Finding the Right Start for Your Child
HOW TO FIND THE PERFECT PRESCHOOL
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FEATURED PRESCHOOL LISTINGS PG. 25
PRESCHOOL BASICS–WHERE TO BEGIN School
Admission Events Page 20
How to Support Your Middle School Child When Friendships
Don’t Last ADD IT UP: 25 Ways to Make Math Fun
Halloween Festivities
Around the Bay Area
Immersed in a joyful school community, Prospect Sierra students think and feel deeply, develop a lifelong love of learning, and are prepared to make a positive impact on the world.
The 2023/24
edition of The East Bay Private School Guide is available and is filled with information on how to help parents navigate the process of finding the best private school for their child. This guide has information on prioritizing what are the most important factors for your family, determining what type of school to consider, navigating admissions tours, shadow days, interviews, needed exams, tuition assistance and writing a great essay. Use the month-by-month guide to keep your family on the admissions track to getting accepted to the school of your choice. Available in print and online at www.ParentsPress.com – just click on “Our Magazines” tab.
What better way to keep track of all the Bay Area preschool and private school’s admission events than this handy tool! With over 50 entities participating, check out the Online Open House & Admissions Calendar on ParentsPress.com. Look for the School Open Houses button on the main header bar and tap. Don’t forget to tell them you saw their event on https://parentspress.com
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, every year an average of 62,000 children between the ages of 0-19 sustain brain injuries needing hospital stays. These injuries happen from motor vehicle crashes, falls, sports, physical abuse, and other causes. At greatest risk for brain injury are children between the ages of 0-4 and 15-19. A concussion is one form of a brain injury.
Symptoms and recovery course for brain injuries vary greatly depending on the cause and severity of the injury. It is common for injuries to cause problems in such areas as cognitive functioning, physical capabilities, communication, and social, emotional, or behavioral regulation. Such symptoms include:
• Cognitive impairments – short term memory loss, issues with concentration and attention, slowness of thinking
• Physical impairments – issues with vision/hearing, headaches, impaired motor coordination and balance, fatigue
• Language/communication – decreased ability to create or understand language, trouble thinking of right words to use, decreased vocabulary
• Social/emotional/behavioral – mood swings, anxiety, depression, restlessness, problems controlling emotions With children, whose brains are still developing, it is important to keep an eye out for symptoms following a brain injury so that they can receive additional supports if needed such as medical care, special accommodations at school, speech therapy, occupational therapy, or help from a mental health specialist. It is common for some problems to become more noticeable as a child gets older and needs to use different skills, such as concentration, attention, and socially appropriate behaviors, in school and with friends.
Reducing the incidence of brain injuries in children starts with prevention. Follow these tips for brain injury prevention:
• Always make sure your child is wearing a seat belt when in the car. Small children should be in appropriate car seats or booster seats.
• Children, adolescents, and teens must always wear a helmet when riding a bike, scooter, skateboard, snowmobile, dirt bike or ATV.
• Use appropriate head gear in contact sports, skiing, sledding, skating, or riding a horse.
• Do not walk, drive, or cross a street when texting. Always be aware of surroundings.
• Place non-slip mats in bathtub/shower as well as under area rugs.
• Do not leave babies unattended on beds or changing tables. Never place occupied carriers on high surfaces such as countertops or tables without supervision.
• Install safety gates at top and bottom of all stairs.
• Place safety guards on windows.
• Keep stairs clutter-free. Y
Create lifelong memories by putting yourself into beloved stories so little ones can hear you read this favorite story again and again. Gift givers can also record a personal message at the beginning of the story, directly expressing their affection. $24.99, ages birth+, read.sourebooks.com
Features a full recline position and an extending leg rest for a comfortable and ergonomic position when used outside the vehicle. In addition, the oneclick rigid LATCH install offers quick, simple and safe installation in seconds while air ventilation channels in the car seat provide natural airflow to keep your child comfortable.$449.95, ages birth – up to 30 inches tall and 35 lbs., cybex-online.com
A new infant toy line that brings a fresh, colorful palette of fitness themed and LatinX culture to seven products that feature Spanish words and phrases parents can share as they play with baby. Motivational messages like “Si Se Puede” and “Vamos A Movernos” can be found throughout the inclusive collection. $8.99 - 23.99, ages birth+, us.tomy.com
Encased in soft organic cotton and filled with PLA made from nonGMO sugarcane, the pillow offers comfort and support – without polyurethane foam, flame retardants or harmful chemicals. It includes a waterproof, machine-washable cover that makes feeding time, tummy time and anytime clean and easy $119, naturepedic.com
Features high-definition video quality on both the local parent unit as well as remotely on the app. Equipped with sound and light profile which enhances a baby’s sleep environment by providing calming sounds and lights specifically designed to promote better sleep. Includes free professional in-app advice and videos from experts providing helpful tips and advice about sleep, developmental milestones and more. $179.99, store.leapfrog.com
Works like the breast to enable an easy transition between breast and bottle feeding. New nipple technology supports a natural feeding rhythm by only releasing milk when baby actively drinks. $29.95 (4-pack | 9oz.), ages 1 month+, usa.philips.com Y
NAPPA Awards has been celebrating the best in family products for 33 years. For more product reviews and gift ideas visit nappaawards.com
Halloween is my favorite thing in the entire world, ask anyone. Every year I scour the internet looking for a full month’s worth of Halloween activities to take my kids to so we can wear our costumes many times and get all the items on our Halloween bucket list checked off. Pumpkin patch, check. Corn Maze, check. Trick or Treating, Check. Spooky stories, check! This year, my enthusiastic list-making is to the reader’s benefit. If anyone loves Halloween as much as I do, take notice, because I’m about to spell it out. These are my eight do-not-miss Halloween festivities for 2023!
Halloween Jam – Children’s Fairyland
Join in October 20-22 and October 27-29, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day, for decked out sets and rides, spook-tacular performances and activities at the Emerald City Stage, costumed characters, bouncy houses, and plenty of photo opportunities. This year, treat stations will hand out special goodies and host a fun, interactive activity that leads participants around the park as they follow the tale of a spider family. The “Monster Mash Parade” is your kiddos’ chance to show off their attire as this costume parade meanders around the park and ends with a fashion show on red carpet. The Monster Mash Parade happens daily at 12:30 p.m. and again at 3 p.m. It’s going to be bubbling over with eerie-sistible cuteness! All ages. Children’s Fairyland, 699 Bellevue Ave., Oakland. 510-238-6876, www. fairyland.org.
