ELCFV

Healthy Reading Habits

Early literacy is one of the keys to a child’s success in life, including academics. Other than helping your child to grow up happy and healthy, the most important thing that you can do for them is help them develop their reading skills. The brain grows quickly within the first five years of life, establishing early literacy skills can help a child be kindergarten-ready and create a willingness to learn.   Check out these tips … Read more

How Playing in Nature Helps Your Child’s Development

Playing in nature can help children of all ages with their motor skills, communication, social-emotional skills, sensory integration, and so much more! Here are some of the benefits of playing in nature. Playing outside promotes: Executive Function Skills Exploration and Creativity New Sensory Experiences Motor Skills Relaxation & Emotional Regulation The best toys for outdoor play & how to incorporate outdoor play at home

Nature Play Spaces – What They Are and How to Make One

Nature Play Spaces: What is a Nature Play Space?   The idea behind a nature play space is that, instead of the standard, cookie-cutter metal and plastic structures that make up the bulk of today’s playgrounds, people can incorporate the surrounding landscape and vegetation to bring nature to children’s daily outdoor play and learning environments. Nature Play at Home Children have a natural affinity toward nature. The National Wildlife Federation and the Natural Learning Initiative … Read more

Autism Awareness and Resources

Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a lifelong developmental disability often linked to challenges with social, emotional and communication skills. ASD affects the way the brain processes information and how the nerve cells in the brain connect and organize. ASD affects individuals differently. While there is no known cause of autism and it can be difficult to diagnose, pediatricians and parents can look for specific indicators and early intervention can improve overall development. During … Read more

How to Make the Most of Playtime

Playing with your child in the first three years of life helps the two of you build a warm and loving relationship. Playing together also supports the development of essential social skills (like sharing and turn taking), language skills (like labeling objects, making requests, commenting), and thinking skills (like problem-solving). For babies and toddlers, play is their “work.” It is through play and repetition that babies and toddlers try out and master new skills. Check … Read more