The word “art” brings up many different ideas to many different people. Some remember messy art projects and the fun they had creating them; others think about an overwhelming amount of materials and not knowing what to make. Still, others remember the feeling that nothing they made was good enough to compare to the model they were given.

Did you know that babies are never too young to be talked to or read to? Comfort comes from the tone of the teacher’s voice in reading the text of a book to a child. Being cuddled in a teacher’s arms makes the child feel safe and secure while being read to.

The teacher’s ability to create the learning environment sets the tone for the activity and experiences in the classroom. From the furniture choices and placement to the soft and cozy touches, the environment is the foundation for young children to build their skills. Helping to construct spaces to connect, spaces to function, and spaces for learning, the classroom becomes an additional teacher in fostering young children’s development.

Nurturing mental health at a young age is essential in creating a foundation of stability that supports all other aspects of human development such as forming friendship and the ability to cope with challenges and adversity.  It also plays into achievement in school, work and the community long term.  By starting to teach healthy coping mechanisms and learning to identify emotions at an early age we can set up our children for bright futures.  We have a few simple steps to help begin the journey to mental health.

Summer break is meant to be fun – and there are plenty of fun ways to keep kids brains working and continue learning when not in school.  Incorporating a few of these activities into your child’s schedule is an easy way to keep them engaged and developing.