art and imagination
Your Child’s Test Anxiety: Why All the Stress?
Standardized tests can strike fear in the heart of any man – young and old, but ever wonder why? It seems odd that a few questions that require a pencil dot on a Scantron Sheet, can bring forth such stress and emotion. This is especially true for visual-spatial learners whose test results don’t reflect their true intelligence or ability.
Testing is designed with a left-brain bias. Linear-thinkers with good short-term memory and deductive thinking skills are much more likely to score well on standardized tests, because they measure the way the left side of the brain works, leaving our right-brain kids at a significant disadvantage.
Insights from Children’s Art Expert Bette Fetter: Top Blog Posts for February 2014
- Bette explained and demonstrated the development of social and academic skills in preschool art classes.
- Bette explained her concern for Common Core and how informed parents can make a huge difference.
- Bette introduced her NEW morning charts for kids!
- She shared a fun holiday for you to celebrate at your local library.
Dr. Seuss: Read Across America
A few days from now (March 2nd) will mark the birthday of one of childhood’s favorite authors, Dr. Seuss. Over the years, Seuss has become a household name; the brief mention of him always brings crazy imagery and catchy rhymes to mind. 
In honor of his birthday, National Read Across America Day was named and is held on the school day closest to March 2nd (Seuss’ birthday).
Family Fun: 9 Activities for you and your kids
“Winter, a lingering season, is a time to gather golden moments, embark upon a sentimental journey, and enjoy every idle hour.”- John Boswell 
- Make a valentine for someone special
- Use heart candy to practice math
- Give someone a kiss (Hersheys)
- Visit your local library and check out some books
- Build a snow fort outside or build a fort inside
I’m a Library Lover, Are You?
February is Library Lover’s Month and there is no better time to revisit your public library than now.
Libraries are one of the best parts of a community. Many are a center for activities, learning and community fellowship. I know our local library constantly has children’s programming, adult services and a lot of activities and space for teens to hangout in a structured safe place.
Preschool Development: NEW Morning Chart for Boys and Girls
Last year I shared a lot about the importance of Preschool Development and helping young kids develop their own internal order. 
One of the ways we help our children and grandchildren accomplish this is through visual cues that help them move along independently. I’ve gotten a lot of feedback from you, our parents and readers, that the Bedtime Chart is quite a hit, and a demand for the Morning Chart has arisen!
Preschool Drawing: Developing Social and Academic Skills
I love art and kids, so it makes a lot of sense that my business, Young Rembrandts, is all about teaching kids how to do art. In Young Rembrandts, we teach a lot of elementary drawing classes, but I have to say teaching preschool classes is my absolute favorite.
I love their enthusiasm and hunger to absorb the world around them – and their skill development is beyond remarkable.
Bringing art to children at an early age has tremendous impact, socially and academically. Look at these ladybug drawings and see what young kids can accomplish with some instruction and encouragement.
Insights from Children’s Art Expert Bette Fetter: Top Blog Posts for January 2014
Family Fun: 11 January Activities for You and Your Kids
Little January tapped at my door today and said “put on your winter wraps and come outdoors to play.”- Winifred C. Marshall
January is a great month to start new and enjoy some winter fun! Enjoy these 11 activities I found that are fun for kids:
January Activities
- Drink Hot Chocolate: This delicious drink is easy to whip up, but make a ritual out of it and go slow to enjoy the process with you little ones. Adding whip cream to the top is my favorite part!
- Make a Puzzle: Dig out an old one or grab a new one from the store, this tactile activity is a great activity for group or single playtime.
- Examine Snowflakes: When it snows, chill some black construction paper in the freezer. Catch snowflakes on the paper and examine them with a magnifying glass!
