Are you interested in enrolling your child in day care? If so, it will help you to find out some of the most common activities kids do during their stay in the facility. Here are five of the most common day care activities:

1. Sensory Table

Day Care Activities are about learning and fun!!

The goal of this activity is to let children explore their sense of touch and smell. They are blindfolded all throughout the activity. The kids sit in chairs around a table. The teacher places a bowl or basin on the table and fills it with objects that have various textures, shapes, and sizes. The challenge is to have them guess what object they’re holding or touching. It can be a lot of fun, especially when they sift through slimy and squishy objects (peeled grapes, for example)!

2. Kid Disco

One of the toughest challenges that are faced when taking care of toddlers and preschoolers is that they have a seemingly unlimited source of energy. This activity helps “channel” this energy into a more productive — and less destructive — avenue. The lights are dimmed, curtains are closed, and classic dance tunes are played. The teacher dances along with the children while they each have flashlights in their hands (creating their own disco ball effect). This is great exercise for everyone, plus it’s just really fun.

3. Pirate Role Play

Most kids are pirate fans, whether they’ve seen they famous Disney movie franchise or not. For some reason, anything pirate-like gives them loads of fun and allows them to play with their imagination. This activity taps into this and lets them be creative as they wish. The teacher can wrap plastic or wooden blocks with foil and use them as swords (costumes and other props work, too), draw a treasure map, and hide treasure (toys or snacks in a paper bag) in the classroom, and have them work together to find it.

4. Grandparent Greeting Cards

This one takes out the crafts table and supplies. The kids run wild with their creativity with crayons, paint, glitter, stickers, and more. They are asked to write messages to their grandparents (or anybody special to them) in improvised cards. This isn’t just fun for them; it also tugs the heartstrings of whoever receives the greetings.

5. Signature Storytelling

This can help introduce kids to old stories. The teacher reads a favorite storybook, and once a critical part of the story comes up, she stops and challenges the child to change the story if he wants. For instance, “What would you do if that happened to you?” or “Do you think the prince did the right thing?” are questions you can ask. This gives way to their imagination; plus, it lets them think on their toes.

Day Care Activities at Noah’s Ark Reno Child Care Center

Day care activities vary in every facility, but the main point of these is to engage kids physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially. All in all, the goal is to help them grow in all aspects of development. Come check out Noah’s Ark Child care center in Reno. We provide engaging and educational games and day care activities in Reno.

While most child care centers operate during traditional working hours, a lot of childcare needs arise in the evening and after hours too. For many of us, life doesn’t run on a 9 to 5 schedule anymore. Our increasingly 24 hours a day economy requires workers to put in odd hours and overtime. You may work the night shift or have a shift that runs over the strict 5pm workday cutoff. If you work in the service industry, your hours can vary from season to season, month to month and even day to day. And you need childcare that can accommodate your modern, busy lifestyle. Let’s take a look at how before and after school childcare can help you and your family balance your busy life and work needs with quality after hours child care.

The before and after school program is great for school age kids.

Evening Child Care

After hours’ child care is designed to help parents care for their children at all hours of the day. Some after hour child care centers offer 24 hour daycare. Others offer extended hours childcare that last long into the night and morning. But the most crucial times for many parents are the hours after normal workday hours, typically around 5pm to midnight. Evening child care is great for parents who have jobs that require them to stay late or work shifts that are non-traditional. A quality evening child care provider will provide the children activities, snack and meals to get them settled into the nighttime hours.

Early Child Care

On the opposite end of the clock, some workdays begin in the wee hours of the morning. If you have to leave for work at an early time, it cn be difficult to find someone to watch your child, especially if it is before 6am. That’s where early morning child care comes in. Early child care allows you to get to work on time and ensure that your child is well cared for. A quality early morning child care provider will ensure that your child is rested, nourished and ready for the school day or other activities.

Before and After School Care

Before and after school care is a type of extended hours child care for school age children. A before and after school program offers activities, meals and fun for older children. A quality child care center will also provide transportation to and from school for before and after school programs.

