ready for kindergarten
To be ready for kindergarten, social-emotional skills are key along with fine motor skills. Teachers say academic skills are nice to have, but not necessary. Read more
build shade structures
Projects to plant trees, build shade structures and reduce the amount of pavement around schools have become high-priority as schoolyards become dangerously hot. Read more
cooking skills
Here are the cooking skills any kid can learn—from toddlers to teens—plus an in-depth look at all the reasons why kids should learn to navigate the kitchen from an early age. Read more
Old school buildings
Old school buildings are giving new lift to child care centers. Unused public spaces are creating new slots for young kids and offering stability to providers and families. Read more
Savage Park
Savage Park, A Meditation on Play, Space, and Risk for Americans who are Nervous, Distracted, and Afraid to Die written by Amy Fusselman explores the dangers of America's obsession with safety and discovers that the desire for a risk-free life to insulate from pain also insulates from real joy.
Play History, Nature, Personality
Dr. Stuart Brown, founder of the National Institute for Play, created the concepts of Play History, Play Nature and Play Personality. His interview with Dr. Jane Goodall and her mother gave these results. Read more
Top Toys list for 2024
Is it too early to start prepping for holiday toy shopping? Walmart just released its Top Toys list for 2024. Read more
age-appropriate responsibilities
Most of us know in theory that giving our kids responsibilities at home is a good idea. Here are some suggestions for age-appropriate responsibilities you can ask your kids to take on. Read more
good coach
A good coach can help build key skills like teamwork, compassion and responsibility. Yet, less than one-third of the country’s 6 million coaches have been trained in youth development practices. Read more
Head Start teachers
Child care is among the lowest-paid occupations, with 11% to 34% of workers living in poverty. Head Start teachers are no exception, leading to high turnover rates, staffing shortages and shuttered classrooms. Read more
