The Intellectual Vitamin for Kids: Dual Language Preschool
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Dual language learning in preschool helps builds executive function, empathy, cognitive flexibility, cultural identity, and fluency.
Executive Function
Executive Function is often stronger in bilingual children. When kids are learning two languages, they really have to focus on which language to speak in the moment. Saying "Goodbye" to Mom and then "Boker Tov" (Hebrew for “good morning”) to your teacher demands close attention! This kind of fluid interaction improves their ability to switch from one task to another. “Task-switching” is a core building block for developing strong executive functioning skills like paying attention, organizing and planning, focus, and self-monitoring.
Empathy
Young dual language learners have to follow social cues to figure out which language to use and in what setting. This helps build empathy and social engagement skills. In basic social-emotional skills testing, bilingual children as young as three often score higher than their monolingual peers.
Cognitive Flexibility
Children’s brains are like sponges! They are constantly creating connections among different symbols, words, and concepts. Because we know that learning and speaking more than one language makes the brain more flexible, dual language classrooms help to further expand children's mental skills. Specifically in areas like visual problem-solving, pattern recognition, abstract thinking, and logic.
Cultural Connections
Through dual language learning, preschoolers effortlessly develop an understanding of–and deep familiarity with–two cultures. This helps to strengthen their own identities, creates a sense of belonging, and inspires cultural curiosity.
Improved Fluency
Studies have shown that after the age of seven, children start to lose the natural ability to reproduce new sounds. This makes second language acquisition slower and more difficult. The ideal way for a child to learn additional languages is continuous, regular exposure, but this isn’t always possible. For this reason, introducing languages in the early childhood years of education is the best way to make the most of this innate ability.
Thanks to our article sponsor, The Early Childhood Center at Congregation Beth Elohim; a preschool that fosters growth, curiosity, and self-esteem.
The Four-Letter Word Your Family Needs
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Your toddler is spinning around like a headless chicken caught inside a tornado, and your tween is escalating from 3 to 10 on the NOOOOOO scale.
Do you:
(a) Feel your blood pressure rising and respond to your kids at the same level of frenzied energy they’re putting out?
(b) Calm everyone down—starting with yourself—and then address their needs?
(c) Hide?
For most of us, the answer is (a). Our kids are in a tizzy, we are in a tizzy– there is always so much to get done – and we soldier on convinced that doing will lead to getting done, and getting done will lead to rest. That seems like a reasonable assumption… except, it’s wrong.
Intentional, deep REST—purposely de-stimulating yourself at key times during your busy day—is fundamental to your family’s health, productivity, and well-being. We recognize this with babies. We know that good naps make for happier infants and better nighttime sleep. But, we often forget it with older kids, and with ourselves.
That’s not our fault. The pace and technology of 21st century living causes us to live in elevated sympathetic arousal. That’s the “fight, flight, or freeze” part of the nervous system. Excellent for keeping us alive in moments of crisis, but terrible for daily life. The more our stress response activates, the more it becomes our go-to. Having our sympathetic nervous system switched “on” is detrimental to our physical and mental health. The same is even more true for children.
As parents, we can learn to weave REST into our family’s day. This will activate the parasympathetic “rest-digest-repair” nervous system, which fosters qualities like equanimity, organization, and empathy. Believe it or not, intentional rest actually helps you get more done.
Try these simple practices, with kids and by yourself. Go from fight-flight-freeze to rest-digest-repair in two - five minutes.
- Centering breaths: Inhale 4 counts, exhale 4 counts. Inhale 5, exhale 5. Inhale 6, exhale 6. Now inhale 6, exhale 8. Repeat six more cycles.
- Jaw de-clencher: Place tongue tip in between top and bottom teeth. Inhale 4, hold 1, exhale 4, hold 1. Repeat 10 times.
- Regenerator: Set timer for 5 minutes. Lie down on floor. Close eyes. Put both hands on belly. Inhale feel belly rise, exhale feel belly fall. When timer rings, smile before opening eyes.
- Buddy breaths: Sit back-to-back with your child or partner. Inhale and exhale deeply through the nose. Lean gently on each other and notice your breaths align.
