by Lindsay Dunckel, PhD Nobody ever said parenting was easy. Now that I’m 17 years into the journey, I fully understand why. Okay, maybe it was years ago that it dawned on me. Don’t get me wrong – it’s a job I love and sometimes it is filled with joys that no other aspects of [...]
Is your child going to be 5 years old by October 2? If so, time for you to register him for Kindergarten! You can find information about kindergarten registration in western Nevada County here and for Truckee here. Children enter Kindergarten with a whole range of skills – no two will be the same. Don’t [...]
by Lindsay Dunckel, Ph.D. I grew up in a city and lived in several others before settling in Grass Valley. I wondered what it would be like living in a small town, what challenges it would bring, what different kinds of joys. I’ve been here almost 11 years now, working for First 5 for almost [...]
Building Your Child’s Vocabulary All parents want their child to do well in school. One way to help your child is to help them build their vocabulary. Beginning readers use knowledge about words to help them make sense of what they’re reading. The more words a reader knows, the more they are able to [...]
by Lindsay Dunckel, Ph.D. I was sitting in a waiting room in Grass Valley and, being me, I was reading a bit but really watching the kids in the room (watching children is truly my favorite activity, I always learn so much from them). A young mom was there with three young children, ranging in [...]
Santa Clause: Myth, Magic or Something in Between? by Meg Luce This time of year, as we come upon the holidays, a lot of parents start wondering about Santa Clause. Now that we are adults we know that Santa is not a jolly intruder that actually comes down our chimneys on Christmas Eve. But sometimes [...]
by Lindsay Dunckel, Ph.D. As the weather starts to cool in Nevada County, I begin to crave soup and look forward to some of the meal-in-a-pot varieties I make each Fall and Winter. And today my mind is wandering to the folktale Stone Soup. Remember that one? Here’s a short version of the tale. Or you [...]
by Lindsay Dunckel, Ph.D. Starting preschool is a big step for your little person. Even if he’s been in daycare, preschool will be a change, with a more structured day and a more “grownup” name. Here are some ways that you can help your child make the transition. Visit the preschool. Most schools allow for [...]
What is School Readiness and how does it help my child be ready for school? Good question! In the past decade, “School Readiness” has become a major national subject of conversation. State and national policymakers have developed goals to assist children’s readiness for school and schools’ readiness for children. Children’s Readiness for School includes five [...]
An enchanted forest, a princess’ palace, the rocky surface of the moon … children can visit the most amazing places when they read books with their parents and caregivers. Not only is reading fun, research shows young children who spend time reading with their families enter kindergarten better prepared. First 5 Nevada County, along with [...]
