Magic Kingdom Learning Center

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Preparing for Kindergarten

What does my child need to know for Kindergarten?

Every parent, especially with their first child, wonders what the answer to this question is when their baby begins closing in on the magic age of five. The problem is that there really isn’t a right answer. The best thing parents can do is make sure they are preparing their child for Kindergarten. If you are not sure how to do that, then getting some help would be a great idea. Whether you teach your child at home or send your child to a local trustworthy preschool, consider signing them up for summer school before entering Kindergarten. Here are 13 reasons why:

When School Starts…

They’ll Be Focused Instead Of Distracted From Being Upset

Most children are upset, frightened, or anxious the first few days of school. Having experience with a summer course can make a child less likely to display those emotions and more likely to remain calm and focused.

They Will Be Comfortable In The Social Setting

This gives children a chance to participate in a socially engaging environment. They will become comfortable in such a setting before Kindergarten even begins.

They will develop an interest in books

Reading can be a fun adventure for children. It introduces them to a whole new world. Kindergarten teachers have amazing reading tips that can develop a child’s interest in reading. Reading will get children ready for school. The reading tips they learn at Kindergarten will come in handy, as it will be a daily activity at school.

They Will Be Familiar With The Structure Of A School Day

School is usually the first time children experience a routine schedule of their own from day to day. It can take a little while for kids to make adjustments and adapt to an every day schedule. A summer session will not only introduces the routine to children, but will allow them to make those adjustments before entering Kindergarten.

The Routine Will Prepare Their Body And Mind For The School Day

Until they reach school age, children usually wake up whenever they want, and very few of them are likely to take a nap at the same time. A summer course will assist in giving the child a more definitive sleep schedule.

They Will Be Introduced to The Student/Teacher Relationship

For most kids, other than their parents, a teacher is the first person of authority they meet.

Fine Tune Their Academics

Counting, the alphabet, and more will be taught to prepare the kids for Kindergarten. This is a nice head-start for the child as well as the teacher.

They Will Build Friendships With Peers

preschool student | Young Scholars Academy in Colorado
Kindergarten improves social skills

For many children, school is the first time they are able to interact with other kids in their own age. This can lead to some awkward times as children with siblings will try to establish a ‘pecking order’. Others may try to be more reserved if they are an only child. Why not let them work out the awkwardness during the summer? It will allow the kids more comfort when they enter Kindergarten.

Learn Respect And To Be Courteous To Their Peers

Of course, this and the previous one on our list go hand in hand. Learning respect and being courteous to others is still noteworthy. Both are characteristics the children will apply to everyone they meet, not just other kids of the same age.

Sharing And Taking Turns

Patience is embedded in sharing and taking turns, and patience is a virtue. Better to learn and develop patience as early as possible, right?

They Learn What Is Expected Of Them And What They Should Expect

This one speaks for itself.

They Start Absorbing Information And Listening

Getting into the habit of listening and focusing on everything being said is another great characteristic. The sooner a child develops this skill, the better.

It Fills The Summer With Activity

Give your child’s summer enrichment by filling it with activities. Guess what? A summer school session will do exactly that.

It Creates Opportunities For Parents To Provide Positive Reinforcement

The last on the list may be the best. A summer program like Kindergarten prep will also create things for parents to talk about with their child. It gives parents a chance to provide positive reinforcement to the child for their effort and successes over the summer.

Stressing about Kindergarten can take the fun out of an enjoyable experience. Whether or not you’re sure how to prepare your child for Kindergarten, consider enrolling your child in a summer school enrichment program. The benefits are tremendous and everyone comes out winning in the end, especially the children.

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Cool Off This Summer with Ice Cream

  • Try Low Calorie Ice Cream

You don’t have to pack on the calories to enjoy your favorite icy delight. Many brands offer low-calorie versions of your favorite flavors. These alternatives aren’t always so healthy, though. They’re often loaded with artificial sweeteners and preservatives. After all, you have to replace the fat and calories with something else, right?

Eat This, Not That ranked Halo Top Vanilla as the best diet option out there. One pint contains 240 calories. You don’t have to challenge yourself to stop when you’re halfway through. Plus, it contains healthy fats, has no fake sweeteners and is low in sugar. Your kids won’t know the difference. Neither will you.

  • Go For Low Sugar Ice Cream

When you cut back on sugar, you may end up consuming fewer calories. Plus, keeping sugar away from your kiddos can prevent them from turning into hyper little monsters.

So Delicious No Sugar Added Coconut Milk Frozen Dessert is sweetened with natural stevia. It contains healthy fats from coconuts. You can feel good about feeding this to your family.

  • Make Your Own

low sugar ice cream | Noah's Ark in Reno
Opt for healthier home made options

When you make your own frozen treats, you can control the ingredients that go into it. A quick internet search will deliver lots of options for homemade recipes.

Here’s one to try:

Ingredients 3 ripe peaches, diced ¼ cup cream or coconut cream ¼ tsp vanilla extract Stevia to taste

Directions

  • Freeze the peaches for four hours.
  • Blend the peaches with the cream in a high-powered blender.
  • Add the stevia if you want more sweetness. You might not need it.

This produces a soft dessert that you can eat right away. Stick it in the freezer for another hour if you want a harder treat.

  • Turn Bananas Into Frozen Deliciousness

Did you know that frozen bananas can be whipped up into a creamy snack or dessert? Slice bananas and freeze them on a parchment-lined cookie sheet. Transfer them to plastic bags or an airtight container, and store them in the freezer. Whenever you want some frozen goodness, place some bananas in a high-powered blender. Add cocoa or peanut butter for an added punch. Blend them until they become smooth.

  • Try Strawberry Banana Frozen Lemonade

low calorie ice cream | Noah's Ark in Reno
Experiment with natural ingredients

Ditch the dairy altogether. Make a refreshing indulgence without using milk or yogurt. In a blender, combine strawberries and bananas. Mix them until they’re smooth. Add them to your ice cream maker along with some lemonade. After about 30 minutes, you’ll have a combination that tastes like a snow cone. You can also make these into frozen treats using molds.

  • Make Themed Play Clay

Purchase or make dough for your kids to play with. Provide utensils and options for them to pretend that they have their own sweet shop. Make your own ice cream play clay by mixing one can of pre-made frosting with one cup of cornstarch. This recipe is great for toddlers. It’s edible, and it won’t harm your child if he or she makes the mistake of eating it. However, it won’t taste as good as the real thing.

Materials you need to make your own faux sundaes:

  • Play clay or dough
  • Small bowls
  • Cones made of paper or cardstock
  • Large scoops and spoons
  • Small spoons
  • Glitter or confetti for sprinkles
  • Beads, pebbles and buttons for chips and cherries
  • Straws
  • Wooden sticks for making “frozen” dessert bars

 

  • Print Out Some Coolness

Use paper and scissors to celebrate the month without making your kids crazy or worrying about your weight. Print out images of cones and scoops, and have kids glue them onto paper to make their own creations. You can also make 3-D popsicles and other colorful delicacies. The best part is that these won’t melt in the summer heat.

You don’t have to fill up on fat and calories to celebrate National Ice Cream Month. Get creative. Buy something new from the store. Purchase fresh ingredients to whip up healthier options at home. Use your art supplies to make a cool dessert that won’t melt.