Lifestyle
Essential Skills for Children to Develop in Preschool
The first five years are crucial for child development; prioritize preschools that support academic, social, emotional, and physical skills through inquiry-based learning.
(Family Features) The skills young children need for success in elementary school and beyond are developed during the first five years of life. For families, it’s critical to select the right preschool – one with thoroughly trained faculty and a curriculum designed to nurture foundational academic, social, emotional and physical skills – then extend learning to home.
Experts from The Goddard School’s education team – Dr. Lauren Loquasto, senior vice president and chief academic officer; Dr. Maria Shaheen, director of early childhood research and innovation; and Karie Ann Middleton, director of early childhood education programs – share this guidance to help families prepare their children for success in, and beyond, elementary school.
Core Skills to Prioritize in Preschool
Most families, when thinking about their child’s preschool education, naturally default to focusing on academic skills, and those are certainly important. Children should develop a well-rounded foundation of literacy and mathematics skills. This includes building vocabulary, pairing sounds and letters and sounding out new words, as well as learning to count and connecting a number of objects (e.g., three blocks) to the corresponding numeral (3).
Just as important as the academic skills, however, are social and emotional skills. For example:
- Identifying feelings and emotions in themselves and others, and responding appropriately
- Entering a new social situation, making friends and navigating conflict
- Basic self-help skills, such as knowing how to independently eat, use the bathroom and zip up their jackets
Lastly is the development of early physical skills, such as balance and learning to use a pencil and scissors.
Inquiry-Based Learning: The Optimal Approach
The best educational approach supports all skill development – academic, social, emotional and physical – while children are engaged in play and exploration. In these supportive environments, teachers can actively observe children and listen carefully to understand their interests and curiosities then guide the instruction accordingly.
This is the basis of inquiry-based learning, a framework that embraces the natural curiosity and sense of wonder children bring into the classroom. Researchers from leading universities found when children are interested in what they are learning, attention spans are maximized, and when they feel in control of their learning, engagement is higher.
At The Goddard School, inquiry-based learning is brought to life via its exclusive education program, Wonder of Learning. With teacher-guided inquiry topics, children learn about themselves and the world around them by exploring their interests, investigating concepts and asking questions. This ensures learning is not only relevant to skill-building but also timely, contextual and meaningful, helping children master the foundational skills before entering elementary school.
Taking Inquiry-Based Learning Home
Inquiry-based learning is not limited to the classroom. In fact, to best support young children, families should practice the approach at home, too.
Families can start by narrating what they and their children are doing and verbalizing the emotions that correspond with their experiences. For example, “I can see by your face you aren’t sure if you like that new vegetable. I wonder if it’s the flavor or the texture?” Beyond listening to their responses, watch their faces for cues and respond accordingly. Through narration, children’s vocabularies are expanded and they learn to apply words to their emotions and experiences.
Give children choices, when possible and safe, such as choosing their outfits or snacks. Making choices helps them develop critical thinking skills and builds confidence and motivation.
Infuse open-ended questions throughout daily life. For example, ask “What makes you curious?” Going further, have children draw what they are curious about.
To help families practice inquiry-based learning, The Goddard School published a children’s book, “Curious Blueberry the Carousel Horse,” written by Steve Metzger and illustrated by Bruno Robert. The story follows Blueberry and her colorful carousel animal friends as they learn to find joy through curiosity and questions. Cues throughout the story prompt the reader to ask open-ended questions, creating an engaging and individualized experience for children.
To watch a webinar featuring Loquasto, Shaheen and Middleton sharing additional information and guidance, and to access a wealth of parenting insights and resources, visit the Parent Resource Center at GoddardSchool.com.
SOURCE:
The Goddard School
Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.
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laundry and cleaning
Room-by-Room Tips for Clutter-Free Spaces
Clutter-Free Spaces: A well-organized home isn’t about perfection. Experts often recommend tackling organization one room at a time, sorting items into categories like keep, donate or discard before finding the right storage solutions. If your home could use a refresh, start small and work your way through each space with these organization tips.
Room-by-Room Tips for Clutter-Free Spaces
(Feature Impact) A well-organized home isn’t about perfection. It’s about creating systems that make everyday life easier. When everything has a place, it’s simpler to maintain and keep clutter from creeping back in.
