Bumper Boat Fun!

When the weather turns warmer, kids get excited about spending time on the water. Bumper boats are one of the most popular activities at summer camp. Most parents are familiar with canoes and kayaks but seldom connect water and bumper cars. So, when they see the boats hit the water, it brings big smiles to everyone’s face! Bumper boats are exactly what the name implies. Kids love steering them around on the water while bumping into their friends. As you make your summer plans, below are a few ideas on helping your camper enjoy a little bumper boat fun this season.

Get Your Kids Comfortable in The Water

One big reason why families send their kids to camp is to provide them with an environment where they can step out and take safe risks. Diving into a lake is intimidating for many kids. Bumper boats offer a gentle way to get acclimated to spending time in natural bodies of water. And, since the boats are equipped with fun water “squirters”, kids can get wet without the pressure of being fully submerged.

Make Sure Everyone Practices Water Safety

Every activity at camp is carefully planned with safety in mind. Kids learn all about water safety when they climb onto a bumper boat. From putting on their life jacket to wearing a seatbelt, they learn how to respect the water and still have tons of fun. For added water safety, sign your child up for swimming lessons. They can be in a traditional pool as well as natural bodies of water. Then, always make sure trained staff members are on the water with the kids to supervise their bumper boat adventures.

Encourage Teamwork and a Sense of Community

Classic bumper boats hold two kids at a time. They take turns steering and squirting. Everyone gets a kick out of turning it into a team sport. And working together is a great way to encourage new friendships. Bumper boats are a form of open-ended play. This allows kids to make up games with their own rules within the camp community. Counting points for bumps or hitting their targets with a blast of water are just a few of the ways kids turn this fun activity into a friendly competition.

Extend the Fun with Party Options

Day camp gives youngsters the chance to enjoy bumper boats after school and during the summer. But they just can’t get enough of this activity. For this reason, you will find that it makes the perfect activity for any celebration. The joy of bumping each other across the water generates tons of laughs and memories. Whether celebrating a birthday or winning a championship, it’s a great way to highlight special occasions. It also is the perfect end to a day of team building.

When you arrive at camp, you never know what kind of fun is in store. The look of excitement on a kid’s face when they first see a bumper boat is amazing. And their smile just gets brighter as they steer their boat across the water. When it comes to filling those summer days with new and exciting experiences, everyone should have bumper boats on their itinerary.

Let your kids enjoy bumper boat fun at Maplewood Summer Day Camp. Experienced staff will keep your child both safe and busy with arts and crafts, games, water sports, gymnastics and more. Visit the site at http://maplewoodyearround.com/summer-camp/summer-camp-activities/  to see the fun your child will have at Maplewood Summer Day Camp.

The Attributes of a Great Summer Camp Counselor

Life as a summer camp counselor is exciting since you never know what each new day will bring. Whether you are leading campers on a hiking trail in the wilderness or comforting a homesick child, you will constantly be challenged to develop your leadership skills while enjoying the perks that come with working outdoors. It is important, however, to recognize that it takes a special person to become a summer camp counselor. Following are the top attributes summer camps look for in their counselor candidates that point toward someone who can rise to any challenge while maintaining a friendly demeanor.

Excellent Communication Skills

Team meetings, parent conferences and bunk-side chats all require a summer camp counselor to adjust their communication strategies to fit the situation. For this reason, camp counselors should be just as comfortable talking to a parent about health concerns as they are telling stories around the campfire. Ideal candidates will have empathy, compassion and be able to direct children without losing their temper. In fact, summer camp counselors are also called upon to teach kids positive ways to manage their conflicts, which means that must have excellent problem-solving skills.

Ability to Lead Recreational Activities

Leadership skills are essential for summer camp counselors who are in charge of teaching kids how to safely enjoy their camp activities. During the course of the day, they may instruct students in activities ranging from pottery to archery. As they do so, they will keep an eye out for kids who are struggling and find ways to include them in the group. They can also quickly adapt to changing circumstances such as bringing an outdoor game of basketball into the gym instead of letting the rain ruin the fun.

Highly Aware and Detail-Oriented

As anyone who has ever watched more than two kids at a time can tell you, managing a group of children requires constant vigilance. In addition to leading the fun, camp counselors are responsible for making sure each camper is dressed appropriately for the weather, eating well and getting adequate rest. Camp counselors also stay alert for signs of health problems such as allergies that need to be addressed by the camp’s medical team and they keep a head count of the children during transitions to ensure that no one gets lost in the crowd.

