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Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, March 19, 2021

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A BLANK SLATE MEDIA SPECIAL SECTION MARCH 19, 2021

24 Guide to Schools & Education • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, March 19, 2021

How kids benefit from being read to Reading aloud to children is one of the joys of parenting. All children, whether they’re infants, toddlers or school-aged, can benefit from being read to, and parents whose youngsters have grown up often look back on story time as some of their favorite moments as moms and dads. Reading aloud to children is about more than just establishing a bond between parent and child. According to Reading Rockets, a national public media literacy initiative, children as young as infants can benefit from being read to. Infants can look at pictures as their parents point to them and say the names of the various objects within

them. By drawing attention to the pictures and associating words with them and real-world objects, parents are helping infants learn the importance of language. Kids of all ages can benefit from being read to, even after they learn to read on their own. The following are a handful of ways that reading aloud to children can benefit them. · Reading to children dramatically expands their vocabulary. A 2019 study published in the Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics found that young children whose parents read them five books a day enter kindergarten having heard roughly 1.4

million more words than kids who were never read to. The disparity is even significant when comparing kids who are periodically read to each day with kids who are read five books per day. Children who are read to daily may hear slightly less than 300,000 words prior to entering kindergarten, while those read five books per day will hear more than 1.4 million words. · Reading to children expands their imaginations. The Northern Virginia Family Services reports that research has shown that children who activate their imaginations through being read to develop higher activity in the area of their brain that’s responsible for cultivating mental images and deciphering and comprehending verbal cues. That heightened activity bolsters youngsters’ imaginations and instills in them a greater fondness for reading. · Reading can help kids learn to focus. Parents of young children no

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doubt know that such youngsters rarely sit still for any significant length of time. However, when being read to, young children, even those who are initially reluctant to engage in story time, will learn to sit still for the duration of the book. That can help them learn to focus, a benefit that will pay dividends when children begin school. · Reading to children can speak to children’s interests or emotional needs. Reading Rockets notes that children’s favorite stories may speak to their emotional needs and interests. That’s why so many youngsters insist on reading a favorite book over and over again. Though that’s often boring for parents, it can benefit youngsters, who will eventually move on to other books. Reading to children can benefit them in myriad ways and provide a great way for parents to bond with their youngsters.

Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, March 19, 2021 • Guide to Schools & Education

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26 Guide to Schools & Education • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, March 19, 2021

The connection between music and learning Parents often go to great lengths to help youngsters do their best in school. Though there’s no one-size-fitsall formula to help kids realize their academic potential, incorporating music education into school curriculums can benefit students in myriad ways. According to the New England Board of Higher Education, music can benefit students of all ages. Young children who listen to music may have an improved ability to learn words and speak them correctly, helping them to develop larger vocabularies that can pay significant dividends when kids enter the classroom. In ad-

dition, a 2011 study published in the journal Neuropsychologia found that musicians performed better in auditory, visual and memory tests than nonmusicians. Students may even beneﬁt in ways that surprise the most devoted music fans. For example, the NEBHE notes that playing a musical instrument, even one as simple as the triangle, has been proven to enhance dexterity and hand-eye coordination. That can help young children develop their motor skills more quickly than they otherwise might if they are not encouraged to play a musical instrument.

Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, March 19, 2021 • Guide to Schools & Education

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28 Guide to Schools & Education • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, March 19, 2021

The importance of enrolling teens in driving school As teenagers eagerly await the arrival of the birthday that makes them eligible to get their drivers’ licenses, they may be anticipating the freedom that being able to drive alone provides. But that excitement can overshadow the immense responsibility of operating a motor vehicle. According to Geico, 25 percent of 16-year-old drivers are involved in a car accident during their ﬁrst year of driving. Expertise behind the wheel comes with practice, and starting teen driving journeys with a good foundation of information and instruction is key. Enrolling in a

the wheel. · Access to an expert: While Mom, Dad or another trusted adult may have the best intentions when teaching teens how to drive, they may be rusty with some of the rules. Furthermore, they may have adopted habits or shortcuts that, while they work for them, may not be the proper way to instruct new drivers. A driving school helps teens learn how to drive well and safely. · Specially equipped vehicles: The vehicles that driving schools have in their ﬂeets have been modiﬁed to be especially safe. Most feature a rearview mirror and an additional brake

driver’s education program can be a wise investment, and one that reduces the number of collisions on the road. The following are some ways driving school can benefit young drivers. · Pass your test the first time: Though requirements are different depending on where drivers live, they typically must pass both a written and a road test to earn their licenses. Driver’s education courses go over the rules of the road and the laws governing safe driving. A road instructor will go over driving basics and help you put them into practice while behind

pedal on the passenger side. This enables the driving instructor to have a clear view and also to act, if necessary, to avoid a collision while the student is still learning. · Meet requirements: Most states in the United States require driver training courses in some shape or form before a teen is able to get his or her license. In New Jersey, for example, obtaining a license is a multi-stage process. At age 16, teens may apply for a learner’s permit with proof of enrollment in a behind-the-wheel driver training course and a passing grade on the written test. At age

