Best Ways to Boost Your Child's Memory

Fact: sometimes young children may have a hard time remembering things. The reason is that their memory is still in the process of being developed. If you’re looking for a way to improve your child’s memory, then here are some helpful tips to know!

Be Repetitive

Believe it or not, repetition is a positive factor when it comes to memory exercises! When talking to your child, don't be afraid to repeat yourself — because this will be the key ingredient when it comes to improving a child’s memory. To further elaborate: when your child hears something more than once, it will become ingrained in their memory. One of the best ways to practice repetition is to short book to your child. When you finish reading the book, you can then ask your child to tell you their favorite sections of the story. This is a great (and fun) way to boost your child’s memory skills!

Listen To Music

Presenting music to your child at a young age can actually help strengthen their memory! Studies have shown that children are more likely to remember data when it is presented with an accompanying melody; think of sing-along videos featuring their favorite cartoon characters. If you want to take it a step further, you can sing messages to your child and encourage your child to create their own tunes when responding! Not only is this a great way to increase your child’s memory, but it will also entice their love for music, too!

Give Positive Feedback

When your child accomplishes a new task, it's important to give them positive feedback! After all, children are more likely to recall positive feedback than negative feedback. They will certainly remember what they did to receive that kind of praise, too!

At Miss Sue’s Nursery School, our prime educational goal is the development of the whole child — socially, emotionally, physically and educationally. A multi-sensory, holistic approach to learning is provided through play, art, music and physical activities. To learn more about the school and give your child the best pre-k experience, give us a call at 516-938-0894.

Ways To Help Your Kids Make New Year’s Resolutions

2017 is right around the corner! The new year is a perfect time to celebrate a new beginning and focus on things you’d like to improve that upcoming year. Encouraging your children to make resolutions can be a fun and exciting way to prepare for growth and change and to help show them about the importance of striving to achieve goals. Help your children start fresh and reach their goals in 2017 by making resolutions.

Be Resolution Role Models- As a parent, it’s important to practice what you preach. If you want your child to focus on setting intentions for the next 12 months, show them that you are doing the same by making your own resolutions. Setting goals together is a great way to encourage family bonding and togetherness.

Keep a Positive Approach to Resolutions- There's a celebratory feeling to setting goals on New Year's that doesn't exist at other times of the year. Setting goals should evoke feelings of happiness for you and your child. To help your child set their intentions, start by going over the positive things they  accomplished last year and ask them to expand on it. Keeping things positive will help them be more excited to strive to reach them.

Narrow Down the Resolutions List- It’s important not to end up with too many resolutions that could overwhelm your child and make them feel like they have a lot to tackle this year. Narrow it down to two or three resolutions and help them make small steps towards achieving their goal. If your child wants to improve their writing, instead of tackling every letter at once, have them master each letter at a time by practicing in fun ways every day.

Help your child achieve their goals in 2017 by enrolling them in a superior nursery school. At Miss Sue’s Nursery School, our prime educational goal is the development of the whole child — socially, emotionally, physically and educationally. A multi-sensory, holistic approach to learning is provided through play, art, music and physical activities. To learn more about the school or to schedule an appointment, please give us a call at 516-938-0894.

Why You Should Vote For Miss Sue’s

By now you have probably heard that Miss Sue’s has been voted “Best of Long Island’s Best Nursery School” for the past seven years in a row, and we are happy to be nominated again this year! We recognize that we are nothing without our devoted staff, students and their families and we appreciate all of your loyalty in helping make Miss Sue’s what it is today!  

Nursery school sets the stage for a child's educational career. That's why it is so important to choose a great nursery school. If you want a safe and nurturing environment, and the best education available, then Miss Sue's Nursery School is perfect for your child.

We treat each student as an individual and encourage personal growth and development through group and independent lessons, learning centers and play.  Our curriculum features Math, Science, Social Studies, Language Arts and Art. Our teachers tailor lessons to accommodate the individual learning needs of each and every child, providing them with the support and attention necessary to thrive. When children are not at work, they are playing with blocks, tools, crafts, puzzles, etc. Playtime allows children to be creative while interacting with others. We know we are doing our job right when children look forward to coming to school.

We need your help! Please cast your vote here and help us take home the title of Best Nursery School for 2017!

We truly appreciate your business and support and allowing us to love what we do!

