The simple act of reading to a toddler will impact learning and educational achievement throughout life. Reading enhances a toddler's ability to acquire language skills and encourages mental and social development. Reading to toddlers may not prevent future reading difficulties, but parents should make every effort to encourage literacy in young children. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, approximately 50 percent of the nation's unemployed youth ages 16 to 21 are functionally illiterate, with virtually no prospects of obtaining decent paying jobs.
The 10- to 12 year-old age group is a transition period for kids and parents alike. Children of these ages are more independent and do not require the constant supervision that young children do, but preteens are not yet able to be self-sufficient or make all of their own decisions. They still need guidance as they prepare to enter young adulthood. For parents, knowing how much freedom to give a child at this age can be tricky, especially during summer vacation, when kids are home from school and can quickly fall into a sedentary routine while parents are at work.…
You don't need flashcards or trendy "how to teach your baby to read programs" in order to help your toddler develop strong literacy skills. Studies continually show that what's really important is to read to your child on a daily basis. Many organizations have programs that encourage parents to read to their toddler in order to enhance their child's early literacy, which has been directly related to reading success later in life.
Preschoolers are naturally fascinated by animals and are eager to participate in activities that involve animals. The zoo offers an accessible, hands-on way to explore a variety of animals and animal habitats with children. Zoo lessons for preschoolers should involve elements of science, literacy, art and math. Together, create crafts and illustrations of their ideas.
After carefully watching and nurturing your child for years, the idea of sending him to a two-week camp may feel a bit overwhelming for both you and your child. By considering the advantages and disadvantages of camp, however, many parents are able to reach a decision that keeps their child's best interests at heart.
When parents think of troubled youths, the initial thought is of wild teens who are hanging out in gangs, doing drugs or otherwise getting into trouble with the police. However, yelling at parents, having trouble in school or misbehaving in general are also signs of troubled teens that require intervention and help. Wilderness programs, teen boot camps or teen rehab centers are programs available for teens.
Summertime provides teenagers with a lot of free time outside of school. This is a perfect time for adolescents and troubled teens who need a way to release energy and learn discipline to attend a boot camp. Summer boot camp programs provide a safe environment for young people to learn leadership, responsibility and teamwork skills. Several military summer programs are available for children who need to be challenged or are interested in a military career.
Sketching, pattern making, draping and sewing are some of the skills students can learn through San Diego summer youth fashion programs. Whether offered by local boutiques or the city's Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising campus, these programs expose students as young as 8 to the fashion industry and nurture their design interests.
On summer break, young adults can take advantage of internships or programs specific to the field in which they are interested. Internships help young adults add to their resumes, gain experience, earn college credits, become more competitive job seekers and potentially earn more money once they are in their career field.
Musical theater summer camps allow dramatic students to develop their acting chops and work with like-minded peers to create impressive theatrical works. By offering summer campers an assortment of activities relevant to the genre of musical theater, camp organizers can ensure that the summer program is not only entertaining, but also enriching. A plethora of planned programs help keep campers busy and on-task throughout the hot summer months.
To avoid hearing "I'm bored!" or "There's nothing to do!" all summer, it is within everyone's best interest to find the perfect summer program to keep children active and entertained. There are many programs available throughout the state of Florida to satisfy diverse interests and abilities. Music, sports, science and nature are just a few options available for the ideal summer adventure.
Summer preschool programs are a big help to working parents, and your child can also benefit from the activities offered in many of these programs. Often, you'll find the schools offer a combination of educational curriculum as well as chances for your child to play and have fun. Full and part-time programs also may be available.
Camp Woodward Scholarships are funded by The Woodward Camp Foundation. At Camp Woodward's various camp programs, children ages 7 to 17 can study action sports like gymnastics, cheerleading, skateboarding, BMX freestyle, snowboarding and inline skating. Digital arts camps are also offered, including video, photo and graphic design. Children who are unable to afford the camp tuition need not be disappointed. Three scholarships are available to help fund their week at camp: need-based, camp parent and work exchange.
The YMCA in Hope Mills, North Carolina provides many options for parents who are interested in providing children with options during the summer, particularly through summer camps, sports and aquatics classes. The Hope Mills YMCA is dedicated to providing programs for children, as well as adults, that build healthy spirits, minds and bodies. The summer camps offer a safe environment for campers to play, the sports leagues teach respect and responsibility and the aquatics classes inspire children to set aside fears and learn something new.
Summer vacation always sounds great to kids, until boredom sets in. Day after day with no particular schedule to follow can be tough, especially for kids who are used to being highly scheduled throughout the school year. Never fear, there are plenty of programs and activities to keep seventh graders occupied, if you know where to look.
The city may have a reputation for rain, but in the summer the sun always makes a glorious appearance in Seattle, Washington. With the kids out of school for those summer months, enrolling them in summer programs is a way to keep them active and engaged. No matter their age or personal interests, Seattle is sure to have a summer program appropriate for your kids.