17, the student must then pass the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission road test. A probationary license will then be issued. If rules are followed during the probationary one-year period, a basic license is issued at age 18. Driving schools also may facilitate contact between teen drivers and a local motor vehicle department, such as setting up road and written test appointments and enabling teens to use their vehicles for the road test. Such factors only underscore the ways families can beneﬁt from enrolling young drivers in driving school.

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Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, March 19, 2021

O T E D I U G

CAMP A Blank Slate Media Special Section M a r c h 19 , 2 0 21

30 Guide to Camp • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, March 19, 2021

Get prepared for the summer camp season

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Summer camp season is just around the corner. Each summer, millions of children depart for campsites around the country to swim, hike, craft, and enjoy the companionship of friends. Summer camps in North America were first established in the 1880s and were attended by children without their parents for overnight stays. By the 20th century, summer camps had become an international phenomenon, and various organizations hosted traditional summer camps or camps geared toward religion, sports, music and other subjects and activities. According to the American Camp Association, each year more than 14 million children and adults in the United States attend camp. America is home to more than 14,000 day and resident camps (8,400 are overnight camps and 5,600 are day camps). Nonprofit groups are the largest sponsors of summer camps. Many people put off summer camp planning until it is too late. Parents should keep in mind that camps begin registration early in the year and have specific cut-off dates for enrollment. Parents who want to beat the crowds this year can use this guide to help plan a summer camp agenda. · Attend an orientation seminar. Take the time to visit prospective camps for a tour, and use this open house as an opportunity to learn more about the programs offered. If available, find a camp employee to discuss your child’s eligibility for enrollment. Some camps may offer webinars for convenience. · Fill out the enrollment package completely. Each camp has their own requirements for registration. Expect to submit some personal information, including a

medical background and proof of insurance, names and numbers of emergency contacts, and any other pertinent information as it applies to the camper. This may include allergies, fears, physical or mental disabilities, or even preferences in camp courses. · Establish payment schedules. Summer camps vary in price. The ACA says camp costs range from $100 to more than $1,500 per week. However, many accredited camps offer some sort of financial assistance for children from families with limited financial means. If cost is a factor, be sure to broach the subject. · Prepare children for the physical challenges a camp may present. Summer camp activities may be rigorous, and campers may need to be cleared by a physician before starting. Be sure to schedule your child a physical and bring along any pertinent forms. Children also can increase their levels of physical activity compared to the often sedentary nature of winter. Such preparation can prevent injuries when engaging in outdoor and physical activities. · Shop for supplies. Camps are likely to provide a list of requirements with regard to clothing and other equipment campers will need. Make sure kids have enough shorts, T-shirts, socks, athletic shoes, swimsuits, toiletries, and other camp necessities before they leave. · Keep children in the loop. Engage children in the planning process to help alleviate their fears and get them excited about summer camp. Summer camp can foster lifelong memories. Parents can help kids prepare in advance for the fun that’s soon to arrive.

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Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, March 19, 2021 • Guide to Camp

SUMMER CAMP OPTIONS ABOUND

Summer camp is a beloved tradition in many families. Many parents of young children fondly recall spending their summers at summer camp, where they made lifelong friends and learned the finer points of roasting marshmallows and competing in three-legged sack races. Parents looking for the right summer camp for their kids will soon discover there are various types of summer camps, each offering youngsters something different. The following are some of the summer camp options parents can expect to encounter as they search for the right camper for their kids. Day camp Day camps are not overnight camps, which means kids will return home each night rather than sleep over at camp. Day camps typically offer many of the activities people have come to associate with camps, including crafts, sports and even day-trips to experience local culture or attractions. Many day camps are co-ed, and counselors typically live within the community. Faith-based camp Faith-based camps offer many of the same activities as more traditional summer camps, but do so while simultaneously offering campers the opportunity to celebrate and further explore their religious beliefs. Some faithbased camps may focus heavily on religion, incorporating faith into daily camp activities, while others may be more subtle with regard to integrating religious beliefs and lessons into camp activities.