Try one of these practices in the morning before the get-ready rush, exactly when you feel like you don’t have a moment to spare. In the midst of a toddler tornado; on your commute; before homework and dinner prep; after kid bedtime. Notice how just one or two minutes of deep, intentional REST helps deescalate the highest stress times of day—and reduces your need for other four-letter words!
The Parents’ Place designs individualized mindfulness and movement programs that help families build strength and flexibility in mind, body, and spirit to (re)find their centers and live better, together.
Fall and Halloween Events -- 2018 Edition
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Here's a sampling of the local events happening around Brownstone Brooklyn. (Are we missing something? Email us at .)
Want to go apple or pumpkin picking? Check out PSP-member recommended destinations here
Looking for apple & pumpkin picking destinations that are public transportation friendly? Check out these PSP-member tips here
78th Precinct’s Halloween Haunted House
When: Thursday, October 26-Monday, October 30, 4pm to 9pm
Where: 65 6th Avenue, Park Slope/Prospect Heights
How Much: Free
What: The 78th Police Precinct’s chilling, third annual Halloween Haunted House here. This is a scary, things jump out at you kind of experience, not for the faint of heart or young of spirit (or me!).
Saturday October 27th, 2018
Where: Brooklyn Botanical Garden (has three entrances: 150 Eastern Parkway, 455 Flatbush Avenue, 990 Washington Avenue)
When: Saturday, October 27, 2018 12 –5:30 p.m.
How much: members and kids under 12 free, tickets $10-15
What: Enjoy spectacular shows and weird workshops, meet local authors and illustrators at the book barn, and join in on the day’s grand finale: Brooklyn’s wackiest costume parade, featuring colossal puppets, giant drums, and stilt dancers.
Halloween Haunted Walk & Fair @ Prospect Park --- CANCELLED
Brooklyn BOO! Prospect Park After Party at City Point.
Where: Citypoint, 445 Albee Square West, Downtown Brooklyn
When: Saturday, October 27,2018 2 – 5 pm
How much: free but registration is recommended
What: Costume contest, photo booth, pumpkin patch, Nail Art, Face painting and more!
Spooktacular
When: Sat Oct 27th, 11am - 2pm
Where: Audubon Center, Carousel, Lefferts Historic House, NethermeadPs 282, 180 6th Ave
Get your costumes on and join us at PS 282 for an afternoon of Halloween fun! A sizzling BBQ by one of our fabulous chef dads will entice visitors young and old with burgers, hotdogs and corn, a variety of spooky treats will be available at the cake stall and all children will love the carnival Halloween themed games in the gym, getting their faces painted and rocking out in our costume parade and dance party!
For older children looking for a fright, we are unveiling a frightening spooky room and for the little makers we have a place to chill-out and craft.
Great way to escape the cold, have fun for the whole family and get in the mood for Halloween while supporting our lovely school, can’t wait to see you there!
Beyond x Industry City: Kids' Halloween Parade
When: Saturday, October 27, 10am to 4pm
Where: Industry City, The Frying Pan Wheelhouse, Courtyard 5-6
How Much: Free
What: Beyond and Industry City's second annual Kids' Halloween Parade...
Kids’ Halloween Parade & Trick-or-Treat
When: Saturday, October 27, 11:30 am to 3pm
Where: Industry City
What: Not one but two parades at 11:30 am and 2:30 pm. Playhouse, arts and crafts, face painting and trick or treat at the food mall.
Sunday October 28th, 2018
18th Annual Fort Greene Park Halloween Festival
When: Saturday, October 27, 11:30 am to 3pm
Where: Fort Greene Park, Fort Greene (Central Lawn)
How much: Suggested $5 donation per day of event entrant.
What: The 17th Annual Fort Greene Park Halloween Festival. Rides, games, prizes, face-painting, crafts, live music, and more!
Pumpkins, Pirates, Pizza and Parades! The PSP Halloween Costume Contest and more!
Where: The Old Stone House & Washington Park
When: Sunday, October 28, 2018 12:00 p.m.–3:30:00 p.m.
How much: free to enter the halloween contest, pumpkins and pizza pay as you go.
What: Wear your Halloween costume, with prizes for best in show! Plus, paint pumpkins and make pizza in the Old Stone House outdoor oven. The day will end with a mini-parade around the park with band Paprika; great for little ones who can’t make the larger parade on the 31st whch starts at 6:30!
