When children are fighting, keep in mind that it is in the nature of the young, across species, to challenge each other in some kind of physical fashion. Although humans are more cognitively advanced, children will have that same instinct to explore and challenge their peers physically and verbally. When a challenge is evenly matched,… Read more

I have always tried to make reading and language exciting to my own sons and students by describing literacy as “breaking the code.” The reason I describe it that way is to build excitement around the seemingly endless prompts to “say this, say that, repeat after me…”, and to let them understand the vast rewards… Read more

Just as important as developing cognitive and social skills in school, is focusing on children’s physical abilities and increasing the complexity of physical skill as they grow. When caregivers have the appropriate expectations of children in the early years, it reduces stress for adults and supports self-esteem and healthy bodies in children. Everyone wins. Understanding… Read more

Play is accepted as a universal theory of development, meaning that across time (within the era of early childhood developmental social science) and space (across the globe), children learn primarily through play. There are five distinct types of play that each play a different role in cognitive and social growth. Physical Play: Physical skills and… Read more

At Crème, we see teamwork as a component in all areas of learning…  …but when is it reasonable to expect children to work as a team member? How is teamwork fostered? How can we tell if children are really grasping that concept?  Teamwork is a social construct that involves cognitive development before it can really… Read more

Sometimes we forget how hard it can be to be very young; how the demands of adults to “behave”, “share,” and “cooperate” can be overwhelming when these fundamental skills of a civilized society do not yet make much sense to a young mind. Why do I always have to act a certain way? I’m having… Read more

Every parent hopes to raise a child that is socially intelligent and apt to help others in need, but how does that happen, and how can parents and teachers promote prosocial behavior in their children at home and school? What are the right expectations? Caregivers lay the foundation for children’s emotional repertoire, beginning with touch,… Read more

From sporting events to iPads, children are bombarded with stimuli from their environment. In this digital age, children’s downtime is filled with television or other digital devices that offer entertainment that can stunt imagination and cognitive growth. As a mom, I want my children happy and active, of course, but as an educator and development… Read more