Experts often recommend tackling organization one room at a time, sorting items into categories like keep, donate or discard before finding the right storage solutions. If your home could use a refresh, start small and work your way through each space with these organization tips.
Entryway
A dedicated “drop zone” ensures items used daily don’t end up scattered throughout the house. However, the entryway is also one of the easiest places for clutter to pile up. To keep it tidy:
- Install wall hooks for coats, bags and backpacks
- Use a small bench or basket for shoes
- Add a tray or bowl for keys, sunglasses and everyday essentials
Kitchen
One of the most-used rooms in nearly every home, kitchen organization is key to making daily routines smoother. To stay organized:
- Clear unnecessary items off countertops
- Group pantry items by category, such as snacks, baking supplies and canned goods
- Store rarely used appliances in cabinets or a pantry
Living Room
Living rooms often serve many purposes, from relaxing and entertaining to working or studying. The key is creating storage that blends seamlessly with your decor:
- Use decorative baskets for blankets, magazines and toys
- Choose furniture with hidden storage like ottomans or coffee tables
- Keep remotes and small electronics in a designated tray or organizer
Bedroom
Your bedroom should feel like a sanctuary. Too much clutter can make it harder to relax and unwind. To maintain order:
- Keep only essential items on nightstands
- Rotate seasonal clothing to free up closet space
- Use under-bed storage bins for extra linens or off-season clothes
Bathroom
Bathrooms often have limited space, so smart storage solutions are essential:
- Keep countertops clear except for frequently used products
- Separate backup supplies from daily-use items, which should be stored for quick access
- Use over-the-door organizers for towels or extra storage
Home Office
Whether you work remotely or simply manage household tasks, an organized office helps you stay focused. To improve productivity and reduce distractions:
- Digitize or recycle unnecessary paperwork
- Use desk trays and organizers for supplies
- Create labeled folders or a filing system for important documents
Storage Areas
Garages, basements and storage rooms can quickly become catch-all spaces. A little planning can make them much easier to manage:
- Label bins for seasonal decorations, tools or sports equipment
- Use shelving and wall storage to maximize vertical space
- Keep an inventory list for larger storage areas
With a little planning and the right habits, a well-organized home becomes easier to maintain. Find more ideas at eLivingtoday.com.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
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Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.
recipes
Say ‘Yes, Please’ to The Grilled Cheese of the Year: Gooey Goodness with a Protein Punch
Tne Grilled Cheese of the Year: A grilled cheese sandwich isn’t just a lunchtime staple; it’s a beloved cultural icon. There is a universal magic in the combination of ooey-gooey cheese, golden bread and a little butter – but in 2026, this comfort food classic is getting a functional upgrade in recipes like The Protein Powerhouse and The Classic.
Last Updated on April 27, 2026 by Daily News Staff
Say ‘Yes, Please’ to The Grilled Cheese of the Year: Gooey Goodness with a Protein Punch
(Feature Impact) A grilled cheese sandwich isn’t just a lunchtime staple; it’s a beloved cultural icon. There is a universal magic in the combination of ooey-gooey cheese, golden bread and a little butter – but in 2026, this comfort food classic is getting a functional upgrade.
It’s also safe to say nostalgia is delicious and addicting, which is why Borden Cheese is sharing not one, but two, prize-worthy recipes, one of which packs a protein punch and another that’s a pure classic, perfect for spreading smiles and happy bellies.
Protein, Please: The Protein Powerhouse is the Grilled Cheese of the Year, and it’s easy to see why. It’s a protein-packed masterpiece designed for the modern appetite. Featuring a creamy, dual-cheese combo of mild cheddar and Borden Mozzarella Cheese Melts, the sandwich is melted over 5 ounces of tender sliced chicken breast and delivers more than 40 grams of protein and about 8 grams of fiber when paired with the right bread. Served with a tangy Greek yogurt and Dijon mustard “powerhouse sauce” and pressed between golden, crispy bread, this grilled cheese isn’t your ordinary melt. It has been transformed into a massive protein boost.