Energetic Personality

Waking up at dawn, leading activities and keeping up with all of the details requires a lot of energy. Therefore, summer camp counselors should possess a high-energy personality that bubbles over with friendliness. Young campers look up to their older leaders and a strong counselor can set a positive tone for the day. Summer camp counselors should also be able to work as a team with other counselors to coordinate large group activities such as competitions and overnight camping trips.

Summer camp counselors gain valuable experience that can transfer to any career field. Yet, it is their dynamic personalities and commitment to excellence that makes them most desirable to potential employers. While many summer camp counselors are alumni of the camps where they work, others are drawn in by the opportunity to work with kids in a fun, outdoor environment. Either way, those who possess the attributes of a quality summer camp counselor are in the right position to enjoy long-term success.

Let your kids experience fun at Maplewood Summer Day Camp. Experienced staff will keep your child both safe and busy with arts and crafts, games, water sports, gymnastics and more. Visit the site at http://maplewoodyearround.com/about/maplewood-day-camp-history/ to see the fun your child will have at Maplewood Summer Day Camp.

Imagination Runs Free at Summer Camp

Summer camp brings to mind long days spent running wild and free in an outdoor environment. While it is true that kids spend a lot of their time engaged in physical activity, it is also important to know that summer camp programs are designed to spark a child’s imagination. In addition to the traditional camp crafts, kids are encouraged to develop their creative abilities through activities that fit a variety of interests.

Importance of Imaginative Play

Today’s kids are inundated with experiences that limit their ability to use their imaginations. For example, schools are often so focused on teaching academics that they cut programs such as drama and art. Unfortunately, this puts kids at a disadvantage because an imagination is essential for developing the creative skills that lead to success in adulthood. Imaginative play opens up doors for them to learn valuable lessons that build upon critical skills such as problem solving and it also serves as an outlet for relieving stress that frees kids’ minds so that they can focus on developing their talents.

How Camp Supports Creativity

Summer camp programs tend to use a fairly strict schedule to keep kids busy every minute of the day. However, there are blocks of time built into that schedule where kids are able to let their imaginations run wild. Special programs, such as dance and drama, are provided as options for children to fill certain blocks of time. Camp counselors and other staff members use these programs to encourage kids to stretch their imaginations as they participate in creative play. During camp activities, counselors and other members of the staff reinforce the development of imagination by offering kids positive encouragement for their successes. Performing for other campers and their families on special days reaffirms the importance of developing a kid’s imagination. Free periods are also built into camp schedules that allow them a chance to try out new activities in the interest of building their imagination.

Imagination-Building Activities

While at camp, kids still enjoy traditional summer camp activities such as macramé and jewelry-making. Yet, there are some new activities that have been added to the mix. For example, Lego robotics mixes science with creativity so that kids can make moving sculptures using their own imaginations. Puppetry and balloon animal classes give kids with an interest in volunteering a way to put their imaginations to good use by performing for others. Open-ended art, such as pottery and painting, also allows kids the chance to create a physical piece that reflects their creativity. It is also important to note that many of the best chances for kids to build their imaginations are spontaneous. Telling stories around the campfire, cloud watching and stargazing all have the potential to spark a kid’s imagination.

When a kid is encouraged to let their imagination run free, the world opens up with tremendous possibilities. Not only will imaginative play offer immediate enjoyment but it also helps kids build skills with long-lasting benefits. Whether they’re making up camp songs with friends or focusing on creating a beautiful piece of art for mom and dad, summer camp is the place to fully unleash their imagination.

Let your kids experience the art and creativity activities at Maplewood Summer Day Camp. Experienced staff will keep your child both safe and busy with arts and crafts, games, water sports, gymnastics and more. Visit the site at http://maplewoodyearround.com/summer-camp/summer-camp-activities/    to see the fun your child will have at Maplewood Summer Day Camp.

Should You Sign Up Your Child For An After School Program?

Parents often struggle with time - between the time their kids get to school and going home. Although trusting kids with homework is a good way to practice their responsibility, staying safe after school is one issues parents are worried the most. This is where after school programs come into the scenario. These programs are designed to help out worried parents. Here’s an enumeration of after school program benefits:

How Afterschool Programs Develop Your Child’s Skills

A good afterschool program offers a host of benefits to children of all ages. Safe, structured activities give kids a chance to hone academic skills, try out new hobbies, play games and hang out with friends. 

