Creekside Kids

(719) 635-9111

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Instilling a Love of Autumn in Your Children

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

The “autumnization” of Colorado Springs is already in effect! We’re waking up to chillier and chillier mornings. The leaves are turning majestically to gold and the rare flashes of red maples are so beautiful.   In the mornings we smell lovely woodsmoke in the air. Restaurants are restoring their autumny favorites to the menu. Halloween decorations have begun appearing on doorsteps and lawns. 

Do you love autumn as much as we do at Creekside Kids? We’ll likely fight you on this point because we love the change of seasons here. Fall has a special place in our hearts, and we look forward to engaging in the slower paced rhythms of fall. Each season has its own rhythm and traditions and establishing them with your children makes for treasured memories in the future.  Our Preschool-aged children have not experienced fall after COVID and you can now participate in more fall activities than in the previous two falls!

Instilling a love of autumn in your preschool-aged children can be a fun and engaging experience. Here are some ideas to help you create a positive association with the season:

  1. Go on an exploratory nature walk: Take your child on a nature walk to enjoy the changing colors and falling leaves. Point out the different colors and shapes of the leaves, acorns, and pine cones. Collect some exciting specimens to bring home to make crafts with.
  2. Share the rites of Halloween and Thanksgiving: You can remind your kids about the many fabulous family traditions on Halloween and Thanksgiving (as poignant, photo-snapping events) by pulling out old pictures and letting them imagine the spooky fun of this year’s trick-or-treat or the delicious family gathering for Thanksgiving.
  3. Turn the word AUTUMN itself into a teaching moment: For instance, take the silent N at the end of autumn; there’s a good lesson in how words aren’t always what they appear to be in our tricky English language!
  4. Engage in seasonal crafts: Crafts provide a fun and interactive way to celebrate autumn. Some examples include making leaf rubbings, painting pumpkins, decorating masks, or creating autumn-themed wreaths.
  5. Read autumn-themed books: Reading books related to autumn can spark a child’s imagination and create a connection to the season. Some great options include “Leaf Man” by Lois Ehlert, “We’re Going on a Leaf Hunt” by Steve Metzger, “The Apple Pie Tree” by Zoe Hall, and “The Scarecrow’s Hat” by Ken Brown.
  6. Bake autumn treats: Baking fall-themed treats like apple pie, pumpkin bread, or cinnamon rolls can create a pleasant and memorable experience. Invite your child to participate in preparing and baking the goodies.
  7. Create autumn sensory bins: Sensory play can spark curiosity and imagination in children. Fill a container with acorns, pine cones, leaves, and dried corn to create an autumn sensory experience. Add kid-friendly tools like sifters, scoops, magnifying glasses, and tongs to encourage exploration.
  8. Attend autumn events: Autumn events like apple-picking, pumpkin patches, or hayrides are great ways to excite children about the season. Attending these events can create lasting memories and provide opportunities for family bonding.

Overall, engaging in autumn-themed activities with your pre-school-aged children can help them develop a positive association with the season and instill a love of autumn that can last a lifetime. We hope you and your family will live it up this autumn!

If you’d like to discuss a place at Creekside Kids for your kids, we invite you to click this embedded link to schedule an appointment. Let’s get to know each other! Like us on Facebook to follow our stories for news and updates. We’re located at 1201 W Cheyenne Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80906, and we can be reached at (719) 635-9111. Our new hours of operation are 6:45 a.m. until 5:45 p.m., Monday through Friday.

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When the Honeymoon Is Over

Photo by Zachary Kadolph on Unsplash

Has your preschooler or school-aged child hit the “honeymoon is over” phase of the school year?  Some children adjust very nicely however, like my eldest daughter who decided to quit school after her first year of kindergarten, most kids hit a wall in October in which they realize that the school year can be a long time and involves far more work than they anticipated.

Perhaps it’s because they are getting older and have more responsibilities, especially when younger siblings are still in that freedom zone of innocence and unaccountability. Perhaps it’s just a matter of having enjoyed months off and being pushed back into what is essentially hard work and complex socialization for a small child. And perhaps it’s just part of the growing-up process.