Pittsburgh parents and children have a wide selection of summer programs available to choose from. Summer programs for children in Pittsburgh range from traditional summer camps to interest- and hobby-focused programs that offer both learning and fun. With a little time invested in research, Pittsburgh parents can find summer programs that are just the right fit for their children, helping to contribute to a memorable and enjoyable summer.
Toddler summer programs in Marietta, Georgia, range from swim lessons and story time at the library to ballet lessons and summer day camps. Some of the summer programs available in town are designed for parents to attend with their toddlers, but most programs are structured for working parents.
Children ages 5 to 18 can explore art careers by participating in one of several summer art programs offered in Tucson, Arizona. Summer art programs teach younger children basic art skills, while teens can earn college credit and do more advanced work in areas such as architecture and sculpture.
Summer camps in the area near Raleigh, North Carolina, can be a fun experience for children if parents find the right camps to send them to. There are numerous camps to choose from, including traditional overnight camps, sports camps and music camps.
Summer camps have become a big part of children's lives. In Indianapolis, children of all ages and with all interests can find a summer camp that is right for them. Athletes to dancers, kids looking to learn of their faith to children just looking for acceptance, there is a camp for everyone in Indianapolis. Camps in Indianapolis are run by many different organizations. The local colleges run many of the sports camps, the YMCA hosts many day camps and local churches and organizations have also presented the cities' kids with camp options.
When school lets out for summer vacation and the kids are home, there can be many boring days with no way to beat the heat and have fun. Summer camps and summer programs are a simple and effective way to get the kids out of the house for many enjoyable activities. There are many programs in and around the San Antonio area that offer children the opportunity to stay active and have fun all summer long.
According to the City of Arlington, Arlington Texas is centrally located between Dallas and Fort Worth. The reported population in 2009 is over 365,000 residents and is known as the largest “mid” city in America. With that large of a population, Arlington has lots of kids to entertain and fortunately the children have several summer camp programs from which to choose.
During the summer, parents often wonder what to do with their children. Working parents wonder how to provide care for their children for a full day, while stay-home parents wonder how to entertain their children for the day. Summer programs are a great way to provide care and entertainment for your children while exposing them to new ideas and situations and new friends. There are several summer programs in Atlanta that provide these services for kids.
Working parents and stay-home parents alike wonder what to do with their children during the summertime. The thought of entertaining children all day is often daunting for most parents. However, there are several programs held at various locations around Gloucester that will give children both structure and entertainment during the summer's long days.
If you are looking for fun summer youth programs in Harlingen, Texas, you are in luck. There are a wide variety of programs to choose from for your child. Programs range from science classes to cheerleading and baton twirling programs. Let your child partake in one or all programs that interest him.
Looking for youth summer programs in Hawthorne, California? There are a few programs available during the summer through the city of Hawthorne's recreation department. You can also find a couple of youth summer programs, as well as camps, through outside recreation centers such as rock-climbing gyms.
Christian summertime programs for children can be life-changing, providing kids with confidence, friendships, activities and new skills. No matter where you live, you're likely to find a Christian summer camp for kids in your region. There are a variety of day programs as well as overnight camps that focus on Christian principles.
Spartanburg, South Carolina, is a busy college town in the northern portion of the state. With multiple colleges in town and the popular Croft State Park just a few miles to the south, summer camp opportunities are plentiful. The colleges host a number of camps that focus on career exploration, and other more traditional camps are in the outlying areas.
Young boys can benefit from basketball camps that will enhance their skills on the court. Whether your son is a talented player possibly headed for the NBA or simply likes the sport, basketball camps in Illinois can keep his game up during the summer and school breaks. Basketball camp programs are available in many formats and concentrations. Programs in Illinois are offered through both universities and private companies where your child will have the opportunity to work with experts in the sport.
The Pittsburgh Zoo's education staff delights in sharing the animals and knowledge of the zoo with eager young minds each summer. Programs range from one-hour programs for 2- and 3-year-olds to half-day and full-day programs for children ages 4 to 13. These programs allow children in the Pittsburgh community to learn about the wildlife at the zoo and important conservation issues as they make new scaly, furry and feathered friends. Before and after care is available for an additional charge. Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium One Wild Place Pittsburgh, PA 15206 (412) 665-3640 pittsburghzoo.com
Summer is a time for enriching activities and Lakewood, Washington, offers many options. The city of Lakewood, a suburb of Tacoma, in Pierce County, is located one hour from Seattle. It offers many programs sponsored by city agencies as well as private art organizations. Lakewood features dance, theater and painting classes for children and adults alike.
Summer science programs in Texas give children a chance to develop an interest in science and technology at an early age. These early education programs help children learn skills that may be necessary for future education and careers. Select camps cater to those like girls and minorities who may otherwise be overlooked when it comes to developing an interest in science and technology. Parents may begin registering their children around February or March of each year.
The Air Force offers a myriad of camps and activities for teenagers throughout the year. Through the Air Force Services Child and Youth Program, teenagers can gain insight into an Air Force career, space exploration, athletics, aquatics and horseback riding. A host of academic and career-based camps and events are scheduled for the benefit of teens and youth near Air Force bases around the country. The costs of the camps vary, with scholarships available for specific programs for qualifying teenagers.