Helping Parents, Students & Families Achieve Academic Success | Building Educational Foundations | Teacher Resources > Students > Library

Learning for Summer? Head to the Library for More than Just Reading

If you're looking for your community's learning hub, head to the library. You'll find more than the traditional library reading program as everyone from toddlers, babies, teenagers, and adults gather to find learning for summ...

Family Ideas to Promote Infant Brain Development

Child development research shows that in the first three years of babies' development their brains grow amazingly. Infant activities and parent interaction fuel learning.

Music Aids Babies' Development

Singing, bouncing, clapping and cheering—these aren’t just silly family ideas for passing the time with babies. Movement and music are a great way for normal babies to learn, and make for fun toddler games as well.

What Toddlers' Activities Can I Do with My Fourteen to Sixteen Month-old Today?

Gear your 14-16 month old toddler's activities toward those which encourage child social development while discouraging tantrums in children.

Music Isn't a Magic Elixir for Baby Brain Development

While listening to classical music is one of many useful, nurturing family home activities for infants, it's not likely to make much difference in baby brain development.

What Should You Expect from Twelve-month Doctor Exams?

You're about to take your 1-year-old in for her personal health and wellness doctor examination. Expect the doctor to review immunizations, interview you, take measurements, and check overall development in baby.

Redefining Normal: Baby Changes Everything

Getting a newborn to sleep might be one of the least of your adjustments when your first baby arrives. Don't worry, it's normal. Baby changes everything about your life.

Parents' Issues: Breast or Bottle for Your Baby?

One of the first big parents' issues for new parents is how they will feed their newborn. If you're still weighing the pros and the cons of the breast versus bottle, consider babies' development. This info may help.

Activities for Infants During the First Two Months

Looking for something to do with your newborn? Read on for some great activities for infants that you can do during the first two months of their lives. You'll have fun and promote infant brain development.

Baby Development Stages Move More Slowly for Premature Infants

When newborns arrive prematurely, they're more likely than ever to survive. However, premature babies' development will be a little slower and parents need to be patient with baby development stages.

Parents' Issues: I Never Thought I'd Use Baby Talk

There's something about having a baby that brings out that excited, sing-song voice. Don't stop! Baby talk is a great way to bond with baby, and bonding is one of the most critical of parents' issues.

Fun Family Activities: Discovering the Great Outdoors

We all know that playing outdoors is fun for kids, but it can also promote child social development and toddler learning. Step outside with your kids and watch them learn while having fun.

Understanding Babies' Development Takes Time, Patience

Newborns are confusing. Understanding babies' development takes time, but the hard work of caring for and calming baby will lead to the rewards of smiles and baby love.

Parents' Issues: Is It Time to Go Back to Work?

It's hard to imagine leaving your baby in the care of others. After all, you're finally getting to know one another, and parenting is starting to be fun. It's one of the toughest of parents' issues.

Family Ideas: Breastfeeding After Returning to Work

Families don’t have to give up breastfeeding if mom goes back to work, but they do need to plan ahead. These family ideas and suggestions can help working moms breastfeed their babies.

Babies Need Tummy Time for Infant Brain Development

Child development research indicates that babies need tummy time for infant brain development. Tummy time helps strengthen back and neck muscles as well as nurture baby brain development.

What Infant Activities Can I Do with My Two to Four Month-Old Today?

Your baby may seem young, but there are many infant activities you can do together that will promote developmental learning. Try some of these activities for infants to calm a baby or just to play.

When is My Baby Sick Enough For a Doctor Examination?

While new parents shouldn't worry too much--or make a lot of late-night doctor calls, a baby pediatrician would usually rather take a regular call than let an infant illness turn serious. Find out times you should call the do...

Babies' Development May Include Fears, Shyness

Normal babies all go through some shy and fearful baby development stages. You can help your baby adjust by introducing new people and things gradually.

Parents' Issues: I Never Thought I'd Become a Baby Bore

You swore it wouldn't happen to you. But your baby is all you think and talk about. Relax. The most important of parents' issues is bonding with baby, and that's what being a baby bore is all about.

High Chairs Mark New Stage in Babies' Development

A high chair is a new stage in babies' development. Parents must consider safety when choosing a high chair, and also use the high chair for child social development.

Infant Activities: What Can I Do with My Four to Six Month-old Today?

All those smiles and giggles, cries and wiggles mean your baby is growing, growing, growing. What infant activities can you do to build her brain and body today? Get ideas.

Development in Baby: Capturing Kodak Moments

Taking photos of your infant with special needs can be tough, but go ahead and photograph his or her child development stages. You'll treasure the photos, and your parent's development will benefit.

Development in Baby: Not Crawling Yet?