In a few cases, the “honeymoon” ends when a child has an issue such as ADHD/ADD and has established enough trust in a teacher or school environment to stop being hypervigilant and trying to act like a typical peer.  It is exceedingly hard for a child with ADHD or other conditions to keep holding themselves in check for very long and it should not be seen as a negative. 

To minimize the “honeymoon is over” effect when young kids go back to school after a three-month summer break, we recommend you try the following strategies:

  1. Maintain a Routine: Creating a consistent daily routine can help children transition back to the school schedule. This includes setting regular wake-up and bedtimes, planning meals and snacks, and allocating time for homework and extracurricular activities. Keep these active during the summer, even when holidays and special events convince you to suspend these routines.
  2. Keep School in Mind: Engage in open and positive conversations about school with your child during the break. Discuss their expectations, concerns, and any changes they might experience. A light banter all summer long can help alleviate anxiety and build excitement about the new school year.
  3. Visit the school beforehand: Taking your child to the school before the first day can help familiarize them with the environment and ease anxiety about the unknown. Walk around the campus, locate their classroom, and introduce them to their teacher.
  4. Encourage social connections: Help your child develop friendships by arranging playdates or attending school-sponsored events before the school year starts. Social engineering can help them feel more comfortable and connected when they enter the classroom.
  5. Create a supportive home environment: Provide a conducive study space, designate homework time, and show interest in your child’s schoolwork. By emphasizing the importance of education and providing support at home, you can help your child maintain a positive attitude toward learning.
  6. Stay involved: Stay in touch with your child’s teacher and school community. Attend parent-teacher meetings, join parent groups, and volunteer when possible. Being involved shows your child that education is a priority and helps foster a sense of belonging.

Remember, every child is unique, and it’s essential to adapt these strategies to fit your child’s needs. Familiarizing yourself with their school’s policies and seeking advice from educators or other parents can also provide valuable insights and guidance for a successful transition back to school.

If you’d like to discuss a place at Creekside Kids for your kids, we invite you to click this embedded link to schedule an appointment. Let’s get to know each other! Like us on Facebook to follow our stories for news and updates. We’re located at 1201 W Cheyenne Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80906, and we can be reached at (719) 635-9111. Our new hours of operation are 6:45 am until 5:45 pm, Monday through Friday.

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Back To School Tips & Tricks for an Easier Transition

Image by candice_rose from Pixabay

With August arriving, everywhere you go, there are back-to-school sales and events. Returning to primary school can be difficult for older kids, but the transition is especially hard for kindergarteners who are still forming associations and memories in their neural pathways, and who may be feeling worried, anxious, or even scared about what kindergarten will be like.  They will need reassurance and time to talk about their feelings.

Preparing for preschool can be challenging for parents, too. To help make the transition easier, here are some tips and tricks for parents:

Keep within your routine: Start establishing any new additions to your children’s daily routine a few weeks before school starts. This includes setting regular bedtimes and wake-up times. Toddlers thrive on predictability and ritual. Consistent routines will help them adjust to upcoming changes.

Talk to them about the experience: Explain to your toddler what school is and why they will be attending. Use simple language and positive words to spark excitement and curiosity. Talk about the fun activities they will get to do and the friends they will make.

Visit the school: If possible, arrange a visit to the school before the first day. This will help your toddler become familiar with the environment, meet the teachers, and see other children in a school setting. It can alleviate anxiety and make them feel more comfortable on their first day. Walking away from a first meeting with a parent after visiting is so much easier than showing up the first day and being left to fend for themselves.

Create a visual calendar: Young children may not fully understand the concept of time. A visual calendar with pictures or symbols to mark the days leading up to the first day of school. This will help them understand and anticipate the upcoming milestone. Counting how many “sleeps” there are before the first day is helpful.

Shop the sales together: Involve your toddler in shopping for school supplies. Let them choose their backpack, water bottle, or lunch box. This will create a sense of ownership and excitement about starting school.

