Academy Kindergarten Bootcamp-Transitioning from Daycare to Kindergarten
As summer approaches, many parents start to contemplate their child’s readiness for kindergarten. The transition from daycare to kindergarten is a significant milestone in a child’s life, marking the beginning of formal education. It is crucial to ensure that children are ready to embrace this new chapter in their educational journey. The Academy Kindergarten Bootcamp prepares children for their next big step.
Importance of The Academy Kindergarten Bootcamp
The gap between preschool and kindergarten is significant, as children encounter new expectations and social dynamics. Our summer program addresses this gap by providing tailored activities that promote academic readiness and social-emotional development. Our summer readiness program enhances children’s foundational skills in a fun and engaging way. This makes the transition smoother and less intimidating.
Our Pre-K Program Focuses on Learning Skills
Our summer program focuses on several key areas to ensure that children are ready for the academic and social demands of kindergarten. Key skill areas include:
- Literacy and Language Development
During the bootcamp, activities such as story time, phonics games, and letter puzzles help develop early literacy skills. Fun activities, like singing alphabet songs or engaging in storytelling crafts, make this learning enjoyable and memorable.
- Mathematics Readiness
Bootcamp participants may explore counting through games, measure objects with non-standard units, and engage in fun group activities that encourage pattern recognition and number sense. These early math experiences teach children to see numbers in their everyday lives.
- Social Skills and Teamwork
Our summer provide children with ample opportunities to interact with their peers, fostering essential social skills. Through structured group activities, such as cooperative games and team projects, children learn to communicate effectively, share, and resolve conflicts.
The Academy Kindergarten Bootcamp Also Stresses Routine and Structure
A key aspect of transitioning to kindergarten is understanding and adapting to a structured routine. Summer bootcamps often mimic the daily schedule of a kindergarten classroom, helping children become accustomed to organized activities, quiet times, and transitions between tasks. This familiarity can significantly ease anxiety when they start kindergarten.
The Academy Kindergarten Bootcamp Program Fills Up Quickly! Enroll Now.
The Role of Play in Preschools – Understanding STEM Concepts
Play is an essential part of childhood, and its role in education—particularly in STEM learning—is invaluable. Educators recognize the role of play in preschools for understanding mathematical and scientific concepts. This approach is particularly effective in fostering their natural curiosity and enthusiasm for discovery.
The Academy Curriculum Relies Heavily on Hands-on Play
Play is a fundamental aspect of childhood, serving as a vital avenue through which preschoolers explore, experiment, and make sense of the world around them. The Academy embraces this early educational cornerstone by utilizing a nationally recognized, award-winning curriculum.
Building Foundations through Exploration
Play-based learning enables children to explore their surroundings freely, encouraging them to ask questions and seek answers. This lays the groundwork for scientific thinking.
For instance, when preschoolers engage in activities like building with blocks or playing with water, they are experimenting with principles of physics such as gravity, balance, and buoyancy. These play activities help them understand complex concepts through hands-on experience, making abstract ideas more concrete and accessible.
Encouraging Creativity and Innovation
Creativity is a key aspect of play that significantly enhances STEM learning. When children are given the freedom to explore and experiment during play, they are more likely to come up with innovative solutions to problems.
Activities like role-playing, constructing models, and engaging in imaginative games stimulate creative thinking and allow preschoolers to approach scientific and mathematical challenges with an open mind. This creativity fosters a deeper appreciation for STEM subjects, encouraging a lifelong interest in these fields.
Learn More About the Role of Play in Preschools at One of Our Many Locations
With over 17 locations, we’re pretty sure we have a location near you. Call us today to schedule a tour of one of our locations. See how play-based learning is integrated in our curriculum in a fun and safe environment
Preschool Separation Anxiety Symptoms– How to Manage Them
At The Academy, we are trained to manage, what we call, preschool separation anxiety. This is a common and natural phase in a young child’s development. It typically occurs at the ages of six months to three years—just when a child may be entering preschool.
