun to learn when they get to school. Your baby is new to all this stuff and needs time to process the information. You need to introduce there vocabulary  early don't worry that your baby is not talking as yet , her brain is processing the information and when she begins to speak she will have the words.

Risk taking-Freedom to experiment

3 years and 1 month

When I saw him I did not get excited . I allowed him to sit for a few minutes . He began dancing ,as you can see the chair is close to the edge. I walked over and explained to him that is dangerous to dance on the chair because he will fall over and he could hurt himself.He listened then he repeated a part of what I say "NaNa get hurt" . I agreed and then he decided  to allow me to take him down.

 He is learning to cooperate and explaining what will happen next is critical in the developmental process. These are also negotiation skills you are teaching .
Toddles love to explore . This is STEM

Taking risk- building self-steem

 Taking risk is  part of social emotional development.

Science- during the years 0-3 years old

On Monday October 20th,2014 Ajani visited Bryn Mawr University and he was playing with branches that fell from the trees on the campus.Experiences and great and all experiences  are  discovery moment for the young child. We explained that he  was playing  a branch from the tree and left it at that. When young children are playing it is not good to interrupt them because it distracts from them discovering.Young children learn through discovering.

Experience -the key ingredient in brain development

On Wednesday October  24th ,2014 Ajani had his first apple picking experience. It began to rain shortly after he picked a few apples. It was fun for him. He had a pig smile Na Na I pick apple. Yes you picked an apple ,extending his language skills.It is important to give the developing brain a number of experiences because that is the key ingredient when it comes on to building  brain.

Scientist -the toddler

Toddlers love to try and figure out  how things work. You should provide them with items that they can apart and it will be ok . Items that you will not be upset if you toddler takes it apart or break it s we like to say. This is where stem begins . Just think about it scientist and infants/toddlers a similar because they are always curious  about  how things work and why they work  and what makes them work. Babies are born natural scientist but many times the caregiver erase that  sense of inquiry form the young infants/toddlers by using the following "No don't touch" I do not want you to break up my stuff, Look you ripped the book.
You must provide an environment that is infant/toddler friendly where infants/toddlers can freely explore and will not hear word like "No and don't touch". The infant/toddler must have a variety of items at eye level that allows her to make choices . When she turns three you can then begin to set limits through guidance. Guidance teaches self regulation  and self-discipline .

Noise - and the growing brain

Observation
October 31,2014
7:00 pm
Age 3.1yrs
I took  Ajani  to his first Halloween  event . We went to one in the afternoon . We marched in a parade then came back to the clinic and children got their basket of goodies  there was no music.We left and headed to our second event .We got there a little early . When we got inside Ajani was fine until a  scary mask showed up. He was scared . I tried to assure him that he would be fine. He decided that sitting on the floor behind the chair would  be better for him. At first I tried to have him get back on the chair then I thought ,he is not screaming anymore so why stress him. He was fine until the music came on . It was very loud he began to scream too loud ,too loud . He then put his pointers in his ears. He did that until the live performances  began . He got off the floor and kneed looking at the stage between two chairs. He was fine and then we left. He got a toy and a candy bag.
Ajani's  got the invitation from his friend  to attend.

Experience is the key ingredient when building a brain. You also have to be in tune with your young  child . That was  his experience with loud music before so it frightened him. I hope the next time that experience will not be as traumatic . When this happens you have to be supportive and understanding. I could have left but that would not be wise because he will experience loud music again. This is also a part of social skills.

Focus -attention span

Age 3.1
October 28,2014
8:33 am


Young children are usually moving, however they must be  able to focus when they need to . Ajani requested to watch Doodle Pop one of his favorite shows it is about 30 minutes long . He will sit and watch the entire show paying attention to the details. If you call his name he will say "shee I am watching Doole Pop".
At times he will try to do some of the dance moves .
He is  able to focus . That is called self regulation a part of social/emotional development. Young children need these skills and it is best when they are doing n activity the they choose and it requires sitting and focusing. he

Languge development- blends

Observation:
October 28,2014
7:34 am
Ajani is up looking for his spider man hat . He finds it . Na Na I find my hat it on the floor . He is not  able to say the blend Fl  . We will need to  help him to learn how to  say the word " floor ". We will see how long it will take him before he will be able to pronounce that word correctly. Each time he says the word we will repeat it the correct way two times. If you try to have him repeat the word more than two  times he gets frustrated and begins to say no . They do not like to feel like they are not in control of the situation.


Young children need time to develop these skills . The first three years should be focused on giving young children the foundation (skills) that they need for late learning.

Painting-letters

3yrs 1 month
Ajani was painting  and he called  me. When I went  "pointing to his picture with  big smile look I made V. "


He made a big V with his paint brush. He was never taught how to make V however, the  experiences that he has had with letters and writing materials allowed him to paint the letter. Young children must be provided the tools and they will discover learning on their own this makes learning a pleasure.
This type of learning is more meaningful and it stays in the child's memory .


Painting helps to develop fine motor skills (pre writing) among other things.

Pretend -play

Observation
3years 1month
Ajani came into the kitchen . He had a pot on his head and the cover in his hand. Na Na look I am a knight.
He has a lot of vocabulary. It is very important for you to read  different books and have your toddler watch educational videos. Take him to different places .


Experience is the major  ingredient that builds a brain.