If you’re looking for a superior nursery school on Long Island, look no further than Miss Sue's Nursery School! To learn more about our curriculum or to schedule a tour to see our program in action, give us a call at 516-938-0894.

Ways To Encourage Kids To Be Thankful

It’s so important to teach our children to be grateful, and Thanksgiving is a great time to reflect for all that we have to be thankful for. Practicing daily gratitude has been said to come with an array of benefits like a happier more positive outlook on life, a better achievement of personal goals and a way to form closer relationships with loved ones. This holiday season, encourage your children to be thankful for all that they have with these tips:

Write Daily Sticky Notes: Making a habit of writing one thing your child is grateful for and sticking them on the mirror is a great way to get them to think about all that they appreciate.

Make Space For Thanks: Every night at dinner, as a family, go around the table and have  each family member state one thing they are thankful for that happened to them that day.

Keep a Gratitude Journal:  Encourage your child to write a list (with your help) about things they are grateful for, or as the holidays get close, things they admire about each family member.

Designate a No- Complaining Day: We know the daily stresses of life can get you and your family down, but designating  a “no-complaining” day once a week will help your children be aware of every time they focus on something negative. You’ll be amazed at how making a conscious decision to not complain will be really effective.

Model Gratitude Yourself: Be a positive role model for your children by making gratitude part of your daily life. They will be more inclined to focus on the good if they see the exemplary behavior demonstrated by you!

At Miss Sue’s we are thankful for the staff, students and family members who make up this wonderful school. Our prime educational goal is the development of the whole child — socially, emotionally, physically and educationally. To learn more about the school or to schedule an appointment, please give us a call at 516-938-0894.

Children's Halloween Safety Tips

Ghouls and goblins and witches, oh my! When it comes to Halloween, it’s fun to be scared--but not at the expense of your child’s safety! If you’re taking to the streets to embark on the great candy hunt that comes once a year, make sure to be safe! These Halloween safety tips will have ensure you and your child have a fun day, out of harm’s way:

Costume Safety:

• Plan costumes that are bright and reflective--make sure they fit your child well to avoid the risk of injury.
• Add reflective tape to their candy collecting bags.
• Opt for face makeup instead of masks to avoid blocking their eyesight.

• Be sure to look for wigs and costumes that are flame resistant.

On the Trick Or Treat Trail:

• Always be sure to accompany your child on their neighborhood rounds.
• Provide flashlights for your kids, as it gets darker much earlier around Halloween time.
• If your children are old enough to go out alone, make sure you plan and review a route that is safe for them to go and that they always stay with a group of friends.
• Reinforce to your child that they should never ever enter a home or car for a treat.
• Remain on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk, making sure to look both ways when crossing.
• Refrain from using your cell phone while trick or treating as you’ll want to be alert and looking all around for motorists.

We hope you and your children have a safe and happy Halloween!

Safety is of the utmost importance when it comes to your family and children. If you’re looking for a safe and nurturing environment to provide a top-notch education to your child, Miss Sue’s is the answer! To learn more about our program or to take a tour of the school, give us a call at 516-938-0894 or visit us here.

Tips & Tricks For Teaching Preschoolers the Alphabet

Practicing the ABC song is helpful when teaching your child to learn the alphabet, but it’s not the only way to teach them their letters. From letter-shaped magnets to alphabet-inspired crafts and games, these tips and tricks will have any preschooler knowing the difference between “F” and “Q” in no time!

Letter Shaped Magnets: Alphabet magnets are a great tool for teaching letter recognition. Look for magnet sets that make the sound of the letter or ones that show both the letter and common objects that begin with it.

Point Out Letters: Noticing letter everywhere is helpful when teaching your child the alphabet. Make sure to point out the “D” at the doctor’s office door, or the “S” at the supermarket. Pointing out letters repetitively will make recognition much easier for your child.

Start With Names: Teaching your child to be able to recognize and spell their name is one of their first introductions into learning letters. Go over the letters of their name until they have mastered it, and then move on to other ones.

Play With Letter Toys: The most important thing in teaching your preschooler anything is to keep it fun, since you’ll want them to associate learning with having fun. Introduce a variety of alphabet toys like puzzles, flashcards, and foam letters to play with in the bathtub. Making a game out of learning the alphabet will ensure your child is excited to partake in it, and will be more successful in doing so.

