Why LEGO is the Best Toy for Kids

From big, toddler friendly DUPLO block towers to the intricately designed pirate ships and race cars of regular LEGO sets, the super-cool LEGO brand of construction blocks has been a timeless favorite of kids and kids-at-heart for over fifty years. 

Tots and teens and everyone in between have spent happy hours building cities, playgrounds, spaceships and castles to house enchanting miniscule astronauts, knights and Harry Potter characters, creating unforgettable imaginary worlds. 

Whether sprawled on the living room floor on a rainy day or taking a happy construction break with pals at summer day camp, kids around the world have enjoyed decades of building bliss and imaginary adventures with these incredible toys.

Fine Motor Skills

While they’re absorbed in the kinds of creative play that experts adore, totally unconnected to their various techie screens, kids are developing the fine motor skills and dexterity that will serve them well in everything from academics to art. 

From the moment your two-year-old first gets the red and blue DUPLO blocks to connect to the day your pre-teen actually completes his treasured Harry Potter castle, kids are improving these all-important skills while having a building blast. 

As anyone who has built a LEGO Star Wars spaceship can attest, it’s not easy to figure out how to build these intricate buildings and vehicles. Kids have the option of following enclosed instructions, much as an engineer would follow a blueprint, or they can strike out on their own, designing and building boats, skyscrapers, Ferris wheels and wagon trains of their own. They can plan, design and figure out how to build endless, delightfully detailed little worlds.

Amazing for Academics

Kids who play with building blocks and other construction toys are also hard at work developing creative problem solving talents, spatial skills and mathematical abilities. 

Once your little one decides he simply must modify his LEGO pirate ship to add a mast or a few canons, he has to figure out the design and how to make it work effectively, an absorbing, sometimes frustrating and (hopefully) ultimately rewarding task. 

She learns to be persistent and think outside the box (literally), skills that translate well into the academic world. The design and construction process itself is of course a super and fun-filled way to build on working with shapes, configurations and measurements.

Endless Creativity

Particular in today’s digital age, when kids spend hours glued to computers, televisions and smart phones, LEGO toys have managed to survive and thrive with their timeless appeal to the creative creature that lurks somewhere in all of us. 

Whether your youngster wants to build a whole town of his own design or follow the steps bit by bit to the perfect working robot, these inspiring toys that appeal to the child in all of us.

Wonderful World of Imagination

Whether they’re building a futuristic world of their own or re-creating the otherworldly adventures of Star Wars, kids at day camp and in playrooms around the world are exercising their imaginations in a big way when they pick up these tiny blocks and their equally tiny people. 

Anyone who has watched a child chatter away while playing with the little worlds of LEGO knows that the toy can magically transport young and old to the world of long-ago kings and castles, into the pages of a favorite novel or far out into the futuristic world beyond the stars.

Let your kids enjoy the Lego 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.

Reasons Why Kids Should Play Sports

Kids at day camp love to play sports; in fact, youngsters thrive through getting involved in all kids of sports. 

From goofy soft ball games at summer day camp to recreational leagues and Little League All Star teams, there are so many ways that kids can learn and grow from playing sports. 

Physical, academic and social benefits can all be achieved while having lots of fun along the way.

Up and Out

In a time when so many kids are glued to their techie devices, being on a sports team gets kids into the habit of getting out and exercising every day. They may not be thinking about it while they’re out there practicing layups, running the bases or doing soccer drills, but it’s all contributing to their overall health and instilling habits that can lead to a healthier lifestyle right into adulthood.

Kids Learn to Function as a Team

From school and summer camp right through college and the job market, a “team player” is a valuable asset. The ability to put individual needs, differences and desires aside is a key component in being on a team, starting on your youth soccer league. Kids on a sports team need to learn how to get along with people they may not like and try to concentrate on what will work best for the team, even if it’s at the cost of their own individual glory.

Managing Time

Of course, schoolwork comes first, and extracurricular activities like sports should not get in the way of academics. By participating in athletics, your child will need to develop some good time management skills. You can help by showing him how to manage time and prioritize responsibilities so that homework, chores, sports practices, games and competitions can effectively fit into his or her schedule. For example, he may have to finish homework rather than watching some TV or playing outside afterschool in order to have everything done before practice.

Promotes Self-Esteem

A well-coached youth athletic team will help promote self-esteem. When helping your child decide which sport he’d most enjoy, look for one where she can grow and improve and be sure to provide positive reinforcement along the way. As kids work hard to get better and better at their sport, they’ll experience a joyful feeling of accomplishment and self-confidence.

Ramping Up Social Skills

Kids participating on sports teams develop social skills that allow them to have a good social standing the rest of their lives. Not only do they learn to interact with a variety of their peers, but they also learn to be able to interact effectively with older people, in particular their coaches and various sports officials.

Dealing with Adversity

Your child will inevitably make errors, miss shots and strike out at some point when they play sports. Learning how to handle these kinds of adversity can give them valuable skills for dealing with life’s “curve balls” right through adulthood. Learning from mistakes and coping graciously with adversity are excellent character building experiences that will serve your child well in school and beyond.

They are Fun!

Mostly, sports are just fun. You’re out running around, learning a skill you love and experiencing the thrill of winning and the not-so-thrilling lows of defeat. But whatever you do, you’re surrounded by your teammates and the sense of camaraderie and fun that accompanies the experience of being a part of the team.

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.

Bicycle Safety Tips for Kids

Warm weather is coming up, with all the wonderful promise of sunny days spent playing at overnight summer camp, building sand castles at the beach and getting outside to enjoy the magical freedom of bicycle riding.

