Articles
These articles about child development will help you understand the many ways kids grow and learn, and how you can support, encourage, and have fun with them along the way! Sign up for our monthly newsletter and be the first to receive new articles, activities and updates!
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Relaxation Techniques for Kids
Taking a few minutes to engage in simple, everyday relaxation techniques can help sustain your energy throughout your day. Even kids can relax and focus if you use movement,…
Foundations for Early Learning Skills
Kids learn and strengthen their learning by doing. Look for these signs as your kids learn to foster curiosity, demonstrate self regulation, and show an understanding of…
Self-Help Skills for Kindergarten Readiness
Many people focus on the basics of letter and number recognition or reading skills when they think of kindergarten readiness, but being “ready” for kindergarten is a lot…
Foundations for Developing Early Math Skills
Supporting your kids’ cognition – what they think and what they know – is vital to learning new knowledge and skills. Developing early math skills helps with logical and…
Foundations for Developing Daily Living Skills
Promoting physical health and development, including daily living skills, enables your kids to explore and function in their environment, which supports their development in…
Self-Help Skills for Babies & Toddlers
Self-help skills are involved in every Domain of Development. As your kids learn these skills they also develop independence, which helps them thrive in their world as they…
5 Ways to Get Kids Outside
Kids really do grow better outside. Here are five easy ways to add outside play to your family’s everyday activities! 1. Relocate a favorite indoor activity outside,…
Physical and Social-Emotional Health Work Together
Child development takes place simultaneously across every domain; they all support one another. Physical health, which we call Strong & Healthy Bodies, exists very…
Foundations for Social Development
Your kids will demonstrate they are developing their social skills and building authentic relationships by: Recognizing and labeling others’ emotions Expressing care and…
Language for Validating Feelings
Careful listening helps kids feel heard. Language that communicates careful listening when kids have strong emotions is similar to paraphrasing, but in a way that signals…
What is the Preschool Development Grant?
In 2019, Wyoming was awarded a Preschool Development Grant. With the funds, through a network of early childhood partners, the state is strategically building on existing…
Tips For Helping Kids Build Relationships
Relationship-building is the process of establishing emotional connections with others that are based on trust and intimacy. Through relationships, kids discover who they…
Interpreting Baby’s Body Language
Your baby’s body language can tell you how they are feeling and what they may need. Responding to their body language helps your baby feel safe and seen, which also supports…
Exploratory Learning Experiences
Exploratory learning experiences are all about curiosity! They engage kids in hands-on investigation of materials, ideas, and concepts. During these experiences, kids get to…
Receptive and Expressive Language
You can download this infographic HERE.Language is an important part of development, and it’s not just about the ability to say words. Expressive and receptive language…
Meaningful Learning Experiences
You can download this infographic HERE. Learning new things is easier for kids when the new part connects to something they already know a little bit about. When kids can…
Cold Weather Safety
You can download this infographic HERE.It might be cold, but that doesn’t mean you can’t play outside. There’s fun to be had and exploring to do – just bundle up!
Benefits of Family Style Meals and Snacks
You can download this infographic HERE.“Family style” is when kids and adults sit together for a meal or snack. Food and drinks are served from shared plates, pitchers, etc….
Supporting Kids Who Are Slow To Warm Up
You can download this infographic HERE.Many kids are “slow to warm up,” meaning they are uneasy or cautious in new situations or with unfamiliar people. As babies,…
Facilitating Learning Experiences
You can download this infographic HERE.Learning experiences build on existing knowledge (something familiar) and invite children to extend their thinking in a way that…
Reciprocal Relationships
You can download this infographic HERE.In a reciprocal relationship, each person is equally respected and valued. The relationship is balanced so that both people feel seen…
What Confidence Looks Like in Kids
You can download this infographic HERE.Developing self-confidence begins at birth, and it starts with building trust. When babies feel safe and secure, they trust the people…
Curiosity Leads to Confidence
You can download this infographic HERE. Confidence comes from who we believe and know ourselves to be, and what we believe and know we can do. This belief and this…
Learning at Home
You can download this infographic HERE.Emotional and physical environments matter because they affect how we feel, how we relate to others, and our ability to focus on…
10 Things Kids Learn Playing With Blocks
You can download this infographic HERE.Blocks are both a great learning tool and toy for kiddos!
5 Ways to Play in the Mud
You can download this infographic HERE.Help your kids connect to their world – by playing in the mud! Mud may be messy, but it’s also a raw, everyday material that…
Early Childhood Care and Education Settings
You can download this infographic HERE.Families have many options for where their children learn and grow when they are not at home. It’s important to get to know the…
Benefits Of Water Play
You can download this infographic HERE.There are so many benefits to playing in water for kids!
Tips For Transitioning Your Baby To Solid Foods
You can download this infographic HERE.Transitioning your baby to solid foods is an adorably messy and exciting milestone. There can be a lot to think about when the time…
Starting Baby on Solid Foods
You can download this infographic HERE.Starting your baby on solid foods can be an intimidating transition. This overview of new foods to try and when to add them to your…
Curious Minds Domain
You can download this infographic HERE.When kids are curious, they are eager to explore and learn. The Curious Minds Domain of Development encompasses concepts, skills and…
Accessible Environments for Little Learners
You can download this infographic HERE.Learning happens when kids feel welcome and comfortable in their environment, and when they have easy access to all the tools they…
Responsive Interactions
You can download this infographic HERE.When you give kids what they need in the moment – like a smile, a hug, or some help – you are responding to their actions and…
Raising Humane Humans
You can download this infographic HERE.Learning to recognize the emotions they are feeling will help your kids understand how to handle them – within themselves and with…
Helping Big Kids Adjust to a New Baby
You can download this infographic HERE.Bringing a baby home is a huge transition for an older sibling. Before your baby is born, read books together about new babies,…
Transitioning Home With A New Baby
You can download this infographic HERE.Don’t be surprised if you have mixed emotions about bringing your baby home. It’s OK to be nervous, and normal to feel uncertain…