Language development - the fist three years

For the developing brain is a huge portion because when children are not able to express themselves it becomes a big problem. Children can get frustrated ,their self-esteem can be affected and learning can become a task rather than a pleasure. It is very important for  you  to listen when your toddle is speaking and when she has a challenge saying certain words correctly you  should repeat the word and she will repeat it. She may not get it correctly the first time this should be  red flag for you . This means you will repeat the word every time she says it incorrectly or you may need to find a jingle to help her . For example there are some blends that are a challenge for young children who are leaning language: here are some blends ch, pl , st  and  L when it is in the beginning of a word . Ajani was not able to pronounce  some of these blends and L in the beginning of words( eg) Look.
We have him sing the La La  jingle for a few days. We also have a CD with a LaLa song that we played.
He had to learn how to pick up his tongue to the roof of his mouth in order to make the L sound at the beginning of the word Look. He is now able to say it.


The section of the brain that is called the cerebellum is responsible for movements and coordination of muscles . Language is new for your infant/ toddler it is very important that you are in tune with your young child and help them to develop  the skills that they  need before she gets to kindergarten. If you do not she may end up needing speech therapy .
So Ajani  is now able to say look without correction. We are working on other blends and as we

Language development -Brain development

This is  an observation.
Saturday October 5th 2014
Time 9:00am  Age of child 3.1yrs


Today I had to take my 17yr for  an exam in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. We all went with her . Ajani was still asleep we wrapped him in a blanket  instead of waking him up to get him dressed. We got to  Bay Ridge at 7:30am. We waited until 7:50 then I walked my daughter to the  entrance  door and gave her a kiss  wished her good look and went back to the car. We sat wondering what can we do in the area for three  hours.

We began driving round the neighborhood admiring the beautiful homes and well kept lawns. We ended up on main street and picked up  parent magazine. I began leafing through the pages. Ajani  yelled "Na Na I want the book ". I turned my head and he is pointing to the floor. It was a magazine and I gave it to him and continued to look for an activity that we can do.


A few minutes later his mom called him"Ajani Ajani " he did not respond . "Ajani I am calling you what happen you do not want to talk to me "  "No". "Why you do not want to talk to me"? Ajani responded "I m reading". I turned my head to see what he was reading.

Setting limits and learning consequences

Setting limits is a critical part of your child's developmental milestone under social skills.


If you say to her it's time to clean up and then we can play with the ball and she does not clean up; You could say to after you give her the first directive and she does not begin to clean up and continues to play, "if you don't clean up we will not play with the ball".


You tell her again to clean up. She still does not and she wants the ball. After you clean up let her know there will be no ball time right now. It is very important you explain to her why there is no ball time right now. You could say, "I asked you to clean up, you did not and I said there would be no ball time if you did not clean up."  She may cry or fuss, it's ok as you must set the limits and ensure she begins to understand consequences.




Here is an example of something that happened not too long ago which inspired this entry (seeing my daughter with Ajani).


Ajani was watching Little Einsteins and began to through his dinosaurs. His mom told him to stop. He paused then started throwing the dinosaurs, his mom said, "if you continue to through the dinosaurs I will turn off your show." His response, "No". He threw another. His mom got up, reminded him in a stern voice he should not have thrown his toy and turned off his show (as she walked to turn off the program she reminded him why she was doing it).


He fussed, when he stopped she asked him, "why did I turn off your show?" his response, "because I threw the dinosaur". My response, "that is correct".


The important items: he didn't fuss for long--Self sooth; I explained why there was a consequence; most important he could tell me why. All of these are part of Social skills

Partnership

Education is a partnership and feeling comfortable to visit your child's classroom any time must be an option. When you drop your child off you should be able to take your child inside  her classroom. Too any time parents are not allowed inside . They just drop the child off and leave. There will no school without you and your child. I observed this activity at a few childcare programs that I have visited. You are the child's first teacher and will  remain in that position for the rest of your life. You need to have a family friendly setting where your child is being cared for.

Adjusting to the new school year

It is  a few weeks into the school year  and how are you both adjusting ?
You just have your first child how are you adjusting to  parenting ?
There is no book on parenting  but there are several sources that can help .
There are classes
Books
Videos
Grand parents
Professionals
Other parents
There blogs
Friends
Do not be afraid to ask for advice . Parenting can be overwhelming .

Recording your infnt/toddler activities

It is a great idea to record the different   stages that your infant/toddler goes through. You can it several ways, You can use  videos, a  note book to record conversations, observations and pictures. You can also keep a scrap book.


As you baby grows both you and her can review these things. This helps with memory skills, language development ,literacy skills , the ability to focus , listening  skills . These are just a few of the  ways that both of you can benefit form tis project.
Keeping  records  is also helpful when you go to the doctor if there is a developmental mile stone  that your infant/toddler is not mastering.

observation -confidence

At three years and one month your toddler should be able to ask for help when they need it. Yesterday I was in the kitchen and Ajani what yelling" NaNa help". I went to see what  he needed help with. He was stuck between two chairs hanging up-side down. He kept saying help till I took him down.


This is one of the skills that young children need before they get to kindergarten. The ability to ask for help and knowing that an adult will be there to guide and support them. This builds self-esteem and self-confidence and  reduces stress  on the brain. When young children cry a lot it creates stress. You should be in tune with young children in order to meet their needs. Children whose needs are met :
Are usually  calm , is able to self-regulate, will cooperate  and makes it easier to teach .

This is a conversation that you do not want to miss

 If you  are in the NYC area  come join the conversation

Join us for a Leadership Forum Breakfast Building Community Partnerships This event will focus on helping early childhood leaders navigate and help families access resources in order to empower themselves. Our diverse panel will share ways in which developing partnerships with programs benefits the development of a well rounded child and assist families being served in your early childhood program. Click here to view the flyer.  Please RSVP by sending an email to office@nycaeyc.org by Monday, October 20, 2014. A discussion and networking event not to be missed! When:     Friday, October 24, 2014                 Directions:  2/3 to 135th St & Lenox Ave walk 1 block   Time:       9:00 - 11:30am                                   west                      Where:    Harlem YMCA                                                      180 W 135 Street                      New York, NY 10030

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