Top skills Taught to Children in Early Childhood Education

Are you a busy parent? Statistically, the number of families where both the husband and wife are working is drastically growing and is also benefiting the economy in various ways. But what about your toddler at home? While day-care centres are the best option for parents and their children, it also the first experience for a child to be in an atmosphere with other children and teachers. It’s a wonderful place to learn, interact and make friends at an early age. These are the top skills taught to children in day-care centres:

1.     Social Development - A day-care centres program is aligned to nurture social interaction through trust building activities with teachers, parents, and peers. To gain social development skills, the child needs to be in a secure and trustworthy environment. Teachers encourage the toddlers without punishing them or impacting negatively. 

2.     Cognitive and Language Skills - Providing the toddler a language-rich environment can help them to develop early cognitive and language skills with kick starting their vocabulary. Social activities like singing, talking about your favourite colour and telling stories from books can help children age 3-6, improvise their language skills.

3.     Child Curiosity - Children are naturally curious in the early years of their life, the child’s interest is peaked. Curiosity aligned with imagination in their early years can help the toddler nuture creativity.

4.     Prepare for Schooling - Day-care or preschool is the stepping stone to future schooling. A good centre can provide children the tools they require at the next level. Collaboration with parents is critical in the early stages and personalized growth is the key to success. A day-care needs to be chosen wisely as it can impact the learning for the rest of their lives.

5.     Motor Skills & Analytical - In early childhood, games, and activities that promote reading and mathematics skills can really benefit the child in the long run. Activities for enhancing motor skills can include visual games, singing, counting and associations. Interactive learning at this stage can speed up learning and make it a great activity for the child.

Childventures Early Learning Academy is the premier childcare and early learning academy in Canada. We provide a healthy and safe environment that meets children’s emotional, social, intellectual and physical needs. Our blended curriculum combines the best of three world-renowned teaching methods: - High Scope, Core Knowledge and Montessori Method into one enriched program.

For more information visit www.childventures.ca or call (905) 332-7539 to visit our facility at Burlington, Vaughan, Ancaster, Richmond Hill, Oakville and Milton.

Tips to Teach Your Child Manners

If you are thinking when you should inculcate good habits in kids, well it is never too early. The best way to do it is to understand yourself and then lead by example. Children always look up to their parents and the people around them. It is important to be cautious of your conduct in front of children. This will help to inculcate good mannerism and build a great character.

Following are some tips to teach manners to your child:

1.     Place some ground rules in the home

Make rules and always follow them. This will build a habit and inculcate discipline in children. One should know how they would want their kid to behave in public. It is important to tell kids the difference between being polite and not sounding rude.  Parents should keep in mind that their behaviour will define their children’s behaviour in public.

2.     Make it a habit and practice

The best way to train the brain is by practicing.  Always make your kids understand whenever they behave rudely or impolitely. That is how they will learn about mannerisms and how to behave properly in public or at home. Regular practice will make their habits intact.

3.     Appreciate for good conduct

Children are gentle and get motivated by positivity. Always appreciate children when they do something good. This will help them to understand what is right and wrong. Don't scold your child for their mistakes instead help them understand and learn from their mistakes.

4.     Explain the right behaviour

Be aware of every single person’s behaviour around your children. Tell kids with examples, this will help them to relate things. Always bring somebody’s courteous behaviour in their notice, it will make them understand better.

5.     Teach them the golden words

It is necessary that a child learns to speak golden words like “Sorry, Thank you and Please". These are an important part of a conversation and positive behaviour. Always encourage and appreciate them whenever they say these words. It is also important to practice greeting people and showing them proper respect.

Virtues Project™ for Children by Childventures is a positive, holistic program which is designed to bring out the best in children and adults. Through daily interactions simple strategies are used within our curriculum model to awaken already existing virtues, allowing each child to act on the best within them.

Visit www.childventures.ca to learn about our many early education programs for your child.

How to Teach Kids Empathy?

Before starting with anything, it is important to understand the correct meaning of the word ‘empathy’. Empathy is the ability to put yourself in someone else's shoes and feel what the other person is feeling. Research says that empathy is important to build healthy and content relations with family and friends. There are numerous reasons why parents should contemplate teaching empathy to their kids.

Children, at a very young age, are too sensitive to feel everything around them. Anything going on around them may leave a long-lasting impression on them.  Sometimes, it is difficult for a child to put in words about how actually he/she feels. It is important to teach and tell them about positive and negative emotions as they would not know how to actually label their emotions.

As the cliché says, charity begins at home. Start telling them about emotions from the things which happen at home. Focus on telling them how to cope up with negative emotions and not to hold grudges. Make sure your child’s emotional needs are fulfilled.

