FRIENDS OF CROWN HEIGHTS EDUCATIONAL CENTERS, INC.

Here are some fun ways kids can pitch in for family gatherings! ? Create Invitations Let kids make colorful invites for family members. Stickers, crayons, and imagination make this a fun project! ?Set the Table with Style Have them set the table like pros—adding napkins, arranging cutlery, and maybe a little decoration of their own! Decorate the Space Let them add some flair! They can hang streamers, arrange flowers, or set up cozy spaces for family time. ?Welcome Guests Give them a "host" job like answering the door or helping guests find a spot to sit. They'll feel so grown-up! ?Take Fun Photos Put them in charge of taking family photos to capture all the fun. They’ll love being the “official” event photographer! ?Help with Clean-Up Games Make tidying up a game after the gathering with little tasks or a “clean-up dance party.”

At Friends of Crown Heights, we believe that the seeds of greatness are planted in early childhood. Our programs nurture curiosity, creativity, and confidence in our young learners daily, setting the foundation for their bright futures. Together, we’re building the leaders of tomorrow—one small step at a time.

Happy World Kindness Day! ?? Let's spread a little extra kindness today and every day. Small acts make a big difference!"

Today we honor and thank all of the brave men and women who have served our country. Your sacrifice and dedication mean the world to us????

Consider these 3 ways to use books to help children relax while at home or on-the-go! Make a “calming library” for your child ?? Pick a few of their favorite storybooks and create a cozy corner just for calming down. Add a soft rug, a snuggly stuffed animal, or a favorite blanket to make it inviting. Plan ahead with a book in hand ?? Bus rides, meeting new relatives, or doctor visits can sometimes feel a bit overwhelming. Pack a favorite book to help keep things calm and cozy! Use books to spark chats about feelings ?? Little ones are still learning to make sense of big emotions, and they might not have all the words to explain their feelings. Let books help! If you sense they’re struggling, pick a story where the main character feels something similar. Talking about the story can often help them open up and connect it to their own emotions.

Wishing everyone a safe & happy Halloween from the Friends of Crown Heights ??

Skeletons can be such scaredy-cats, can't they? But we hope you'll have a blast this Halloween-dancing, trick-or-treating, and making memories with your favorite people (and maybe a ghost or two)! Drop a ??in the comments if this made you smile!

Halloween can be overwhelming to a child’s feelings and senses, and normal behaviors are sometimes forgotten, but here are some ways to help prepare for you and your child for halloween this year! Set Trick-or-Treating Expectations ?? Talk about what to expect: walking from house to house, saying "trick or treat," and collecting candy. This can help them feel more confident. Practice Saying "Thank You" ?? A quick reminder to say "thank you" after getting treats makes the experience even sweeter! Stay Together ?? Explain that sticking close to you or their friends is important for safety, and it makes the night more fun when you're together. Talk About Candy Limits ?? Set a fun but clear limit on how many treats they can have that night, so they know what to expect and can enjoy their candy responsibly!

Telling stories isn’t just fun—it’s a powerful way to help kids learn! When kids hear stories, they’re not just entertained—they’re also building key skills. Here’s a few ways how ! Boosts Imagination ? Stories transport kids to magical worlds, sparking their creativity and encouraging them to dream big. Builds Language Skills ??? Listening to stories helps kids learn new words, sentence structures, and ways of expressing themselves. Develops Focus ?? Paying attention to a story from beginning to end strengthens concentration and listening skills. Improves Memory ?? Retelling a story or remembering details helps boost kids' memory skills in a fun, engaging way. Encourages Critical Thinking ?? Stories challenge kids to think about what happens next or why characters make certain choices, helping them develop problem-solving skills.

When children play alone, they gain important skills that will benefit them for life. Playing independently fosters self-reliance and creativity since they can choose how to play without guidance. Solo play also helps kids become well-rounded, making them comfortable in different situations, including being by themselves. Here's why its important to play alone! Encourages Self-Entertainment When kids play alone, they discover how to have fun by themselves! They learn not to rely on others for their joy and entertainment. As they grow, they'll realize that they won't always have someone with them all the time, making them more confident and happy individuals. Boosts Imagination You might already think your child has a wild imagination, but just wait until you give them some alone time to play! This solo play will bring out superheroes, princesses, and all sorts of adventures that you might not see otherwise. They'll become quick thinkers, and their creativity will really shine! Promotes Calmness Playing outside gets kids all energized, and playing with friends provides tons of interaction. But when kids play by themselves, it brings a sense of calm. This solo time can really lift their mood, as many kids happily enjoy peaceful moments with their toys.