Why Books Make Great Holiday Gifts

‘Tis the season to go gift shopping! Whether you’re buying for loved ones, co-workers, friends, or your little one at home, finding that perfect gift can be a nerve-wracking task. But it doesn’t have to be! There’s one universal gift that is sure to put a smile on anyone’s face--a book! If you’re buying for the little student in your life, giving the gift of reading and learning is priceless. Here are some other reasons why books make the best holiday gifts:

What books are you going to get your children for the holidays? Let us know on our Facebook page.

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.

Kid Friendly Ways To Stay Healthy At School

We’re veering into prime cold and flu season, so now’s the time to really work on keeping your little ones healthy. Since children have weaker immune systems, they’re more susceptible to getting sick and find it harder to fight off the germs they are exposed to at school. It is important for kids to eat a healthy diet and get plenty of rest so their bodies stay healthy. But can you do more? It’s important that you teach your kids some ways to stay healthy by encouraging them to do the following:

• Always cover their coughs and sneezes to avoid spreading diseases. Teach your kids to cover their coughs and sneezes by coughing into the crook of their arm if they don’t have a tissue. This will prevent germs from spreading onto their hands and then other surfaces where more children can get infected.
• Keep hands away from eyes and mouth. Since tiny hands are often covered in germs, it’s important for you to teach your child to keep their hands away from their eyes, nose and out of their mouth.  
• Don’t share water bottles or food. Make sure your child knows that anything that goes in their mouth should not be shared with their friends and vice versa.
• Wash their hands or use hand sanitizer. This is the single most important thing you can teach your child to cut down their risk of a cold and flu. Make hand washing a game, by encouraging them to sing “Happy Birthday” or their “ABCs” while scrubbing to ensure that they get good and clean. While regular hand washing is important, it is especially crucial before eating.
• Play! Getting plenty of exercise helps their body and mind stay healthy, benefiting their immune system.
• Eat healthy foods. Be sure to include lots of healthy foods in their diet. Consuming fresh fruits and vegetables will aide their growing bodies in providing them with essential vitamins and minerals.
• Sleep. Nothing rejuvenates your child’s body and helps them build up their immune system like getting a good night’s rest.

We hope that the tips above help your little one stay healthy. At Miss Sue's, your child's healthy and safety are our main concerns. Looking for a health conscious nursery school on Long Island? If so, choose Miss Sue's Nursery School! Call 516-938-0894 today to inquire about enrollment.

Fun Family Fall Activities

The crisp air, the bright colored leaves, the pumpkin patches--Fall is a season filled with lots of opportunities to enjoy some family fun. From planned out day trips on the weekend to spontaneous simple moments, here are some ways to enjoy family fun activities this season:

• Rake up some leaves...and then jump in them!
• Go apple picking...and then make a pie.
• Make your child’s Halloween costume together.
• Head to a pumpkin patch...and then carve a jack-o-lantern.
• Make delicious hot chocolate.
• Buy a new book, get cozy on a chilly day and read together.
• Go to a haunted house.
• Take a nature walk and collect colorful leaves.
• Decorate your home for the season.
• Make a creative project using the items from your nature walk.
• Go on a fall picnic with your family.
• Take a drive on an open road to enjoy the beautiful fall scenery.
• Collect pinecones...and then paint them!
• Attend a fall fair.
• Build an indoor fort and tell spooky ghost stories inside.
• Make a scarecrow to decorate your front lawn.
• Go on a hot air balloon ride--after all, there is no better way to enjoy the fall foliage.
• Bake Halloween cookies to give out to your friends.

For more fun fall activities to enjoy with your family, visit here.

It’s important to let your child tap into their imagination at home. And while they’re at school, Miss Sues’ curriculum is set up to foster creativity while providing your children with the best education available. If you’re looking for a superior nursery school on Long Island, choose Miss Sue's! To learn more about our program, give us a call at 516-938-0894 or visit our website.

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.

Fall Activities To Do With Your Children

Break out the pumpkins, leaves and glitter--fall is officially here! Fall is one of the best times of year to get crafty with your kids. Let nature be your supplies, and gather sticks, leaves and acorns to make some of the cutest and most creative projects to dress up your home. If you’re looking for some fun fall activities to keep your little ones busy, try these out:

Glittery Pine Cones

Materials Needed: Pine cones, glue bottles, mini pom-poms and small glitter glue bottles.

Have your children use the glue to place pom poms on their pinecones. Then, drizzle glue on the cones and have them sprinkle glitter all over. These make great decorations to hang around the home, and are perfect pieces to keep until Christmas.

Autumn Wreath

Materials Needed: pine needles, green and brown leaves, pine cones, cinnamon sticks, glue, paper plates with the middles cut out.

Dress up your front door with this festive wreath! Take your child on a nature walk to gather supplies--the brightest colored leaves, acorns, sticks and pine needles. Then, let them arrange the materials on a paper plate with the middle cut out and break out the glue. You can add cinnamon sticks, glitter or even some ribbon for an extra festive touch! Your child will be so thrilled to see their masterpiece hanging on the front door to greet visitors over the holiday season.

Pumpkin Decorating

Materials Needed: Pumpkins, glitter, paint, markers, pom poms.

No fall activity would be complete without incorporating a pumpkin into the mix. Take a new approach on the traditional pumpkin carving, and have your child decorate and dress up their pumpkins with art supplies. Set up a station complete with paint, glitter, pom poms, stickers and any other crafty supplies, and let their imaginations run wild! You can even invite your child’s friends over for a fun pumpkin party and see how different and unique each one turns out!

