Being able to share, play, and celebrate with others is more than kindergarten readiness for young children and it will help them when they become part of a group at playschool, preschool, daycare, and kindergarten. Plus, Valentine’s is lots of fun. Many kids’ groups will have special songs, stories, games, treats and other activities for Valentine’s Day. Parents and caregivers can also do some of these same things at home with little ones. There may also be an opportunity for a special play-date today or sharing the fun with the family.
Kindergarten readiness includes so much more than academics. Becoming independent and regulating emotions are super important for little ones. Brains need the stimulation of all 5 senses with music, art, and exploring science, for both language and math. They also need movement activities just like little bodies for development. Valentine’s Day is a good time to remind ourselves that kids have brains, bodies, and hearts so we need to encourage and support kids in all these areas of learning. Maybe we need to add one more to Aristotle’s quote? Educating the mind, without educating the heart And the whole body, is no education at all!