While everyone can agree that bikes and kids go together like peas and carrots, as Forrest Gump would say, it’s vitally important that kids of all ages learn and adhere to basic cycling safety rules. 

Injuries incurred while riding a bike account for more injuries in youngsters between five and 15 than any other sport. Don’t let your child be a statistic; teach him the rules of the road and have a safe, fun-filled summer.

Always Wear a Helmet

Not even the shortest little cruise around the driveway should taken without a properly fitting bike helmet. You can buy them at discount stores, sports outlets or bike shops; however, at a cycling shop you’re more likely to get some help with proper fit. If a helmet’s too tight, your child may just sling it over the handle bars once you’re out of sight, and if it’s too loose, it won’t provide proper protection.

Light It Up

Lights and reflective gear are another important part of bike safety, especially at the dangerous times of like dusk and after dark. Bikes should be equipped with reflectors and both white front and red rear lights. Estimated to reduce the risk of being hit by a car by roughly 85 percent, reflectors are cheap and easy to install. A pulsating rear light is a great safety feature, as it’s immediately visible to cars approaching from the rear. A headlamp will help your child avoid obstacles; even a tiny bump can unseat a rider.

See and Be Seen

Even if your child’s bike is properly equipped with lights and reflectors, bike clothing itself should be highly visible. Contrary to popular wisdom, white hasn’t been found to make a rider more visible; bright, neon or fluorescent colors are much better options whether riding in daylight or darkness. Clothing should also have light reflecting components like reflective markings, tape or even flashing lights.

Make Adjustments

Make sure your child’s bike is property adjusted to height and arm length. Have your youngster stand over the bike; there should be one to two inches between child and top bar on a road bike and three to four inches on a mountain bike. Seat should be level and the knee should be slightly bent when the leg is extended, and the handlebars should be at the same level as the bike seat.

Tune It Up

Especially before the first ride of the year, make a safety check of your child’s bike, or teach him how to do so. It’s a great idea to take the bike into your local bike shop for a spring-time tune-up; mechanics will make sure everything’s in working order so there won’t be any unpleasant surprises on that first trip down the hill to the playground. Make sure tires are properly inflated and brakes are working.

Take a Class

As spring approaches, many police departments, fire districts, schools and community centers conduct bike safety classes, so keep an eye on the local papers for a class in your neighborhood. Most are held in spring, so you can squeeze it in before your youngster heads off to sleepaway camp. Kids bring their own bikes and instructors go over rules of the road and other safety guidelines.

Follow the Rules of the Road

Kids should know to ride in the same direction as other vehicles, following the flow of traffic, and obey all traffic roads, including traffic signs and signals. At least one hand should be on the handlebars at all times. Teach your youngster to use signals, look before turning and watch for parked cars. Happy cycling!

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.

How Drama Classes Positively Affect Kids

One of the favorite activities for kids at day camp, drama classes aren’t just a ton of fun; they help kids grow, gain self-confidence and learn to function as a team. Although drama classes are offered in after school programs, at magnet schools and at community theaters, many kids find it especially fun and laid back to take the classes at summer day camp.

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.

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.

Benefits of Drama Classes for Your Child

One of the favorite activities for kids at day camp, drama classes aren't just a ton of fun; they help kids grow, gain self-confidence and learn to function as a team. 

Although drama classes are offered in after school programs, at magnet schools and at community theaters, many kids find it especially fun and laid back to take the classes at summer day camp.

Artistic Development

A great way to spark a child’s interest in the arts, drama classes introduce youngsters to a wide range of theatrical activities. They learn about writing, directing, performing, auditioning, designing and building scenery and maybe even dancing, singing and choreography.

Working as an Ensemble

Kids in drama classes benefit greatly by learning to work together in a cooperative venture, taking others’ ideas into consideration, working through creative differences and learning to accept feedback. Not only do actors need to work cooperatively, but all members of the theatrical ensemble have to figure out how to work together toward the best possible production.

Academic Benefits

Though some parents worry that getting involved in theatrical arts will impede or take important time away from academic pursuits, studies have found quite the opposite. In general, students involved in the creative arts tend to do better academically, and a study by The College Board showed that these students scored nearly 100 points higher on the SAT than those not involved in artistic endeavors.

Developmental Development

The benefits of drama classes include opportunities for improvement of communications skills, particularly public speaking and projecting the voice. Kids in drama classes can also develop emotional skills such as empathy when they try to relate to their character’s feelings and motivations. The ability to walk in someone else’s shoes and see things from a different point of view are skills that will be useful throughout your child’s life, and by learning to understand their character’s emotions they can become more in tune with their own.

Social Skills

You’ll probably find that taking drama classes will result in a noticeable improvement in your child’s social skills. Your youngster will meet and bond with new friends in class, developing a sense of camaraderie with them as their characters interact during rehearsals and performances.

Improved Confidence

Contrary to what you may think, drama classes are not just for the outgoing child. Kids who are on the shy side may find that playing an ensemble role like a face in the crowd or a voice in a chorus can let them indulge their theatrical side without feeling too intimidated. As time passes, they may even gain enough confidence in their own talent to pursue more of a leading role.

Where to Find Drama Classes

If your child has expressed an interest in the theater, there are a variety of places to find classes. On the budget end, you may find instruction at community centers and town recreation centers or as part of summer camp programs. Kids who are more intensely interested in the theater may benefit from classes at a professional theater group where they can study the art with professionals in a real theatrical environment. Performing arts schools offer classes in musical theater, voice, singing and dance as well as drama.

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.