Watching your baby crawl for the first time is one of those milestones of development in baby that parents wait for, camera at the ready. But if your infant isn't crawling yet, don't panic.

Parent Stress Lessens When We Ask for Help

As hard as it is to ask for help, parenting isn't a private job. Develop a network to relieve parent stress. These friends, relatives, and neighbors can offer suggestions for both children's and parents' development.

Infant Activities: What Can I Do with My Six to Eight Month-old Today?

Babyhood doesn't get much better than this. Your baby is so aware, alert and engaged these days and with so many new skills, the world is his playground. Get infant activities ideas here.

Choose Smarter Baby Toys and Toddler Games

So you think all those baby toys and toddler games you bought are perfect. They may look perfect, but are they safe? Infant babies need toys, but some are safer than others.

Babies' Development Includes Healthy Eyes and Ears

Babies are constantly using their eyes and ears to learn. During their growth, babies rely on their senses. Normal baby tests can help parents know whether their child's sight and hearing development is on track.

Babies' Development: By Six to Eight Months, Children Should...

Here are some milestones in baby development stages that normal babies should be able to accomplish by the time they are six to eight months old. Check babies' development.

What's Going On With Baby: Brain Development Moves at Warp Speed

Newborn babies' development moves at warp speed. Baby brain development is fascinating and you can help it along with infant activities that encourage developmental learning.

Infant Activities: What Can I Do with My Eight to Ten Month-old Today?

The older your baby gets, the more infant activities there are. Here are some activities and exercises that you can do with your 8- to 10-month old, even with separation anxiety babies.

Special Needs Parents Must Trust Their Instincts

Being the parent of children of special needs can be overwhelming. While professionals and special education articles help, special needs parents need to remember to trust their gut instincts.

For Growth, Babies Need a Little Frustration

During child development stages when babies learn new skills, they may get frustrated. But don't rush to ease the way. For growth, babies need to work through struggles.

What Infant Activities Can I Do with My Ten to Twelve-month-old Today?

Here are some baby exercises and activities that you can do with your ten to twelve-month-old.

Baby Activities with Dad

Dads play differently with babies than moms do. Child development research shows that baby activities with dad help little ones develop. But safety must come first.

First Year Growth: Babies' Development Is about to Skyrocket

The growth babies experience in the first year is nothing short of amazing. But buckle your seat belts because your child's developmental learning is about to take off as he learns to speak and walk.

Six Hints for Play Date Harmony

Play dates can be just as much fun for your child as they are for you. Just following these tips and you'll be enjoying yourself in no time.

What Can I Do with My Twelve to Fourteen Month-old Today?

Child development stages are unique. Here are some exercises and activities that you can do with your 12- to 14-month-old that are great infant activities that build infant brain development.

Learning for Infants: Activities with the Family Jump-start an Education

Don't wait until school starts. Learning begins when children are infants. Activities that promote learning can include travel for toddlers, exploring, and lots of conversation.

Parents' Issues: I Never Thought I'd Give My Child a Pacifier

Do you struggle with differing advice on what you should do with your child's pacifier? Read what some experts have to say about one of the most commonly mentioned of parents' issues.

For Best Growth, Babies Need Breastfeeding

For normal babies, the debate between breast and bottle is over. For best growth, babies need breastfeeding. The breast is best for mom's health, babies' health, and baby brain development.

Language Development Stages: Using Sign Language with Baby

Ever wonder what your baby is trying to tell you when he cries? Try using simple sign language. It can be used at various language development stages and help a lot with calming baby.

Family Ideas for Teaching Infant Babies Sign Language

If you're interested in teaching sign language to infant babies, consider these family ideas from a mom who has been there. She recruited the whole family to use sign language as part of the infant's activities.

When Is It Time for Infant/Toddler Reading Lessons?

Don't wait for kindergarten: Start your toddler reading by cuddling up with books and talking to them all the time. You'll not only share happy times, but provide great support for toddler language development.

Family Ideas to Encourage Toddler Speech Development

Toddler speech development depends on your child hearing spoken language. Use these family ideas to create a language-rich environment for your toddler.

Pacifiers: Healthy Part of Normal Baby Life

Pacifiers, when used correctly, can help a baby to calm herself. Nor will them inhibit babies' development or compromise dental health. Children may need help, though, being weaned as they get older.

What Toddlers' Activities Can I Do with My Eighteen to Twenty Month-old Today?

Your baby is getting older and is ready to engage in all types of fun family activities with you. Try out some toddler activities that encourage speech and independence.

Keeping Track of Child Development Stages

Sometimes you're so busy enjoying your child's milestones that it's hard to squeeze in time to record them. But if you have a calendar, you can easily keep track of child development stages.

Start Nurturing Child Social Development in the Cradle

Don't wait--child social development begins early. You can start teaching social skills before your child learns to talk. Here are some family ideas on toddler parenting that can teach great social skills.