Children always look upon their family for emotional support. It is necessary to make them understand that you are always there for them. They should know how to resolves issues, tensions, and fights themselves. See how they react and behave in a difficult situation. Let them observe and discuss with them how they handle a particular state. Listen to them and guide them, how to take things positively.

However, to imbibe empathy in somebody won’t come easily. It is good to ensure the child gets to see and observe empathetic values around him/her. 

At Childventures Early Learning Academy, we understand the importance of the emotional and social development of a child at an early age and partner with families in the development of children to their fullest potential.

Take a look at our blended curricular model for your child's overall development.

Importance of Spending Quality Time with Your Child

Childhood is the most important phase of any living being’s life, even for animals. In human lives, children learn, build and grow the most during childhood. The right foundation set during this time can do wonders for the kids. Therefore it is very important for parents to spend quality time with their children.

The busy schedule of work or household should never become a source of negligence, after all, what is it that you are earning for. Ambition should always come second to family. Your children look up to you, want to talk to you, share their stories with you. They need you to help them understand social behavior, the concept of education and humanity, the importance of family and values and the virtue of a good character.

Having said all above, the importance of spending quality time with your child can be well understood by below points:

1. It helps them build a stronger sense of family and relationships. It helps them learn what value your loved ones bring in one’s life. It tells them very effortlessly that they are not alone and they have people who love them in their lives.
2. It helps build their character. There are so many things that can be taught without a book in hand by some practical activities. Character develops gradually and parents play the major role in helping a child for that.
3. It improves their self-image and confidence. They feel loved and content with the attention. Their time is cherished with good moments.
4. It helps them learn etiquettes and good behavior. The young minds are very impressionable. They learn what they see. If in your home people behave properly then your child will learn the same.
5. Most importantly it makes them happy, which is undoubtedly the best thing to happen to them.

There are many things that you can do with your children like taking them to fairs and concerts, planning a vacation with them, camping, help them learn swimming or rafting, build tree houses with them, help them paint or cook, read them stories, take them to a library or dance class. Become a child with them and you will share their happiness!

At Childventures Early Learning Academy, we understand the importance of the emotional and social development of a child at an early age and encourage parents to spend quality time with their children. We also partner with families in the development of children to their fullest potential. For information about our educational programs for children visit www.childventures.ca or call us at 905-332-7539.

10 Wonderful Benefits of Play for Children

We all have spent hours playing outside when we were kids. Now with the advancement in technology and easy availability of smart TVs, mobile, and other electronic devices, time for play has considerably reduced for today's children.

Play plays an important role in your child's physical, social, and emotional development. Play should not be treated as a leisurely activity but should be considered an important part of your child's daily routine.

Following are the benefits of Play for children:

     1. Play gives an opportunity for parents to easily bond with their child.

     2. Outdoor play will keep your child physically fit and healthy.

     3. Play helps in building and boosting your child's confidence and self-esteem.

     4. Children learn to express their emotions and also learn to deal with fears and failures.

     5. Various studies have shown that play helps emotionally distressed children in releasing their emotions and expressing themselves better.

     6. Play will help your child in making friends and interacting well with others. Play plays an important role in the development of social skills in children.

     7. Even free play and playing alone will help your child in using their creativity, promoting imagination and improving cognitive skills.

    

     8. Children learn to play in a team, practice decision-making skills and handle conflicts and problems.

   

     9. Children learn to make choices and discover their skills and interests while playing.

  

    10. Children can explore and discover new things. Overall improvement in brainpower and knowledge because of play.

At Childventures Early Learning Academy, we understand the importance of play for children and offer a mix of many extracurricular activities in our blended curriculum and education programs.

Take a look at our summer camp programs for children. For more information or to enrol your child visit http://childventures.ca/or call us at 905-332-7539.

Top Three Preschools in Burlington

Preschool is generally for children from about age 3 to 5 – those who have moved beyond toddlerhood but not old enough for kindergarten. A good preschool program provides your child's development, laying the foundation for a good start in kindergarten.

Here is a list of top three preschools in Burlington:

1)      Childventures Early Learning Academy

First established in 2002, Childventures Early Learning Academy has developed an excellent reputation within the child care field as a leader in child development. Our Childcare centres are located in Burlington, Vaughan, Ancaster, Richmond Hill, and Oakville. Our early childhood education curriculum – a fine blend of Montessori, High Scope®, Core Knowledge® and Baby Signs helps children improve their reading, writing and math skill and stimulates their overall development. We provide a healthy and safe environment that meets children’s emotional, social, intellectual and physical needs.

2)      Summerhill Day School

Summerhill Day School is nestled in a residential neighbourhood, close to schools, parks and walking trails. They provide ample space to support a licensed early education centre for 76 children. With four classrooms and a large outdoor playground, they accommodate the growth and development of children aged 16 months to 12 years.

