Age-by-Age Guides

7 Ways to Build a Better Reader for Ages 3-5

Read together every day. Find a time of day when your child is most able to settle down, such as before naps or after a bath. If ...

Preschool Problem-Solving

by Susan A. Miller, EdD

Three-year-old Sarah tries to display the leaves she has collected on a sheet of paper, but they keep falling off. She remembers seeing her teacher...

Abstract Thinking Skills in Kindergarten

by Ellen Booth Church

"This person needs help!" says Tamara into a long box she is using as a walkie-talkie. Sonja replies, "I'll be right there!" into her hand "phone"...

Helping Children Build Language Skills

by Susan A. Miller, EdD, and Ellen Booth Church

Preschool: That Sounds Silly! Four-year-old Adam runs to his teacher and says, "I see the sky with my eyes! What color is the sky?" She responds,...

Making Friends in Kindergarten

by Ellen Booth Church

Enter any kindergarten classroom, and you'll hear the sounds of children freely interacting with one another as their circle of play expands...

Feeling Afraid

by Ellen Booth Church

"Come on, Jamie, try it. We did it. Come on, you can too!" This conversation could be taking place almost anywhere – any time – in...

Creative Development: Ages 3-5

At preschool age, your child’s creative expression is increasingly purposeful and nuanced. Here are some of the ways you'll see her skills...

Animals Make Good Teachers

Have you ever noticed that many preschool and kindergarten classrooms have a pet? It might be a simple as a hermit crab or fish or as elaborate...