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.
financial wellness
Investing in Education: 5 Ways to Prepare Students for the Jobs of Tomorrow
Jobs of Tomorrow: A diploma is still an important milestone, but what matters more than the piece of paper is whether graduates have the knowledge, skills and confidence to take meaningful next steps in pursuing further education or building careers. Students, families, educators, employers and policymakers all have a role to play in cultivating these opportunities.
Investing in Education: 5 Ways to Prepare Students for the Jobs of Tomorrow
(Feature Impact) The landscape of modern work is changing rapidly, leaving many uncertain about whether they’re adequately equipped to face the future. Even though America invests roughly $1 trillion in education every year, it’s difficult to know whether that investment is truly preparing young people for what comes next.
“Our education system isn’t evolving quickly enough to prepare our students for the jobs of tomorrow,” said Amit Sevak, CEO of ETS, a global education and talent solutions organization working with more than 30 million students a year to measure learning success and power human progress at every stage of life. “Students only get one chance at an education, and we have a responsibility to understand what’s working, what’s not and where additional support is needed.”
A diploma is still an important milestone, but what matters more than the piece of paper is whether graduates have the knowledge, skills and confidence to take meaningful next steps in pursuing further education or building careers. Students, families, educators, employers and policymakers all have a role to play in cultivating these opportunities.
Start the Conversation Early
Success isn’t a single path anymore, so young people may benefit from thinking outside the traditional pipeline of high school to college to a good job to retirement. By prompting early conversations, parents can help their children begin sorting through their options well in advance. Encourage dinner table talks about favorite school subjects, what kind of work seems interesting and alternative pathways to build careers. The goal isn’t necessarily to choose a life track immediately – just to start exploring ideas before the time arrives to lock in a decision.
Learn to Work with AI
In the age of AI, there’s a balance to be found between fully embracing or avoiding it. Parents and educators can encourage thoughtful, responsible use of the AI tools reshaping modern workplaces – without sanctioning them as a way to get out of doing homework. Students should think critically about both the uses and limitations of AI, learning how these systems work but still recognizing when human judgment matters.
Get Real-World Experience Before Graduation
Textbooks and classrooms can teach a lot, but some of the most valuable lessons come from the real world. Summer jobs, internships, volunteering, co-op programs, job shadowing or small-scale forays into entrepreneurship can help kids discover where their talents and passions fit. It’s also a chance to develop the soft skills that make great employees, like being punctual, working well with others and adapting to new situations.
Build Human Skills
There are certain abilities technology just can’t replace, making them vital pieces of future-proof training. Strong communication, teamwork mindsets, critical thinking skills, civic reasoning and empathy translate well to many careers. Rather than focusing strictly on academics, teachers can shift lesson plans to encourage growth in these areas. Specialized hands-on talents and trades are also more insulated from technological disruptions.
Measure Progress Beyond Grades
Grades and test scores don’t tell the whole story about career readiness, yet they’re often treated as the only metric that matters in educational success. Policymakers have the opportunity to change how schools measure student progress, including by trading the one-size-fits-all rubrics for more personalized assessments that demonstrate proficiency in more comprehensive ways. Education is on the ballot this election season, so ask your local and state elected leaders about whether today’s graduates are ready to face the future.
For information about a system that gives students, educators and employers clear evidence that learning is leading to opportunity, visit ETS.org.
Photos courtesy of Shutterstock
SOURCE:
ETS
recipes
Keeping the Love of Food with Type 2 Diabetes
Living with Type 2 diabetes often means making adjustments to your daily routine, especially when it comes to food. Although adjusting to life with diabetes may take time, you don’t have to give up your favorite foods and flavors. In fact, it can be an opportunity to discover meals that support your health goals while still enjoying the foods you love.
(Feature Impact) Living with Type 2 diabetes often means making adjustments to your daily routine, especially when it comes to food. Whether you’re living with the condition or supporting someone who is, it can influence everything from meal planning to dinners out and everyday activities. Although adjusting to life with diabetes may take time, you don’t have to give up your favorite foods and flavors. In fact, it can be an opportunity to discover meals that support your health goals while still enjoying the foods you love.
That’s what professional chef and TV show host Kardea Brown did, alongside her husband Bryon Smith, who was recently diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes at age 38.
“When my husband was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, it didn’t mean the end of the foods we love,” Brown said. “It meant I had to get creative. I started reimagining my recipes, so they still carry that same soul, that same comfort, just with ingredients that love him back a little better.”
To remove the guesswork about how certain ingredients affect Smith’s glucose levels, the couple relies on Abbott’s FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensor with Libre Assist*, a feature within the accompanying Libre app**. The technology provides real-time glucose insights and can help predict how certain foods may affect his glucose^ levels before a meal.