Practice self-help skills: Encourage your toddler to practice basic self-help skills, such as using the restroom, washing hands, and opening lunch containers. These skills will make them more independent and confident at school.

Read books about school: Read age-appropriate books about starting school. This can help your toddler understand what to expect and feel more comfortable about the whole experience. Find books that explore emotions, friendships, and the daily routine of a school day. Try The Nightmare Before Preschool, or Wemberly Worried, or Junie B. Jones Complete First Grade Set for stories that take on the worry and reassure your kids that everything will be okay.

Create a goodbye ritual: Establish a simple goodbye ritual when dropping your toddler off at school. This can be a special hug, a high-five, or a special phrase. Having a consistent and positive goodbye routine will help ease any separation anxiety.

Stay positive: Your attitude towards school will greatly influence your toddler’s perception. Stay positive and enthusiastic about school. Share your own positive experiences and reassure them that they will have a great time.

Connect with other parents: Reach out to other parents with toddlers who are starting school. Share experiences, concerns, and advice. Building a support network can be helpful during this transition period.

Remember, every child is different, and it’s normal for toddlers to experience some initial hesitations when starting school. With these tips and tricks, you can help make the transition smoother and more enjoyable for both you and your toddler.

If you’d like to discuss a place at Creekside Kids for your kids, we invite you to click this embedded link to schedule an appointment. Let’s get to know each other! Like us on Facebook to follow our stories for news and updates. We’re located at 1201 W Cheyenne Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80906, and we can be reached at (719) 635-9111. Our new hours of operation are 6:45 am until 5:45 pm, Monday through Friday.

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The Right Kindergarten Model

Photo by CDC on Unsplash

Setting Sail On The Right Ship

As the standard school year comes to an end, some of our learners are beginning to move off to kindergarten at last. We’re sad to see them go, but so proud of how much they’ve learned! We’ve enjoyed watching them grow from late toddlers into little kids, and are excited to see what their futures hold.

There’s so much information that you need to know before picking a kindergarten for your kids. It’s a big step for your child, and you want to make sure they’re in the best possible environment. This may mean  a great deal of worry for parents as they navigate the many choices available to them. 

The best kindergarten for your individual child can provide  your child with the necessary tools to succeed in school and beyond. It is important to choose a school that will help your child develop their social/emotional awareness, academic knowledge, and confidence.

Here are some things to consider when choosing a kindergarten:

  • How long has the school been in business? Is it new and finding it’s way, or established and with a good reputation? Is it fully staffed, or struggling with the numbers it has? Do they have the resources that they need to handle the kind of numbers they are accepting?
  • Does it have any accreditation from the state or national level? Is it funded and approved by the Colorado Department of Education or is it privately funded and financially stable
  • What is their curriculum like? It’s important to know what kind of academic standards will be expected for your child. Is it in the Reggio Emilia style, like Creekside Kids? Is it Waldorf, Montessori, STEM, or Visual and Performing Arts related? All of these options are important to finding that place your child will thrive in.

Resources and Assistance With the Big Step

Parents in the Colorado Springs area can consider several factors when choosing the right kindergarten for their child. Some of these factors include the school’s curriculum, class size, teacher qualifications, school facilities, location, and cost1. It is  important to research and visit different schools to compare their programs, facilities, and teaching methods before making a final decision. One of the most important things to look for when touring schools is to look at the faces and body language of the children already attending to see if there are lots of smiles and relaxed body language indicating that it is a comfortable place for children.

Parents can also consult online resources such as the Colorado Department of Education’s SchoolView2 to access information on school performance and rankings. It is important for parents to realize that these rankings are almost entirely based on standardized test scores which have been significantly negatively affected by COVID over the past few years.  

Additionally, parents should seek recommendations from other parents, friends, or family members who have had experience with the schools in the area3. There’s no reference quite like a personal one where you can see a child happy and thriving!