4th Street Halloween Parade & Trick or Treat
Berkeley’s 4th Street with over 80 merchants are open to trick or treat in for those kids who are too tiny to stay up late but still want to show off their costumes. Participating merchants will have a marking on or above their doors to let revelers know where the candy is. There will be live music, entertainment, even a few treats and free samples for grown-ups. 1 p.m.-5 p.m. 10/31. 4th St., at Hearst, Berkeley. www. fourthstreetshop.com
Half Moon Bay might not be famous for many things, but pumpkins are one thing that has put this little hamlet on the map. The coastal air makes pumpkin magic and grows some gourds that are as big as a smart car. All ages will be agog at the marvelous and gigantic pumpkins, but will also love the rest of the festival with crafts for sale, art, live music, food, wine, and children’s activities to do too. Expert pumpkin carvers will amaze the crowd with epic works of art unbelievably carved from pumpkins and gourds. There will be pumpkin flavored everything from pies to cocktails, as well as zip line rides, bungee jumping, and more. October 14-15. Check website for daily schedule. Free admission. All ages. Main St. between Mill and Spruce, Half Moon Bay, www.pumpkinfest.miramarevents.com
The Bay Area Discovery Museum in Sausalito puts on an amazing Halloween to-do for the early childhood crowd. Children can dress up and enjoy the Disglow party, hay maze, slime banquet, spooky science, and more! Buy tickets online in advance. See website for daily schedules and ticket prices. Oct 21-22 & 2529. Babies under 6 mo. are free. All ages. Bay Area Discovery Museum, 557 McReynolds Way, Sausalito. 415-339-3932, www. bayareadiscoverymuseum.org.
Yerba Buena Center for the Arts hosts their annual Halloween event, and it is fantastic. Kids will enjoy arts and crafts while zany clowns run amok. Games, prizes, fortune tellers and more. Music and dancing are followed by a parade that everyone gets to join. 10/28. Noon - 3 p.m. Free. Kids under 10. Children’s Garden, Yerba Buena Gardens, https://ybgfestival.org/event/halloween-hoopla-2023
Calling all ghosts, goblins, and witches - join in for Boo at the Zoo! Navigate through a 500-bale hay maze, encounter larger-thanlife Halloween decorations, and follow the clues on our self-guided scavenger hunt to find the animal x-rays throughout the Zoo! Make sure to grab your event guide and OCHO candy bar* as you enter the Zoo to participate in all the fun activities! Remember to dress in costume (no inflatable costumes - they can scare the Zoo animals) when you visit and tag Oakland Zoo on social media to enter our Halloween costume contest! October 1 -29. See website for details. All ages. Oakland Zoo, 9777 Golf Links Rd., Oakland. 510-6329525, www.oaklandzoo.org.
Between the Bay Area and Sacramento is a little farm town called Dixon and it boasts the coolest corn maze on the planet. It’s actually way more than just that. There are tubs of dried corn for kids to “swim” in, giant hay bale structures to climb, and 50 acres of mazes and fun, including hay rides and a pumpkin cannon! It is open throughout the month and has free parking. There are food, drinks and pumpkins available for purchase. Check website for daily offerings. All Ages. Cool Patch Pumpkins, 6585 Milk Farm Rd., Dixon. 530-746-8725, www.coolpatchpumpkins.com
Thiscrazy scary haunted house is for older kids, teens and adults. They mean to scare people, and it’s no joke! It’s great for the crowd that’s too cool to trick or treat. There are 5 haunted attractions, including a maze, a pirate themed attraction, and some crazy Voodoo stuff! There is entertainment each night, fortune tellers, and a sideshow of oddities. Spooky! They allow all ages, but it is not for little ones. See website for the various show times throughout October, Thursdays - Sundays, and Halloween, of course. Event sells out early. All ages but best for teens and up. Pirates of Emerson Haunted Themed Park, Valley Ave., Pleasanton. (At Alameda County Fairgrounds) www.piratesofemerson.com Y
So, start working on costumes now and make a game plan to hit all the hot spots to maximize the Halloween fun! Don’t forget to read those spooky stories on All Hallow’s Read to wrap it all up.
wait too long for this, even if it seems less convenient at times. If your baby doesn’t get used to taking a bottle early, she may refuse one in the months to come, and you’ll feel even more tied down. Besides, dads enjoy being able to share the pleasure of feeding time with their baby.
If you don’t want to express milk, he can offer a bottle of water. Some babies will drink water more readily if you dissolve one teaspoon of sugar (not honey) into four ounces of warm water.The slightly sweet water is more appealing than plain but won’t interfere with your baby’s hunger for her next meal.
Even if your baby is completely breastfed, think about having dad offer her a bottle of expressed milk once a day. Once breast feeding is well established, offering a bottle won’t interfere with nursing. Don’t wait too long for this, even if it seems less convenient at times. If your baby doesn’t get used to taking a bottle early, she may refuse one in the months to come, and you’ll feel even more tied down. Besides, dads enjoy being able to share the pleasure of feeding time with their baby.
If you don’t want to express milk, he can offer a bottle of water. Some babies will drink water more readily if you dissolve one teaspoon of sugar (not honey) into four ounces of warm water.The slightly sweet water is more appealing than plain but won’t interfere with your baby’s hunger for her next meal.
Bath time can also be fun, if your baby likes the water. Most babies like a little massage with an unscented oil or lotion. Choose a time when your baby is in her “quiet alert” stage for the best experience for both baby and dad. Gentle massage will often help a baby to prolong a quiet state that continues even after the massage is over. Even diapering can be “quality time” for a dad and baby, if he talks and coos to her while he is cleaning and changing her.
Bath time can also be fun, if your baby likes the water. Most babies like a little massage with an unscented oil or lotion. Choose a time when your baby is in her “quiet alert” stage for the best experience for both baby and dad. Gentle massage will often help a baby to prolong a quiet state that continues even after the massage is over. Even diapering can be “quality time” for a dad and baby, if he talks and coos to her while he is cleaning and changing her.
are the only men who are trying to figure out everything from how to juggle a baby, a job and a messy house, not to mention what kind of role model they want to be for this new little person.