Before and After school Programs at Noah’s Ark Child Center in Reno

Noah’s Ark Child Center in Reno offers quality, education focused before and after school programs to the children of the Reno / Sparks area. Noah’s Ark Child Center provides a Before and After School Program for children in kindergarten through 6th grade on a traditional school schedule. We service the following schools with this program:

• Peavine Elementary School (across the street)
• Mamie Towles Elementary School
• Elmcrest Elementary School
• Roland Melton Elementary School

Come check out all our child care programs and contact us today! We look forward to hearing from you!

Long before the advent of brick and motor schools, curriculum and even writing, children learned about their world through games, play and sport. And while not every academic subject can be learned through play and games, many of them can. Even math, a subject that most consider a great bore, can be enhanced with fun math learning games for kids. The only limit to the scope of learning games for kids is the imagination of the teachers, children and parents.

Learning games for kids are also beneficial for socialization and adapting to group learning. Let’s take a look at the benefits of learning games for kids.

Learning Games for Kids are an essential part of learning!

Cognitive and Intellectual

Learning games for kids, including preschool age kids, which flex their cognitive and intellectual abilities are usually of the board game type or are the interactive computer game type. Games like puzzles, shape and image mapping games work out their spatial and memorization skills. Computerized math games can add a layer of fun and excitement to an otherwise bland subject. Most of these games are single player and teach the child to not only get the correct answer, but to see it through to a reward or goal. There are a number of great online games of this type that you can use at home to hone your child’s reading, math and spatial and memorization abilities. Check out some of these great learning games for kids that can keep them occupied on a rainy day.

Socialization

Children learn a number of social skills in a supervised free play environment. Allowing them to use their creativity and imagination with other children teaches them to respect others and coordinate activities.

Structured games are also a great way to improve their social skills. Games such as the name game, in which one child is given a ball in a group of children and then asked to say the name of the other person before rolling the ball to them, teach children the importance of identifying others by name, a critical social skill. Games like Simon says and red light green light teach children impulse control and how to follow directions and rules during play.

Learning Games for Kids at Noah’s Ark Reno 

Noah’s Ark Reno is dedicated to making the learning experiences of all our children as fun as engaging as possible. We take the research findings on the benefits of learning games very seriously. An we seek to implement all their recommendations into our classroom. Noah’s Ark Reno Childcare Center is the place where learning and fun can thrive together in your child’s life. Come check out or childcare, preschool, after school programs  and our summer camp program and contact us today! We look forward to hearing from you and starting a learning adventure with you and your child!

Starting Preschool is an exciting yet intimidating time.

For both parents and their children, starting preschool is an exciting milestone that brings great joy and pride. But, for both parents and children, the first day can also arrive with some anxieties. The start of preschool is likely the first time parent and child have been separated for any real length of time. Naturally, there are some worries, doubts and concerns that come along with this.

If you are a parent of a child who is starting preschool, you may be just as nervous as your little one about the big day. You may be even more nervous than your child, especially if this is your first time sending a child to preschool. You may be worrying about whether your child will make friends and behave, how they will do academically and whether they are prepared for all the new things they are about to experience.

To help you and your little one navigate the butterflies of starting preschool, here are some tips that you can use to help make sure the first day of preschool is a positive and happy experience.

For a Nervous Child Starting Preschool

At first, a child starting preschool may not show very much anxiety about the first day. Children usually don’t become nervous until the realization sets in that they are going to be separated from you for a good portion of the day. This anxiety is very common and sometimes it causes parents a great deal of anxiety as well.

To help keep you both calm, here are some tips to make the transition easier.

Talk to you child before the big day

Before starting preschool, talk to your little scholar about your experiences in preschool. Tell them about what to expect and how much fun it was for you, about all the neat things you learned and all the friends you made. Letting them know that you have been there too is a great way to relieve some of the anxiety your child may experience. Having this conversation with your child while allowing them to pick out a new backpack ad get other supplies reinforces the positive message.