At Miss Sue’s Nursery School, our prime educational goal is the development of the whole child — socially, emotionally, physically and educationally. A multi-sensory, holistic approach to learning is provided through play, art, music and physical activities. To learn more about the school or to schedule an appointment, please give us a call at 516-938-0894.

The Purpose of Nursery School

Do you want to set your child up for a lifetime of success? Nursery school provides a foundation for learning, both socially and academically, that will help your child succeed in elementary school. While our students engage in playtime each day and school might seem like only fun and games, there is so much more involved than that. Nursery school has a purpose and can provide your children with so many invaluable skills that they’ll carry throughout their lives. Here are some reasons why nursery school is so important:

Promotes Independence

Prior to nursery school, children are extremely reliant on their parents. Once a child goes to nursery school, they will take responsibility for themselves and their actions. At school, children have several choices of activities; a child who is wandering aimlessly is encouraged to choose one that interests him. It helps to foster a sense of independence.

Preps For Kindergarten

Sending your child to nursery school also preps your child for kindergarten. While it may not seem like it, children follow a highly structured environment in nursery school, which helps young children learn to make friends and play well with others. Learning how to behave properly in a classroom setting will only make the transition to kindergarten even easier.

A Lifetime of Success

Children learn the most information in the first four years of their lives. They can process and learn new information at a very rapid pace. You need to trust these special years in your child's development to a superior nursery school. It will help ensure your child's success in life. Miss Sue's can help you child do just that.

Need a top notch nursery school on Long Island? Choose Miss Sue's! We invite you to visit our facility. Our nursery school is a safe environment with the best care, the best attention and the best education available! Call 516-938-0894 today to make an appointment to see the facilities and start your child on the road to a successful life.

Tips to Help Your Child Transition To a New School

Transitioning to a new school can be difficult for kids. Whether it’s your child’s first day of preschool, their first day of high school, or you’re moving to a new school district, starting a new school can have an affect on your child’s well being, academic performance and social skills. This school year is off to a start already, but your child may still be experiencing some apprehension. In order to ease their fears, here are some tips to help them transition to a new school.

Talk It Out- Ask your child questions about what they are most excited during this school year. Encourage them to discuss what they want to learn and what activities they are looking forward to trying. The way you talk about going to school will help shape how your child views it.

Make Friends: Setting up playdates with your child’s new classmates outside of school is a great way to help them feel comfortable and familiar when they’re inside of the classroom.

Get Involved: Volunteer at your child’s school or help out with a school sport or club. Taking an active role in their school environment and getting to know your child’s friends and the other parents will help your child feel nurtured and relaxed.

Play School: Taking the time to play school outside of the classroom will show help our child grab the concept of school and see it as a fun scenario. Let them be the teacher, and you can be the student, to give them a new take on going to school.

Since your child is going through this transition phase, it’s important to be patient as they adjust. After your child has started a new school, keep an eye out for any signs of strain and stress. These include: repeatedly refusing to go to school

• throwing tantrums whenever school is mentioned
• recurring meltdowns when you try to bring them to school
• suffering separation anxiety and needing you more than they have in recent months or years
• changes in sleeping or eating habits

If you notice your child’s showing signs of poor transitioning, it’s important to talk to them about it, and to meet with their teachers and administrators so you can work to target the sources of your child’s discomfort.

Miss Sue’s is here to provide the most loving, safe and nurturing school for all of their students and families. To learn more about our program or to take a tour of the school, give us a call at 516-938-0894 or visit us here.

End of Summer Activities to Do With Your Kids

Just because summer is almost over doesn't mean the fun has to stop yet! In fact, quite the opposite! Before your little ones head back to school, there’s still time to squeeze in some last minute fun activities. Here are some cool ideas to end the summer the right way:

Frozen Vinegar Activity:

This is best to do outside while the weather's still warm. Have you ever wondered what happens when you mix vinegar and baking soda? Put your little scientist to work and try this fun experiment out. The combination of the two makes for a chemical reaction that produces water and salt. They’ll be amazed at the results and can even pack them in a mold to form stars or hearts.

