Teaching With Preschool Software

Teaching With Preschool Software
by: Jennifer Houck

Computers and their Benefits

Computers are becoming increasingly popular in homes, day care centers, preschools, and schools. In fact, current statistics show that more than 50% of all children have used a computer by the time they are four years old. That number jumps to over 80% when discussing children who have used the computer by the time they have entered Kindergarten. Using computer programs for educational purposes offers a host of benefits. Preschool software can be a great way to help children develop and reinforce many educational skills from literacy to science. Many parents may mistakenly believe that their preschooler is to young to benefit from computer software but this is a gross misconception. Preschoolers need to develop literary awareness and preschool software is a great way to expose children to concepts that will help them make the connection between words and their meanings. When it comes to learning, preschoolers need to learn in an atmosphere that is relaxed and fun. Many preschool software games incorporate graphics, audio files, and interesting voice patterns. This helps engage the child’s senses and stimulates learning. It is also important to ensure that the preschool software will help increase their logic, reasoning, and problem solving abilities. Since exploration, imaginative learning, and play are also critical to early childhood development, using preschool software can be an effective means for developing these areas as well.

One word of caution that is important to mention, is that preschoolers have a strong need for interaction with adults and other children. Therefore, the computer should never be used as a substitute for one-on- one or group learning. Consider the use of a preschool software program as an additional learning tool to enhance your curriculum- not to replace it. Some areas where you can find preschool software beneficial include:

•Oral Language Development- choose software that allows children to record and playback their voice. Also, look for software that has a narrator who children will interact and respond to.

•Increase Awareness in the Areas of Phonetics and Print- Preschool software can help children make the connection between print words and their meanings. It is also a valuable way to teach letter recognition, stories, rhymes, and letter sounds.

Using computers and preschool software can be advantageous for all children. It is important to ensure that each activity is connected to the other areas of learning currently being taught.

About The Author
Jennifer Houck is the owner of I love being a Mom (close new window to return to this page), the Free Parenting Resource for busy moms. Sign up for our newsletter and stay up to date on the latest mommy buzz!

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Crying Baby - Reasons

Crying Baby - Reasons
by: Theresa McNally

Introduction:

Crying is a normal event in the lives of all babies.When a baby comes out of the woomb the first thing to do is crying.By the first cry he will take some air in to the lungs for the first time in their life.After delivery if the baby doesnot cry then it should be initiated by slightly pinching or gently strocking the feet.From this it is clear that the healthy baby should cry and it is a normal physiological event ,still some times it can upset the mother or family members.

We all know that a baby can't tell his needs or troubles in words. The only way for him to communicate with others is by crying.Babies show some other signs like feet kicking,hand waving and head turning ect.But the best way to take the attention of others is by crying.

Excessive crying may not have a firm definition because the crying habit changes from baby to baby and some babies can be calmed easily but some are difficult to sooth.If crying is distressing for the mother and home nurse it can be called excessive.Many a times baby become quiet by giving breast milk or by carrying with a gentle rocking.Sudden onset of excessive crying means baby is distressed and needs attention.The causes of crying extends from simple reasons to life threatening conditions.Hence crying of a baby should not be ignored.

Most of the time it is difficult to find the cause of the cry .Common causes are discussed here for awareness.

Common reasons for crying:

1, Hunger:--

A hungry baby will cry till he gets the milk. Here the old saying comes true'crying baby gets the milk'.

2, Wetting:--

Urination and defecation causes some discomfort and results in crying till his parts are cleaned and made dry .

3, Company:--

Majority of the kids need somebody near. If they feel lonely they cry.When their favourite doll slips away from the grip they cry for help.

4, Tired:--

When the baby is tired after a journey and unable to sleep just cry simply.They feel tired in uncomfortable sourroundings and due to unhealthy climate.

5, Heat & cold:--

If they feel too hot or too cold they become restless and cry. Child is comfortable in a room with good ventilation.

6, Tight cloathing:--

Tight cloaths especially during warm climate is intolerable for kids.Tight elastic of the the dress can also produce soreness in the hip region.