Signs and Symptoms of Preschool Separation Anxiety
This condition shows itself when a child experiences distress and fear when separated from their parents. If your child is experiencing separation anxiety, this is what you may experience when you drop off your child at preschool:
- Your child cries or has a tantrum when you try to leave
- Your child clings to you
What we see after you leave may include these behaviors:
- Refusal to participate in activities
- Complaints of physical ailments such as stomachaches or headaches
- Difficulty sleeping taking a nap
The Academy’s Approach to Preschool Separation Anxiety
Our staff is trained to manage separation anxiety with patience, empathy, and consistency. By providing a supportive environment and using effective strategies, we help your child navigate this challenging phase.
To learn more about enrollment, pricing, or scheduling a tour of one of our area preschools please you our convenient request form.
Strategies for Managing Separation Anxiety for Parents
For parents, managing separation anxiety involves a combination of reassurance, gradual separation, and fostering independence. Here are some strategies that can help:
Establish a Routine
A predictable routine can provide a sense of security for young children. Knowing what to expect each day, including when separations will occur, can reduce anxiety. Consistent goodbyes and reunions help children understand that separations are temporary and that their parents will return.
Gradual Departures
Accustom your child to short separations, such as leaving your child with a friend or sitter for an hour. Gradually increase the separation time so that your child becomes more comfortable. This practice helps build trust and confidence in the child that you will return.
Positive Reinforcement
Praise and reward the child for handling separations well. Positive reinforcement encourages them to manage their anxiety and fosters a sense of achievement.
Reading to Preschool Children
At The Academy, we know that reading to preschool children is very important. It’s a good way to foster a love of literature and learning. At a tender age, children are just beginning to explore the vast world around them. This is an optimal time to introduce them to the wonders of books.
The Academy serves the middle Tennessee area with 17 locations. We invite you to join our family.
In this blog, we discuss the benefits of reading to children and recommend some captivating books sure to spark imagination.
Language Development and Vocabulary Expansion
Reading to children significantly enhances their language skills. As they listen to stories, they are exposed to new words and phrases, which broadens their vocabulary. This exposure helps them understand how to express their thoughts and emotions more effectively.
Cognitive Skills and Critical Thinking
Storytime encourages young minds to think critically and make connections between the story and their own experiences. By engaging with the plot, characters, and outcomes, children develop problem-solving skills and learn to predict what might happen next. This cognitive engagement is crucial for their overall intellectual growth.
Emotional Intelligence and Empathy
Books introduce children to diverse characters and situations, helping them understand different perspectives and emotions. This exposure fosters empathy and emotional intelligence, as children learn to identify and relate to the feelings of others. Stories about friendship, kindness, and overcoming challenges can also provide valuable life lessons.
Creativity and Imagination
The vivid illustrations and imaginative plotlines in children’s books stimulate creativity. As children visualize the scenes and characters, they exercise their imagination, which is essential for their creative development. This imaginative play can extend beyond reading time, inspiring children to create their own stories and adventures.
A Short List of Engaging Books
Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown
Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! by Mo Willems
Daycare Programs that Develop Happier Children
The Academy has one of the proven daycare programs that develop happier children. We know that happier children tend to be healthier and better equipped to handle challenges in life. Our staff is deeply committed to creating a nurturing environment that fosters a sense of belonging and joy.
Parents Have Voted Us Best of Parenting Since 2008
Our parents tell us that their children are happy and excited to come to daycare. They also tell us that their children have become more social by attending The Academy. Parents also tell us that when they walk in, they can see the joy that the teachers have, and the kids have.
The Importance of Joy in Daycare Programs
At The Academy, our carefully selected staff doesn’t teach joy, they simply are joyful. We know that joy significantly impacts a child’s health by:
- promoting positive brain development
- reducing anxiety
- boosting learning abilities
- enhancing resilience
- encouraging exploration of new experiences
- contributing to overall well-being and social competence
How Joy Works
Experiencing joy activates positive neural pathways in the brain, strengthening the ability to cope with stress and promoting healthy emotional regulation. Joyful emotions can counteract feelings of anxiety and stress, helping children manage difficult situations better.
At The Academy, we want our children to be educated and have fun because these two things work together. When children feel happy, they are more engaged and receptive to learning. This, of course, potentially leads to better academic performance.
The Academy – What’s Our Secret?
