National Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Month
June is National Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Month and it's the perfect time to get your kids in the kitchen!
Embracing Mom Guilt
“Mom guilt” comes in all shapes and sizes. Whether it’s because you’re working outside the home, working from home, or are a stay at home mom who needs some extra “me time,” it’s time to let go of the guilt.
Mother's Day Gift Ideas
Mother's Day is Sunday, May 14th! Here are a few ideas to help those who haven't found the perfect gift or want to do something extra special for the Mom in their life.
Teacher Appreciation Week
Teacher appreciation is May 1st through 5th and we’d like to share some cute and simple ways to shower your child’s teacher with love!
Screen Time for Children
Children will inevitably be exposed to electronics and screen time, but it’s up to the parent to determine the context and parameters under which this is done.
Time-Outs and Other Discipline Alternatives
Time-outs can often be the go-to method for disciplining children, but are they really as effective as we think they are?
Developing Empathy in Young Children
In honor of The Month of the Young Child® Week 2, focusing on Social Development, we wanted to point you in the direction of some insights that share how you can nurture empathy in your child.
5 Tips and Tricks for Picky Eaters
How to Encourage Children to Eat More Fruits and Veggies.
How Art Can Influence Children's Learning
In case you missed it, Friday, March 31st was Crayola Crayon Day! Crayons are one of the many materials that should be available to children to encourage open-ended art.
A Guide to Spring Cleaning with Kids
Including your child in age appropriate cleaning tasks is an important part of their growth and development.
A Fresh Take on Your Child's Favorite Book
Are you looking for a fresh take on your child's favorite book? How about trying a story extension?
Create a Life-Long Reader in Your Child
It is no secret that language and literacy skills are two key areas for children’s school and life success. Here are five ways you can help foster language and literacy skills while creating a life-long reader in your child.
Puzzles Help Your Child Grow
To children, puzzles are a fun toy to play with. To adults, puzzles are an educational opportunity. So often children benefit from playing with puzzles without even knowing it!
Supporting Children's Dental Health
One aspect of promoting children’s healthy habits that is often overlooked is oral health care. In February we celebrate National Children’s Dental Health Month at AppleTree & Gilden Woods.
Heart Stamps with Everyday Items
Make homemade valentines with your child by creating heart stamps with everyday items that you already have at home!
What to Look for in a Preschool Program
Selecting a preschool program for your child is an exciting milestone however, it may feel overwhelming. As a parent, you want to find the right program for your child. To help relieve some of the pressure of selecting a preschool program here are some key components to look for...
"Best Child Care Provider in Grand Rapids"
Grand Rapids Magazine readers have named AppleTree & Gilden Woods Early Care and Preschool the "Best Child Care Provider in Grand Rapids."
Pratt's Home Connection
Countdown to the Holiday’s Calendars make counting down the days to Holiday even more fun because they're stuffed with surprises -- and they're easy to make. Tack 25 decorated, candy- or trinket-filled envelopes to a cork board or similar surface in a tree shape; top the arrangement with a bow. Or transform a sheet metal memo board into an advent calendar by writing the numbers 1 to 25 across one side in red or green and adorning it with a pretty bow or ribbon. Add one magnet from the festive Countdown to Holiday’s Magnet Set to the front of the calendar for each day. With fun shapes such as candy canes, mittens, and gingerbread men, your little ones will delight in the countdown to the big day.
Making Friends
Your child's ability to make friends and work cooperatively will help make their school experience a positive one
Pumpkin Spice Playdough - and More! - Fall Activities to Enjoy Together!
Here are a couple of fall-themed ideas for you to try with your child - perfect for a rainy fall day.
7 Tips for Making Your Home a Safe Sleep Environment
September is National Safe Sleep Month
The Importance of Extended Family - Especially Grandparents
“The relationship between grandparents and their grandchildren is second in emotional importance only to the relationship between parent and child.”
Back-to-School with AppleTree & Gilden Woods
Now Enrolling After School Club for 2016 - 2017!
National Immunizations Month
AppleTree & Gilden Woods respects the right of parents to choose to immunize their child or not; however, we are providing some important information on immunizations.
6 Back to School Tips
The transition from August to September can be a difficult one for both children and parents
Pratt's Home Connection - July
Have a star-spangled month enjoying the summer sun as a family!
June is Fresh Fruits & Vegetables Month
Check out these tips to get picky eaters to have their fill of fruits and veggies!
Avoiding the Dangers of Heatstroke
When temperatures start to rise, Safe Kids Worldwide recommends remembering to A.C.T.
Fight the Bite - Your Guide to Mosquitoes and Ticks
Take precautions against mosquitoes and ticks to keep your family safe and healthy
Father's Day Gift Ideas
Father's Day is just around the corner - Celebrate the contribution of father and father figures this month!