Fortunately we live in an area where we have great support and resources for fathers. Fathers of babies and young children
feeling that even though the baby is wonderful, daily life isn’t very much fun!
Moms often get more support and understanding than dads for the new role they are learning. Dads may think that they are the only men who are trying to figure out everything from how to juggle a baby, a job and a messy house, not to mention what kind of role model they want to be for this new little person.
Fortunately we live in an area where we have great support and resources for fathers. Fathers of babies and young children
can meet other fathers for discussions, activities or a hike through local resources such as the Fathers Forum (Fathersforum. com) or East Bay Dads (Eastbaydads.com).
can meet other fathers for discussions, activities or a hike through local resources such as the Fathers Forum (Fathersforum. com) or East Bay Dads (Eastbaydads.com).
As new parents you need to be very aware of each other’s needs right now. Mothers are often so overwhelmed with caring for a new baby that they don’t have much energy left for the couple relationship. Dads, on the other hand, may not get to enjoy the baby as much and may feel deprived of both their mate and their expectations of what fatherhood would be like. No one can imagine what daily life will be like with a new baby. Of course, no one has the time or energy to talk about this, so it’s no wonder thatboth parents can wind up
As new parents you need to be very aware of each other’s needs right now.
Mothers are often so overwhelmed with caring for a new baby that they don’t have much energy left for the couple relationship. Dads, on the other hand, may not get to enjoy the baby as much and may feel deprived of both their mate and their expectations of what fatherhood would be like. No one can imagine what daily life will be like with a new baby. Of course, no one has the time or energy to talk about this, so it’s no wonder thatboth parents can wind up
If a dad is feeling really overwhelmed or stressed out, the extra support of a resource like Postpartummen.com can be a lifesaver. Most people don’t know that dads feel the baby blues just like moms, and dads can also experience postpartum depression. Moms can help by encouraging dads to check these local online resources. Even better, Moms can encourage (even push) dads to use these resources to get together with other dads in real life. Fortunately, nature designed babies to rapidly move through this period of complete dependency on mom. Soon, your baby will become a delightfully social being. By the time you read this, she will be smiling and flirting as she discovers that there is more to life than a good meal and a nap. In fact, by the end of her third month, she’ll be so delighted to see her dad that you’ll see her get excited and animated just seeing his face. So be patient, support each other through this difficult time, and you’ll all emerge intact.
If a dad is feeling really overwhelmed or stressed out, the extra support of a resource like Postpartummen.com can be a lifesaver. Most people don’t know that dads feel the baby blues just like moms, and dads can also experience postpartum depression. Moms can help by encouraging dads to check these local online resources. Even better, Moms can encourage (even push) dads to use these resources to get together with other dads in real life.
Fortunately, nature designed babies to rapidly move through this period of complete dependency on mom. Soon, your baby will become a delightfully social being. By the time you read this, she will be smiling and flirting as she discovers that there is more to life than a good meal and a nap. In fact, by the end of her third month, she’ll be so delighted to see her dad that you’ll see her get excited and animated just seeing his face. So be patient, support each other through this difficult time, and you’ll all emerge intact.
Thea S. Dosanjh,
2000 Appian Way,Suite 303 510-964-0168
www.eastshorepediatricdental.com
Teri L. Kim, DDS 2000 Appian Way,Suite 303 510-964-0168
www.eastshorepediatricdental.com
As new parents you need to be very aware of each other’s needs right now. Mothers are often so overwhelmed with caring for a new baby that they don’t have much energy left for the couple relationship.
As new parents you need to be very aware of each other’s needs right now. Mothers are often so overwhelmed with caring for a new baby that they don’t have much energy left for the couple relationship.
Your child wakes up with a sore throat and you begin an internal debate of whether to keep your child home or send them to school. On one hand, you do not want your child to struggle through the school day because they don’t feel well but, on the other hand, having your child catch up on school work and taking a day off of work yourself can be difficult if your child feels fine after getting their day started. How is a parent to know when it’s best to keep your child home to rest and reduce the risk of spreading illness to other kids? Let’s look at some common symptoms kids have and when it’s ok to go to school and when it’s best to stay home and recuperate.
If your child wakes up with a fever over 101 degrees then they should stay home from school. Giving ibuprofen or acetaminophen will help bring your child’s fever down but the temperature should be taken prior to medicine given to determine if your child should go to school that day or not. A child with a fever is most likely contagious so they should stay home.
If your child has a mild sore throat due to allergies or cold symptoms then they are most likely well enough to attend school. If the sore throat is severe it could be strep throat and you should take your child to a doctor to be tested. If your child tests positive for strep throat, they should be on antibiotics for 24 hours before returning to school to avoid spreading illness.
Pink eye is extremely contagious. If your child has yellow/green discharge coming out of their eye or the white of the eye is a pink color then your child should stay home until they have seen a doctor. Most schools will require a note from a doctor saying the child is well enough to return to school or that the child take antibiotic eye drops for 24 hours before attending school.
If your child wakes with a headache but does not have a fever it is most likely safe to send them to school. However, if your child is excessively tired or has other symptoms besides just a mild headache it is possible, they are coming down with something and it might be best to stay home and rest.
If your child has a rash from an unknown source keep them home until you are able to see a doctor to determine what the cause is. Rashes can be caused by many things and some of them are contagious. If you know the cause of your child’s rash such as ringworm or impetigo, use the appropriate measures to ensure it doesn’t spread.
If your child has ear pain and no other symptoms, they are not contagious and can technically go to school. If the ear pain is causing discomfort, loss of sleep, or a fever, staying home to recuperate may be the best choice.
If your child is having diarrhea or is vomiting, they will need to take the day off of school. Not only are they contagious but they probably aren’t up for their usual routine anyway.
If your child has mild cold symptoms such as clear runny nose, mild sore throat, and mild fatigue then they are allowed to attend school. Keep in mind that while cold symptoms don’t affect your ability to participate in normal activities, it doesn’t mean that they are not contagious. Take care to practice frequent hand washing, cover that cough, and get dirty tissues in the trash can.
