Tuesday, January 8th, 2019
The start of a new year is the perfect time to teach your children about making resolutions for self-improvement. It’s a fun way to have them take part in choosing ways they’d like to better themselves throughout the year. There are many resolutions you can make individually and together as a family as well. This is a great lesson to teach children at an early age. Best of all, resolutions are something your entire family can share. Keep in mind they should always be specific and achievable. For instance, steer clear of something vague like “I will read more.” Rather be precise, such as “I resolve to read 1 book each week.” Rather than “I will eat healthier,” choose “I will eat vegetables with dinner every night.” Very specific resolutions are easier to remember, to focus on and to achieve. Here are just a few ideas to get you started.
Ten New Years Resolutions for Kids & Families
- We will help mom with the dishes every night.
- I will limit myself to only 1 soda per week.
- I will try a new activity this year, such as a new sport, a new class or a new hobby. Be ready to help your child explore options if this resolution is selected.
- We will volunteer as a family in our community. (Work together as a family to select specific volunteer activities that interest you).
- If I see any bullying, I will tell an adult immediately.
- Do an act of kindness for someone. Visit a friend who can’t get out, help a neighbor, etc.
- We will limit ourselves to 1 hour of TV or electronics after dinner and use the extra time to play family games or do a family activity.
- I will make a new friend. This is a great resolution for adults as well as children!
- We will take a long walk, hike or a bike ride as a family every weekend to get more fresh air and exercise.
- I will read one extra book each month. Another great resolution. If your children are too young to read on their own, read that extra book to them. Reading is a great habit for them to develop.
We hope the above suggestions give you an idea of some resolutions you can work on as a family and some that you can help your children to work on. Make deciding on resolutions an activity for the entire family, so everyone can have input. You can select one individual resolution for each of you and perhaps one for the entire family. Kindness is a resolution that we all strive for and that we encourage. We hope that you can somehow throw that into the mix as well. Teach your children about kindness and encourage them to really focus on being kind to everyone this year. At Building Blocks Learning Center and childcare, we believe these early years are the most important in building a strong foundation for your child’s development and education. Learn all about our educational programs for children, as well as our childcare and daycare options at www.buildingblockslearningcenter.com or follow us on Facebook.
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Tuesday, December 18th, 2018
- Be sure to do a childcare center site visit. You will want to observe how the staff interacts with the children and also take a look at the cleanliness, safety, and organization of the child care or daycare facility. The childcare center should be properly lit and ventilated and have adequate spacing for the number of children. Ask about emergency procedures and illness policies. Inquire about curriculum and developmental activities. Don’t be afraid to pop in for a surprise visit.
- Look for a stimulating, structured curriculum. A daycare or child care center in the Wilkes-Barre area should have a structured schedule that includes plenty of learning activities, playtime, physical activities, group interactions, creative activities, meals and individual time. All curriculum and activities should be age appropriate and tailored to the educational, social and emotional development of the child.
- An educated, well-trained and caring staff is essential. Education in early childhood education and ongoing training is important, especially for preschool and pre k staff. Most importantly, the staff should truly enjoy teaching and helping to develop the children in their care. Staff should also be trained in first aid and CPR.
- Ask about the staff to child ratio. A childcare center, daycare or preschool needs to have an appropriate ratio of teachers or caregivers to children. Recommended for infants is a ratio of 1 staff for every 4 children. For 1-year-olds a 1 to 5 is required and for older toddlers, you should expect a ratio of 1 to 6. For preschool and pre-k a ratio of 1 to 10 is recommended.
- Check licenses and accreditation for the preschool, daycare or childcare facility you are considering. For instance, Building Blocks Learning Center is licensed by the PA Department of Human Services, PA Dept of Education and Keystone STARS accredited.
- Finally, ask for recommendations from other parents. Family and friends is a great starting point in developing a list of child care centers, daycares, and preschools for your consideration.
For more helpful tips such as these, follow us on Facebook or watch for more Building Blocks Learning Center blog articles.