Parent Response Can Guide a Toddler Learning About Sexual Self

Parents can play a role in child social development by responding calmly to a curious toddler learning about body parts and sexuality through self-exploration. Find teaching moments to promote a healthy view of sexuality in y...

Toddler Activities: What Can I Do with My Twenty to Twenty-two Month-old Today?

There is no shortage of toddler activities, from reading to talking to jumping up and down. Try these fun exercises and activities that can help with toddler speech development.

Family Ideas for Taking the Fear Out of Halloween Make-Believe

When it comes to Halloween, toddler activities can be both scary and fun. Boost their developmental learning and give them an extra dose of courage with these family ideas for the trick-or-treat holiday.

Parents' Issues: In Search of the Perfect Preschool

Going to preschool is a milestone among parents' issues; it's the first important step along the education trail. Take the time to do your research so you can get your child off to a good start.

Preserve Parents' Stories in Diaries for Children

Diaries for children are great ways to preserve parents' stories about their kids. When they capture memories from all child development stages, the create a precious gift while connecting with their inner wisdom.

Child Development Stages: Master Your Toddler's Tantrums

Why is it that every time you set foot in the grocery store, your toddler throws a fit? Tantrums have to do with child development stages. Here are some helpful family ideas about coping with meltdowns.

Development in Baby: Just Like You, Dad

How much is development in baby affected by parents' behavior? A whole bunch. The apple really doesn't fall far from the tree. With that fact in mind, what habits is your child learning from you?

Bring on the Pets: Kids Learn from Animals in the Home

Pets have more benefits for their families than just the cuddles they give. Child development research shows that pets for kids are a great learning tool for academics and child social development.

Prenatal Parent Stress and Postnatal Care: Boost Baby Brain Development

Add parent stress to the list of dangers during pregnancy. It turns out that parent stress during pregnancy can inhibit baby brain development. The good news? You can help your child overcome early disadvantages.

Parent Interaction Boosts Speech Development in Children

Infant brain development research has shown that parents' verbal interaction with their babies boosts language and speech development in children.

Child Development Stages: Kids Modeling Parents

You may think you know child development stages. But you might not know how much your child models you. Read how one mom realized that her daughter was watching her very closely.

Interaction is Key to Getting a Toddler Reading

You can get a toddler reading without emptying your pocketbook. Child development research shows that family interaction is as important as buying the best baby books and videos.

Why Toddlers' Activities Need to Include Scribbling

Your child's scribbling may look more like graffiti than art when plastered on your wall, but this toddler activity is one of several important child development stages. It even helps with toddler language development.

Boost Baby Brain Development

Good news! Boosting baby brain development is easy to do, and it's as important as providing other basics such as good nutrition and a safe environment. Here are 10 simple suggestions.

Parent Stress Doubles When a Twin Is Sick

It's more than double the trouble when one baby of twins has a serious illness or disability. The parent stress of ensuring the adolescent child development needs of both are met can be overwhelming.

Jane Goodall: Teaching Character Helps Children Achieve Dreams

Jane Goodall knows the secret to really achieving your dreams. A parent's development of community service opportunities can inspire children to a lifetime of greatness and faith.

Program Offers Family Ideas for Baby Development

Do you feel like a chef without a recipe when it comes to baby brain development? The Parents as Teachers program offers family ideas for baby activities that boost brain power.

Calming Baby Fears, Building Baby Brains with Just the Sound of Your Voice

You know that the soothing sound of your voice can calm normal baby fears. You might not know that talking to babies helps promote the infant brain development that is critical for success in school.

Child Development Research: A Look at Kids' Sleep Disorders

Sometimes it's not just a problem of fighting bedtime. If your child sleepwalks, wets the bed or has night terrors, child development research can help you figure out what you can do to solve the problem.

Toddler Parenting Demands Creative Speech

Check your toddler parenting frustration at the door and change the way you talk to your child. Find creative ways to redirect toddler activities rather than yelling or arguing.

A Parent’s Development Journal

Becoming a parent is a journey with many wonderful lessons to be learned along the way. Keeping a parent's development journal can help you slow down and enjoy each day thoughtfully.

Brain Boosters: Family Ideas for Kids and Parents

The first 3 years are critical to children's brain development, so get your child's mind fueled up and stimulated starting with these important years. These brain boosting family ideas and tips will help.

A Toddler Learning About Conflict May Show Aggression

Strict toddler discipline may not be the best answer to child aggression. Working through conflict is a normal baby activity in early child development stages.

Hearing Loss Could Affect Speech Development in Children

If you think your child suffers from hearing loss, you may be interested in reading this article. Speech language development in children can be affected from hearing loss.

