“If you have good thoughts they will shine out of your face like sunbeams and you will always feel lovely.” – Roald Dahl (author of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory) Young children are at a stage where they are becoming increasingly aware of others and all the many ways to interact wit

“The essence of all knowledge is self-knowledge.” – Plato When your child walks through the Kinderpillar doorway for the first time he is meeting a new world where he will be asked to express his unique identity while complying with group expectations of the class. This is not an easy tric

“Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.” – Albert Einstein Does your child pick up a block and pretend it is a phone? Do you notice your child use her toys and household items as props to pretending to be a superhero, a

“Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.” – Desmond Tutu The early childhood years are a “prime time” for children to develop and use empathy skills. At this stage of development children are increasingly aware

“Oh Tigger, where are your manners?” asked Winnie the Pooh. Tigger answered, “I don’t know but I bet they are having more fun than I am!” – from ‘Pooh’s Little Etiquette Book’ by A. A. Milne While the topic of manners might sound boring and staid, it is actually a very importan

You can help children think critically as you share your favorite books and stories. The delightful process of sharing stories and books with young children provides the perfect opportunity to help children develop important critical-thinking skills. You can use story themes and characters as the sp