Every month at AppleTree & Gilden Woods, we bring focus to important positive character traits through our C.O.R.E. Character Education Program. For the month of April, the C.O.R.E. character trait is forgiveness. Teaching forgiveness is integral to children developing empathy toward others and the overall development of emotional intelligence.
In collaboration with the NAEYC, AppleTree & Gilden Woods will be celebrating The Week of the Young Child, April 16th-20th.
It has been said that play is children’s work. The best part about children’s play is that they learn a great deal while having fun.
Spring is just around the corner and we are excited and ready at AppleTree & Gilden Woods. As part of our C.O.R.E. curriculum, children in our toddler and preschool classes will learn all about bugs, bees, and butterflies.
Here at AppleTree & Gilden Woods we are getting ready for Spring Break and are anxiously awaiting our Spring Explorer's Program! We will be taking fun, educational field trips throughout the program. Here are a few exciting ideas for a day trip that the whole family will love!
Through the month of March at AppleTree & Gilden Woods, an area of focus is self control. Here are a five books you can read with your children to help them better understand what it means to have and exhibit self-control.
For the third consecutive year, AppleTree and Gilden Woods Early Care and Preschool has been named "Best of GR Child Care Provider" by Grand Rapids Magazine.
March is National Reading Month. Make this month special as you celebrate the importance of reading with your children.
Winter is slowly winding down. Commemorate the changing of the seasons by making a winter’s end bucket list with your children.
Teaching children the value of honesty can be a challenge. It is one of the most important character traits, but it often doesn’t come without parental modeling and practice. Here are a few techniques for practicing patience with your children.
Oral health care is an important aspect of your child’s health. Developing good habits at an early age and scheduling regular dental visits help children get a good start on a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.
Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. This year keep it healthy and fresh with these 10 creative Valentine Ideas that you and your children can enjoy creating together.
As a parent, we all know that sometimes bath time can be difficult. Even if you are one of the lucky ones with a child who loves a good bath, these tips are for you as well!
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...
Practicing patience at an early age helps children to improve interpersonal relationships and social skills!
This year, consider creating a list of family resolutions with your child or children!
To kick off the fall season, AppleTree & Gilden Woods has provided a list of fun family activities!
Here are some book recommendations that will help your child learn more about how to show friendship to others!
It’s back to school season and often with the start of a new school year comes a new set of classmates. Here are a few things you can do to help your child strengthen their friendships.
Creating a routine makes bedtime a calm and relaxing way to end the day!
Here’s 6 helpful tips to help your family experience a smooth transition into fall.
AppleTree & Gilden Woods is proud to offer Keyboarding Without Tears™! The award winning curriculum will be utilized during our weekly Tech Time with Terance enrichment program.
AppleTree & Gilden Woods respects the right of parents to choose to immunize their child or not; however, here is some important information on immunizations.
It’s not too late to take advantage of these last days of summer and fill them with some fun family activities!
Riding bikes with your family is a great way to exercise and spend time together. Use these tips to stay safe and have fun this summer!
Water is one of the six units of study covered in the S.T.E.M. curriculum offered at AppleTree and Gilden Woods. With the warm summer days it’s also a great way to stay cool and have fun!
AppleTree & Gilden Woods is proud to participate in UV Safety Month and help raise awareness of the risks of sun damage. During the month of July, join us in taking action to prevent skin cancer and reduce the risk of UV damage.
AppleTree & Gilden Woods was voted "Top Daycare" again for 2017 Grand Rapids Kids Grandtastic Awards! Thank you to Grand Rapids Kids for this honor and to our awesome Grand Rapids Community for your votes!
Take some time this week to eat dinner together as a family, you won’t regret it!
Do you ever ask your child a question only to get a one word response? Try these questions- they may help lead you to a meaningful conversation with your child!
Father's Day is right around the corner! Here are a few homemade ideas you can do with your little one(s).
June is National Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Month and it's the perfect time to get your kids in the kitchen!
“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 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 is May 1st through 5th and we’d like to share some cute and simple ways to shower your child’s teacher with love!
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 can often be the go-to method for disciplining children, but are they really as effective as we think they are?
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.
How to Encourage Children to Eat More Fruits and Veggies.
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.
Including your child in age appropriate cleaning tasks is an important part of their growth and development.
Are you looking for a fresh take on your child's favorite book? How about trying a story extension?
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.
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!
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.
Make homemade valentines with your child by creating heart stamps with everyday items that you already have at home!
Grand Rapids Magazine readers have named AppleTree & Gilden Woods Early Care and Preschool the "Best Child Care Provider in Grand Rapids."
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.
Your child's ability to make friends and work cooperatively will help make their school experience a positive one
Here are a couple of fall-themed ideas for you to try with your child - perfect for a rainy fall day.
September is National Safe Sleep Month
“The relationship between grandparents and their grandchildren is second in emotional importance only to the relationship between parent and child.”
Now Enrolling After School Club for 2016 - 2017!
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.
The transition from August to September can be a difficult one for both children and parents
Have a star-spangled month enjoying the summer sun as a family!
Check out these tips to get picky eaters to have their fill of fruits and veggies!
When temperatures start to rise, Safe Kids Worldwide recommends remembering to A.C.T.
Take precautions against mosquitoes and ticks to keep your family safe and healthy
Father's Day is just around the corner - Celebrate the contribution of father and father figures this month!
Most Americans don't eat enough fruits and vegetables - including young picky eaters!
Start off summer with quality time as a family trying some of this month's activities
Each May, we promote awareness of the importance of early detection of hearing difficulties
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.
Week 4 of Month of the Young Child focuses on the Language & Literacy development of children
Week 3 of Month of the Young Child focuses on the Cognitive development of children
Week 2 of Month of the Young Child focuses on the Social-Emotional development of children
Week 1 of Month of the Young Child focuses on the Physical development of children
April Showers bring May Flowers - and the April Home Connection!
April is the Month of the Young Child - Each April, we celebrate play-based learning.
Instill a love of reading in your child this month - and every month!
While you try to instill a lifelong love of reading year-round, take special care to read during National Reading Month!
It's your "lucky" day - this month's Home Connection is here!
Ever wonder what your child's teacher does on an Employee Development Day?
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 wonderful Valentine's Day themed menu for your family this Valentine's Day
One aspect of children's wellness that is often overlooked is oral health care
What is your School Ager doing this Spring Break?
Our program is designed to help children transition to Kindergarten
Check out these ideas for your kids to show gratitude for their gifts
Focus on the holiday traditions and magic of the season
Your one-stop-shop for family holiday fun!
Keep the season merry and bright with these safety tips!
Bring everyone together & let your children help with prep
Make the most out of the time with your child's teacher with these tips
Nearly 30 million children and adults are living with diabetes
The transition from August to September can be a difficult one for both children and parents.
August is nationally recognized as National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM)
"Healthy children do not come preassembled. Work is required." - Kathleen Gallagher
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.
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.
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.
Stranded without toys or props? Remember the games that don't need anything besides a group of kids who want to play.
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.
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.
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 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. A growing body of research shows that fruits and vegetables are critical to promoting good health.