In an age when many kids go home and just tune in to the TV and surf around online, often waiting for parents to get home from work, after school programs offer exercise, time for home work and a chance to play outdoors in a supervised environment. It’s been shown that the peak hour for juvenile crime is between 3 pm and 4 pm, and after school programs keep kids off the street and happily entertained.

Academic Boost

Kids pretty much always benefit from scheduled time for homework, and afterschool programs include a block of time just for class assignments, with the added benefit of staff on hand, often teachers or tutors, to help with that tough math problem or complex essay. Because the programs are less formal than the regular classroom, kids tend to feel more comfortable asking for assistance. More confidence in academic ability not only leads to improved grades, but diminishes the chance that kids will skip school, drop out or exhibit other behavioral problems.

Safe and Sound

After school programs give kids a safe place to be during the dangerous afterschool hours when parents tend to be still at work and free time can lead to mischief or worse. Being in a supervised program lessens the likelihood that your child will either commit or be the victim of adolescent crime as they reach middle school. Attendees in this type of program are significantly less likely to engage in risky behaviors like smoking, drug use, gang activity, theft and vandalism.

Cool New Hobbies

Many after school programs include instruction in a wide arrange of outside pursuits from chess and woodworking to basketball and theater. Kids can sign up to take part in various electives, and your youngster just may find he can quickly give you a run for your money in a chess match or discovers an exciting new passion for art or tennis. In a relaxed atmosphere surrounded by a variety of other youngsters, it’s easy to get excited and try something new.

On the Move

Kids stay active at after-school programs, burning up extra energy on the playground or sports court. Some programs even provide instruction in everything from swimming to soccer, all of which have the super benefit of helping kids get into great healthy living habits. It’s not surprising that kids who attend after-school programs have been found to have a significantly lower rate of obesity.

Social Savvy

It’s not just academic skills that get a super lift from after school programs. Kids who attend have been found to have less behavioral problems, more self-confidence and better conflict-resolution skills. With adults around to help them deal better with peer issues, kids get some handy guidance in strategies for coping with day-to-day problems as well as lessons on respect for others and open-mindedness. Supervised activities and down time lets kids have fun with friends after school instead than lounging around on the couch waiting for mom or dad to get home, and it’s also a great way to meet new people and make new friends in a nurturing environment.

Let your kids enjoy the afterschool program experience at Maplewood Summer Day Camp. Experienced staff will keep your child both safe and busy with arts and crafts, games, water sports, gymnastics and more. Visit the site at http://www.maplewoodyearround.com to see the fun your child will have at Maplewood Summer Day Camp.

Why You Should Send Your Kindergartner to Summer Camp

Why You Should Send Your Kindergartner to Summer Camp from Kay Frenzer-Zeeh

Let your kids enjoy the experience of summer day camp at Maplewood Summer Day Camp. Experienced staff will keep your child both safe and busy with arts and crafts, games, water sports, gymnastics and more. Visit the site at http://www.maplewoodyearround.com to see the fun your child will have at Maplewood Summer Day Camp.

The Benefits of Chess for Kids

The ancient game of chess is finding a new generation of fans in kids as young as five, and intent little players can be found in the classroom, in after-school programs and at summer day camp picnic tables. The motto of the U.S. Chess Federation is “Chess Makes You Smart” and a growing body of evidence is showing that the game improves youngsters’ problem solving skills as well as writing and math test scores. The only “luck” in chess is executing a clever strategy yourself or having your opponent make a bad move, so hard work and good “if/then” thinking is critical. Even kids in day camp will settle down in the shade on a hot day for a fine battle on the chess board.

The Perfect Age

Although kids as young as kindergarten can tackle chess, second and third grades are considered ideal for learning how to weigh options, figure out quadrants and coordinates and foresee the series of consequences that make up the game of chess. At this age critical thinking skills are advancing rapidly. Playing chess and being “smart” are considered connected, a big lure for elementary school students.

History of the Game

Chess was invented more than 1500 years ago in India, possibly as a way to teach the children of the royal family to better understand battlefield strategies and become higher level thinkers. The game we play today, however, is rooted in the middle ages, peopled by romantic figures like kings, queens and bishops. Since that time, chess has spread around the world, outliving nearly every other game and receiving countless endorsements and accolades from educators. A universal game with worldwide rule consistency, chess crosses all socio-economic, religious and language barriers to bond diverse people in a game of limitless skill and strategy.

Increases Concentration and Memory

In order to play chess well, you have to focus intensely on the objective of capturing your opponent’s king, visualizing the moves of various pieces, the board itself and any potential countermoves. Spatial reasoning, attention span and visual memory all play into this timeless game of strategy, and kids who play vastly improve in these areas by memorizing classic moves and successful maneuvers from previous games.