Sports camps Some summer camps focus on a particular sport, catering to young athletes who want to further develop their athletic talents. Sports camps may feature guest lectures and lessons from notable local athletes and coaches, while some camps may provide instruction from current and/or former professional athletes. Some sports camps are overnight, while others are day camps. Family camps Family camps are opportunities for the whole family to enjoy the summer camp experience. Family camps typically tailor their activities around tasks families can complete together, with counselors providing assistance when it’s needed. Family camps may be faithbased or secular, and families typically stay overnight, sleeping in facilities on the campsites or in lodging away from home. Special needs camps Parents of children with special needs can still send their kids to summer camp, as there are many camps that cater to such youngsters. Special needs camps may cater to campers who are blind, deaf, learning disabled, or mentally or physically disabled. Staﬀ at special needs camps typically undergoes extensive training, which helps to calm some of the fears parents may have about leaving their special needs children at camp. Facilities at special needs camps are often built to accommodate the speciﬁc needs of campers.

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32 Guide to Camp • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, March 19, 2021

Things to consider before choosing a summer camp Summer camp is often something kids look forward to, and something they will fondly recall long after they reach adulthood. For many kids, summer camp provides a first taste of independence, as youngsters spend significant time away from home without their parents for the first time in their lives. But as great an experience as summer camp can be for youngsters, it can be just as difficult an experience if parents don’t find the right fit for their children. That’s why it behooves parents to start thinking about summer camps for their kids in winter, before camps start filling out their rosters, which tends to happen in early spring. The following are a few things parents should take into consideration when seeking a summer camp for their kids. Staff The right summer camp staff can make all the difference. Many children are understandably shy when arriving

Caution To All Parents:

at a summer camp, as their friends from back home might not be joining them. That can make kids hesitant to participate in activities or less enthusiastic about those activities. But a good staff will know how to make kids feel welcome, which should help them come out of their shells and make the most of their summer camp experiences. The quality of staffs can vary significantly depending on the camp, so it’s important that parents ask camp representatives about their staffs before making any commitments. Ask how long the staff has been together and the types of training new and even veteran staff members undergo before the start of camp season? Does the training include first aid and emergency medical training and certification? It’s also good to ask about the vetting process the camp employs before hiring new staff, including the extent of its background checks. Are criminal background checks conducted? How many references must potential staff members

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supply to be considered for employment? A good camp will be forthcoming with answers to all of your questions, so eliminate those that appear hesitant to share information about their staﬀs. A day in the life When vetting camps for kids, parents should ask what a typical day is like once the season hits full swing. Many parents want their youngsters to have a well-rounded experience, while others might want their kids to attend a more specialized camp, whether it’s a sports camp focusing on a particular sport or a music camp devoted to helping kids become better musicians. Regardless of the type of camp parents are considering for their kids, they should ask about what daily life at the camp is like. Ask to see schedules and how strictly camps adhere to those schedules. When considering specialized camps, ask the staﬀ representative if kids will have the chance to simply have a little fun and which types

of recreational activities are planned to give kids a break from what are often rigorous schedules. Camp goals Another thing parents must consider before choosing a summer camp for their kids is the goals of each individual camp. A camp should be dedicated to ensuring kids have fun, even when kids are attending more specialized camps that tend to be more strict. In addition, parents should look for a camp that wants its attendees to foster relationships with their fellow campers. Camp can be lonely for some youngsters, especially those attending summer camp for the ﬁrst time, but a summer camp that strives to promote friendship among its campers can reduce, if not eliminate, any feelings of homesickness. Late winter is when parents should start looking at summer camps for their kids, and there are a host of factors moms and dads should take into consideration during the vetting process to ensure their youngsters have as much fun as possible.