Sean Casey Animal Rescue's Howl-o-ween Block Party
When: Sunday, October 28th, 12pm-5pm
Where: 153 East 3rd Street, between Caton Ave & Ft Hamilton Pkwy, Windsor Terrace (the entire block!)
How Much: Free
The animal rescue's 11th Annual Howl-o-ween Bark Block Party presents games, crafts, DJ, live entertainment, raffles, animal welfare information booths and pet adoptions. Costume contest and howling contests for kids and dogs. Sign up begins at noon for contests.
Pierrepont Playground Halloween Parade
When: Sunday, October 28, 10am
Where: Pierrepont Playground, Pierrepont Place, Brooklyn Heights
What: An annual Halloween parade followed by a bake sale, crafts, and playground fun!
The 20th Annual Great PUPkin 2018
When: Sunday, October 28, 11:30am to 1pm
How Much: $10 registration fee per dogWhere: Fort Greene Park (at Washington Park), Fort Greene
What: Fort Greene Pups' 19th annual Great PUPkin—”Brooklyn’s largest and most outrageous dog costume contest." Watch cutie pattutie dogs compete for one of ten Great PUPkin rosettes with prizes donated by local businesses.
Park Slope Civic Council's Annual Children's Halloween Parade
When: October 31, 2018 at 6:30
Where: Parade Start 14th Street and 7th Avenue, ending at the Old Stone House at Washington Park on 5th Avenue between 3rd and 4th Streets.
How Much: Free
What: Children of all ages, including the young-at-heart, are welcome to join in the largest children's Halloween parade in the United States. Please let the paraders pass and join at the back!
BAMBoo!
When: October 31, 2018 4pm - 7pm
Where: 30 Lafayette Ave between Ashland Pl and St. Felix St
How Much: Free
What: This is a Ft. Greene based Halloween block party. Family-friendly music and mischief kicks off at 4pm!
Rocky Horror Picture Show Live Karaoke Revue and Halloween Extravaganza presented by The Occasionalists
Where: The Bell House
When: Weneday, October 31, 2018 Doors at 7pm, Show at 8:00
How much: $12/$15 day of show - VIP tickets available.
What: A 21 and over benefit for The Center for Anti-Violence Education. Every year, on Halloween, The Occasionalists do a special Rocky Horror Picture Show live karaoke night in which they play two complete live karaoke sets of the movie soundtrack with singers from the audience doing all the lead vocals. In between the two sets, they have a costume contest with some great prizes and there is also a raffle in which one can win, among other things, two round-trip airfares. To make the show even more fun, we have NYC RHPS who are the longest running group of Rocky Horror shadow casters (the people who act out the movie in front of the movie) who perform with the clips. Last but not least, the show is a benefit show for The Center for Anti-Violence Education, a Park Slope-based organization that "develops and implements comprehensive violence prevention programs for underserved individuals and organizations. https://caeny.org. The band proudly donates all proceeds to CAE.VIP package includes open bar (beer, wine and well cocktails) from 7 -9pm and a gift bag.
Top 10 Questions to Ask on Your Preschool Tour
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Top 10 Questions to Ask on Your Preschool Tour
- What is the school’s educational philosophy? Preschools have many different educational philosophies and approaches. That’s why it’s vitally important for you to understand the philosophy and approach of each preschool you are considering and how that aligns with the personality of your child and family.
- How long has this school been in existence? How long has the director been here? Get a sense of the school’s history and how long they’ve been operating. A director with a long tenure may indicate a more stable educational environment and this is good information to have when comparing schools.
- How experienced are the teachers? Preschool teachers’ training requirements vary by state, but it’s important to know some details. Did the teachers study early childhood development? Do they have a college degree? How long have they been working with children? Not all staff need to have formal credentials, but the head teacher should be certified in early childhood education and hold a B.A. or M.A.
- How much play time do the children have? Depending on the preschool’s educational philosophy, your child could have abundant or limited play time. Decide what’s best for your child’s personality, growth, and development. Make sure you tour the entire facility including the play areas. Well-maintained classroom and play spaces show a commitment to the children’s entire experience.
- How much parental involvement do you expect or want? Parental fundraising and volunteering is often expected. Find out exactly what is required regarding parental support. If you want to get really involved, cooperative preschools require parents to volunteer in the classroom. If it’s not a co-op, ask if the school has an open-door policy so you can visit whenever you’d like.