7, Dark room:--

When the baby wakes up from sleep he needs some dim light.If there is darkness he will disturb the sleep of parents by crying.Ofcourse he will be irritated by strong light resulting in cry.

8, Mosquito:--

Yes,these creatures disturb the sleep by their blood sucking and make the baby to cry.

9, Nasal blocking:--

Child may not be able to sleep when there is a cold and go on crying till the passage is open.

10, Phlegm in throat:--

This also causes difficult breathing resulting in cry.Often a typical sound can be heard with each breath.

11, General aching:--

Generalised body ache with restlessness is seen in flu and prodromal stages of some infectious diseases can result in continuous cry.

12, Habitual cry:---

Some babies cry without any real cause ending the parents in agony.Many a times doctor is called for help.

13, Nappy rash:--

If a tight and wet nappy is kept for a long time results in this conditon. Rash can also be due to some allergic reaction to the elastic material of the nappy. When the rash appears it causes soreness and baby become sleepless and cry. All other skin lesions like eczema,ecthyma ,candidiasis ect also causes same problems.

14, Earache:--

Ear infection is common in wet climate.The infection may spread from the throat.Ear infection can result in rupture of ear drum causing discharge of pus.Eareache usually becomes worse at night when lying down.Child will become restless with cry and may not allow you to touch the ear.Some children with earache rub the affected ear frequently.

15, Colic:--

When the baby cry continuously most of us diagnose it as colic.This roblem is still a topic for debate because exact cause for colic is not known and diagnosis is also difficult to confirm.Colic may be associated with rumbling and distention of abdomen.Child often feels better when lying on abdomen.Some children may not allow you to touch the abdomen.If the child cries continuously doctors help is needed.

16, Infections:--

All infections causes some kind of pain or irritation resulting in cry.Infection may be anywhere in the body.Usually it is associated with fever, redness and swelling.

17, Reactions to certain food:--

It is said that one man's food is another man's poison. Some food articles can produce some allergic reactions.Allergy is manifested in the form of redness, breathlessness,gastric symptons and continuous cry.

18, Hard stools:--

Constipated babies with hard stools may cry when they get the urge for stool.Some children hesitate to pass stool because of pain .

19, Gastro esophagial reflex:--

Here baby cries with spilling of food after feeding.If this continues it may be due to gastroesophageal reflex.This is due to failure of the lower part of esophagus to close after food causing regurgitation from the stomach.It is difficult to diagnose this condition and can be confirmed by giving antireflex medicines.

20, Dentition:--

During dentition child becomes restless with crying. Often associated with gastric troubles and diarrhoea.

Some rare reasons -----------------

1, Bowel obstruction:--

Bowel obstruction is associated with severe pain and vomiting. Abdomen is distended with rumbling sound. Baby is constipated with absence of flatus.

2, Septicemia:--

Invasion of pathogenic micro organisms in to the blood is called septicemia. Fever is associated with this condition.

3, Torsion of testes in male kids:--

When a male baby cries continuously his scrotum should be examined. Torsion of the testes produce severe pain which will be worse by touching the affected testes. When the testes is pressed upwards pain is releived. If this is not treated properly it can damage the affected testes due to lack of blood supply.

4, Meningitis:--

Initially there may not be fever,hence crying baby with alternate vacant stare and irritability should not be ignored. Fontanel is bulging. Neck rigidity and seizures may appear later.

5, Retention of urine:--

Children with retention of urine will have agonising pain making them restless.

7, Major injuries:--

Major injury to any parts of the body causes pain. Occasionally children will fall while arrying and results in head injury. Head injury is associated with reflex vomiting and convulsions.