It’s important to let your child tap into their imagination at home. And while they’re at school, Miss Sues’ curriculum is set up to foster creativity while providing your children with the best education available. If you’re looking for a superior nursery school on Long Island, choose Miss Sue's! To learn more about our program, give us a call at 516-938-0894 or visit our website.

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.

5 Ways to Keep Your Kids Entertained This Summer

School’s (almost) out for summer! For kids, this is what they’ve been waiting for all year. But for parents, thinking of ways to keep your kids busy all summer can seem a bit overwhelming. While sending your child to day camp is an ideal way to keep them occupied, help them grow and develop their social skills, these additional activities will keep them entertained before they get there.

                            

Have a Treasure Hunt: Kids love adventure and setting up a treasure hunt is the best way to bring some excitement to their summer vacation.

Ride 100 Miles This Summer: We can’t stress enough the importance of keeping your kids active and healthy-- and making a fun game out of it is a great incentive. Create a chart with 100 squares and each time your family rides a mile on their bike, cross off a square. This will keep them engaged in physical activity and help with their counting too!

Visit the Library: The library offers so many wonderful programs in the summer. Take advantage of them by checking your local library’s schedule for craft sessions, science programs and story time!

Take a Walk Down Memory Lane: Revisit your childhood by introducing your kids to some of the fun things you did on your summer vacations. Did you hula hoop for hours? Or perhaps spent all night playing kickball? Your kids will have a blast playing these games while you relive your fond childhood memories.

Create Art: Summer time is the best time for getting messy outdoors. Set up a craft station with paint, glue, glitter and poster board and let their imaginations run wild.

Looking for a fun and educational way to keep your kids busy this summer? Miss Sue’s Summer Fun program is designed to nurture and build self-esteem in your children while they have fun in the sun. To learn more about the program, give us a call at 516-366-5623.

Ways to Encourage Social and Emotional Development at Home

Children’s emotional well-being has a great impact on the way they are able to establish and maintain relationships throughout their lives. Monitoring your preschooler’s physical development is easy to do, but making sure that they are on the right path as far as social and emotional development are concerned can be a bit trickier. By the age of 3 or 4, children should be reaching certain social and emotional milestones.

How do you know if your child is developing age-appropriate social and emotional skills?

• Can they correctly state their gender and age?
• Can they recite their first and last names, and the names of parents?
• Can they take care of their own needs, such as washing hands and dressing?
• Do they adjust to new situations without an adult being present?
• Are they starting to notice other people’s moods and feelings?
• Are they starting to learn to take turns, share, and cooperate?
• Do they expresses anger with words rather than acting out physically?

Understanding the social and emotional skills that your child should posses will help you reinforce them at home. Practicing the following activities are fun and important ways to help them develop and reach their milestones.

• Provide structure and establish a daily routine to create a secure environment for your child.
• Encourage their independence. Acknowledge a job well done when your child brushes their own teeth, feeds a pet or dresses themselves.
• Practice reciting your child’s name, gender, age and address with them.
• Play games that require your child to wait their turn, and cooperate with others.
• Organize play dates with other children their age. Regular social contact is key in helping your child reach their milestones. During the play date, make sure to observe their interaction and how they handle conflict in the play group.

At Miss Sue’s, our main goal is to foster an awareness in the children of the world around them while presenting the social, emotional and conceptual skills appropriate for each age and each stage of  their development. To learn more about Miss Sue's, visit us on Facebook or Twitter, or call 516-938-0894 today.

10 Children's Books About Springtime

Spring is in full swing! Are you trying to teach your child about the different seasons? If so, below are 10 children's books about springtime. 

1. Explore Spring: 25 Great Ways To Learn About Spring by Lauri Berkenkamp
2. Everything Spring by Jill Esbaum 
3. Feel The Wind by Arthur Dorros
4. Who Likes Rain? by Wong Herbert Lee
5. Planting a Rainbow by Lois Ehlert
6. What Will Hatch? by Jennifer Ward
7. And Then It's Spring by Julie Fogliano
8. Fletcher and the Springtime Blossoms bu Julia Ralinson
9. Spring: An Alphabet Acrostic by Steven Schnur
10. A New Beginning by Wendy Pfeffer

Your child may have already asked you about different weather conditions and why they occur. A book can show your child that changes in the weather are completely normal and expected. It will prepare them for the April showers that are on their way! 

At Miss Sue's Nursery School, we believe that reading can be educational and fun! Our learning centers emphasize individual growth through language arts. Every day our children are involved with interactive language experiences. Please call us for an appointment or with any questions at 516-938-0894.

Web Source: http://www.pbs.org/parents/adventures-in-learning/2014/03/spring-books/

​Reasons Why Early Childhood Education is Important

Some parents decide not to send their child to nursery school. There could be a number of reasons for this decision. Nonetheless, it is important for parents to understand how important early childhood education is. Keep reading to learn more.

Cognitive Development

Enrolling your child in nursery school is a step towards cognitive development. At Miss Sue's, children learn about mathematics, science, language arts and so much more. Their minds are like sponges at this age! They are able to soak up all of the information. Ultimately, it prepares them for a lifetime of academic success. 

Social and Emotional Development

Miss Sue's Nursery School is so much more than the curriculum itself. Children will also socialize with their peers and learn how to work well with others. In addition, this experience shows them how to behave in a group setting.    

Looking for nursery school on Long Island? Look no further than Miss Sue's Nursery School! Our staff focuses on the individual needs of each and every child. 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.

Web Source: https://www.earlychildhoodnyc.org/resources/aboutECE_whyImportant.cfm