Recycled Fish Mobile:

This one takes a bit of creativity, but you’ll be helping them environment by recycling your materials and supplies. Gather some branches in the backyard, or go on a nature walk to collect your goods. Then grab some plastic water bottles and glue little pieces of colored tissue paper all over it to mimic a fish’s colorful scales. Add some googly eyes, attach a string and hang it up for a fun and eco-friendly mobile!

Recycled Tic Tac Toe Game:

We love re-purposing materials to make fun crafts for kids! This is a really simple, yet fun take on teaching your kids tic tac toe. Take an egg carton and open it up to use as the squares of the board. Next grab some colorful pipe cleaners and have your kids form them into X’s and O’s. Then, let the games begin! Your kids will feel great because they’re not only having fun playing the game but can feel a sense of pride in having created the actual board!

For more end of summer fun kid’s activities, visit here.

We hope you’re enjoying the rest of your summer with your kids before they head off to school. If you’re looking for a superior nursery school on Long Island, choose Miss Sue's! We go to great lengths to provide your children the best education available. Enrollment for the 2016-17 school year has already begun. Give us a call at 516-938-0894 or visit us here to enroll now.

Signs Of A Good Nursery School

Sending your child to nursery school is a big decision--since parents always want what’s best for their kids, it’s one that shouldn’t be taken lightly.  The benefits of nursery school are countless, so it’s important to make sure you do your research before choosing a school for your kids.  Nursery school provides them with their first experience into the education system, so when selecting a school, here are some signs to look for:

It’s interactive and hands-on:

It’s important to find a school where children spend most of their time playing and working with other children. An assortment of activities should be offered throughout the day and children should have access to a variety of materials to work and play with. Playtime outside is also a key sign of a good nursery school, so pay close attention to make sure that is part of their curriculum.

They get proper attention from their teachers:

Teachers are there to provide a nurturing and educational environment for kids. Make sure to choose a school where the teachers not only work with kids in a group, but spend time with them individually and focus on their needs. Having teachers who recognize that every kid moves at their own pace and can adapt their teaching styles to help them learn at a different pace, is crucial in your child’s success in the classroom.

A good philosophy:
It’s important to look for a school whose philosophy represents something that you can also stand for. The philosophy at Miss Sue’s is simple--we provide our students with the best education possible in a safe and loving environment. We accomplish this through group and independent lessons, learning centers and playtime. In the end, our students grow socially, emotionally and academically.

The teachers here at Miss Sue's are all certified and trained in Early Childhood Education. More importantly, they genuinely care for each and every child. Our caring staff can help your child learn, grow and develop.

If you’re looking for superior nursery school on Long Island? Look no further than Miss Sue's Nursery School! We invite you to visit our school and see our program in action. If you are interested in enrolling your child at Miss Sue's, call 516-938-0894 today.

Things Your Child Should Know Before Kindergarten

Preschool time should be all about fostering a love to play, learn and explore within your children! While it’s important for your children to learn in the classroom, it’s equally important for them to continue learning at home to get them ready for the next phase of their lives. Have you ever wondered what exactly your children need to know before kindergarten?

This Get-Ready-For-Kindergarten checklist will be sure to keep you and your kids on track!

They should be able to…

• State first and last name when asked.
• Write first name with first letter upper case and remaining letters lower case.
• Use appropriate three-finger grasp when using writing instruments (pencils, crayons and scissors).
• Know all the letters in their first name.
• Identify basic geometric shapes (triangle, circle, square, rectangle, oval, star, diamond and heart.
• Know basic colors (red, blue, green, yellow, orange, purple, black, white, brown, pink).
• Count to 10 and identify numerals 1-10 in random order.
• Make most letter/sound matches.
• Identify most upper and lower case letters.
• Know the alphabet
• Sing along to songs learned in the classroom.

Socially, your child should be able to…

• Use restroom independently including washing hands without reminder.

• Take off and put on outerwear including jackets, mittens, hat and scarf.

• Sit for a story for 5-10 minutes.

• Clean up after themselves.

• Shares materials and toys with other children.

• Be confident and ready to separate from parent.

• Be able to listen and follow 2-3 step directions.

• Be able to solve problems without aggression.

Looking for superior school to get your kids ready for Kindergarten? Look no further than Miss Sue's Nursery School on Long Island! We would love for you to visit our school and see our program in action. To schedule an appointment or to learn more, give us a call at  516-938-0894 or visit us on Facebook.