You cannot keep your kids home from school and activities every time they cough but kids with a severe cough should stay home from school. Likewise, children who are experiencing shortness of breath or wheezing should stay home and see the family doctor. When it comes to the decision of whether to keep your child home or send them to school, use common sense. If you saw another child with the same symptoms at school, would you want them to be around your healthy child? If your child has extreme fatigue or generally feels unwell, it might be the sign of something to come and it may be best to rest at home. Usually, when it comes to stopping the spread of illness, it’s best to be safe than sorry. When in doubt, keep your child home until they are back to their normal, active self. Y
Sarah Lyons is a mother of six children, including eight year old triplets.
How is a parent to know when it’s best to keep your child home to rest and reduce the risk of spreading illness to other kids?
When in doubt, keep your child home until they are back to their normal, active self.
By Cheryl Maguire
When my tween girl was navigating middle school friendships, she seemed to have a new friend group every week. There always seemed to be a lot of drama over who was getting along with one another. As it turns out, this is a normal phase of development among tweens while they learn to form healthy friendships in middle school.
“At this age kids are figuring out who they are and where they belong,” says Maria Sanders, a clinical social worker and certified parent coach. “Socially speaking, they think, ‘I am not a little kid and I don’t belong with my parents and my siblings so I’ve got to find my new people.”
Here are some ways friend relationships can change and how you can best support these changes.
Between the ages of 9-11, tweens are usually approaching puberty, and with that comes a rush of preteen hormones. All those hormones can supercharge emotions and make relationships more intense at this time in their lives when they’re learning who their friends are and where they belong.
At this age, “It’s developmentally appropriate for tweens to value their peer group and to push away adults,” says Caroline Maguire, a family coach in Massachusetts and the author of, Why Will No One
Play With Me? Typically, their friends become the most important emotional relationship for them as they try to be more independent from their parents and siblings. “The peer group becomes the most important factor in their lives,” Maguire says.
Sanders agrees that as tweens move away from their comfortable family relationships, they begin to try to find this same feeling with their friends. “Developmentally, they are supposed to let go of that safety and comfort from their parents, but they still need it. So, they’re finding that in their friendships,” Sanders says.
—Caroline Maguire, a family coach in Massachusetts Author of, Why Will No One Play With Me?
you refrain from saying negative comments and from offering your opinion.
“I think the hardest thing is not responding because we want to say, ‘Oh, yeah, she was so evil and I agree you should never speak to her again.’”
The first reason it’s important not to say anything negative is because they might end up being friends again. “Don’t directly criticize your tween’s friends, but allow them to examine their friendships without judgment,” says Maguire. You also don’t want to offer opinions since you want to enable your tween to figure out the situation on their own.
“What we want to do is ask them the right questions, so that they are thinking about these things on their own,” says Sanders.
way?” Or, “Where do you think she’s coming from?”
At this stage in your child’s life, you may find more success parenting them if you concentrate on working together rather than discipline. “We can help kids set boundaries with electronics, friends and areas of their life by working with them collaboratively,” says Maguire. “Parents are really moving from someone who tells children what to do to someone who collaborates with tweens to help them make their decisions.”
As tweens develop, they are trying out different personalities and figuring out who they are and where they fit in among their peers. They may act differently when they are with different friends, and they might also try to spend time with different people.
“The first step is leaving the nest. The second step is figuring out which group they are going to be a part of. And then the third step is figuring out where they fit within that group,” says Sanders.
As tweens try to figure out who they are they might turn to social media to see how other tweens interact with one another. “Being on social media constantly can be a negative experience for teenagers and can affect their mood and cause mental health problems according to the latest research,” says Maguire.
If one of their friends is mean to them or to another child, your initial reaction might be to say the person being mean isn’t a good friend. But Sanders suggests
You might ask them, “What are the pros and cons of this friendship?” or “What do you like or dislike about this friend?”
When you ask questions to help your child think about their friendships, listen to their answers. “Sometimes not saying anything can open the door for them to express and share more,” says Sanders.
In addition to listening silently, you can also try reflecting back what you heard your child say. Reflective listening can help your tween figure out how to handle their friendship dilemma and at the same time improve your relationship with them. “Your goal is to build trust and intimacy with your tween, not to lecture them,” says Maguire.
Sometimes you might want to offer an explanation of what their friend might have been thinking or feeling to try to build your tween’s empathy. But that can backfire. Your preteen may feel as if you are “taking their friend’s side.”
If you’re tempted to say something like: “Oh, well, it could have been because of this.”
Sanders recommends you say something like this, instead: “Why do you think that your friend behaved that
Collaborating with your preteen allows you to model how a healthy relationship works. “We need to be involved as a coach or a shepherd and remember the end goal which is that as they enter the world, they have these key problem solving skills and then continue to have a bond with us and feel comfortable coming to their parents to problem solve,” says Maguire. Y
Cheryl Maguire holds a Master of Counseling Psychology degree. She is married and is the mother of twins and a daughter. Her writing has been published in The New York Times, National Geographic, Washington Post, Your Teen Magazine, and many other publications.
Your tween is probably wondering, where do I fit in?
At this age, “It’s developmentally appropriate for tweens to value their peer group and to push away adults.
Does your elementaryaged child suddenly get a stomach ache the day of a math test? Maybe your middle schooler constantly declares “I hate math!” or your high schooler doesn’t like Algebra because he or she doesn’t see how it connects to real life.
If any of this sounds familiar, there is good news. Recent research shows that despite what they may think, most students can succeed at high levels in math. While it may be hard to disguise a dislike of math, if parents model a positive outlook, children are more likely to feel the same way. Research also shows that students like math more when they understand how it applies to their future.
Here are 25 easy ways parents can make math fun, interesting and relevant, and ultimately help children become better at it.
1Use measuring and fraction skills when you bake or cook with your child. When the measuring cup or spoon you need is dirty, ask your child to use a different size utensil correctly to get an equivalent amount.
2Use grocery store math. For example, have your child figure out how many pounds of produce to get without going over a certain dollar amount. Say, “Please weigh and bring me three dollars’ worth of granny smith apples.”
3Take math outdoors. Make a hopscotch with addition or multiplication facts in the squares. Pick up sticks or use straws and make as many interconnecting squares or triangles as possible on the grass. Or Combine math with your child’s favorite sport. For example, if your child likes baseball, assign different points for single, double and triple hits. Have your child keep score.