Give them something of yours to hold onto

If your child is expressing worry about you leaving, give them something of

yours that they can hold onto for the day. It can be anything you like. To them that you are giving to them for safe keeping until you get back. This gives them something to focus on assures them that you will come back to get it.

Arrange play dates with the children in your child’s class

Arrange a play date with your child’s classmates!

If your child already knows someone in the class before starting preschool, the transition from home to preschool will be much smoother. Before preschool begins, get in touch with some of the other parents who have children in your class. Arrange a few play dates and foster a new friendship before preschool even starts.

Remember, even after doing some of these tips, your child may still be anxious and unsure about starting preschool. This is normal. The separation experience is a process that may take your child – and you too – some time to feel comfortable with.

For the Nervous Parent Starting Preschool

The process of starting preschool can be just as nerve racking for parents as it is for children. As the parent, you may also experience some of the same separation anxiety as your child. After being with your little one for so long and tending to their every need all the time, it can be emotional difficult to let go.

On top of that, you may feel hesitant to leave your child under the supervision of someone you may not know that well.

Here some tips to help you cope with the process of starting preschool.

Talk to The preschool Teacher and Director.

These anxieties are all very normal and preschool teachers are experienced and trained to address your concerns.

Before your child starts preschool, get to know the teachers and preschool directors. Ask them about their experiences and training. Try to get to know them on a personal level, too. Preschool teachers are naturally very friendly and gentle and will happily share who they are with you. Talking to the people who are going to be supervising your child on this level will turn them from strangers to trusted friends.

Take some time for yourself

While your child is at preschool, take some time for yourself that you would otherwise not have. Do something for yourself. Treat yourself to a massage, lunch with friends or start reading that book you have been trying to get to for the last couple of months.

Develop new friendships

Talking with and getting to know the parents of other children in the class is a great way to relieve the anxiety of starting preschool. They may be sharing some of your same feelings. Having someone to talk to who is experiencing the same thing can really help the both of you. You never know; a shared concern may become a great life-long friendship.

Starting preschool can be hard for both you and your child, and while these tips are not exhaustive, they are a good start to ensuring that starting preschool is an exciting, positive and formative milestone for you and your future scholar. At Noah’s Ark Childcare Center we strive to make sure that preschool is an inviting, warm, fun and creative space for your little one to develop their potential. We can’t wait to share the first day of preschool with you!

Probably one of the most widely studied aspects of education practice is the positive effect that parental involvement in education has on a child’s overall academic and socialization success.  The positive link between parental involvement in education and the child’s academic success has been demonstrated in study after study for a number of years. Additionally, parental involvement in education is considered by many in the education professionals to be one of the most important factors to a child’s success.

According to a 2003 survey conducted by Public Agenda, two-thirds of public school teachers said that an increase in parental involvement in education would help the children perform better, and 72% said that children with uninvolved parents are more likely to fall behind.

What do Studies Say about Parental Involvement in Education

A comprehensive study by SEDL, which combined the results of 51 studies on the effect of parental involvement in education, concluded that parental involvement in education is key to a number of academic success factors.

Parental involvement in education is important to learning success!

Children whose parents are involved in their education earn higher grades and are more likely to enroll in higher level classes and honors programs. They are also more likely to pass their classes, earn credits and attend school more regularly than children of uninvolved parents. The study also reports that children with involved parents have better social skills, improved classroom behavior and higher self-esteem.

What does this mean for parents of early education and pre-school kids?

While most of the studies of parent involvement in education focus on k-12, parental involvement with their child’s pre-K education is just as important. Research into the involvement of parents in their pre-school kid’s education has also shown a positive effect on academic outcomes when they reach kindergarten and elementary school, and kids who enjoy a high level of parental involvement make the transition into kindergarten and elementary more smoothly.

Perhaps the most important finding, however, is the fact that parents who actively participate in the education of their pre-school kids develop habits and attitudes to their child’s education that are beneficial to the child and are more likely to support their children through further education. Just like the kids, parents benefit from educational engagement with their child.