Boost to Reading and Math Skills

Kids who play chess tend to score higher on standardized reading and math tests. The game itself involves intense problem solving and memorization of complex moves, so it’s not surprising that the game boosts math skills. It also nurtures the same skill set as reading: decoding, comprehension, thinking and analysis.

Improves Critical Thinking and Creativity

The game of chess involves a lot of “if-then” thinking as players visualize possible moves and associated countermoves. Each player needs to figure out not only what moves they want to make, but what their opponents may do in response, utilizing lots of imagination and creativity. Originality grows as kids learn to visualize a long series of moves, imagining all possible counterattacks.

Social Benefits

One of the great benefits of chess is that it can bring together people of all ages, races and genders. From kindergartners to octogenarians, chess helps build friendships among people who may not have otherwise become acquainted.

Builds Patience and Self-Restraint

A game of chess is a lesson in caution, patience and eternal hope even in the face of overwhelming odds. Hasty moves or following your first impulse are poor strategies, and the cautious, thoughtful player has a better chance of success. Much like the game of life, chess teaches us that no matter how bad things seem, there’s hope right up to the end. As Yogi Berra said, “It ain’t over ‘til it’s over.” Maybe he enjoyed the occasional game of chess!

Encourages Hard Work

To win at chess, you have to think hard, work hard, focus, practice and plan strategies, all activities that reward hard work. The harder you work at the game, learning classic moves, memorizing maneuvers that worked in previous games, keeping watch over the whole chess board and planning ahead, the more likely you are to say “check mate”!

Let your kids enjoy the experience of summer day camp at Maplewood Summer Day Camp. Experienced staff will keep your child both safe and busy with arts and crafts, games, water sports, gymnastics and more. Visit the site at http://www.maplewoodyearround.com to see the fun your child will have at Maplewood Summer Day Camp.

Questions to Consider In Selecting a Summer Day Camp

Are you considering on enrolling your child to a summer day camp? There are many factors to consider when choosing the ideal camp for your kids. Essentially, word of mouth and recommendations are the best meaningful resources when looking for a camp for your children. The camp’s reputation is another thing to consider. But when all factors are taken into account, your kids’ interest should be the paramount consideration when choosing a summertime campsite.

Summer day camps offer more than just hiking, trekking, or canoeing. They provide a good starting point for life-long friendships, awesome experiences, fun-filled activities, and a lifetime’s worth of joyful memories. Wouldn’t you want that for your kids? Ask your kids: would they want to experience that kind of fun and laughter? It’s highly probable that they would love to do that.

One of the most important questions to raise when choosing the ideal summertime campsite for your kids is what are its advantages or benefits?

Day camp during summer is a good starting point for teaching kids the important life lessons. The experience imparts them with wisdom that they can use for the rest of their lives. With these camps, they get to meet other people, they get to roam and play around, and more importantly, they become disconnected from their computer games or TV. It is a great environment where they can swap stories, engage in conversation, participate in games, and just enjoy with other people’s company. It’s fun in a natural setting.

Perhaps the biggest factor to the delight of these kids is that these camps are usually a no-parent zone. Imagine the freedom they will enjoy for the next couple of days or weeks that they are in these camps.

But being away from the parents is not a bad thing. In fact, it can be a wonderful learning experience for them. When these kids are separate from their homes, they tend to become more independent and resilient. They learn how to do things on their own. And this is where summer camp administrators step in; they can guide and supervise these kids as they do about their way independently in these campsites.

If you or your kids have some concerns or apprehensions regarding life in these camps, that is normal. But for your peace of mind and comfort, it is highly recommended that you speak with the camp administrators. Perhaps you have some questions in mind that you would like to raise. Here are some of the commonly raised questions when selecting a summertime day camp for kids:

Camp Schedule

• What dates to summer camp start and end?
• When is the closing date for submission of applications for prospective attendees?
• Is there a flexible schedule available?

Camp Fees

• How much does it usually cost to attend a summer day camp?
• What does the tuition fee include? Does it cover for meals, transportation, etc.?
• What is the manner of payment?
• Are scholarships available?
• Will the camp refund in case the child is not able to attend the camp?

Camp Safety and Health Concerns

• Are there enough camp personnel to watch over the kids?
• Are counselors trained in CPR or first-aid?
• Can the camp handle emergencies?