4Check out Texas Instruments’ “STEM Behind Cool Careers” (https://education. ti.com/en/activities/stem/gen-stem) for a variety of videos connecting algebra, geometry and physics to real world jobs like fashion design, flying jets and more. Students can also take a quiz at this site to find their “stem style.”
5Learn about the lives of famous mathematicians and what they accomplished. Some interesting mathematicians include: Pythagoras, Archimedes, Albert Einstein, Isaac Newton, John Nash, Hypatia of Alexandria, Julia Robinson, Emily Noether and Maryam Mirzakhani.
6Let your child plan a special dinner. Then give them a budget and let them shop for the ingredients without going over the budget.
7Make technology your friend. Games and apps make learning math facts more fun than flash cards and drills. For homework help, try Didax’s virtual manipulatives at www.didax.com/math/ virtual-manipulatives.html.
8Introduce your teen to a fun math club. FIRST Lego League and FIRST Tech Challenge involve math, science and engineering skills.
9Plan a trip together, calculate the miles you will travel at a designated speed. Decide how long it will take to get there.
“The Greedy Triangle,” “The Grapes of Math” and” How Big is a Foot?” “G is for Googol” is an alphabet book for tweens and teens.
15Have your tween or teen pick out the make, model and year of a car they would like to buy when they are 18. Look up the value of the car and figure out how much they will have to earn every week until they are 18 to buy the car.
16Get up and move! Take a brain break and play a maththemed YouTube or GoNoodle video that teaches about a math concept. These videos combine movements with vocabulary to help kinesthetic learners.
10
Give your child an allowance that they have to manage. Together decide how much they will save, spend and give away.
11If your child is a teen with a job, help them write a budget and open a savings account.
17 Go on a shape hunt. Find various geometric shapes around your house and yard. Draw or take photographs and label the shapes and what they comprise (for instance, the roof, the mailbox, the deck railing) and make your own version of a book like Tana Hoban’s Shapes, Shapes, Shapes.
12
Teach your child mental math tricks. These are like magic tricks in the math world, breaking down calculatorsize problems into problems that can be solved mentally. Try Thoughtco.com for 9 Mental Math Tricks and Games (www. thoughtco.com/mental-math-tricks-games-4177029).
18Have daily countdowns to special events, or do a ___ shopping days until Christmas starting on January 1st.
13
Sing songs and watch math music videos. Check out “Schoolhouse Rock!” (“Multiplication Rock” and “Money Rock”) and “Numberock.” They are catchy ways to teach important math concepts.
19 Redecorate their rooms. Have your teen do a scale layout drawing of the room to make sure new furniture or decorations will fit. Teens and younger kids alike can measure windows and floor space to make sure curtains and rugs fit before purchasing.
14
Read picture books. “Bedtime Math” includes fun short stories with math questions for different age levels and promotes discussion of math strategies. Other good ones include
20 Play board and card games that inspire mathematical thinking. Some to try are Uno, Crazy Eights, Mathopoly, Qwirkle, Yahtzee, and Rummikub.
Continued next page >>>
A private high school in Oakland
College Prep is a home for ideas, discovery, and engagement. Our academic offerings are buoyed by our warm culture and inspiring location adjacent to the city, nestled in a verdant valley campus. Led by exceptional and caring teachers, mentors, and coaches, students explore and extend their abilities, test their ideas, question assumptions, grapple with ethical issues, and acquire the skills to be positive and productive citizens. 6100 Broadway Oakland CA 94618 510.652.4364 college-prep.org
21Tell math jokes. Yes, they can be corny, especially for teens, but keep it humorous and light, and they may just remember the vocabulary.
22Have fun with food. Cut food into fractional parts and use the food fractions to introduce equivalent fractions. For younger children, cut sandwiches and pizzas evenly and talk about equal parts.
23Take a tour of your local bank. Talk to your child about words like loan, interest and principal.
PRESCHOOL
• Moose Math by Duck Duck Moose
Includes games that teach counting, addition and subtraction.
• Drive About Number Neighborhood
Kids travel through a seaside neighborhood and stop at different shops. Each shop has a different math game.
• Cleo & Cuquin: Explore & Learn
Practice early math concepts in English and Spanish.
• PrestoBingo Shapes
Find shapes hidden in illustrations.
PRIMARY
• Peter Pig’s Money Counter
By Visa, this app teaches students to identify, count and save money. Includes fun facts about US currency.
• Marble Math Junior
Students solve math problems as they roll their marbles through mazes.
• Crazy Times Tables
Supports development of fluency in times tables.
ELEMENTARY/MIDDLE
• Mathmateer
Students do math to earn money to build virtual rockets.
24 Celebrate special math days like the 100th day of school. On Pi Day talk about what it means and why it is important. Make your child’s favorite pie.
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Put math in their hands. Use Legos to teach about area and perimeter. Math manipulatives like rulers, seamstress tapes, tangrams, pattern blocks, play money, fraction bars, counters, and geometric shapes are great for kids to make discoveries with while playing. Y
Janeen Lewis is a freelance writer and certified teacher with a Master’s Degree in education. She loves to see children get excited about learning math.
• Chicken Coop Fractions
Helps children develop strategies for solving problems involving fractions.
• Twelve a Dozen
Game in which kids travel through a futuristic town solving math puzzles.
HIGH SCHOOL/TEENS
• Unit Converter
This app converts currency, data, energy, power or temperature.
• Math Ref
Helps find formulas across multiple disciplines, but focuses on algebra, geometry and calculus.
• WolframAlpha
Finds formulas, gives graphic representations and shows how to get solutions to math problems.
• Meta Calculator
A graphing, scientific, matrix and statistics calculator app, this will help in those challenging upper level math classes.
• Khan Academy
Detailed lessons and practice for learners in early math through Calculus.
Bedtime Math: A Fun Excuse to Stay Up Late (Bedtime Math Series) written by Laura
Overdeck, illustrated by Jim Paillot: One hundred fun, kid-friendly riddles with three different levels of challenge: wee ones, little ones and big kids.
Alexander, Who Used to Be Rich Last Sunday written by Judith Viorst, illustrated by Ray Cruz: A book about money management. When Alexander gets a dollar from his grandparents, he thinks about all the ways he could spend it.
