LIFE School

Happy Weekend! ☀️

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Practicing fine motor skills is crucial for your baby’s overall development and future success.

Fine motor skills are small muscles working with the brain and nervous system to control movements in areas such as the hands, fingers, lips, tongue and eyes, which help children do things like eating, writing, manipulating objects and getting dressed.

Try something fun, like taping their toys to the wall to give them a new challenge.

Here are 7 amazing benefits:

1️⃣Preparation for School: Fine motor skills are essential for tasks like holding a pencil, tying shoelaces, or using scissors, all of which are fundamental for school activities.

2️⃣Enhanced Hand-Eye Coordination: By mastering precise movements of the small muscles in their hands and fingers, your baby is improving their hand-eye coordination. These skills are essential for tasks like handwriting, playing musical instruments, and even sports.

3️⃣Language Development: Research suggests that fine motor skills help with language development. Activities like grasping objects, turning pages of a book, or manipulating toys help babies strengthen the neural connections necessary for speech and language acquisition.

4️⃣Independence & Self-Care: Mastering these skills empowers your baby to become more independent in important tasks like feeding themselves, dressing, and grooming, which boosts their confidence and self-esteem.

5️⃣Cognitive Development: These activities stimulate cognitive development by engaging the brain in problem-solving, spatial awareness, and planning. Games like fitting shapes into the correct holes or stacking blocks require strategy and coordination.

6️⃣Social Interaction: Many fine motor activities, such as building blocks or playing with puzzles, encourage social interaction and cooperation. These experiences help babies develop important social skills like sharing, taking turns, and collaborating with others.

7️⃣Sensorimotor Integration: Many senses are simultaneously engaged, such as touch, sight, and proprioception (awareness of body position). This integration of sensory information is crucial for overall sensory processing.

Cherish witnessing these tiny miracles every day! 💫

Reading to kids as young as babies isn’t just about the words on the page. 📚

It also strengthens bonds, boosts brain development, and sparks imagination from the very start. ❤️

Whether it’s a classic tale or a whimsical adventure, every story plants seeds of curiosity and creativity. You can cultivate a brighter future, one story at a time! 💫

This month’s theme is all about responsibility. Teaching that life skill to kids isn’t just about today; it’s about empowering them to become amazing adults. 🌟

By instilling values like accountability and reliability, we’re helping to raise the leaders of tomorrow.

We are always striving to equip our kids with the tools they need to lead with integrity and compassion. ❤️

Follow along this month to see what activities you can use to teach this important character trait to our own kids.

Making good friends early on in life isn’t just about having fun (though that’s great, too!) It also lays the foundation for a lifetime of positive influences and well-being. 🧑‍🤝‍🧑

Good friends support us, encourage us, and shape who we become. They’re there through the highs and lows, teaching us empathy, resilience, and the value of connection.

Teach your kids to cherish the friendship bonds they are making. They’re making more than just memories, they’re setting themselves up for a brighter future! 🌈

How do you have a day at the beach in land-locked Arizona?

You just sit out in the sand and visualize the beach! ​​🌊🏖️☀️

Happy Friday!

🌴 🌊

Logic is essential, but imagination has no limits.

Cultivating creativity and imagination allows kids to explore endless possibilities and go on extraordinary adventures in their minds.

And that’s where the real magic happens. ✨

Here's the deal: our words are like seeds planted in our children's minds. If we keep watering them with talk of scarcity and limitations, that's exactly what will grow. But why settle for that when we can sow seeds of abundance instead?

When we constantly talk about what we don't have, what we can't do, or how tough things are, we're basically teaching our kids to see the world as a place of scarcity. We're setting them up to believe that opportunities are rare, success is elusive, and dreams are just that — dreams.

But we know deep down that’s not true! The world is bursting at the seams with abundance. There are endless possibilities, countless opportunities, and more than enough to go around for everyone. And it all starts with how we talk about it.

When you choose to speak words of abundance, you're showing your kids a different way of looking at things. You're teaching them to see opportunities where others see obstacles, to find solutions where others find problems, and to chase their dreams with unwavering determination.

So, be intentional about the words you use. Paint a picture of abundance for your kids, one where the sky's the limit and anything is possible. Because when you do, you're not just shaping their mindset — you're giving them the gift of limitless potential. And that is worth more than gold. ❤️

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A.A. Milne, the author of Winnie the Pooh, reminds kids that they possess incredible qualities within themselves. Building self-confidence means recognizing their inner bravery, strength, and intelligence, helping them face challenges with courage. 📚

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Shout to the awesome parents everywhere you deserve a little treat from the backseat!

➡️ Why is it crucial to understand Discipline vs Punishment?
➡️ Why are we so afraid of discipline?
➡️ And why is discipline a bad word?

Many of us adults are highly triggered by the word discipline.

We have childhood trauma and negative associations with this word because of how we were disciplined by our parents or how we experienced disciplinary measures when we were kids in school.

Thus, we have formed very unhealthy belief systems around the word discipline versus punishment.

We have to work hard to reframe this belief system and these definitions in our minds.