Camp Personnel and Staff

• What is the ratio between the camping kids and the staff?
• Does the camp administrators perform background check on all its personnel and staff?

Other Questions

• Will adequate housing, bedding, and food be provided?
• Is there adequate assistance available for kids with special medical needs?

Let your kids enjoy the experience of summer day camp at Maplewood Summer Day Camp. Experienced staff will keep your child both safe and busy with arts and crafts, games, water sports, gymnastics and more. Visit the site at http://www.maplewoodyearround.com to see the fun your child will have at Maplewood Summer Day Camp.

What Kids Learn At Preschool

Preschool has become a necessary part of children’s education to give them an academic advantage for later learning experiences. Preschool curriculums preliminary activities that help them succeed in standard academic subjects. Summer day camp can be an important way to reinforce this learning throughout the warm months when school is not in session.

Preschool Skills

In past decades, the preschool experience was designed to be primarily a play and socializing experience that allowed children to interact with their peer group in a semi-structured environment. Preschool soon became a place where children could learn basic concepts that were important for stardard education. Preschoolers now learn a number of essential skills during their day, such as:

• Preschool helps children to become more independent and take care of themselves and others in practical ways.
• Group activities prepare children for the standard learning environment.
• Children become accustomed to authority figures in the classroom.
• Counting games, matching games, sequencing games and puzzles help to build brain connections for later mathematics learning.
• Alphabet games, singing, chants and image-matching ready children for reading.
• Group activities help to hone social skills and improve emotional control.
• The preschool experience encourages language skills and appropriate interaction with others.
• Preschool activities also help to build motor skills.
• Preschool encourages young children to make their own choices.

Day Camp For Kids

Day camp can provide an opportunity for children to take their classroom learning into the outdoors. Children can use their knowledge of shapes, colors, letters of the alphabet, effective speaking, cooperation and social interaction into new activities and environments. Preschool summer camp helps children to become more resilient and confident, able to function in a variety of conditions and environments. This effect helps them to deal with unusual circumstances in other areas of life, reducing stress and building self-confidence.

A Responsive Summer Camp for Preschoolers

A good summer camp will provide programs that are tailored to different age groups. In regard to preschoolers, the camp must take into account the differences is maturity that are common in this age group. To accomplish this goal, Maplewood offers:

• Offer programs 2 days per week, as well as 3 days per week
• Athletic programs such a T-ball, soccer, gymnastics, basketball and swimming to foster physical activity and team interaction
• Art, drama, dance and music activities to encourage visual acuity, listening skills and coordination.
• Enriched activities such as nature exploration, boating and group games to foster observational and cooperative skills.
• Provides appropriate eating and rest periods for the age group.

Preparing Your Preschooler For Summer Camp

You can help your preschooler adjust to the summer camp experience by providing information about the activities and schedules at the camp. An advance meeting with the preschool camp counselor can help to allay fears and begin a trusting relationship. Seeing the toys at the facility and the other children who attend the camp can provide the reassurance they need.

Find out how Maplewood Summer Camp can help your preschooler to learn new skills and develop confidence for advanced learning.

Let your kids enjoy the experience of summer day camp at Maplewood Summer Day Camp. Experienced staff will keep your child both safe and busy with arts and crafts, games, water sports, gymnastics and more. Visit the site at http://www.maplewoodyearround.com to see the fun your child will have at Maplewood Summer Day Camp. 

Choosing the Best Preschool Program for Your Child

In many ways the same as choosing a summer day camp, picking a preschool program for your child involves some research. Like kids at day camp, preschool students do best when attending a program suited to individual needs and personality, preparing students both academically and socially for future academic endeavors. Exciting but sometimes a bit overwhelming to parents, choosing a first school is easier if you know what you’re looking for and how to find it.

Before You Start Looking
A great first step in a preschool search is to ask yourself exactly what kind of program you’re looking for your child. A preschool may be offer a small, nurturing environment more geared to introducing kids to a group environment or may sport a big, bustling, more academically-oriented atmosphere. Think about what’s most important to you, whether it’s fees, educational philosophy or proximity to your home or workplace.

The Right Fit for Your Child
Nobody knows your child the way you do, and you need to take into consideration whether you think your youngster can thrive in a particular environment. Visit each potential school as ask yourself whether you can picture your preschooler fitting in and being comfortable. Ask the school about teaching style, philosophy, daily activities and discipline policies. See if you can visit and spend time just observing.