Some ways you can become more involved with your child’s pre-K education

After reading all the benefits of being in involved in your child’s education, you may be wondering how you, as a parent, can get involved in your child’s learning. As you have learned, parental involvement in education is a critical factor to ensuring their success. There are a number of fun and exciting way that you can get involved in your child’s learning.

Volunteer in the Classroom

Volunteering in your child’s classroom is a great way to learn about the world that your little one is learning in, and being there tells your child that school is a safe and inviting place where they can thrive. In an age when parents often only show up to school only when their child is in trouble, it is important to signal to you child at an early age that school is a positive and fun place to be.

Learn at home

While it is important to be involved in your child’s classroom, parental involvement education does not stop at the classroom door. Just as important is making your home an extension of the classroom by creating a fun and engaging learning environment.

Games are a great way to learn at home!

As mentioned in a previous post, there are hundreds of education oriented games that you can play with your child. Games make education fun. You can also read to your child or share one of your talents or skills with them. Teach them age appropriate things, of course. If you play an instrument or like art, you can introduce your child to the world of music, song and art when they aren’t learning in the classroom.

Talk to your Child’s Teacher

Talk to your child’s teacher about how they are doing, how they are behaving in class and if any problems arise. It is important to keep an open line of communication between you and their teacher. This way, both of you can coordinate and have an established relationship if any problems arise in your child’s progress.

These are just some of the ways that you can get involved in your child’s education. The National Education Association has a fantastic resource page for parents who want to get more involved with their child’s education. Use these resources and the tips above to help your child succeed and get the best out of their education.

At Noah’s Ark Childcare Center in Reno our dedicated and experienced childcare team is will help you get involved in your child’s education in a safe and inviting environment. At Noah’s Ark Childcare Center in Reno, you and your will learn together, grow together and thrive together.

When we talk about children and creativity, some minds go straight to artistic creativity and the age-old finger painting fun. Creativity has a larger impact on a child’s development than finger painting alone. Creativity also refers to imagination and original ideas, which are the tenets of innovation and problem solving.

Why Creativity is Important

At its basic root, the term creativity describes the human ability for one to express herself or think about things in a different way. A good sense of self-expression in a child can lead to a more communicative adult who has a stronger sense of self.

Creative thinking leads to better problem solvers. Your child’s creativity can lead her to being the doctor who finds a cure for cancer or fighting hunger. As parents and caretakers, we can equip our children with the tools to handle any problems they may face in the future by developing their creativity.

Creativity Time During Free Play

A child’s creativity muscle gets a lot of exercise during unstructured free play time. Since there is no requirement for exactly what a child should be doing, she can let her mind explore the limitless possibilities! If you are looking to help your child build her creativity, carve out some time for supervised free play time.

Creativity During Art Time

Art projects can be a perfect opportunity for children to develop creativity and self-expression. One of the roadblocks in developing a child’s creativity is placing an expectation on the end product. A child could be disheartened when she realizes her masterpiece looks nothing like what it is “supposed” to look like. Taking out the “supposed to” aspect of art projects makes a significant impact on fostering a child’s creativity.

Instead of making sure all of the children have instruction to attempt to repeat an image they see, focus on the process instead of the product. As long as the children are utilizing the different tools and materials in a safe manner, let their brains run wild to build their creativity without fear of judgment.

Encouraging Your Child’s Creativity

Many parents have experienced that awkward moment when a child brings home an art project that looks unrecognizable. Take those opportunities to learn about your child’s inventions free of judgment! Discussing a child’s art work with them is an excellent way to begin discussion of the day’s activities.

We suggest that a parent not ask, “What’s that?” because to a child very often they were not drawing a particular thing. Instead, perhaps ask your child to tell you about the picture she brought home, which will often encourage them to talk about their creation.

Creativity at Noah’s Ark Child Center

At Noah’s Ark Child Center in Reno, creativity is an integral part of our curriculum. We foster your child’s creativity through activities like dance, music, block building, dramatic play, mud play to challenge your child’s imagination and ability.

