If you listen to the news or follow social media, you must come to the conclusion that meanness, contention, anger, and violence are at an all-time high in our country. Daily we hear about bullying, shootings, road rage, protests, and many other disturbing incidents. We don’t necessarily see these things in our homes or school or at work, but we hear about them nevertheless. And make no mistake, our children hear about them too. And it influences their behavior.
Now more than ever, we need to educate our children about proper social skills. We want them to learn how to behave respectfully and kindly. We want them to get along with other people, and have emotional intelligence.
So how do we do this? Many times, the process goes something like this: Johnnie hits his sister and mother tells him he shouldn’t hit people. Maybe he is punished in some way for bad behavior. Susie calls Mary a name and the teacher tells her that isn’t nice and asks her to apologize. So, basically, teaching what is good or right usually comes after a negative incident. This is a sound and necessary teaching method, but it is not a pro-active one.
The core of our program is the C3Learning method, and that is learning by doing. Hands-on activities are at the center of everything we do at Learning Zone. So, it should be no surprise that the way we teach children to be kind is, well . . . by being kind. You can learn more about our hands-on learning approach by clicking this link.
At Learning Zone, we are also teaching the children to be “intentionally” kind. This is where the hands-on training really comes in. We are teaching them positive behavior such as helping, showing empathy, sharing, complimenting, etc. We talk about concrete ways to be kind to each other. This is where the pro-active teaching comes in.
Then, when a child does an act of kindness autonomously, he or she gets to pick out an ornament and hang it on the “kindness” tree that is in the classroom. This simple recognition creates a “culture of kindness” in the classroom. It’s a beautiful thing!
Yes, and that’s intentional. Many families start reading to understand what quality early childhood education looks like and what children need at different stages. Even if you’re still exploring options, our blogs can help you feel more confident about what to look for in a childcare center and what questions to ask during tours.
Yes. Many early childhood challenges are a normal part of development, but they can still feel exhausting at home. You’ll find supportive strategies that respect your child’s emotions while also helping you set clear, age-appropriate boundaries. We also share guidance on common transitions, such as starting daycare, moving to new classrooms, and potty training readiness.
Not at all. Every post is designed to stand on its own, so you can jump into whatever topic feels most helpful right now. Many parents treat the blog like a resource library and return whenever a new stage or challenge arises. If you’re not sure where to begin, starting with the most recent posts is a great option.
New posts are added regularly, especially around the topics parents search for and ask about most. Some seasons focus more on routines and family schedules, while others dive deeper into behavior, development, and early learning. The best way to stay up to date is to check back often or subscribe when available.
Young children learn best through play because it’s how they naturally explore, practice, and repeat skills without pressure. Play strengthens language, early thinking skills, creativity, and social development in a way that feels enjoyable instead of forced. The blog helps explain what meaningful play looks like, so you can recognize learning even when it looks like fun.
No. Our content is meant to be helpful and informative, but it’s not a substitute for professional guidance. If you ever have concerns about your child’s health or development, it’s always best to speak with your pediatrician or a qualified specialist. Think of this blog as supportive education and a steady place to start.
