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What to Know for Ages 3-5

What to Know for Ages 3-5

 
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Question and Answer Is your child asking incessant questions? Learn how he'll benefit from your answers.
What's He Thinking About? Children’s thinking abilities grow rapidly at this age. Learn what's going on in their heads!
Boost Language Development

Find strategies to help your 3- to 5-year-old master language use.

Identify Your Preschooler's Learning Personality Take the quiz. Learn how to support your 3-5 year old!

Ages

Thinking & Creativity

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The Guide to Preschool
by Shira Ackerman, MA
Review general curricula for preschool, what to expect for each subject and activities that can be done at home to support learning in the classroom.
Preparing for Preschool
Creative Development in 3-5 Year Olds
by Michelle Anthony, PhD
Support your child’s creativity now and set the stage to foster continued creative development in the future.
Academic Learning in 3-5 Year Olds
by Michelle Anthony, PhD
Most 3- to 5-year-olds learn by hands-on interactions and, of course, by asking questions. Take a closer look.

Physical Development

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Parent Guide to a Healthy Lifestyle
Try these recipes and suggestions for raising a healthy family.
Big Day: "I Lost My Tooth!"
by Elizabeth Callahan
When your kid's tooth is loose, a little wiggle leads to a lot of wow. How to make the most of this milestone.
The Sick Day Diet
by Patty Onderko
These foods ease cold symptoms and get kids back to their best.
The Secret To Keeping Your Family Healthy
by Patty Onderko
A well-stocked pantry works wonders on the immune system. Your cold-fighting food guide starts here.

Social & Emotional Life

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Why Kids Are Little Copycats
by Elena Jeffries
Whether she gets her art ideas from her pal or her mannerisms from you, it's normal for your child to be a mini mimic.
Social Development in 3-5 Year Olds
by Michelle Anthony, PhD
During the ages of 3 to 5, children learn to become self-sufficient, how to relate and interact with peers, and more!
Why Social Skills Are Key to Learning
Instill in your kids the social skills they need to acquire before they can learn academics.
Sibling Rivalry
Help brothers and sisters learn to get along better — with only a minimum of bickering.

Speaking & Language

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If Your Child Stutters
Know how to react — and when to worry.
Sing Your Way to Reading Success
Help your preschooler get ready to read by filling her life with music.
Which Letters First?
Teach your child the letters that are important to them, and build from there.
Building Phonics Skills
Phonics skills: Give your early reader a head start with phonics.

Disabilities & Special Needs

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Is My Child Falling Behind?
Expert advice on developmental delays and how to deal with them
Congratulations: Your Child Is Gifted
So now what?
Ahead of the Class
A child who is more advanced than his peers may need help fitting in socially.
Early Signs of Reading Trouble
Detect a learning disability now — while there’s still time to address it.

Your Child & Technology

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5 Television Guidelines for Preschoolers
Follow these rules to keep TV from ruling your household.
When Little Kids Play War
Pretend weapon play is normal, but it's still wise to limit kids' exposure to media violence.
Learn to Read
Computers and smart toys can help children learn reading, but can they foster a love of books?

Financial Literacy

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Making $ense of the Economy
Inspire life-long financial responsibility by teaching your child about how money works.
Talking to Your Kids About the News: Money and the Economy
Broach this sensitive topic with an open mind, and ask lots of questions.
Banking on the Future
by Don Rauf
Today's economy presents a golden opportunity to teach your kids about the value of a dollar.

Global Awareness

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Green Living: A Family Guide to Going Green
There are hundreds of fun ways your kids can work together to protect the planet! Try these activities and books to help your family act green!
Talking to Your Kids About the News: Money and the Economy
Broach this sensitive topic with an open mind, and ask lots of questions.
4 Toys That Promote Diversity
Encourage exploration of many cultures by providing pretend-play props that span the globe.
Communicate With Your Kids About Climate Change
Move past the media mumble, and help your child understand global warming.

More Life & Learning

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The Guide to Ages 3-5
by Michelle Anthony, PhD
Take a peek at some of the major achievements of this age, and get a more in-depth view of the many things that children this age are learning!
Teach Your Kids Table Manners
by Shaun Dreisbach
Our complete guide to good manners dishes up age-by-age advice guaranteed to help you take back your table.
Developmental Checklist for 3-5 Year Olds
by Michelle Anthony, PhD
Use this guide to learn about the development and books and resources that help the development of your 3- to 5-year-old.
Give Your Child a Global View
by Thomas Moore
Use tools your child already loves — music, art, and stories — to draw him in and make abstract concepts real.

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