Sources:
  1. “Choosing a School for Your Child,” Colorado Department of Education, accessed August 11, 2021, https://www.cde.state.co.us/choice/choosingaschoolforyourchild. 
  2. “SchoolView,” Colorado Department of Education, accessed August 11, 2021, https://www.cde.state.co.us/schoolview. 
  3. “How to Choose a Kindergarten,” GreatSchools, accessed August 11, 2021, https://www.greatschools.org/gk/articles/how-to-choose-a-kindergarten/. 

If you’d like to discuss a place at Creekside Kids for your kids, we invite you to click this embedded link to schedule an appointment. Let’s get to know each other! Like us on Facebook to follow our stories for news and updates. We’re located at 1201 W Cheyenne Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80906, and we can be reached at (719) 635-9111. Our new hours of operation are 6:45 am until 5:45 pm, Monday through Friday.

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Traveling with Little Ones

Image by stanvpetersen on Pixabay

With July arriving, summer travel is kicking off. Many families are going on long trips, some for the first time with their kids. Are you and your family going anywhere special for Independence Day this year? 

Families have done the summer car trip across the miles since the invention of the car. It’s nothing to fear, and it can be really fun for everyone. Traveling by automobile with children in the summer can be a fun and rewarding experience. With the right preparation, it can be a memory to last a lifetime.

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip, here are some advice for parents:

  • Put Safety First. Ensure your children are properly restrained in age-appropriate car seats (or booster seats). Remind them about the importance of seatbelt safety and encourage them to stay seated at all times while the car is in motion. Make sure your vehicle is in good condition before embarking on a long trip. Check the tire pressure, oil level, and brakes. Keep a first aid kit, emergency contact numbers, and a roadside assistance contact handy.
  • Plan Your Route. Before you hit the road, plan your route and make sure to consider any potential traffic or construction delays. This will help you avoid unnecessary stress and keep the kids from getting impatient.
  • Pack the Essentials. Pack plenty of snacks, drinks, and entertainment items to keep your children occupied during the journey. Consider bringing a cooler with healthy snacks and drinks to minimize buying junk food as snacks along the way.
  • Dress for the weather. Dress your children in comfortable clothing that is suitable for the weather during the journey. Layered clothing is recommended to accommodate varying temperatures throughout the trip.
  • Plan for Your Pain Points. It’s crucial to plan for the things that get in your way. Schedule frequent breaks to give your children a chance to stretch their legs, use the restroom, and burn off energy. Do your research so that you know where gas is along the way, and where you can get car maintenance should you need it. Find restaurants or picnic areas along the way where you can have meals as a family. This will not only provide a break from driving but also give your children a chance to try local cuisine or enjoy a family picnic.
  • Stay Flexible. Try to leave some flexibility in your travel plans, especially when traveling with younger children. Expect unexpected delays or detours and be prepared to adjust your schedule accordingly. Remember, the journey is just as important as reaching the destination.
  • Give You Kids Plenty To Do. Pack a variety of entertainment options such as books, coloring books, puzzles, toys, and electronic devices (with headphones) to keep your children engaged and entertained during the journey. Consider introducing new activities or surprises to maintain their interest throughout the trip. Make music playlists that will excite them and inspire sing-a-longs.
  • Create Some Memories. Encourage your children to document the trip by giving them disposable cameras, travel journals, or by creating a shared family travel journal. This will help them capture memories and reflect on the trip later.

Remember, traveling with children can be unpredictable, so it’s important to go with the flow and enjoy the journey. Keep a positive attitude and make the trip a fun and memorable experience for the entire family.

If you’d like to discuss a place at Creekside Kids for your kids, we invite you to click this embedded link to schedule an appointment. Let’s get to know each other! Like us on Facebook to follow our stories for news and updates. We’re located at 1201 W Cheyenne Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80906, and we can be reached at (719) 635-9111. Our new hours of operation are 6:45 am until 5:45 pm, Monday through Friday.

Location & Hours

creekside building
1201 W Cheyenne Rd
Colorado Springs, CO 80906  
 
6:30 am - 5:45 pm
Monday - Friday
(719) 635-9111

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Blue Skies Exploration Academy
Cheyenne Mountain School District
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