Secrets of Mental Math: The Mathematicians Guide to Lightning Calculation and Amazing Math Tricks by Arthur Benjamin and Michael Shermer
The Grapes of Math written by Greg Tang, illustrated by Harry Briggs: Rhyming book that teaches tweens creative counting patterns.
How Big is a Foot written and illustrated by Rolf Myller: The king wants to give the queen a bed for her birthday, but since there is no standard measurement, it becomes a challenge to make it the right size.
Mathematical Mindsets: Unleashing Students’ Potential Through Creative Math, Inspiring Messages and Innovative Teaching by Jo Boaler with foreword by Carol Dweck
ALAMEDA
Saint Philip Neri Catholic School Information Night
November 8, 2023 @ 7:00 pm
1335 High Street
www.spnalameda.org
BERKELEY
Bayhill High School
Open House
October 14, 2023 - RSVP
January 20, 2024 - RSVP
1940 Virginia Street
www.bayhillhs.org
The Crowden School
Open House
October 22, 2023
Lower School (3-5) @ 10:00 am
Upper School (6-8) @ 12:30 pm
Campus Tour
October 24, 2023 @ 9:15 am
Open House/Family Day
November 10, 2023
1475 Rose Street
www.crowden.org
Ecole Biingue de Berkeley Preschool Tour
October 10, 2023 @ 9:00 am
October 26, 2023 @ 9:00 am
November 8, 2023 @ 9:00 am
1009 Heinz Ave
www.eb.org
Maybeck High School
Open House
October 21, 2023 @ 10:30 am
November 4, 2023 @ 10:30 am
2727 College Ave
www.maybeckhs.org
CONCORD
Orion Academy
Open House
October 21, 2023 @ 9:30 am
1868 Clayton Road
www.orionacademy.org
DANVILLE
The Athenian School
Middle School Open House
November 4, 2023 @ 10:00 am
Upper School Open House:
November 12, 2023 @ 10:00 am
2100 Mt Diablo Scenic Blvd
www.athenian.org
EL CERRITO
Prospect Sierra School
Middle School Campus Tours
November 13, 2023 @ 9:00 am
Elementary Info Sessions TK - 4
November 14, 2023 @ 9:00 am
Elementary Weekday Campus
Tours TK - 4
November 15, 2023 @ 9:00 am
Middle School Info Sessions 5-8
November 16, 2023 @ 9:00 am
2060 Topscott Ave. & 960 Avis Dr.
www.prospectsierra.org
EMERYVILLE
East Bay German Intl. School
On Campus Open House
October 21, 2023 @ 10:00 am
Online Info Session – Early
Childhood
October 4, 2023 @ 9:00 am
Online Info Session – (K-5)
October 18, 2023 @ 9:00 am
Online Info Session (9-12)
October 25, 2023 @ 7:00 pm
1070 41st Street
www.ebgis.org
HAYWARD
Moreau Catholic High School
Family Admissions Tours
October 25, 2023 @ 8:30 am
October 26, 2023 @ 6:00 pm
Open House
November 4, 2023 @ 9:00 am
27170 Mission Blvd
www.moreaucatholic.org
LAFAYETTE
Bentley School (Grades 9-12)
Upper School Open House
October 28, 2023 @ 11:00 am
Upper School Phoenix Days
November 10, 2023 - RSVP
1000 Upper Happy Valley Road
www.bentleyschool.org
OAKLAND
Aurora School
K-5 Tours
October 13, 2023 @ 8:45 am
October 27, 2023 @ 8:45 am
Middle School (6-8) Tours
October 26, 2023 @ 8:45 am
November 2, 2023 @ 8:45 am
40 Dulwich Road
www.auroraschool.org
Bentley School
K-8 Open House
October 28, 2023 @ 9:30 am
1 Hiller Dr
www.bentleyschool.org
Broadway Children’s School of Oakland Preschool Open House
October 21, 2023 @ 10:30 am
December 2, 2023 @ 10:30 am
394 Adams St
www.broadwaychildrensschool. org
Head-Royce
Lower School Open House
October 15, 2023 @ 1:00 pm
Middle School Open House
November 5, 2023@ 1:00 pm
Upper School Open House
October 28, 2023 @ 11:00 am
4315 Lincoln Ave
www.headroyce.org
Holy Names High School
Open House
November 5, 2023 - RSVP
4660 Harbord Dr www.hnhsoakland.org
Park Day School
Open House
November 4, 2023 @ 10:00 am
360 42nd Street
www.parkdayschool.org
ORINDA
Orinda Academy (Grades 8-12)
Virtual Info Sessions
October 10, 2023 @ 7:00 pm
November 14, 2023 @ 7:00 pm
Open House
October 28, 2023 @ 10:00 am
December 10, 2023 @ 10:00 am
19 Altarinda Road
www.orindaacademy.org
PIEDMONT
Corpus Christi School
Open House
October 10, 2023 @ 8:15 am
November 14, 2023 @ 8:15am
Open House Morning with Michael
November 11, 2023 @ 10:00 am
1 Estates Dr www.corpuschristischool.com
RICHMOND
Salesian College Preparatory
Open House
October 15, 2023 @ 1:00 pm
Admissions Info Session
November 8, 2023 @ 6:30 pm
2851 Salesian Ave
www.salesian.com
SAN FRANCISCO
French American International School
PreK-K Open House - Page Ave
October 28, 2023 @ 10:00 am
High School Open House, Oak St
October 22, 2023 @ 10:00 am
150 Oak Street
1155 Page Avenue
www.internationalsf.org
Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory
Parent Visits
October 13, 2023 @ 7:30 am
Open House
October 28, 2023 @ 9:00 am
1055 Ellis St
www.shcp.edu
WALNUT CREEK
Berean Christian High School
Open House
November 4, 2023 @ 10:00 am
245 El Divisadero Ave
www.bereanchristian.org
The Seven Hills School
Admissions Campus Tour K-8
October 10, 2023 @ 8:30 am
November 14, 2023 @ 8:30am
November 28, 2023 @ 8:30 am
Admissions Campus Tour
Preschool/Pre-K
October 24, 2023 @ 8:30 am
November 16, 2023 @ 8:30 am
November 29, 2023 @ 8:30 am
975 North San Carlos Drive
www.sevenhillsschool.org
Check
Parents’ Press takes the guesswork out of finding the right preschool for your child, from start to finish.