“I open the Libre Assist feature in the app, snap a photo and instantly see how that food might affect me before I even take the first bite,” Smith said. “It even suggests healthier swaps to help lower the impact.”
Small lifestyle changes can also make a difference in diabetes management. Brown recommends:
- Building balanced meals that prioritize non-starchy vegetables, lean proteins and healthy carbs for added fiber.
- Reading labels carefully to ensure you choose ingredients with little or no added sugars.
- Boosting fiber intake with ingredients like lentils, oats, beans and whole fruits.
- Cooking smarter at home by using simple methods like grilling, baking or sauteing with healthy fats, such as olive or canola oil.
- Planning and preparing for success by shopping with a list and planning meals in advance so you always have nutritious ingredients ready to cook.
To learn more about Libre Assist and to see if you qualify for a free† sensor, visit freestylelibre.us/LibreAssist.
The views expressed in this article should not be used for medical diagnosis or treatment or as a substitute for professional medical advice. Individual symptoms, situations and circumstances may vary.
* Libre Assist is a feature within Libre app that uses generative artificial intelligence to provide information on how foods could impact your glucose levels. Generative artificial intelligence may not always be accurate, and it should not be used to make treatment decisions.
** The FreeStyle Libre systems apps are only compatible with certain mobile devices and operating systems. Please check the Support section of our website for more information about device compatibility before using the apps. Use of the FreeStyle Libre systems apps may require registration with LibreView.
^Predicted glucose impact is based on user-provided food data and may differ from actual impact, which depends on sensor readings and factors like activity, stress, medication and alcohol. For personalized advice, consult your healthcare provider.
†Offer available for people who qualify. Visit MyFreeStyle.us to see all Terms and Conditions. Certain exclusions apply. Medicare and Medicaid patients are not eligible. See MyFreeStyle.us for more information.
Important Safety Information: Product for prescription only, for Important Safety Information visit FreeStyleLibre.us.
Shrimp Scampi and Cauliflower Grits
Recipe courtesy of Kardea Brown on behalf of Abbott
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Grits:
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup light cream
- 1 cup stone-ground grits
- 1 cup cauliflower rice
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Shrimp Scampi:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons dry white wine
- 1 lemon, juice only
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- salt, to taste
- pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
- To make grits: Bring broth and cream to gentle boil; whisk in grits. Cook 10-15 minutes. Stir in cauliflower rice and cook 5-7 minutes. Add butter, cheese, salt and pepper.
- To make shrimp scampi: In pan, heat butter and oil; saute garlic and red pepper flakes, if desired, 30 seconds. Add shrimp, cook 1-2 minutes per side and remove.
- Add broth, wine, lemon juice and lemon zest; simmer 2-3 minutes. Return shrimp; toss; season with salt and pepper, to taste; and stir in parsley.
- Serve shrimp over creamy grits.
Macaroni and Cheese with Chickpea Pasta
Recipe courtesy of Kardea Brown on behalf of Abbott
Prep time: 20 minutes
Bake time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Pasta:
- 8 ounces chickpea-based, gluten-free pasta
Bechamel Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons almond flour
- 1 cup half-and-half
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- salt, to taste
- black pepper, to taste
Cheese Blend:
- 1 cup medium cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Gruyere cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Topping:
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar and Gruyere cheese
- 2 tablespoons almond flour (optional)
- chopped parsley
- Preheat oven to 375 F and grease baking dish.
- To make pasta: Cook pasta al dente.
- To make bechamel sauce: Melt butter and whisk in almond flour, 1-2 minutes. Slowly add half-and-half, heavy cream and broth. Stir until thickened. Season with mustard, garlic powder, smoked paprika and salt and pepper, to taste. Remove from heat.
- To make cheese blend: Mix cheddar, gruyere and Parmesan. Stir half the cheese blend into bechamel sauce until smooth. Stir in pasta.
- Layer pasta and cheese sauce in dish: half pasta, half cheese and repeat. Top with reserved cheese and almond flour, if desired.
- Cover with foil and bake 15-20 minutes. Remove foil and bake 10-15 minutes uncovered until golden.