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Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, March 19, 2021 • Guide to Camp

34 Guide to Camp • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, March 19, 2021

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Five reasons why summer camp is a good choice for kids Summer vacation offers students a respite from lessons and the routine of school. Children might once have eagerly awaited those final days of classes so they could lounge poolside, skip rocks across ponds and spend the long days of the season playing with friends. But many of today’s youngsters spend much of their summer vacations indoors playing with their digital devices. Perhaps that’s why one of the last vestiges of the classic summer vacation escape - summer camp - remains such a viable option for parents who want their children to get outdoors once the school year ends. Although kids needn’t be in camp all summer long, a week or two can benefit campers of all ages. The following are five reasons why summer camp might be the right fit this year. 1. Explore talents. Summer camps help young people explore their unique interests and talents. Under an organized, yet often easygoing, camp schedule, kids can dabble in sports, arts and crafts, leadership, community support, and so many other activities that may not be fully available to them elsewhere. 2. Physical activity: Lots of camps build their itineraries around physical activities that takes place outdoors. Campers may spend their time swimming, running, hiking, playing sports, climbing, and so much more. This can be a welcome change for

kids accustomed to living sedentary lifestyles. Regular physical activity has many health benefits and can set a foundation for healthy habits as an adult. 3. Gain confidence. Day and sleepaway camps offer campers the opportunity to get comfortable in their own skin. Camps can foster activities in self-esteem by removing the academic measures of success and fill in with noncompetitive opportunities to succeed. Campers learn independence, decision-making skills and the ability to thrive outside of the shadow of their parents, siblings or other students. 4. Try new things. Camp gives children the chance to try new things, whether that’s learning to cook, exploring new environments or embracing a new sport or leisure activity. Opening oneself up to new opportunities can build character and prove enlightening for children. 5. Make new friends. Camp is a great place to meet new people and make lifelong friends. Campers flood in from areas near and far. This provides kids with a chance to expand their social circles beyond their immediate neighborhoods and schools. Camps benefit children in a variety of ways. Lessons learned in camp can strengthen values, build confidence, develop coping mechanisms when adversity strikes, and enable campers to make lifelong friends.

Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, March 19, 2021 • Guide to Camp

Keep in touch with kids at camp Summer camp is an exciting way for children to spend their extended vacations from the classroom. Camps cater to various interests, including sports, crafts and even technological hobbies. Children who attend overnight camps may spend several nights away from home. Some kids take this in stride, while others, possibly away from home for the first time, may experience some homesickness. Staying in touch while the kids are at camp can help alleviate fears and show children their parents care. Camps now handle communication issues differently than they might have when today’s parents were campers. While it once common for campers to send handwritten letters or short missives home to mom and dad, technology has changed that. Today’s campers may have access to email accounts, or they even may be allowed to bring mobile phones along. This can facilitate communication, but it also may take away from the camping experience. Parents need to find a balance between what might be too little or too much contact with campers. After all, camp is kids’ chance to grow independent for a few days or weeks.

· Learn camp rules. The camp will likely provide information regarding correspondence. Camps may permit parents to send one-way emails and regular mail, but limit campers to handwritten letters only. Determine if mobile phones are allowed or should be left at home. Knowing the rules can help parents and kids plan accordingly. · Pack correspondence supplies. Send kids to camp with fun papers, stickers, pens, and other crafty items. This way they’ll be inspired to write home once or twice. Provide brief lessons on how to address an envelope for campers who may not know how. · Check blogs and texts. Some camps may blog about campers’ progress, post information on social media or send out mass texts. These messages can reassure parents that their youngsters are doing just ﬁne. Figure out which tech options are available from camp administrators. · Send a care package. Treat the campers to some supplies from home. Pack camp-approved snacks and other reminders of home. Be sure to include enough for the entire cabin and your son or daughter will be the camp star. · Expect some silence. If camp is going well and campers’ days are fun-ﬁlled, they

may be too busy for daily correspondence. Parents may get nervous when they don’t routinely see or hear from their children, but chances are everything is going swimmingly.

The camp experience is often harder on parents than children, as campers have their friends and activities to keep them busy. Brief communication helps campers grow more conﬁdent and independent.

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36 Guide to Camp • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, March 19, 2021

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Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, March 19, 2021 • Guide to Schools & Education