The following articles are excerpts from the 2023/24 East Bay Guide to Preschools and Early Education, covering “7 Steps to Finding the Perfect Preschool,” “What to Look for When Doing the Site Visit” and “Basics to Know About Preschool Options.” The complete 2023/24 East Bay Guide to Preschools and Early Education leads parents along the early education or preschool selection path beginning with how to determine if your child is
ready for preschool, what options and different teaching philosophies are available, questions to ask a preschool, what to look for on a site visit and more. In addition, you will find program profiles and a comprehensive list of regional early education and preschool programs. Your road to the ideal early education program just got easier! Get your copy today of this free resource at ParentsPress.com/our-magazines.
START EARLY. It takes time to research different styles of preschools and become familiar with common terms used. Many parents start this process a year ahead of time, some parents even start while pregnant! Children usually attend preschool for two to three years between the ages of 2.5 and 5 years.
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DETERMINE WHAT CRITERIA IS MOST IMPORTANT FOR YOUR CHILD AND FAMILY. Is it location, faith, type of program offered, language immersion, special-needs options, a year-round program, extended hours, cost? Prioritize what are the most important factors for your situation? Rate these factors so you have a clear picture of where and what programs to focus on and what is the best fit for your child and family.
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UTILIZE LOCAL PARENTING RESOURCES. Local parenting magazines, like Parents’ Press, offer lots of early education and preschool information as well as open house announcements. These resources will help you to become familiar with what programs are available in your area and the options being offered to help with your selection process. Visit school websites that look interesting to find out admissions information.
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ASK AROUND. Talk to other parents in your area to see what programs they were part of, and if they would recommend them. Find out what they liked most and least about the program. How long did their child attend? Did they experience any teacher turnover? What was the culture like? How did they handle sick days, potty training and behavioral issues? How involved were the parents in the school? Are the parents and children still in contact with others from that preschool?
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1FIRST IMPRESSIONS. Is the preschool clean, organized and does it have a good feeling about it? Is the staff friendly, and are the teachers in control of the classroom? Inside, are there play areas? Are toys and books in good shape and organized? Outside is there enough room? Are there play areas and toys for all of the kids? Does the preschool feel safe inside and out? Does the preschool feel like a place your child can thrive in?
4 LEARNING ENVIRONMENT. Are the children doing the same project or do the children work independently? Are there a variety of learning materials in which children can explore their interests and learn new skills? Is there a focus on reading? How do children decide what to do, when to do it and with whom? What support do teachers provide when a child gets stuck on a project? How are children motivated to participate? How are holidays integrated into the learning experience?
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THE BASICS. What are the start and end times for the core program? If extended care is an option, who manages this, and, where is it held? What is the daily schedule, as well as the school holiday schedule? Are lunch and snacks provided? If not, is refrigeration available? Is the bathroom safe and centrally located with toddler sized facilities? What are the illness policies? Is the facility up to code? What are the emergency protocols?
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TEACHERS AND STAFF. Is there enough supervision? Does the teacher-child ratio match or exceed standards? Teacher turnover? What experience do the teachers have and how long have they been teaching at this school? How were they trained? Do the teachers seem happy? How is their interaction with the children? How do they balance the different needs of the children? Do they have a specific approach for teaching social-emotional skills? How do they communicate with the family on concerns? How often are parent-teacher conferences held?
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FAMILY INVOLVEMENT. How involved are the families in the dayto-day operations of the preschool? What opportunities or organized events are available to meet other families during the school year? Is there a parent association? Are there required volunteer hours or monetary commitments beyond the tuition? Are there fundraising events and what is the money raised used for? Are there opportunities for classroom observation? How do family members participate in celebrations?
6 FINAL IMPRESSION OF THE VISIT. This is your gut check. Do you feel this preschool is a great fit for your child? Did you feel comfortable with what you saw and the people you interacted with? Did your concerns get addressed? Any red flags you need to check up on? Were you encouraged to contact the school with any questions? Is there a clear next step in the process?
Every family has specific needs and many preschools can accommodate most needs. It is important to ask questions now. Don’t be afraid to discuss personal matters, one on one. Chances are the preschool has encountered a similar situation before and is up to the task or may be able to give you direction to an alternative resource. Y
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CONTACT THE PRESCHOOL. Before you apply, find out the preschool’s admissions schedule and how many openings they will have and how many spots will be reserved for siblings of families already enrolled. If you are concerned that your top choice or choices have way more applicants than spots it would be a wise idea to apply to more than one preschool even though there may be an application fee. Find out ways to tours the school. 6
TOUR YOUR TOP CHOICES. Arrange to take a tour or go to an open house to learn about the school philosophy and the admissions process. Most schools prefer for you to preregister for these. Have your questions ready and observe. Look for signs that the preschool is well run. Also, this is a time that the preschool uses to determine which families will be a good fit for their program. 7
APPLY TO YOUR TOP CHOICE. You have done your research, established your criteria and taken the tour — now it is time to apply to your top choice. Some preschools have ongoing enrollment but most follow the school year format. Acceptance letters go out in spring for the following fall. Also, find out from the organization when you can expect to hear from them, one way or another. It is okay to be persistent and let them know you and your family are interested, but don’t be a pest. If your child is waitlisted get specifics from the preschool. What number on the wait list is your child and does the preschool have a commitment from all returning families? If the school is accepting a total of 15 new children and you are way down on the wait list, it is time to consider other options. If you are concerned that your top choice has more applicants than spots it would be a good idea to apply to more than one preschool. Y
Contrary to what you might have heard, choosing the right preschool for your child is not as difficult as applying for an advanced degree. The key to choosing the right preschool is going into the process prepared. Prepared with a solid idea of what you want your child to gain from his or her preschool experience.
Below are helpful suggestions for choosing a preschool that is a good match for your child and your family, as well as information on some of the most popular types of preschool educational philosophies.
The best way to keep from becoming overwhelmed by the process of choosing a preschool is to think about how the preschool will fit into your daily life. Here are some questions parents should consider:
• Is it important for the preschool to be near my home?
• Is it important for the preschool to be near my workplace?
• Is it important for the preschool to offer childcare services in the morning, afternoon, or both?
• Are you looking for a play-based classroom or a more academic setting?