- What is the school’s separation policy? Preschool might be the first time your child will experience an extended separation from you or a caregiver. Depending on the child, being dropped off for school in the morning can be overwhelming. Find out what the separation policy is so you know how involved you’ll need to be at the start and to determine what will work best for your child. You could be required to stick around for the first few days, or the school may take a more cold-turkey approach.
- What is the school’s approach to discipline? It’s important that the school’s disciplinary style works with your beliefs, and that you have an understanding of when and why you may be called in. At many preschools, learning how to play with others is core to the curriculum. Social emotional development is the backbone of any good preschool's work, so getting a full understanding of how the school provides this is key.
- What does a typical day look like? What in the world will your child be doing all day? This is an important question to ask and the answer will inspire additional questions you may have regarding the daily school experience like: How much time will your child spend outside? Will they be fed lunch/snacks or do you need to pack these? Will the children be leaving the school building often? What does rest/quiet-time look like?
- Will my child be safe here? This may be the most important question. What is the school’s protocol in case of accidents and emergencies? Where are the first aid kits and emergency defibrillators (or lack thereof)? Are the teachers certified in CPR and pediatric first aid? What is the policy regarding drop-off/pick-up and ensuring that the school knows exactly where your child is at all times? If your child has any allergies, now’s the time to ask about allergy protocol and experience.
- Does the school meet my family’s basic needs? Every family is different. You may look at a highly regarded school and decide that it is the wrong fit for your family. Can you afford it? Is the location convenient? Do the hours work with your schedule? Are you comfortable with the nutritional approach? What’s your gut feeling right after the tour? Picking a school is a deeply personal family decision–don’t base it on popularity or what your friends are doing.
Thanks to our article sponsor, The Early Childhood Center at Congregation Beth Elohim; a preschool that fosters growth, curiosity, and self-esteem.
How to End the Summer with a Splash
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We’ve got a few more weeks of summer; let’s make it the best of it! Here are some ideas to make it great.
Things to do in and around NYC
- Walk around the Lullwater at Prospect Park
- Get water squirters and have a water fight
- Visit a playground with a water feature (Imagination Playground, 3rd Street or Harmony Playground)
- Look for bats at dusk by the Prospect Park baseball fields
- Head to one of the Farmer’s Markets around the hood and make dinner
- Watch the sunset together as a family (Red Hook, Bear Mountain and Coney Island all have great views)
- Swim at one of the local pools or take a trip to Bear Mountain pool
Things to do anywhere
- Blow bubbles or make giant bubbles (find the recipe for giant bubbles below)
- Get the kids out of bed early in the morning and go to the beach to watch the sunrise (Coney Island works!).
- Go through your photos. Print out great ones to put up on the walls. Create an online album and print one out for each of your kids so they all have their own copy.
- Have an End of Summer Celebration and come up with some lifelong traditions (using some of the ideas above).
- Start a gratitude routine. Go around the room (dining table, campfire, etc.) and say what you are thankful for. You can start with “I’m grateful,” “I’m thankful” or “I appreciate” and choose anything about your life, family, friends, or summer highlights. Put these in a jar and read them at the end of the year.
- Have an "I’m excited for" routine where you can express what things you are looking forward to in the future.
OH! And square up with Summer Camp Counselors if you want to thank them for their hard work!
With school on the horizon
Talk about the upcoming school year to make the transition easier. Discuss with your kids how they'll make new friends, go to fun playdates, and have a great school year. If you have a PreK or Kindergartener there are dedicated groups on PSP with meetups by school. See our Tips for the First Day of School (including preparations!)
*Giant Bubble Recipe
1 cup Simply Dawn (not concentrated- very important!). some of the bodegas have this as does Home Depot (a big one cheap!)
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp powered J Lube (maybe something you have on hand will work?) You can order this on Amazon (I don’t know of a local resource)
Giant Bubble Wand
Wooden dowels (our local hardware stores have these but so do Lowe’s and Home Depot)
String- baker’s twine works, but cotton clothe’s line works really well if you take out the center.
Rubber bands to attach string to the end of the dowels.
There are 3 basic types of wands on THIS page.
HAPPY END OF SUMMER!
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