Tried n’ True: While modern flavors and trends are delicious, nostalgia is too. In fact, a whopping 20,000 fans cast their votes for America’s Favorite Grilled Cheese, asserting a fervor that’s unmatched when it comes to their perfect melt, and awarded The Classic the title of “America’s Favorite.” This comforting recipe pairs extra sharp melts with American singles on sliced white bread for a perfect, ooey-gooey bite that reminds you the cheese truly “makes” the sandwich.
VisitBordenCheese.com/grilled-cheese-day for other ooey-gooey grilled cheese recipes created for 2026.
The Protein Powerhouse
- 1 tablespoon butter, softened
- 2 slices bread fortified with protein and fiber
- 2 Borden Mild Cheddar Slices
- 1 slice Borden Mozzarella Melts
- 5 ounces sliced chicken breast (deli-shaved or thinly carved)
“Powerhouse” Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons non-fat Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Heat griddle to medium heat. Butter bread. Layer cheeses and chicken on top of bread.
- Place bread on griddle and cook until lightly toasted. Flip and cook other side.
- Remove sandwich from skillet or griddle.
- To make powerhouse sauce: Mix Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, garlic powder and smoked paprika until well blended. Slice sandwich in half and drizzle with Powerhouse sauce.
The Classic
- 1 tablespoon butter, softened
- 2 slices white bread
- 2 slices Borden Extra Sharp Melts
- 2 slices Borden American Singles
- Heat skillet or griddle over medium heat.
- Spread butter on one side of each slice bread.
- Place cheese slices on unbuttered side of bread. Top with other slice of bread with butter facing upward.
- Place sandwich on skillet or griddle and cook 3-4 minutes on each side. Using spatula, lightly press sandwich down gently while cooking to melt cheese better.
- Remove from skillet or griddle and slice in half.
SOURCE:
Borden
At our core, we at STM Daily News, strive to keep you informed and inspired with the freshest content on all things food and beverage. From mouthwatering recipes to intriguing articles, we’re here to satisfy your appetite for culinary knowledge.
Visit our Food & Drink section to get the latest on Foodie News and recipes, offering a delightful blend of culinary inspiration and gastronomic trends to elevate your dining experience. https://stmdailynews.com/food-and-drink/
5 Tips for Gardening with Kids
(Feature Impact) Gardening is a simple way to bring families together while simultaneously teaching kids hands-on lessons about nature, responsibility and healthy living. Whether you have a backyard garden, a few containers on the patio or are looking for a starting point, getting your children involved in planting and caring for plants can spark curiosity and create lasting memories.
To get started, consider these family-friendly tips:
- Start Small
Begin with a manageable project, such as a few containers, a small garden bed or a single planter box. This helps keep the experience fun rather than overwhelming and allows children to see progress quickly.
- Let Kids Choose the Plants
Giving your children a say in what goes into the garden can help build excitement and a sense of ownership. Ask them to pick a few colorful fruits, vegetables or flowers that grow quickly, such as sunflowers, cherry tomatoes, mint, sugar snap peas or marigolds.
- Give Them Their Own Space
Kids feel proud when they have something that’s their own. Consider assigning each child a small plot, container or row in the garden. Let them be responsible for watering, planting and checking on their plants.
- Use Kid-Sized Tools
Little hands typically work best with tools designed just for them. Small watering cans, lightweight trowels and child-sized gloves help kids participate safely and comfortably.
- Encourage Creativity
Gardens don’t have to be all work. Add some fun to the process by adding artistic touches. Projects such as decorating pots, painting plant markers or creating a fairy or butterfly garden can keep imaginations engaged as well.
From the first tiny sprout to the final harvest, find more family-friendly gardening advice at eLivingtoday.com.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
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Welcome to the Consumer Corner section of STM Daily News, your ultimate destination for savvy shopping and informed decision-making! Dive into a treasure trove of insights and reviews covering everything from the hottest toys that spark joy in your little ones to the latest electronic gadgets that simplify your life. Explore our comprehensive guides on stylish home furnishings, discover smart tips for buying a home or enhancing your living space with creative improvement ideas, and get the lowdown on the best cars through our detailed auto reviews. Whether you’re making a major purchase or simply seeking inspiration, the Consumer Corner is here to empower you every step of the way—unlock the keys to becoming a smarter consumer today!