• Am I eligible for or interested in subsidized preschool programs (i.e., Early Head Start, Child Welfare League of America or state-funded programming) that offer services such as childcare programs with a focus on providing educational opportunities?
Answering each of these questions will help you narrow down the general location and type of setting you should research making the process of comparing programs easier to manage.
For many parents, the most confusing part about choosing preschools is trying to make sense of terms such as, “Montessori Approach,” “child-centered,” “Waldorf Approach” and “faith-based.” What do these terms mean and how can these terms help you choose a preschool?
Oftentimes, the key difference between settings is connected to the preschool’s “educational philosophy.” While educational philosophies are numerous and their definitions are not set in stone, we have provided you with definitions for some of the most popular philosophies.
Academic preschools have a mostly teacher-led classroom. Teachers and staff guide kids through a tightly structured curriculum. They introduce kids to several subjects, including math, reading, writing, science, and nature.
In a play-based program, children choose activities on their current interests. The play-based classroom is broken up into sections, such as a home or kitchen, science area, water table, reading nook, space with blocks and other toys or other areas. Teachers encourage kids to play, facilitating social skills along the way.
This philosophy focuses on maintaining the individuality of each child in the learning process. It believes each child learns at their own pace and educational progress should not be rendered based upon comparing students to one another.
This approach focuses on providing opportunities for problem solving and expression through creativity and exploration.
Emphasis is placed on imagination and experiential learning, providing students with opportunities to explore their world through the senses, participation and analytical thought.
This approach places an emphasis on learning through multiple perspectives, both in the classroom setting and in the natural world with a strong focus on emotional and intellectual development.
This approach focuses on letting children be in charge of their own learning. Children are taught to make a plan for what they would like to do each day and participate in a review session to discuss the success of their plan and brainstorm ideas for the next day.
Outside of the formal educational philosophies, knowing the difference between other common early childhood terms will
help you make informed decisions regarding your child’s education. Below is a list of some common terms used to describe preschool settings. It should be noted that these terms may be used alone or in combination with one another (i.e., a “childcentered, faith-based” setting).
This term is often used to describe settings that take the children’s interests into consideration when planning activities. For example: in a child-centered setting, the classroom activities are based on the interests of the students, not on pre-scheduled topics chosen by the teacher. These settings often offer increased opportunities for children to choose activities throughout the day depending on their interests.
The opposite of a child-centered setting is a teacher-led setting. Teacher-led often means that curriculum and supplemental activities are implemented based on a set schedule developed by the teachers in the setting. This type of setting usually provides children with a structured learning environment.
These settings believe children learn best when they are engaged and interested in learning. Child-led settings wait for each child to initiate or ask for new activities and experiences, fostering individualized learning experiences rather than group experiences.
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This term is used to describe preschool programs that are run through faith organizations such as churches or synagogues, according to their faith’s philosophies.
These settings often ask parents and families to assist in the running of the preschool. Parents and family members may build community by signing up to volunteer during the week, or by assisting in the day-to-day management of the preschool as well as helping with advertising, upkeep and fundraising.
This term means the preschool plans the curriculum and activities based on activities that are appropriate for the age of the children in the class.
Sometimes this term is used interchangeably with preschool. In general, a pre-K program is one that has children enrolled in the year before kindergarten, usually at age four. These settings are often more structured than traditional preschool settings.
Transitional kindergarten (TK) is a school grade that serves as a bridge between preschool and kindergarten, functioning to provide students with time to develop fundamental skills needed for success in school in an age - and developmentally - appropriate setting.
Once you have narrowed down the general area you are interested in researching and have a good idea of what type of philosophy would best suit your child, here are a few things you can do to help narrow down your options:
Reach out to other parents: Ask your friends, your neighbors, your pediatrician, your older child’s teacher — ask people you trust for recommendations for quality settings in your area. Be mindful to note the name of the setting and what struck this person as important to mention (low student teacher ratio, close to home, child is excited to arrive, etc.). And, the best question to ask is, “What advice do you wish you had received before choosing your child’s preschool?” Most parents will be happy to offer their insight and advice.
Go online: You might be surprised to learn that your community has an active preschool networking community, a great place to tap into useful advice and resources. Or, you can use the internet to search the names of settings to find out if they have any “red flags” like numerous complaints from parents, health or safety violations, or other noteworthy issues. The Bananas, 4C’s of Alameda County and the Contra Costa Child Care Council websites offer a wealth of information for parents seeking information.
The best ways to find preschool programs are to get recommendations from fellow parents and scope out programs located close to home or work.
The journey of lifelong learning begins in preschool at Quarry Lane. We know that a child’s first years are critical to their growth and success in life. Our thoughtfully crafted program provides an e ceptional academic foundation that sets students up to flourish and thrive as they continue on to the accelerated curriculum offered in our Lower, Middle and High School. Join us at our Open
& January 28
We prepare students for a life of intellectual exploration and meaningful contribution.
Athenian is a 6-12 all-gender day and boarding school with 535+ students We invite you to learn more and join us for an upcoming admission event!
A campus like no other:
Athenian is located on 75 beautiful acres at the foot of Mt Diablo in Danville We use our natural environment as a classroom--a perfect setting for our hands-on approach to teaching and learning.
Athenian buses transport students to and from East Bay communities
The East Bay German International School (EBGIS) is a dual-language immersion IB World School offering preschool through high school programs. Our integrated curriculum combines bilingual German and English instruction with project-based learning and a cross-cultural experience. We offer exceptional academics, a diverse international perspective, and a vibrant community of students, parents, and teachers.
EBGIS is an accredited IB World School. All EBGIS eleventh and twelfth graders will enter the IB Diploma Programme (DP). Often referred to as the “gold standard” in high school education. The EBGIS IB Diploma Programme is open to students who do not speak German. Students may transfer to EBGIS to reap the benefits of the IB Diploma Programme offered in the eleventh and twelfth grades, choosing a second language other than German.
No prior knowledge of German is needed to join our Preschool and Kindergarten programs. Students need not be fluent in German to join our Elementary and Middle Schools. Talk to us about individualized language support.
Open House
October 21, 2023
January 27, 2024
10 am - 2 pm
Online Info Sessions are offered for all. Register at: http://www.ebgis.org/
admissions/visit-us
1070 41st Street
Emeryville, CA 94608 (510)380-0302
admissions@ebgis.org
