Wiggle Giggle Learn... where education begins!

The scoop

The need for early learning sweeps America

We've kept an eye out for articles we think might be helpful to you as you raise your little one. Just click on the links below to view any that interest you!

 

• The new first grade: too much too soon?: A five-year-old fails a 130-word reading test required by her kindergarten teacher (!), prompting her parents to move out of state to find a better educational environment for her. Newsweek quotes experts who say that early education should be about turning curious kids into lifelong learners, rather than a high-pressure environment. Read about it here
• Many parents underestimate value of early education: About.com's Robin McClure says children are capable of learning at a very young age. Read her thoughts here

• Who's ready for school? A recent study finds teachers value some skills over others... and the ones they've chosen might surprise you! (Don't worry, if you're with Wiggle Giggle Learn, you've got it covered.) Read about it here
• A dollar for all chores?: Another great reason for responsibility charts! Read about one Wall Street Journal reporter's parental woes (and his own learning experience) here

• Few keep close track of expenses: It's not gender, income, or age that make the biggest impact when it comes to how Americans manage their money. Rather, the lack of financial know-how taught in childhood translates directly into poor habits in adulthood. Early education can turn the tide for your little one! Read on here
• 30,000 words a day keep children mentally healthy: A recent study reveals 30,000 as the magic number for children under three years of age. Read more here
• Educational toys prey on parents' fears: A Washington, DC think tank has released a report frowning on the effectiveness of educational toys. (This unfortunately negative article does offer good food for thought. Our reason for posting it is simply this: it's the interaction with you that matters, not the toy!) Read it here