3 proven ways to get your children to eat more fruits and vegetables
Most Americans don't eat enough fruits and vegetables - including young picky eaters!
Pratt's Home Connection - June
Start off summer with quality time as a family trying some of this month's activities
Better Hearing and Speech Month
Each May, we promote awareness of the importance of early detection of hearing difficulties
What chores are appropriate for my ___ year old?
Parents are always looking for ways for children to master new tasks and become more independent as well as promote helpfulness. The youngest of children can help with age-appropriate chores.
Communication - Month of the Young Child
Week 4 of Month of the Young Child focuses on the Language & Literacy development of children
Exploring with All the Senses - Month of the Young Child
Week 3 of Month of the Young Child focuses on the Cognitive development of children
Building Trust & Healthy Relationships - Month of the Young Child
Week 2 of Month of the Young Child focuses on the Social-Emotional development of children
Children on the Move - Month of the Young Child
Week 1 of Month of the Young Child focuses on the Physical development of children
Pratt's Home Connection - April
April Showers bring May Flowers - and the April Home Connection!
The Importance of Play
April is the Month of the Young Child - Each April, we celebrate play-based learning.
March is National Reading Month!
Instill a love of reading in your child this month - and every month!
Ways to Make the Most of National Reading Month
While you try to instill a lifelong love of reading year-round, take special care to read during National Reading Month!
Pratt's Home Connection - March
It's your "lucky" day - this month's Home Connection is here!
The Importance of Employee Development Days
Ever wonder what your child's teacher does on an Employee Development Day?
Pratt's Home Connection - February
At AppleTree & Gilden Woods, we *LOVE* to learn and have fun at the same time - we hope the following activities will be fun ideas for you and your child to *LOVE*.
A Kid-Friendly Valentine's Day Menu
A wonderful Valentine's Day themed menu for your family this Valentine's Day
February is National Dental Health Month
One aspect of children's wellness that is often overlooked is oral health care
Snow Outside? Start Thinking SPRING Now!
What is your School Ager doing this Spring Break?
The Top 4 Reasons to Choose K-Prep
Our program is designed to help children transition to Kindergarten
Thank You Card Ideas & Tips
Check out these ideas for your kids to show gratitude for their gifts
Managing Your Child's Holiday Expectations
Focus on the holiday traditions and magic of the season
Tree Lightings, Santa Sightings, and Other Holiday Fun
Your one-stop-shop for family holiday fun!
December is National Toy Safety Month
Keep the season merry and bright with these safety tips!
Making Thanksgiving a Family Affair
Bring everyone together & let your children help with prep
Become a Parent-Teacher Conference Pro
Make the most out of the time with your child's teacher with these tips
November is American Diabetes Month
Nearly 30 million children and adults are living with diabetes
6 Back to School Tips
The transition from August to September can be a difficult one for both children and parents.
National Immunizations Month
August is nationally recognized as National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM)
Why is Preschool Important?
"Healthy children do not come preassembled. Work is required." - Kathleen Gallagher
4 UV Safety Tips for Small Children
Summer is all about having fun outdoors. The warm sunshine seems to bring everyone outside, ready to explore and enjoy new adventures. However, along with all of those fun trips and activities comes the risk for too much sun exposure. Harmful UV rays can burn a child's skin, resulting in the painful sunburns that we all know too well. They can also raise a child's risk of developing skin cancer later in life.
How to Avoid the Dangers of Heatstroke
With the beautiful summer months of Pure Michigan, comes the sunshine! The sun is great for when you are enjoying a day at the beach (lathered up in sunscreen, of course), but it can also lead to vehicles reaching dangerous temperatures.
The Mystery of Hand Dominance in Children
Will he be left-handed? Will she be right-handed? These are questions that parents of children aged 4.5 - 6 years old may ask themselves with baited breath. The establishment of hand dominance is complex.
Fun Games That Don't Need Toys
Stranded without toys or props? Remember the games that don't need anything besides a group of kids who want to play.
Jump Into June - 5 Ways to Start the Summer Off Right!
June is the start of summer vacation. School age children are excited to enjoy the "dog days of summer" and will be itching for activities to keep them busy and seeing the friends they have made during the previous school year.
Kid-Friendly Fruits & Veggies Recipes
June is National Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Month and the perfect opportunity to look into summer outdoor farmer's markets to find great deals on fresh items for your family to enjoy.
3 Proven Ways to Get Your Children to Eat More Fruits and Vegetables
Most Americans don't eat enough fruit and vegetables. Researchers and food pyramid guidelines show most families could benefit from doubling the amount they eat each day.
Father's Day Gift Ideas
Father's Day is right around the corner. It celebrates the contribution that fathers and father figures make in their children's lives.
June is National Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Month
June is National Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Month. A growing body of research shows that fruits and vegetables are critical to promoting good health.