These nursing specialists are in demand Nursing can be a fast-paced, exciting occupation. Nursing is a vibrant field that includes talented professionals who specialize in various areas of health care. Depending on which type of medicine they find appealing, nurses can work in various settings. Demand for nurses is high. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicted that the demand for nurses in the United States would soar in the early years of the 2020s. The ongoing global pandemic has increased demand for nurses even more and highlighted how essential these workers really are. New nurses or seasoned applicants ready for something a little different may appreciate the growth potential in a variety of in-demand specialties. · Geriatric nurse: The population of senior citizens is expected to increase by 75 percent between 2010 and 2030, according to Husson University Online. Many nurses have no geriatric training, making a career in geriatric nursing a viable option - and one that can provide for quality care for the aging population. · Cardiac nurse: The World Health Organization reports that heart disease is the leading cause of death across the globe. So it should come as no surprise that the demand for nurses with a specialty in cardiac health is growing. Car-

diac nurses can advise about preventing heart disease and assist in surgical procedures. · Certified nursing anesthetist: This interesting career option involves nursing and anesthesia. A certified nurse anesthetist administers anesthesia to patients under the supervision of an anesthesiologist. These nurses work closely with doctors in various fields. · Nursing midwife: In this specialty, nurses deliver babies and provide health care to pregnant patients. They also are instrumental in offering prenatal and postnatal care. · Critical care nurse: Critical care nurses are especially educated and trained for emergency situations. They are called on to tend to serious wounds and monitor life-support systems. · Family nurse practitioner: An individual who becomes an FNP is trained in primary care health services for people of all ages. The duties of an FNP are similar to a primary care physician in diagnosing and treating illnesses, providing physical exams and prescribing medications. The opportunities in nursing are endless. Individuals have many options when they decide to become a nurse, and many fields that fall under the nursing umbrella are experiencing a shortage.

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38 Guide to Schools & Education • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, March 19, 2021

The importance of free play in school The National Education Association notes that recess and free play are critical to the development of students in grades pre-K through eighth grade. According to the NEA, recess and free play during the school day encourages interpersonal interactions and problemsolving skills, and such opportunities also can prove beneficial for older students. Despite these benefits, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that 40 percent of schools have reduced or eliminated recess over the last 20 years in an attempt to increase instructional time for students. While that may be understandable, it ignores the many benefits of recess and free play, which the American Academy of

Pediatrics says are crucial to students’ mental, emotional, physical, and social development. In addition, the AAP notes that research has shown a connection between recess/free play and improved performance in the classroom. This is true even for older students, including high schoolers. Regular breaks from the rigors of the classroom provide adolescent students with opportunities to mentally decompress, potentially improving their focus when classroom sessions resume. Such beneﬁts highlight the important role of free play in the development of students, including older students whose school schedules may no longer include time for free play or recess.

Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, March 19, 2021 • Guide to Schools & Education

How parents can utilize their local library The COVID-19 pandemic has been challenging for everyone. As the world adjusted to lockdowns, school closures and remote working, parents have been faced with especially unique challenges, and many of those challenges were still present a year after lockdowns began. Finding productive ways for their children to fill their time has been an ongoing issue for parents since the pandemic began. School-age children may not be going to school for full days, and many virtual learning programs also end around lunchtime. But a familiar local resource may be just what parents need to keep their kids occupied at home on weekday afternoons. Local libraries are invaluable community resources, and that value has become even more apparent during the pandemic. Parents can utilize local libraries in various ways, each of which can help fill youngsters’ time during those hours when school is not in session. · Online story time: In normal

times, many libraries host in person story time sessions for young children. Many libraries have been unable to host in person story time since the start of the pandemic. But those same libraries may have transitioned to online story time. For example, the New York Public Library in New York City hosts weekday story times through its website. During such sessions, librarians read books, sing songs and even share literacy tips. An archive of story times is available at https://www. nypl.org/education/kids/storytime, and many local libraries offer similar services. · Craft sessions: Some libraries even offer free craft projects to members. Supplies can be picked up at the library on predetermined days of the week, and then families can work on the projects together at home or with other families through Zoom calls hosted by library employees. Parents can inquire with their local libraries to see if such programs are available in their communities. · Academic support: Some local

libraries even offer academic support, which can be especially valuable in the era of virtual learning when kids have little one-on-one time with their teachers. Tutoring services may be available via a local library, which also

may supply supplemental materials like interactive learning tools that can bring lessons to life. Local libraries can help families confront the academic and social challenges posed by the pandemic.

HTA Scholarships Available to Herricks Students

! ! our community in various ways. We have a long tradition of offering three scholarships to graduating Herricks seniors who are pursuing a post- secondary education.