Punishment is something that is exerted onto us by an external force.

True discipline is internal.

If I am strong in self-discipline, then I won’t need to be afraid of the “consequences” of the world around me.

It’s been said that I can either learn to discipline myself or I will be “disciplined” by the world around me.

We have grown to fear the word discipline because we associate it with punishment.

In today’s generation, forced control and excessive heavy punishment do not work.

This is why things like gentle parenting, Nurtured Heart Approach, conscious parenting and Conscious Discipline are so popular and powerful.

They truly are a breath of fresh air and a shift in consciousness from the prior generations.

If we want to help our children develop healthy relationships with self-discipline, we must shift this definition in our minds first.

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You know that it is important to read to your kids, but did you know the benefits of reading together go far beyond just learning to read? 📚

Reading to young children not only helps them build language skills, but it also exposes them to new words and ways of using language. Something that will help them when they are in school.

Books also will help your children build empathy and learn how to handle challenging feelings. You can use this as a chance to talk about emotions and how to cope with them.

For example, you might say: “Have you ever felt as angry as the girl in this book? What would you do if you did?”

Even a few minutes of reading together gives you and your child a chance to slow down and connect.

Nothing replaces the good ol’ fashioned bonding time that takes place when you read with your child. Turn the devices off and just be with your babe. ❤️

And here’s something cool — the sensory experience of sitting with you and hearing your voice also engages their brain in a way that makes learning easier.

There’s no one right way to do this. You can read to them in any language, or multiple languages. You don’t have to do it at the same time everyday. Even just reading while they play can be a good way to connect.

The important thing is for your child to hear words and language, feel the love, and have books be part of their daily life. Any steps you can take will make a big difference.

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We cherish the magic of child-initiated play at school. 🌟

Here's why it's vital:

1️⃣ Creativity Unleashed: Kids' imaginations soar without limits.
2️⃣ Independence & Decision Making: They learn to lead and make choices.
3️⃣ Problem-Solving Skills: Every play session is a lesson in overcoming challenges.
4️⃣ Social & Emotional Growth: Play fosters empathy and relationship-building.
5️⃣ Joyful Learning: Children naturally engage and discover through play.

Support and celebrate your kids’ playtime adventures! 🚀🎨

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💌 This week, we’re diving into the joy of friendship with a special project: making and decorating friendship heart cards for each other. 🎨✨

This is a great reminder to tell your friends and family how much they mean to you.

Everyone loves things crafted and written by hand. Show your friends how much they mean to you by creating some heartfelt tokens with your little ones. 🎉

Who are you sharing the love with this week? 💌

❤️ 👭 ❤️ 👭 ❤️

🍊Real food, real benefits!

Kids thrive on whole, nutritious foods. We had fun discovering the appearance and taste of grapefruits, how they grow, and how to make grapefruit juice.

Grapefruit offers:
- Vitamin C for immunity.
- Hydration and digestion support.
- Antioxidants for overall health.

It’s important to introduce your kids to new foods and feed them the goodness nature has to offer! 🌿

Drop a 🍊 if you love learning and exploring real foods and real life with your kiddos!

This month at LIFE we are celebrating Friendships.

We will be learning songs about friends and asking: “What makes a good Friend?”

A good friend will:
🥰 Make you happy
🥰 Give you compliments
🥰 Give you hi-fives when you’ve accomplished something
🥰 Cheer you up when you’re feeling down
🥰 Support you with when you like different things
🥰 Listen to you
🥰 Cheer you up when you’re feeling sad
🥰 Say they are sorry they have hurt your feelings
🥰 Make you feel good about yourself
🥰 Make you laugh
🥰 Share their favorite things with you
🥰 Give you a hug when you need one

What are some things you do with your child to teach them how to be a good friend?

❤️ 👭 ❤️ 👭 ❤️

💬❤️ Little Ears, Big Impact!

What we say matters! Every word we speak shapes our little ones’ beliefs about themselves and the world as they grow.

They are like sponges, soaking up everything we say. 🧽

Your words have the literal power of life and death.

Young children under age 7 have no filters. They literally absorb everything they hear as absolute truth.

What they hear you say now will become their self-talk in the future.

Choose your words with love and intention. 🗨️

Let’s inspire them with our love, validation, empathy, and curiosity to help create a world of positivity and kindness for them to become leaders in. 🌍💖

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Kids are fascinated by things that adults don’t really pay attention to anymore — an ant crawling on the ground, puddles after a rainstorm, or someone walking their dog.

Take that opportunity to nurture their curiosity and encourage them to continue to appreciate the simple things.

If we start viewing life from our toddler’s point of view, it can help us to appreciate the little things. This will carry over into what we model and teach our kids.

Remember that grateful PARENTS and TEACHERS raise grateful KIDS.

Let your children remind you how to appreciate life and find joy and thankfulness in simple things.

Drop a ♥️ if you agree.

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“Dare to dream, and then dare to make that dream a reality.” — Dr. Donna D. Hollis

What did you want to be when you grew up? ❤️

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Did you know that Project-Based Learning is transforming the way our kids learn? 🚀

🌈 Project-Based Learning (PBL) is not just a buzzword—it’s a game-changer!