3)      St. Christopher's Co-operative Preschool

St Christophers Co-operative Preschool is an inclusive, safe and inspiring environment. Growth is nurtured in all developmental areas by allowing children to create, inquire and explore through play. They operate a play based emergent curriculum in line with Ministry of Education.

If you would like to find out more about what the Childventures environment can offer, & to view a detailed breakdown of our various programs, visit www.childventures.ca or call 905.332.7539 to book a campus tour.

Best Christmas Themed Movies For Your Kids

When you are looking for some quality family time with your kids, there’s nothing better than watching a good movie.

Christmas movies are a fun way for families to get into the holiday spirit!

We recommend you to watch these movies with your children during this festive season.

Grab a big bowl of popcorn, cuddle up on the sofa and celebrate the spirit of the season with our recommended list of Christmas themed movies for your child.

•    It’s a wonderful life (1946)

It's a Wonderful Life is a 1946 Christmas fantasy comedy-drama film produced and directed by Frank Capra, based on the short story "The Greatest Gift". The film is considered one of the most loved films in the cinema and has become traditional viewing during the Christmas season.

In this movie, an angel is sent from heaven to help a desperately frustrated businessman by showing him what life would have been like if he had never existed.

•    A Christmas story (1983)

A Christmas Story is 1983 is another fun filled movie directed by Bob Clark and based on Jean Shepherd's semi-fictional anecdotes.

In this movie Ralphie, a young boy only wants one thing on Christmas: A Red Ryder Range 200 shot BB gun and sets out to convince the world that this is the perfect gift, but along the way, he runs into opposition from his parents, his teachers and even by Santa Claus himself.

•    Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966)

Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! is a 1966 Christmas animated television special directed and co-produced by Chuck Jones. It is based on the eponymous children's book by Dr. Seuss, the story of the Grinch trying to take away Christmas from the townsfolk of Whoville below his mountain hideaway.

•    Home Alone (1990)

Home Alone is a 1990 comedy film written and produced by John Hughes and directed by Chris Columbus. The film stars Macaulay Culkin as Kevin McCallister, a boy who is mistakenly left behind when his family flies to Paris for their Christmas vacation. Kevin initially relishes being home alone, but soon has to contend with two would-be burglars played by Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern.

•    Frozen (2013)

Frozen is a 2013 animated musical fantasy film produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios, inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale "The Snow Queen". The film tells the story of a fearless princess who sets off on a journey alongside a rugged iceman, his loyal pet reindeer, and a naïve snowman to find her estranged sister, whose icy powers have inadvertently trapped the kingdom in eternal winter.

•    The Polar Express (2004)

The polar express is 2004 animated Christmas musical fantasy film based on the 1985 children's book of the same name by Chris Van Allsburg. In the polar express, a young boy embarks on a magical adventure to the North Pole, during his adventure he learns about friendship, bravery, and the spirit of Christmas.

•    Jingle All the Way (1996)

Jingle All the Way is a 1996 comedy film directed by Brian Levant and starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. The film focuses on two rival fathers, both desperately trying to get a Turbo-Man action figure for their respective sons on a last minute shopping spree on Christmas Eve.

•    Arthur Christmas (2011)

Arthur Christmas is animated Christmas comedy film. The film tells a story about Santa Claus's clumsy son Arthur Claus who discovers that the Santa's high-tech ship has failed to deliver one girl's present. In response, he goes on a mission to save her Christmas, accompanied only by his aging grandfather, a rebellious yet enthusiastic young Christmas Elf obsessed with wrapping gifts for children, and a team of eight strong, magical yet untrained reindeer.

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At Childventures, we use a combination of Montessori, High Scope, and Core Knowledge to create a balanced educational program that facilitates early learning and brain development of your child.

Contact Childventures today to learn about our diverse educational programs.

9 Outdoor Fall Activities For Kindergarten Children

When's the last time your kid looked under a rock?

Fall is the perfect time to be outdoors and enjoy the weather and time with kindergarten and toddlers!

Fall is a favorite season for many people. While your options are endless this season, below are some of the most important activities to check off your list.

1)     Have a campfire

   Having a campfire with family and friends is a great way to ring in cooler fall  temperatures. Set up a campfire in an area of your backyard, or at a park or beach.  Teach your children how to safely warm them up over the fire.

2)    Go apple and pumpkin picking

Pick out a nearby apple orchard and gather some baskets. Spend an afternoon picking  apples at a local orchard.  Then head home for some homemade apple pie! As well,  seeking out the perfect pumpkin is a fun activity for you and your children.

3)    Visit a Corn Maze

Get out and get lost at an area corn maze!  Kids will enjoy exploring the twists and turns as they try to master the maze.  Find one near you and go exploring.

4)    Go Fishing

Always a fun pastime, check out your luck at a local pond or lake.

