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Preschool

All Blogs

Melissa Catalano

Melissa Catalano is a schoolteacher and runs My Play Place, a play-based parent-participation toddler program where kids learn, create and socialize in a fun and safe setting. She holds a B.A. in Human Biology and an M.A. in Education from Stanford University. Melissa is a paid contributor to LeapFrog’s Parent Community and receives free LeapFrog products. In a day filled with teaching and running a business, parenting is the job that still provides the most challenges and rewards.

8 Toys Every Preschooler Should Have
While they still play with some of their old toddler toys, preschoolers are ready to play in more sophisticated ways. Here are a few playthings every preschooler should have.
Ready to Role Play?
Whether playing doctor or having a tea party, imaginative role play is an important part of a preschooler's day. Try one of these ideas to get play started.
School Morning Routines: Beat the Morning Madness
Try these parent-tested tips for sane school mornings.
10 Tips for Great Playdates
As your children form their first friendships, here are a few tips for planning and supervising successful playdates for preschoolers.
When It Comes to Spelling, Focus on "Write" Not "Right"
One of the best things we can do for young children when it comes to teaching them to write and spell is to make writing implements and paper readily available and give them the time, space and encouragement to write.
Greener Birthday Parties
Birthday parties seem to be a time when even those of us with pretty environmentally sound habits throw it all out the window and into the landfill. Here are a few hints for making birthday parties kinder to the environment.
When Will My Child Learn to Read?
Parents of preschoolers anxiously anticipate the day their child will begin reading. But while you can encourage certain pre-reading behaviors at this stage, most preschoolers are not ready to actually read on their own.
LOVE 2 LEARN Make Valentines to Practice Preschool Skills
Making Valentines is a great opportunity to help your child develop letter recognition, fine motor skills, spatial awareness and more.
Life Lessons I Learned From My Kids
One of the best things about being a parent to young kids is that they can constantly remind us of better ways to live. Tune in to what your kids are teaching you.
Christmas Countdown Calendar for Kids
Start a new tradition by creating an advent calendar full of meaningful messages, rather than sweets.
Who's Afraid of Halloween?
For young kids still learning the difference between reality and fantasy, Halloween can be too scary!
Pretend Reading: Baby Steps To Reading
What does it mean when your child pretends to read?
Family Game Night: Lessons in Losing
Is your preschooler a sore loser? Start a family game night tradition to help your child learn how to lose gracefully.

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Learning for Life

Language and Literacy

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Preschool Learning

Your curious preschooler finds learning fun. It's important for parents to nurture this love for learning now, while attitudes toward learning are being formed.

Preschool development >

Preschool Skills

Many preschool teachers agree that a child's preschool readiness depends more on her individual personality and temperament—a combination of mental, physical and emotional traits—than her so-called "academic" abilities. Even so, our developmental checklist can help you and your child get ready for this big step.

Preschool skills checklist >