2016-2017 Parent University-Parent/Child Workshop Descriptions.
Nutrition and health habits begin at birth, and are necessary for a life-long, healthy life style. Eating a wide variety of fruits and vegetables daily gives children the energy needed to grow, learn, and move. Additionally, supporting children in carrying out personal care and self help skills is important to build confidence and independence.
Dental care in young children is important as it affects dental issues throughout their lives. The Center for Disease Control reports that more than 40% of children have tooth decay by the time they reach kindergarten. Unfortunately, dental problems, if not treated, can lead to the inability to chew or speak properly.
Social, emotional and physical health set the foundation for lifelong learning. Development in this area is equally, if not more important, than early academics in determining school readiness. Encouraging interactions, building relationships, and providing play opportunities are crucial components in creating the necessary connections for establishing independence, sense of community, moral development and conflict resolution.
Screen time and technology are in every part of our lives. Technology can support and extend a child’s learning if guided by adults who understand that media time should never dominate the learning environment or replace direct experiences with others.
Math is more than just numbers and counting. Math in early childhood is about exploration in their daily lives and environment, and the connections children make through those experiences. Through play with materials like puzzles, nesting cups, blocks, dice, and other objects children are learning foundational concepts that will help develop the attitudes, skills, and knowledge necessary for later proficiency in mathematics.
Literacy begins at birth through the infant’s ability to communicate his/her needs with babbles and coos that develop into words. In the following years, children emerge as language users and develop competence as listeners, speakers, readers, and writers. These skills are encouraged and developed through their environment and literacy experiences which include conversations, symbols, word games, songs, chants and stories.
Music and movement are a natural occurrence for young children. From being soothed by a lullaby to singing a favorite rhyme or song, music allows children to express their feelings. With or without music, children explore moving their whole bodies or parts of their body throughout their daily routine.
Science builds on children’s natural sense of wonder. Children are active learners in their environment as they observe, question, predict, and draw conclusions using all five senses. Adults need to model positive attitudes towards science as they encourage their children to become aware and practice skills that foster scientific thinking.