5)    Go on a Creature Hunt

Animal-watching in the fun can be very entertaining.  Watching the squirrels hunt down nuts, listening for owls in the evening or watching for migrating animals (butterflies, geese, etc.) are very enjoyable ways to spend a relaxing afternoon.

6)    Take a Moon Walk

Make sure you head outdoors at night too!  Kids love the wonder of fall evenings.  Check out the Harvest Moon during the fall months or plan to take a Night Hike.

7)    Find a Fall Festival

Festivals abound in the fall - garden show, art festivals, parades and outdoor fairs!

8)    Spend a Day at the Parks

There's lot of green space, walking trails and things to do at your local park!  And kids love to view wildlife -- why not explore a new park this fall.

9)    Bake

Baked goods are a great activity for fall. Including your children in baking pumpkin or apple pies, thanksgiving staples and more will help them to get creative and enjoy the process of taking raw ingredients – maybe even ones they picked.

Fall is a great time of year for every member of the family.

Childventures Early Learning Academy offer programs for children that will make their fall season even more special and educational.

To learn more about benefits our programs offer, contact us today.

Things to Consider While Choosing Right Day Care Centre

Are you looking for the day care centre near you, but you don’t know how to find the right daycare centre for your little one? Choosing warm, nurturing, and capable day care centre is a good decision. The best way to find daycare centre is, do some research, ask your friend or relatives, make a list of top day care centre near you and visit them with your requirement list.

Here are some points which will help you to find the right daycare centre near you.

• Try to Get to Know of Their Learning Approach: All day care centres have their own learning systems. All daycare centres follow from play-based approaches to more structured learning models. At Childventures Early Learning Academy, we have a combination of Montessori high scope and core knowledge to create a balanced educational program which helps your child to develop their brain. At our centre children are introduced to numbers, science, French, music, computers, self-care skills and more.
• Is the Staff Qualified: Do an inquiry about day care centre staff, are they well qualified and certified? How much experience they are having? Are they trained? What is their impression on their students? All these are most important questions which will help you to get right daycare centre.
• Does the Place Feel Warm & Welcoming? Is daycare centre is healthy, clean and comfortable for kids? Daycare centre staff is genuine and friendly with kids? Even do you feel comfortable while doing an inquiry?
• Can You Observed or Visit Your Child Whenever You Want? Is daycare centre is allowing to sit with your little one at lunchtime or in a classroom? Different daycare centre follows different rules and regulations for parent’s entry in their daycare.
• Is the Facility Well-Equipped? The daycare centre has enough toys and learning materials? Are they providing proper lunch and water to your kids? Do they have a designated nap area? Are they providing outdoor facilities for children playground?

Apart from above important points, you can make a list of below points too for your daycare centre inquiry.

Ø  How structured is a typical day?

Ø  What is the discipline policy?

Ø  What type of meal and snacks do they serve?

Ø  What are the learning hours?

Ø  What is the policy on sick children?

At Childventures Early Learning Academy, we have been located in 5 different places across the GTA. So you can find us in Ancaster, Burlington, Vaughan, Richmond Hill or Oakville. Visit us www.childventures.ca or call us 905-332-7539 for your child’s admission at our daycare centre.

5 Trending Digital Tools to Enhance Teaching

These trending tools are a great way to enhance learning experience, skills and make learning process easy and interactive for the new generation kids.

So get the most from the new technology and trends listed below:

1.     Interactive Websites:

There are many engaging websites for early learners that reinforce key academic concepts.

These self-directed sites require little or no teacher assistance and will keep children actively engaged both at school and at home.

2.     Enriching Apps

The word is migrating to mobile devices and apps for every need.

In many schools, teachers bring iPad to school to teach with fun and create enthusiasm for learning. Many apps are now available to enhance learning depending on age, subject, and grade level.

3.     Educational Video Sites

Teachers no longer need to search their school library for DVD collections. Educational videos are available with the click of a button.

TeacherTube, a media site similar to YouTube, enables teachers to share instructional materials such as videos, audio recordings, and photographs.

SafeShare.TV is a student-friendly filter that removes the offensive elements sometimes surrounding YouTube clips.

4.     Interactive Whiteboards

Electronic touch boards such as the Promethean board and SMART board allow teachers and students to manipulate items on a large screen using electronic pens, bringing a new level of interactivity to classroom instruction.

5.     E-books

E-books are in trend. No need to go to library or store. You can download your favorite book anywhere anytime.

Teachers can take advantage of the many sites featuring popular kids’ books online such as Disney Digital Books, TumbleBooks etc.

Childventures early childhood education programs foster healthy development and encourage a love of learning through a unique blended curriculum model.

If you would like to find out more about Childventures early childhood education programs, please visit www.childventures.ca or call us at (905) 332-7539.