early childhood education
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School Principal says to follow these tips for a successful start to kindergarten
It is bittersweet to send your child off to school for the first time. On one hand, you’re excited for this milestone. On the other, it’s heartwrenching to send your baby out into the real world. In order to help both parents and children feel ready for kindergarten, I assembled ten dos and don’ts for […] Continue reading
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Experts say this is the best way to learn to read and love it too
Competency in reading is one of the greatest predictors of success in children. But in order to procure the benefits, students must be motivated to learn to read. Here are the best ways for kids to learn to read backed by research. One of my most painful childhood memories is learning how to read at school. The […] Continue reading
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This is why sensory play is so important – backed by research
Sensory play can seem like a whole lot of mess in the name of frivolous play. Inside I will share the research behind why sensory play is so important as well as tips to contain the mess, execute simple sensory play ideas and more. It was a scorching hot evening in our old neighbourhood. We […] Continue reading
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Give the Gifts with the Most Play Value
The last thing any parent wants is to buy gifts that will only be shoved aside and forgotten. Here you will find the best Christmas gifts for kids. Below you will find play-based learning toy ideas and what aspects of learning they facilitate. My kids’ toys seemingly reproduce overnight. There are toys in every room […] Continue reading
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Dice Games for Preschoolers: Fun ways to promote numeracy
These dice games are fun, engaging ways to teach preschoolers numeracy… Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. The price you pay is the same. However, I receive a small commission. Right now, my kids are very interested in numbers and the alphabet. Every day, both my almost four-year-old and five-year-old enjoy manipulating magnetic letters […] Continue reading
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Fishing Sight Word Sensory Bin
Currently, I’m between a rock and a hard place when it comes to my daughter’s interests, education, and stubbornness. She is very interested in early literacy. She wants to spell, write, and sound words out. However, fine motor skills are not her forte. So, we start off with an activity. I get creative. She gets […] Continue reading
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Kids Activities to Recycle and Reuse Wrapping Paper
After Christmas or Birthdays, there is SO much wrapping paper! Find fun simple kids activities to engage in process art, fine motor activities and make decorations. We’ve already started opening Christmas gifts in waves. Because our family lives far away, presents have slowly arrived. It’s been great. Some of our loved ones have asked that […] Continue reading
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Peppermint Scented Christmas Sensory Bin
I love sensory bins. A LOT. They are so simple to set-up. Warm water, lentils, stale cereal, or old pasta are great mediums to drop into a container with your child’s favourite toys! Sensory play is that simple. And the benefits are extensive. Another go-to of mine is using coloured rice. We have made […] Continue reading
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Backyard Learning: 25+ Easy Play-Based Learning Ideas
Backyard learning is easy, cost-effective and SO much fun!!! Work on math, printing, reading, and scientific discovering without leaving your backyard! Despite all of the excitement that comes with the end of the school year, there is no denying that the break essentially stops the progress students have made. Two months off can mean academic skills […] Continue reading
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Simple Olympic Activities for Preschoolers
Make your backyard extra fun while teaching your children about the Olympics with these super simple Olympic Activities for Preschoolers! This summer marks the first time my kids are old enough to learn about the Olympics. And I’m especially excited! During the 2010 Winter Games, I met my husband. Of course, I […] Continue reading
About Me
Hi, I’m Alana. When I’m not nursing cold, stale coffee, I usually can be found with the baby on my hip, barefoot, and racing after my two older kids.
Thanks to a degree in psychology and a free-range childhood backing onto an expansive evergreen forest, positive parenting and play-based learning are my passions.