The Academy provide the highest quality child care by employing the finest teaching staff available. Our staff is committed to love and care for both our children and their families. We have 17 locations in middle Tennessee, and all our locations have the same level of care. We invite you to join our family today.
Privately Owned Preschools Involve Parents
Privately owned preschools know that engaging in your child’s learning plays a crucial role in a child’s early development and learning experiences. The Academy is an example of a privately owned preschool with specific programs for the whole family. Our seasonal programs such as “Fall is for Your Family,” “Fitness Fanatics,” and “Green Our Scene” are all programs that involve the whole family.
But in addition to participating in structured programs, here are some engaging ideas for parents to become involved.
Stay Informed
Keep up with daycare newsletters or bulletins to be aware of upcoming activities or needs. Being informed allows you to engage appropriately, whether it’s bringing supplies for a craft project or inviting your child’s friends to a group playdate.
Share Your Skills
Parents often possess unique skills or hobbies that could enrich daycare activities. Whether it’s crafting, cooking, or storytelling, consider offering to lead a session or share your expertise.
For example, if you’re a musician, volunteer for a music day, or if you love gardening, propose planting a small flower bed with the children. Sharing your talents encourages learning through hands-on experiences.
Volunteer for Events
Most daycares regularly host events such as holiday parties, picnics, craft days, or field trips. Volunteer to help with these activities.
Your participation not only supports staff but also provides an opportunity to interact with your child and their friends. Engaging in fun group activities reinforces the sense of community and allows you to observe your child’s interactions in a social setting.
Foster Open Communication:
Encourage your child to talk about their day and what they’ve learned. This practice not only strengthens your bond but also gives you insights into how you can enrich their experiences further.
Join Our Family at One of Our Privately Owned Preschools
The Academy encourages active parental involvement in daycare activities because it creates a warm, supportive environment for children to thrive. And that’s what it’s really all about.
Teaching Thankfulness in a Family-Oriented Daycare
As a family-oriented daycare, we want to observe the season of Thanksgiving by thanking all our daycare families. Thank you for trusting us with your children.
Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to teach toddlers about gratitude and the joy of giving thanks. One way we do this is in our daycare is with Thanksgiving-related crafts. Engaging children in Thanksgiving crafts is not only enjoyable but also helps them understand the importance of gratitude and community. As an added bonus, doing crafts also provides an excellent bonding opportunity.
Three Thanksgiving Craft Projects for Toddlers
In this blog, we want to inspire you to do some Thanksgiving crafts at home this year. Each project allows for creativity and self-expression, making Thanksgiving a heartwarming experience for your children and you. The following craft projects are fun and simple ways to create precious keepsakes.
Thankful Handprint Turkey
Start by helping toddlers trace their hands on a piece of construction paper. Once the handprints are outlined, let them color each finger to represent the turkey’s feathers. Glue the picture to a paper plate. The palm can serve as the turkey’s body, and toddlers can add googly eyes and a beak.
Thankful Tree
A thankful tree is a beautiful way for children to express what they are thankful for. With a large piece of brown paper, cut out a tree trunk and branches for your child. Help your child cut out leaf shapes from different colors of construction paper. Encourage toddlers to color and decorate the leaves and write or dictate what they are thankful for on each leaf.
Gratitude Jars
This project promotes reflection and sharing. Decorate small jars with stickers, paint, or ribbon, turning them into “Thankfulness Jars.” Each day leading up to Thanksgiving, have children help write (or draw) something they are thankful for on small slips of paper. Place these in the jar, and on Thanksgiving Day, read them aloud together.
The Academy Is a Family-Oriented Daycare
The Best Childcare Teachers Communicate with Parents
Establishing strong communication between childcare teachers and parents is one of the ways that The Academy provides a supportive learning environment. The best childcare teachers communicate with parents in several ways. In this blog, we discuss some of the ways that we and our teaching staff enhancing parent-teacher communication.
Our Childcare Teachers Know How to Listen
Effective communication involves active listening. We encourage parents to share their perspectives and insights about their child’s needs and behaviors with us. This helps us better understand your family dynamics and tailor our approach to support your child.
The Academy Communicates with Blogs and Facebook
Consistent communication helps parents stay informed about their child’s progress, events, and classroom activities. One of the ways we do this at The Academy is with our individual location blogs and our Facebook page.