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40 Guide to Schools & Education • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, March 19, 2021

How parents can help address bullying

Bullying is a global issue that affects children every day. A 2018 study from the UNESCO Institute for Statistics found that nearly one-third of teens worldwide had recently experienced bullying. Even more troubling is that the same study found that, in countries where children reported the highest incidences of bullying, 65 percent of girls and 62 percent of boys reported bullying. Preventing bullying is a community-wide responsibility. Parents can do

their part by taking the following measures to address bullying. · Address aggressive behavior. According to StopBullying.gov, a website managed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, aggressive behavior in young children is very common. Failure to address such behavior can lead to bullying, and children whose aggressive behavior goes unchecked may experience other problems with their peers. Whether their children have exhibited aggressive be-

haviors or not, parents can encourage cooperative behaviors like helping, sharing and problem-solving. · Engage with your children. Various studies have shown that children are more likely to bully other kids if their parents spend little time with them or do not regularly supervise their activities. But studies also have found that students are less likely to bully other children if their parents warmly engage with them. · Learn about bullying. Parents who learn about bullying are in better position to prevent it. Various myths prevail about bullying, and it’s important that parents recognize these myths. No child is immune from bullying, as StopBullying.gov indicates that children from all racial and ethnic backgrounds are vulnerable to bullying, which also affects kids of all ages. In addition, any child can engage in bullying. Parents who recognize these

facts are in better position to identify signs their child is being bullied or even bullying other students. · Teach by example. Children reflect the attitudes and behaviors of their parents. If parents exhibit disrespectful behaviors toward one another or other people, children are more likely to follow suit. In addition, a 2001 study published in the Journal of Clinical Child Psychology found that abused children are more likely to bully others and be bullied by others than children who are not abused. Maintaining a home environment in which every individual, including children, is respected can reduce the likelihood that kids will bully or be bullied by others. These are just a handful of strategies parents can employ to address bullying with their children. More information is available at www.StopBullying.gov.

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Call today to register! (516) 441-4949, or online at https://apm.activecommunities.com/gnpscommunityed. Visit our website at www.greatneck.k12.ny.us/ce to view our online catalog. 30 Cumberland Avenue, Great Neck, NY 11020

Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, March 19, 2021 • Guide to Schools & Education

www.HarborChildCare.org Harbor Child Care has options for children ages 12 weeks to 12 years old to meet the needs of working parents year-round! Locations in Glen Cove, Manhasset, Mineola, New Hyde Park and Uniondale, licensed by the NYS Office of Children and Family Services

Simple ways to encourage young artists No two students are the same. Some students may love to read and naturally gravitate toward English class, while others may be fascinated by the world around them and find nothing stokes their academic passions quite like the study of physics. A passion for a given subject can make students more excited about school. But what about students with a passion for art? Many school districts have drastically cut back on fine arts classes. For example, a recent analysis of data from the State Department of Education in Oklahoma found that schools in the Sooner State cut more than 1,100 fine arts classes between 2014 and 2018. In the face of such budget cuts, parents may need to take a more active role in support of their children’s passion for art. The following are some ways parents can encourage that passion. · Recognize the educational value of art. PBS notes that creative activities are some of the building blocks of child development. While schools may be shifting their focus to common core subjects like mathematics, parents should recognize that art can be incredibly valuable to young minds as well. For example, art can help young children develop language skills, as creating art projects, even while just a toddler, often compels children to talk about their art. In addition, a recent

report from Americans for the Arts found that art education strengthens problem-solving and critical-thinking skills. If parents recognize the value of art, students are more likely to follow suit and reap all the rewards that art education provides. · Allow children the freedom to create. While technique is important for artists, young artists can benefit from some space. Other subjects are necessarily structured, but art sessions can be a great time for kids to simply explore their creativity without much interference from parents or educators. A designated room for arts, including arts and crafts, can illustrate to children that their interest in the arts is important and worthy of exploration. · Keep supplies well-stocked. Much like parents of young athletes enroll them in sports leagues or purchase the latest equipment, parents of children with a passion for art can indulge that passion by enrolling them in local art classes and keeping them well-stocked with art supplies. Even if the supplies are as simple as crayons and construction paper, their availability can send kids the message that their passion for art is not taken lightly. The arts can benefit students in myriad ways. If local school districts no longer offer art programs, it’s up to parents to find ways to encourage their children’s love of art.

Our early childhood education programs are taught by qualified, experienced, and fun-loving staff. We utilize the highly-regarded Creative Curriculum. Facilities serve homemade nutritious meals and snacks, and are nut-free. Music, physical fitness, and outdoor playspaces offered at all locations!

Summer Camp Program at New Hyde Park and Glen Cove locations. Please call Michele (516) 248-6653 or mrussell@harborchildcare.org

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42 Guide to Schools & Education • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, March 19, 2021

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