- Rest 5 minutes, garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Red Velvet Layer Cake with Almond Flour
Recipe courtesy of Kardea Brown on behalf of Abbott
Prep time: 25 minutes
Bake time: 20 minutes
Chill time: 30-60 minutes
Servings: 12
Cake:
- 2 cups almond flour
- 1 cup whole-wheat pastry flour
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups monk fruit-allulose blend
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup plain unsweetened Greek yogurt
- 1/3 cup avocado oil
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon distilled vinegar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- red food coloring (optional)
Whipped Cream:
- 6 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup powdered monk fruit
- 1 1/2 cups cold heavy whipping cream
Berry Drizzle:
- 1/2 cup no-sugar-added wild berry jam
- 1-2 tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)
Filling and Topping:
- 2 cups mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- Preheat oven to 350 F and grease or line three 8-inch pans.
- To make cake: In bowl, mix almond flour, pastry flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt and monk fruit-allulose blend. In separate bowl, mix eggs, Greek yogurt, avocado oil, buttermilk, distilled vinegar, vanilla extract and red food coloring, if desired. Combine dry and wet ingredients until smooth. Divide evenly into pans and bake 18-22 minutes. Cool completely.
- To make whipped cream: Whip cream cheese and monk sugar until smooth. Add cream gradually and whip to medium-stiff peaks. Chill.
- To make berry drizzle: Warm berry jam with water and lemon juice, if desired, until pourable; cool slightly.
- To assemble cake: Layer cake, whipped cream, jam and berries; repeat for three layers. Top with berries and drizzle.
- Chill 30-60 minutes before slicing.
Photo courtesy of Abbott (Bryon Smith and Kardea Brown, a paid partner)
SOURCE:
Abbott
Health
When Vision Changes: 5 Ways to Navigate What Comes Next
Whether sight changes suddenly or gradually, a question often follows: “Now what?” There is no single way to adjust to vision loss, and the questions can change over time. These five starting points can help you identify what matters most now and where to find support.
(Feature Impact) A change in vision can turn ordinary routines into unfamiliar challenges. A favorite book becomes harder to read. Walking through a familiar neighborhood feels different. A family member offers help, but you may not know how to ask for what you need. Whether sight changes suddenly or gradually, a question often follows: “Now what?”
Medical care is essential, but many people encounter a Grand Canyon-sized gap between clinical care and everyday life with vision loss. Questions arise around getting around safely, continuing to do things you love, talking to family about what is changing and more. The answers take more than information; they require practical guidance, emotional support and connection with people who understand.
“The medical conversation rarely has room for what people are actually grappling with: fear, grief and the very practical question of how to keep living the lives they want,” said Johnjoe Farragher, CEO of Hadley, a nonprofit dedicated to helping adults with vision loss. “Those ‘now what?’ moments are where people need a clear place to begin.”
There is no single way to adjust to vision loss, and the questions can change over time. These five starting points can help you identify what matters most now and where to find support.
Take One Step at a Time
You don’t have to solve every challenge at once. Ask your vision care team about your diagnosis and treatment then think about what is most difficult in daily life right now. It could be reading email, moving safely through your home or using your phone. Choose one concern to address first. A small, useful change can make the next step feel more manageable.
Make Room for the Emotional Side
Vision loss may bring grief, frustration, fear or a change in how you see yourself. Those feelings don’t have to be brushed aside before you can move forward. Share those feelings with someone you trust and seek professional support if you need it. Hearing how others navigated similar changes can help you feel less alone and identify possibilities you may not have imagined.
Find a Trusted Place to Begin
Ask your vision care team about support available in your community. If you’re unsure what to ask for, start with a specific daily challenge on your mind. Offering on-demand guidance, practical tools and opportunities to connect with others living with vision loss, Hadley focuses on life with vision loss beyond the doctor’s office. Its expert-informed guidance and community members address both practical problems and the emotions that come with them, shaped by lived experience. Support is available without cost or waitlists, whether you’re living with vision loss or helping someone you love.
Define Independence on Your Terms
Independence doesn’t have to mean doing everything alone. It may mean finding a new way to do something, choosing a tool that helps or telling family and friends exactly what assistance is useful. Think about a goal that matters to you, whether it’s getting around your home with more confidence or staying involved in a favorite activity, and build from there.
Keep Doing What Matters to You
A change in sight can change how you do things without ending your connection to the people and activities you love. The right adaptations depend on your vision, your interests and your goals.
For instance, when reading gets hard, magnifiers, enlarging fonts, access to free audiobooks and learning braille can make a difference. Passionate home chefs may use tactile or high-contrast labels, well-placed lighting, consistent organization or adaptive tools and techniques to keep cooking with confidence. Assistive technology, low-vision tools and simple adaptations can make everyday routines more accessible and help people stay connected to the activities and relationships that matter most.
When a new “now what?” question comes up, HadleyHelps.org offers a trusted place to start and a path forward.
Photos courtesy of Shutterstock
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