Experts say that pretend play is a natural way for growing children to learn and develop and that parents should encourage this type of imaginative expression. Whether it’s with a pair of fairy wings, a doctor’s stethoscope, a sparkly scarf or a silly hat, children live out their creative fantasies during dramatic playtime. We all […]
When you invite children to join you in the kitchen, there are many activities you can offer to stimulate their curiosity and enrich their minds. Whether it’s helping with food preparation or washing dirty dishes, these activities are beneficial to early childhood development and the learning of lifelong skills. So which kitchen tasks are best […]
In this episode of Lauren’s Learning Lab, mom, architect and teacher, Lauren Magee is joined by author, educator and natural playscape designer, Rusty Keeler. Together, they work to design and create the perfect outdoor space for Lauren’s three young children, ages 9, 7 and 3. Lauren’s children (and Lauren!) enjoy the outdoors and embrace mud […]
Kitchens are ideal environments for nurturing a child’s early development and love for learning. They are hands-on classrooms in a real-life setting where children can observe adults at work, engage their senses, develop motor skills and hand-eye coordination, and apply language and math skills. A sturdy step stool like the Kitchen Helper offers a safe […]
Cooking meals is not simply about putting food on the table — it is an activity that has brought parents and children together for many generations. So much of a family’s life takes place in the kitchen, and young children are often eager to be a part of it. By inviting children to help in […]
When it comes to working in the kitchen, a parent’s first inclination might be to keep children out to avoid potential accidents with sharp utensils, hot appliances and other hazards. Yet, kitchens are ripe environments full of opportunities for tactile learning and sensory exploration where children can learn. So how does one create a kitchen […]