Parents' Stories: A Conversation with Michigan's Governor Jennifer Granholm

Michigan's Governor, Jennifer Granholm, is intimately familiar with child development research on childhood brain development. She shares how she uses that knowledge with her own family.

Express Love at All Child Development Stages

These ideas will help you bond with your little ones at the beginning stages of babies' development and later child development stages. These tips comprise quick ways to express your love for your children.

Select Toys to Encourage Developmental Learning

The toys you buy can make a difference in adolescent child development. Find out which toys can be both fun family activities and ways to promote childhood brain development and learning.

Toddler Speech Development

How can you encourage toddler speech development? The best tool is to listen. Speech language development takes place when children have a chance to talk freely and be heard.

Babies' Development: Interacting with Your Baby

Just because your baby can't talk, doesn't mean he or she doesn't need lots of attention. Helping babies' development depends on interacting and getting close. Get tips on how to connect with baby.

Child Development Stages: Four Ways to Overcome Exclusion

It's hard for your child to face rejection from others. But it's also a normal part of child development stages. Here's some recent child development research on how you can help.

A Musical Infant Activity: The Parent's Voice

Long before your child says "Mama" or "Papa," she is learning a lot about her native language. How? By listening to your voice. The more you talk to your baby, the more baby teaching you're providing.

Baby Activities: The Rhythm of Parents' Voices

Among universal baby activities is babbling. Babies imitate the rhythm of the language they hear as they goo and coo. So the more language your baby hears, the more easily speech will come.

Family Ideas for Speech Language Development

Help your children build word power through their various language development stages with these baby activities, toddler activities, and preschooler activities.

Family Ideas for Sensory Play

Sensory play helps children's brains grow as they explore sight, touch, smell, sound, and taste. These activities for babies, toddlers and preschoolers promote learning.

Fun Family Activities Teach Patterns

Observing and decoding patterns is an important pre-math skill. With these fun family activities, parents can help babies, toddlers, and preschoolers understand patterns.

Improve Writing Skills with Toddler Games

Get your young children ready for writing with these games for preschoolers, toddlers, and babies. These fun family home activities will improve writing skills at early language development stages.

Understanding Baby Development Stages

Learning about baby development stages can take some of the stress out of parenting. Infant child development moves at many different paces and what may seem unusual, could just be normal baby behavior.

Toddler Learning: Development in Speech

Development in speech is essential for young minds. Here is a great toddler activity to help increase vocabulary and keep toddlers interested. Toddler learning should always be fun.

Travel for Babies the Simple Way

Traveling with babies can be overwhelming if you bring along every toy to keep him entertained. Learn about free infant activites that can make your travel much easier.

Communicating with Your Baby Encourages Baby Brain Development

It's important to communicate with infant babies right at birth. Infant activities don't need to be complex; responding to her cooing and babbling noises will stimulate her brain.

Playing Pretend Can Help Boost Toddler Language Development

Your little chatterbox is engaged in constant learning. When you talk to and play toddler games with your child, you're helping move him through language development stages.

Reading Promotes Babies' Development

Reading stimulates babies' development, and also gives your baby the attention she craves. Find the best baby books, curl up with your child in your lap, and read!

Getting Ready for Preschool Marks Important Child Development Stages

Getting a child ready for preschool can be stressful, but preschool projects can also reveal just how much a child has grown. One mother talks about how school has marked some child development stages.

Developmental Learning the Playful Way

EduGuide's Start magazine drops in on a library reading program playgroup to turn up toy issues, then turns to the experts for tips on kids manners, normal baby behavior, and more.

Family Ideas: The Best Toys for Children

Choose wisely when adding to your children’s toy box, being especially mindful of child development stages. For every family, ideas from toy experts can help you make decisions about playtime.

Sleep, Babies, and Apartments Create Challenges

When it's time to learn to sleep, babies may cry and cry. In an apartment complex, that can be a problem. Teach baby to sleep without bothering the neighbors.

The Smart Mom's Toy Box

Simple toys, when used properly, can help develop complex learning skills. These "brain games" will do for the mind what exercise does for the body. Here is a free list of valuable, yet inexpensive games, to help develop your...

Helping Kids Project Confidence

A major steppingstone in developmental learning is gaining new-found independence. This real-life story looks at a kindergartner who might need a little push in the right direction toward creative critical thinking.

Teaching Character Through Child Responsibility

Do our efforts to help our kids get ready for preschool or pack for elementary field trips squelch their initial attempts at independence? One mom takes a candid look at house chores and other sources of parent stress, and wo...

Learning: Family Ideas on How to Help

An expert weighs in on how parents can reduce stress in children by teaching them to work through challenging situations on their own.

Search by Keyword

Filter by Age

Filter by Grade Level

Browse by Topic

Topic: Growth and Development