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Thursday, November 29th, 2018
It’s the most wonderful time of the year…. Or so they say. The holidays can be stressful, with hustle and bustle of shopping and so much more. We encourage you to slow down and take time to enjoy all of the sights and sounds of the season with your family. There are many events happening in and around the Wilkes-Barre area that are sure to help you get into the spirit of the season. Many are free of charge or moderately priced. All look to be loads of fun.
A sampling of Wilkes-Barre holiday events you won’t want to miss
Friday, November 30 from 1 PM & 7:30PM
Follow the yellow brick road to The FM Kirby Center on Public Square to see the classic film “The Wizard of Oz.” Click the link for ticket information.
Friday, November 30 & Saturday, December 1 from 11 AM to 7 PM
Old Fashioned Holiday Market on Public Square This promises to be a fun time for the entire family featuring food, entertainment, arts & crafts and more. There will even be Horse Drawn Victorian Carriage Rides for only $5. Click the link above for times and other details.
Saturday, December 1 from 9 AM to 12 PM
Home Depot in Wilkes-Barre is hosting a hands-on workshop for children to build a model sleigh and reindeer. All children must be accompanied by a parent It’s a fun way to let your children explore their creative side. Click above for details.
Saturday, December 1 at 10 AM
Head on over to the R/C Wilkes-Barre Movies 14 for special holiday showing of “Polar Express.” Your children are sure to love this timeless holiday classic about a magical train ride to the North Pole. Best of all, tickets are only $1. Click to learn more.
Thursday, December 6 at 6 PM
Share the beauty of the Luzerne County Courthouse with your children while attending the annual Courthouse Christmas Tree lighting. It’s a beautiful way to celebrate the spirit of the season.
Friday, December 7 at 7 PM
Did your family really enjoy the Polar Express? If so, Barnes & Noble at The Arena Hub in Wilkes-Barre is hosting a Pajama Story time for Children featuring “The Polar Express.” It includes free hot chocolate and a cookie! See details on the link above.
Saturday, December 15 at 2 PM
It’s free movie time! Hourigan, Kluger & Quinn will be sponsoring a free holiday showing of the popular animated children’s film. “Hotel Transylvania 3” at the FM Kirby Center. Doors open at noon and seating is on a first come first served basis. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Have time for a drive? You can always hop in the car and head to the Nay Aug Park holiday light display in Scranton. It will be open from 5 PM to 9 PM through December 31st. At Building Blocks Learning Center, we know the holidays are a special time to enjoy with your entire family. It is our pleasure to be part of that family by providing the childcare programs to help children develop the skills they need to grow emotionally, socially and intellectually. Click to learn more about our daycare and childcare programs and learning programs for children. We hope these special events give you a jump-start to a great holiday season!
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Wednesday, November 14th, 2018
With the temperature dropping and snow in the forecast, we wanted to ensure that our families are informed of Building Blocks Learning Center’s Inclement Weather Protocols.
Our centers always strive to stay open during our regular business hours. However, in the event of inclement weather that causes dangerous driving conditions, our centers may need to adjust those hours. If Building Blocks Learning Center must delay, close, or dismiss early, we will post any inclement weather decisions in the following places:
- On our Facebook page
- On WBRE and WNEP TV stations
- On Tadpoles – you will receive a text message from Tadpoles
- On Your Email – an email will be sent out with the details
All morning weather decisions are made by our Weather Board and will be communicated to families by 5:00 am
Please use your best judgment when making decisions about traveling in inclement weather. If at any time you feel you would like to bring your child in later than their usually scheduled time or if you are staying home on a snowy or icy day, please call or email the center. We use this information to make staffing decisions when the weather is bad. Always be safe when driving in the snow.
Thank you and have a safe and happy winter season!
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Thursday, October 11th, 2018
Building Blocks Learning Center will host its annual Fall Festival and Costume Parade on Wednesday, October 24th in the parking lot of the Wilkes-Barre location. The parade begins at 3pm and the fall festival will take place from 4pm to 5:30. All friends and family are welcome to attend this fun-filled event. There will be a pumpkin patch, fun activities for the children, treats and more! We hope to see you there.