Educational Philosophy
It’s important to ask about the school’s education philosophy as there are many ways to approach learning. Some schools may introduce academic subjects like math and reading earlier, while others have a play-based learning approach. Many are a mix of various philosophies, including the Montessori Method, the Reggio Emilia system and the Waldorf approach.

What is the Philosophy on Reading Readiness?
Does the school focus on teaching early literacy skills? This is a point on which a lot of schools differ and you should try to go with the approach that seems right for you and your child. Reading readiness varies dramatically among young children; a good preschool will help all children feel successful. Kids who are pushed to read before they are ready may develop a poor attitude toward this all-important skill.

Size of Class and Student /Teacher Ratio
Although each state has its own laws regarding class size and student/teacher ratio, some schools may adhere to a smaller size with more individualized attention. If your youngster is easily overwhelmed or distracted or may need more adult attention, it may be particularly important to pick a program with smaller group sizes.

What is the Atmosphere Like?
Try to be sure the school has an atmosphere that is bright, busy, clean and engaging. Are there lots of posters and student art on the walls? Are there clean, well-equipped indoor and outdoor play areas? Do the kids seem happy, excited and enthusiastically involved in activities and do you observe positive, compassionate interactions between students and staff? Are all children actively involved, with plenty of work centers for art, building, projects and dress-up? Are the children working both cooperatively and individually, able to choose some of their own activities during the day? Are there opportunities for active, creative and dramatic play? Most of all, do you think your child would be happy here?

Maplewood Country Day Camp Preschool Program will provide the ideal combination of fun and learning that will build the foundation for your child’s future academic success, socialization skills and inspire a lifelong love of learning. Visit the site: http://www.maplewoodyearround.com/

Five Fun Preschooler Activities to Enhance Learning

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Getting kids ready to learn doesn’t have to be stressful; it can be fun and exciting. From pretend play to cuddling up with a story book, here are five super activities to share with your preschooler that will help him learn.

Curl Up With a Book

Read to your child and let him see you read. Many people have fond memories of favorite bedtime stories read aloud, and this special time together is a wonderful gift to give your own child. Reading together can foster a lifelong love of words and reading in your child. Don’t forget to have fun when reading aloud; ham it up with funny voices and a bit of extra drama. Not only does it reinforce how words sound, but it also makes the act of reading more enticing.

Make Believe

Preschoolers love to play make believe, and pretend play is not only fun, but also helps develop vocabulary, communication, problem solving and creativity. Encourage imaginative play with your youngster by providing just a few props and a bit of direction; you’ll be amazed at the hours of creative play that can stem from something as simple as a book about knights and castles or a trip to the aquarium. Basic props like stuffed animals, building blocks, a doctor kit or maps and postcards can lead to all sorts of wonderful adventures.

Kitchen Wizardry

What better way to learn math than by whipping up some delicious chocolate chip cookies or a creamy bunch of macaroni-and-cheese? Not only does cooking with you help kids branch out in their culinary tastes, it also provides fun-filled lessons in measuring and numbers. Let your little one count eggs, pour water into a measuring cup or set the kitchen timer. Read the recipe aloud, pointing to different words and teaching about the order of the steps. Not only is cooking together a great bonding experience and a fine math lesson, it also boosts confidence and lets kids explore the kitchen’s delightful sensory world, from the feel of pounding dough to the smell of apple pie in the oven.

The Magic of Music

Researchers have long appreciated the link between music and learning, finding that the rich sensory environment provided by song and dance help forge pathways between developing brain cells. And of course, singing and dancing are great fun; just ask kids at day camp! Youngsters who play music or sing tend to do better in reading and math in school and get along better with their peers, just a few of the reasons songs are such an important part of childhood programs like summer day camp. Sing along with your child, perhaps starting with you singing the verses and both of you chiming in on the chorus; think “Old MacDonald”. You’ll be surprised at how fast your youngster will pick up the words himself. You can encourage a sense of rhythm by practicing clapping to the beats of a favorite song.

Words All Around

Surround your youngster with the written word. You can label various objects in your preschooler’s room, make a sign for the door or make him or her a special personal mailbox to fill with intriguing notes. Let your little one see the importance of writing in your everyday life, including notes, lists and letters, reinforcing the importance of the written word. Even if your youngster just scribbles cheerfully, take time to “write” with him or have him tell a story about one of his drawings as you record the words.

Learning can be a fun and worthwhile experience for kids. Maplewood Country Day Camp Preschool Program will provide the ideal combination of fun and learning that will build the foundation for your child’s future academic success, socialization skills and inspire a lifelong love of learning. Visit the site: http://www.maplewoodyearround.com/