YES! Young Brains Do Need Play

Regarding the Early Years, Charlotte Mason says of parents: "To form in his child right habits of thinking and behaving is a parent's chief duty...To nourish a child daily with loving, right, and noble ideas we believe to be the parent's next duty" ( Vol. 2, p. 228).

Contrary to the current performance-based, "the-earlier-the-better mentality," Mason also advocated postponing formal school lessons until the child is six.

"We (of the P.N.E.U) begin the definite 'school' education of children when they are six; they are no doubt capable of beginning a year or two earlier but the fact is that nature and circumstances have provided such a wide field of educaiton for young children that it seems better to abstain from requiring direct intellectual efforts until they have arrived at that age" (Vol.6, p.159).

New research is confirming what Charlotte Mason said 140 years ago,  that "it takes six years of ideal conditions where a child gives his heart to his parents."

Read more here:
"Young Brains Need Play; Preschoolers Learn Best While Having Fun."

This philosophy is why in my preschool class I provide numerous activities and experiences designed to help children explore and discover the world around them using all their senses.

Walking for Lupus

On May 5th I'm walking for lupus.

Walk for Lupus Now Charlotte 2010

{WHY I'M WALKING}
I am walking for my daughter's best friend. She was diagnosed two years ago at age 17. She is a sweet young lady who is persevering with a positive outlook and lots of smiles! I also want to do something for the people who have been diagnosed and to prevent more from learning what it means to live with this disease.

{WHY YOU SHOULD SUPPORT MY EFFORTS}

• More than 1.5 million Americans and 45,000 NC residents have lupus. 
• The effects on individuals with lupus and their families can be life diminishing and life threatening.
• Lupus is one of the most misunderstood and misdiagnosed diseases, with no known cause.
• On March 9, 2011, the FDA approved, BENLYSTA, the first drug ever to be specifically developed to treat lupus. This is a significant first step.
• The LFA, Piedmont Chapter uses funds collected from WFLN to support research efforts and to provide programs & support to lupus thrivers. 

{HOW YOU CAN HELP TOO}
Please join me in supporting all those living with lupus and their families. There are two ways to help.

1. Sign Up to walk with us at Walk for Lupus Now Charlotte. It's free to walk   ~OR~
2.  If you can't join us, please donate and help me raise funds and awareness about this disease. My goal is $100 (not $135,000 like the widget says). Click the Thermometer on top right sidebar to donate to this worthy cause.