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September 15, 2020 In Columbia Academy preschool classrooms, teachers use The Creative Curriculum® to create lesson plans with developmentally appropriate objectives. These objectives help children have positive interactions with both their peers and adults, develop social-emotional competence, be constructive and purposeful in their play, and continue to develop motor skill growth. Dramatic play has an…

September 9, 2020 The physical and social-emotional well-being of students and families is a top priority as the world continues to adjust to the uncertainties related to COVID-19. These are challenging times, especially for children, both in the U.S. and around the world. Health and safety, social-emotional development, and established routines are critical to educators…

September 8, 2020 Whether on-campus or online, it is completely understandable for children to feel anxious and stressed about starting a new school year with unfamiliar teachers and unknown expectations. Being able to identify when children are struggling with stress and anxiety is essential for parents to help ensure that the back-to-school transition is a…

September 1, 2020 Increased screen time, staying up late, and sleeping in late have become the daily norm for many children since the pandemic began. While some children may be getting more sleep, others struggle with disrupted schedules and stress as a result. A restful night’s sleep is essential for many aspects of a child’s…

August 26, 2020 Change is difficult for most people, especially children. It can be stressful, but we know that it is a part of life, so we continue to move forward and adapt. 2020 has seen many changes, not only in education but in our way of life. With back-to-school season now upon us, the…

August 25, 2020 In today’s rapidly-evolving world, constant changes and new information can feel overwhelming at times. Most people, particularly children, appreciate a degree of predictability and routine in their lives. Children need time to process changes and new information, and can become stressed if not given the appropriate time to do so. Below are…

August 25, 2020 Social and Emotional Development in Children Social and emotional development shapes how children interact with the world. These skills influence a child’s self-confidence and are critical in a child’s ability to form meaningful and lasting friendships with others. They also help children learn to manage their emotions, build healthy relationships, and feel…

August 18, 2020 Returning to school this year, whether it be in person or virtual, poses many new challenges. If your child is participating in virtual learning, here are some helpful tips to help them succeed: Reduce distractions so your child can focus on school work. Take brain breaks, including exercise or stretching. Encourage your…

August 11, 2020 Fostering a culture of kindness and carving out time to intentionally promote kindness cultivates empathy and understanding. This includes child-to-child, student to teacher, and parent to child relationships. Children notice and are impacted when adults act unkindly and it influences how they process feelings and manage conflict. Tips for Teaching Kindness: Model…

August 4, 2020 Between online learning last Spring and time away from friends and routines, children will need a little extra support as they head back to school this Fall, whether on campus or online. It’s important, as parents, for us to address our feelings and our children’s feelings. Children often take cues about how…