The Best Childcare Teachers Have an Open Door Policy
Creating an open-door policy invites parents to feel comfortable reaching out with questions or concerns. When educators are approachable, families are more likely to communicate openly. This approach nurtures trust and assures parents that their input is valued, fostering a sense of partnership in their child’s education.
Childcare Teachers Schedule Conferences with Parents
Parent-teacher conferences are essential opportunities to discuss a child’s progress and address any concerns. They also help build a relationship between the childcare teacher and the parents – ensuring they are both on the same page. This can also be a time for a teacher to showcase a child’s work for a parent.
The Academy Is an Award-Winning Preschool
The Academy preschools provide the highest quality childcare and daycare services with the finest teaching staff available. We know that fostering positive parent-teacher communication is not just about exchanging information. I’s about building relationships that prioritize the child’s best interests. Join our family today.
Outdoor Play in Day Care
We recognize the importance of outdoor activities in day care. Outdoor play in day care is a fantastic way for children to release energy while improving their gross motor skills. Encouraging physical play in an outdoor setting not only boosts children’s health but also strengthens their social bonds and enhances their overall well-being. At The Academy, we have outdoor play time twice a day, weather permitting. Learn more about our daily routines in our Parent Handbook.
We Invest in Outdoor Play in Day Care with Top Notch Outdoor Playground Equipment
Physical play, both indoors and outdoors, is essential for young children. Play supports their physical development, enhances social skills, and encourages creativity. That why all of our locations have professional playground equipment.
Outdoor Activities that You Can Do at Home
We realize that safe and sturdy playground equipment isn’t always available at or near your home. But don’t let that stop you. Here are two activities that you can do at home to enjoy the outdoors. Remember, the key is to keep the activities light-hearted and playful, allowing the children to enjoy their time while benefiting from the physical exertion.
Scavenger Hunt Walks
Organize a scavenger hunt in your backyard or your neighborhood. Create a list of items that your children must find as you walk along with them. The list can include specific leaves, flowers, or rocks. As they run around searching for each item, they practice bending, reaching, and walking over varied terrains, enhancing their gross motor skills while enjoying the beauty of nature.
Obstacle Courses Are Not Just for Outdoor Play in Day Care
Set up a simple obstacle course using cones, hula hoops, and jump ropes. Children can crawl under things, jump over lines, or balance on planks. This activity encourages them to navigate challenges, which helps improve their balance, coordination, and agility.
Contact The Academy Today for More Information about Our High Quality Day Cares in Middle Tennessee
The Best Daycare Graduations in Cool Springs
One of the best daycare graduation exercises for rising pre-kindergarteners occurs every year at The Academy of Cool Springs. Following completion of our pre-K program, graduation exercises mark an important milestone in a child’s academic journey daycare to kindergarten.
The Benefits of Graduation Exercises
Graduation exercises used to be limited to high school and college, but gradually, over the years, graduation exercises started being held for junior high school, and then elementary school, and finally the trickle-down reached daycare. This progression is due to the benefits that a graduation ceremony provides.
The Benefits for Children
A graduation exercise helps a children feel a sense of closure to their preschool experience. It helps them take the next step into kindergarten.
It also gives them an opportunity to reflect on their achievements and progress over the past years. These include recognizing letters and numbers, writing their names, and engaging in basic social interactions.
By acknowledging and celebrating these achievements, graduation ceremonies help boost children’s self-confidence and motivation as they prepare to embark on the next chapter of their educational journey.
The Benefits for Adults
Graduation ceremonies provide an opportunity for parents, teachers, and other caregivers to show their support for the children. Coming together as children take this step toward kindergarten, shows a child how much they care. It is a time for families to celebrate their child’s growth and development, to connect with educators, and to form a sense of community within the school environment.
The Academy Is One of the Best Daycare Centers in Cool Springs
At The Academy, graduation is a bittersweet time for us. As we look at the incredibly adorable group of children standing on the stage, saying goodbye to them is difficult for us. But we are so very, very proud of the children, and we can’t wait to see them succeed in kindergarten. Thank you for trusting us with your greatest treasures!