About The Author
Theresa McNally is the author of the all new "So You're Having A Baby" eManual that focuses on helping new mothers and fathers with their new little bundle of joy. You can read more about the book at: Expecting Mothers (close new window/tab to return to this page) and you can view Therea's article site at: Child Care Tips and More

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My Daughters Precious Ballet Shoes

My Daughters Precious Ballet Shoes
by: Morgan Hamilton

I was really glad when my daughter told me during her fifth birthday, that she wants to be a ballerina when she grows up. It thrilled me to know that I had a true little girl who is not interested in being a tomboy. I enrolled her into some creative dance classes before going into ballet. I was overjoyed when her instructors told me after the first year, that they thought she would be perfect for beginner ballet lessons.

My daughter and I were so excited that we rushed out to buy the outfits that she would need for her ballet classes. My daughter looked so beautiful in her tights that I was literally I was taking pictures of her every few seconds. Then we began to look for ballet shoes. The salesperson was very helpful, but my daughter didn't like the way that the shoes felt on her feet. I tried to explain to her that ballet shoes were supposed to feel that way. I also told her that she has to wear them if she wanted to take ballet classes. My daughter pouted for a few moments and then finally agreed.

She attended her first ballet class after a week. My little girl was all decked out elegantly in her new outfit, but refused to put the ballet shoes on. I had to plead with her for about 15 minutes before I was able to convince her that she could wear sandals and put her shoes on when we arrived. She packed them in her bag, but then she told me that she would be dancing in her sandals. I just sighed and hoped that her teacher can do a better job of convincing her to wear the ballet shoes.

All of the other girls in her class were running around happily in their outfits when we arrived. My daughter removed her sandals but was content to walk around barefoot. I whispered the issue to her ballet teacher, who agreed to deal with it. She approached my daughter and whispered something in her ear. Before I knew it, the ballet shoes were on my daughter’s feet. I was amazed and pleased when I left the room.

My daughter is now in high school and has gone through several pairs of ballet shoes. She is still determined to chase her dream of being a ballerina in the future. I feel very proud and happy whenever I see her carrying those pink ballet shoes to class. Many of my paychecks have been spent on buying her ballet outfits and shoes. But I can tell you that I have never once complained about a single dollar I spent. I still even have that first pair of tiny shoes for ballet that we purchased. They are now sitting on my dresser, next to a picture of my daughter in her first ballet recital.

About The Author
Morgan Hamilton offers expert advice and great tips regarding all aspects concerning Ballet Shoes. Get more information by visiting My daughter's precious ballet shoes.

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What you should avoid as a future parent

This is from personal experience. Because it is from personal experience, and I hope that other parents will avoid the mistakes I made, I am making this a sticky post (one which remain at the top of the main page always). If you want to know how to make a sticky post, surf over to How to make a sticky post (close new window to get back to this page).

When your wife is pregnant, try to keep the relationship good and avoid arguments that may lead to her getting angry. Keep the atmosphere calm and serene. Why do I say this? I have 5 grown up children, and one of them have a very bad temper. If my memory did not fail me, my wife was pregnant with him when we did not have a good relation and there were frequent arguments. My guess was that when one is angry, hormones circulate inside the body, and the same hormones circulate within the foetus. My guess is that this affect the development of the baby and when born, the baby is likely to have a bad temperament. So fathers and father-to-be, keep on good terms with your wife when she is pregnant, for otherwise, it may come back to haunt you with a bad tempered child. Keep the atmosphere calm and serene.

Another example. My sister-in-law lost her first baby due to a blocked intestine. She had other babies after that. I suspect that when she was pregnant with the second one, she was still mourning for the first baby she lost. Of all the children, the eldest always show a sad countenance, unlike the younger ones who are always cheerful.

Also, value education. I have five children. I encouraged the first three to read from young. Then I had some bad experience from thinking too much. (I am a highly educated and thinking person). Too much thinking gave me problems. Also, I have the impression that the more one is educated, the less risks one is prepared to take. So my last too was not brought up the same way the elder three were. I did't emphasise on education as much as I did with the elder three. Now they are grown up, the elder three are doing OK and can take care of themselves. The younger three who are less educated find problems getting good jobs.

Just hope my experience will help you avoid the pitfalls I have allowed myself to fall into.

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