🌐Imagine your child diving into real-world projects, solving problems, and unleashing their creativity!

🔍 Why PBL? It goes beyond textbooks, making learning an adventure!

🌟From building robots to creating eco-friendly projects, our kids are becoming thinkers, problem-solvers, and innovators.

💡 Benefits for your superstars:
1️⃣ Critical Thinking: PBL sharpens their minds to think critically and solve challenges.
2️⃣ Collaboration: Teamwork makes the dream work! PBL fosters collaboration skills.
3️⃣ Real-world Application: Learning isn’t just in the classroom—it’s everywhere!
4️⃣ Creativity Unleashed: Watch their imaginations soar as they bring ideas to life.

🌱 Let’s support our little pioneers on this exciting learning journey! Together, we’re shaping future leaders, problem-solvers, and changemakers! 🚀🌟

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🌟From playground pals to lifelong friends, hugging plays a vital role in our children’s journey. 🤗✨

Here’s why this simple act is important for their well-being and yours:

HEALTH BENEFITS:
🩺 Stress Reduction
💪 Immune System Boost
❤️ Cardiovascular Health

MENTAL HEALTH BENEFITS:
🌈 Emotional Connection
😌 Stress and Anxiety Reduction
😃 Improved Mood
💖 Enhanced Self-Esteem

ESSENTIAL ASPECTS:
🤝 Building Strong Relationships
💆 Coping Mechanism
🌟 Promoting Empathy

At LIFE, we recognize the importance of nurturing not just academic growth but also our kids’ emotional well-being.

Let’s work hard to foster a culture of warmth, hugs, and lifelong connections. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

Remember to give and receive some hugs today! 💙

An important life skill that often gets overlooked is cleaning! 🧹✨

Here’s why it’s so crucial:

1️⃣ Independence: Learning to clean gives kids a sense of independence. They’ll feel confident tackling tasks on their own, promoting self-reliance.

2️⃣ Organization: Cleaning teaches valuable organizational skills. A tidy space helps improve focus and creates a positive environment.

3️⃣ Responsibility: Understanding the importance of maintaining a clean and orderly space instills a strong sense of responsibility and pride in our children.

4️⃣ Teamwork: Cleaning together fosters teamwork and cooperation. It’s a wonderful opportunity for family bonding!

5️⃣ Life-Long Habits: Habits formed in childhood tend to stick around. By teaching cleaning as a habit, we’re setting our kids up for a lifetime of cleanliness.

As they mature into adults, these skills contribute to a well-organized and harmonious living environment, promoting efficiency, mental clarity, and a positive mindset in our daily lives.

The habits instilled in childhood become integral to navigating the demands of adulthood, fostering a balanced and productive lifestyle.

Join us in creating a community of parents who empower their kids with valuable life skills!

Drop a 🧹if you have helpful little cleaners in your home. Tell us your tips on how you teach them to clean!

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🎨✨ Unleashing creativity exploring artist Jackson Po***ck’s World! ✨🎨

Our class embarked on an artistic adventure and dove into the vibrant world of Jackson Po***ck! 🌈🖌️

🔍 What did we discover?
We learned about Po***ck’s unique “drip painting” technique, where every splash, drip, and splatter tells a story. 💫

🌈 Expressing without boundaries:
In Po***ck’s spirit, we encouraged them to let go of perfection, embracing the beauty of spontaneous expression. The result? A masterpiece filled with energy and emotion! 🚀

Are you inspired by art? Drop a 👩‍🎨 in the comments or tell us!

Hands on science: solids, liquids, gasses and JELLO!

We froze a bowl of jello and learned about solids and liquids and what happens when you add salt to ice.

Why Is Gratitude So Important?

Gratitude is associated with many physical and mental health benefits.

Studies have found that gratitude is associated with your overall well-being, as well as:

😃Greater life satisfaction
😃Positive emotions
😃Stronger relationships
😃Cardiovascular health
😃Better quality of sleep

Practice listing out things you are grateful for with your little ones for them to develop good habits to notice and appreciate happiness! ☀️

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Today our kids learned about why we celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr Day and what he talked about in his “I Have a Dream” speech.

We drew pictures of him giving his speech while talking about why it’s important to learn how to love and forget how to hate.

We had these ideas for how to honor him:

🕊️ Every single person will become nice
🕊️ No more killing
🕊️ No more fighting
🕊️ No bad guys, only nice people

What are you doing to honor today?

Our preschoolers are practicing colors and numbers by color sorting and counting legos! 🌈

This helps our students to sequence and prepare their minds for mathematics, order, color identification, and concentration!

Try it at home with your little ones!

We love AZ winter weather! Lots of playing and exploring with friends outside all winter long!

🌈🥦 Fueling future superheroes with a rainbow of fruits and veggies! 🦸‍♂️🦸‍♀️ Who knew eating the colors of the rainbow could be so much fun? 🌽🥕🍌

Encourage healthy habits early and watch those little taste buds bloom! 🌱

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