Our childcare professionals at Noah’s Ark Child Center strive to create a safe environment that supports creativity and self-expression of all the children.

Stop by for a tour and visit Noah’s Ark Child Center in Reno today!

On a hot summer day or when it is pouring cats and dogs outside, children can end up stuck inside with no structured activities planned. Few things can ruin a day faster than a bored child. Combat boredom with fun games for the kids and creating free play time!

Games Help A Child’s Development

Playing games with your children can not only bring your family closer together, but a “family game night” could set a child up for a more successful future. Recent studies reveal that a child’s executive function may have more to do with successful learning than a high IQ or sheer talent.

Unlike structured activities like team sports, free play and board games have a strong influence on improving a child’s executive function to make a child more self-sufficient in the future. Playing board games or card games with school age children can help foster their attention, concentration, visual-spatial processing, impulse control, and problem solving skills.

What better way to work on a terrifying muscle like impulse control than while playing a fun game? Even in the high stakes of a game, there may be less tears and fighting than if a caretaker were to teach impulse control in other scenarios.

Building Connections

Games offer kids a great environment for children to learn the fundamentals of teamwork, which is extremely important as they grow up. If children can learn how to work together at an early age, that skill will propel them to fostering meaningful relationships and a great work environment as adults.

Playing games as a family can bring your family closer together. If you have children that are a few years apart, a common entertaining activity like your family’s favorite game can keep siblings connected. Having a game night or board game time also allows you as a parent quality time with your children to learn about what is going on in their lives. In the demanding landscape of lessons, sports, and extracurricular activities, creating that time as a family can become very precious.

Outdoor Play

When the weather permits, outdoor games can help children’s cardiovascular health and teamwork skills. Outdoor games are especially helpful for children to improve coordination and get outside with nature!

Outdoor games with kids can sometimes lead to more ouchies than indoor games, so make sure your child center or caretaker is equipped to prevent and treat any child’s injuries.

Noah’s Ark Child Center

At Noah’s Ark Child Center in Reno, we offer preschool programs as well as before and after school programs to take care of your children. The child care programs at Noah’s Ark Child Center help children develop learning skills and socialization in order to expand a child’s education beyond time in the classroom.

Activities are diverse within our child care programs. Crafts, computers, games, stories, science, cooking, visitors and outdoor activities are included in the children’s time, so there are great learning opportunities across the board.

Visit us today to enter your child into a child care program in Reno at Noah’s Ark Child Center!

Sunshine, green grass and fresh air is an important part in the day of a child at Noah’s Ark Child Center. The children love their outdoor play time. Little bikers follow the figure 8 track as they master coordination and pedaling.  Climbers tackle the rock wall and the challenge of the “zipper” on the Big Toy.   If sliding is their joy they have the pick of three slides .  Diggers fill their buckets for sand castles, mud pies or dirt car tracks.  The green grass invites the children to enjoy a story on the hill, a sniff of the flowers or just a frolic in the leaves and blades of green.  In the winter the hill is covered with snow and a perfect place for a winter saucer spin.  Painting with water or paints on the sidewalk allows the children to mark their artistry on a cement canvas. There is never enough time in the  day for fun but there is always time for outdoor play.

It’s summer and at Noah’s Ark we want the children to know it is summer and the word for each day is FUN! Everyday we have a different theme that our kids take part in. We have fancy hair day, sidewalk chalk day, LEGO day, pirate day,  dinosaur day, treasure hunt day and more but the children’s all time favorite is WATER day.

Some days it is sprinkler fun and other days it is pool splashing or even mud pie madness.We like to put a water hose at the top of the slide that sends them sliding into the arms of a teacher, safe and sound and ready to get back in line for round two.  Then we lay on our towels on the grassy hill for a little sunshine and warmth before we go again. We love summer and the fun that each day brings.

When it’s not Water Day the kids are enjoying another one of our many themes or learning. Before the kids go home everyday we make sure they learn something new and have fun while doing so! We believe at Noah’s Ark that having fun is a great way to learn!