Tag: kids

The 4 BEST Learning Apps that Helped My Toddler Read Fast
We all want our toddlers to learn to read as early as possible even as they begin to speak. And there are tons of ways on how to teach them in simple yet fast way of learning. One of them is through educational learning apps that are free to download online.

Disclosure: There are some affiliate links below and I may receive a small commission for purchases made through the links in this post, but these are all the apps I highly recommend and proven effective for my baby.

How Did We do It?

When kids begin to recognize letters and sound them out, they are already learning phonics.

It’s an easy process, with good resources, time, and patience, your little one will learn to read in no time.

Mia, my 4 yr. old toddler began to recognize letters and sounds at the age of 1 right when she started to speak and at the age of 2, she started learning phonics. Early at 3 yrs. old, she started to learn blends of letter sounds and sight words.

Now, at 4 yrs. old, she’s able to read kindergarten books and level 2 scholastic books. Resources are limitless nowadays with the internet and technology readily available for everyone to use.

As for the first-time Mommy like me, I take time to find educational apps and games from library websites for my 4-year-old toddler.

These resources helped her a lot in learning how to read at a very young age.

This is the list of resources that worked for me and for my 3 year old toddler. I hope that it would be a great resource for you to use for your little one too.

Educational Mobile/Computer Applications for Toddlers
1. Jolly Phonics

I put this first on the list because my little one started with this app and it really helped her develop her literacy with letter recognition and sounds. I started to introduce this to my toddler when she was almost 2 years old.

It is a free app best for beginner readers learning in entertaining and interactional method by using letter sounds. Phonics is easily learned by being familiar with sounds which is very useful in reading and writing. Features include letters of alphabets to read and write, actions, stories, flashcards of words and songs.

This is not only for parents but also a great tool for teachers to use for their small learners.

Download online in google play and app store. Get more lessons from Jolly Phonics here.

2. Endless Reader

After getting familiar with phonics, my baby started learning about sight words using Endless Reader app by Originator.Inc.

Endless reader offers early reading success by using sight words. Kids get familiar with the words by sight and they learn to read them in context with the adorable monster characters. The characters and the sounds that this app contain are very entertaining for early learners especially for toddler

s. The letters come alive and make sounds forming word puzzles to sentence puzzle. The entertaining animations make it best for kids to learn in fun and interactive way.

Although this is free to download online, know that it only includes a trial lesson of sight words. If you want to get access to more words for your little one to learn, you have to make purchase to unlock more words.

3. Epic

You might have heard about this app. because of its popularity in schools and among teachers. This is one of the favorite app used by educators and parents at home for their littles.

I first discovered Epic when I was doing my research online about the best learning apps to use for my daughter. This app. appeared to be one on the list of most articles I read so I downloaded it for free and upon trying it with my baby, she instantly fell in love with it.

Epic is a learning platform where reading is develop through thousands of books and videos. It offers free download online but you need subscription to be able to access all the resources for your kids.when I was doing my research online about the best learning apps to use for my daughter. This app. appeared to be one on the list of most articles I read so I downloaded it for free and upon trying it with my baby, she instantly fell in love with it.

What I love about epic is that there are wide selection of books from top selling authors. There are also audiobooks and learning videos that your kids can choose whether they are beginner readers or advanced. They can explore their interests in different fields from adventures, crafts or arts to anything there is to explore in the world.

4. ABC Mouse

Also one of the subscription based educational learning platform is ABC Mouse. There are numerous ads about this learning platform that you might see anywhere on the web and so I would assume that you are also familiar with this app.

I started using this app for my toddler just recently when we are transitioning from TK lessons to kindergarten lessons.

ABC Mouse consists of kids learning activities and lessons for ages 2-8 years old. They offer a virtual classroom and a progress tracker which can be used online or offline. Unlike epic which focuses more on reading, this app contains games and other fun activities other than songs and videos. It covers re

Lessons with ABC Mouse are easily learned by early readers like toddlers because they’re simple to understand and the lessons are laid out carefully in a manner of “step by step learning”. The transition between easy to moderate to difficult is slowly applied through the activities. Subjects include reading, language, arts, math, science, health, social studies and music.

These are my top four educational apps that so far have worked for my early reader who is 4 years old right now, and who can read kindergarten books all by herself and writes words and simple sentences.

Jolly Phonics

Endless Reader

Epic

ABC Mouse

For me personally, the best app to use are those that makes your child learn in any way while they’re on it, either doing games, playing songs or watching videos.

It should be a fun way of learning, interactive and engaging, not distracted or for them to get sleepy or bored.

Choose an educational app where you think your child develops her interests more and connects more on what he/she already knows.

I hope this would give you some ideas what to try for your kids or if you have tried some that are on my list or you have some more recommendations for other parents, feel free to leave it on the comments!
January 23, 2022
2nd Pumpkin Patch in Larry’s Produce: Fall 2019
2nd PUMPKIN PATCH IN LARRY’S PRODUCE

Mia’s first pumpkin patch last year was a fun experience for all of us that’s why we decided to make it as part of our family culture and an annual tradition. She had seen giant pumpkins for the first time and played in the stacks of hay and corn kernels at Larry’s Produce in Fairfield.

We are so happy to bring her there once again this year for her 2nd pumpkin patch, this time with other kids from Nurse Family Partnership!

Stacks of Hay and Pumpkins at Larry’s Produce, Suisun Valley Rd. Fairfield

ABOUT LARRY’S PRODUCE

Owned by Larry and Lisa Balestra, Larry’s Produce is known to be one of the best sources of fresh fruits and vegetable in Suisun Valley. One refreshing getaway located in Fairfield California with varieties of fresh options at an affordable price! It’s a local favorite for a wholesome family pumpkin patch experience!

The farm is open almost seven months in a year from June to December and welcomes customers from 9:00 a.m to 5:00 pm daily.

We were invited by Nurse Family Partnership to Pumpkin Patch this year, they set-up a place exclusive for the family who are enrolled in the program. They have a little activity area for kids to do some art work with the pumpkins and a food stand for every family to share with.

It was nice to see other families who were with their little kids having fun and enjoying each other’s company.

Indeed it was a perfect day! The farm has the perfect vibe for pumpkin patch with all the varieties of pumpkins in different sizes and colors. We all had fun especially our sweet dearie, Mia had a blast! She played with other little kids and enjoyed every activity with them.

Things to Know Before Your Visit at Larry’s Produce
- Remember to bring cash since they only accept cash no cards. (But they have atm machine available too for your convenience)
- Customer’s can pick up fresh fruits and vegetables from the farm so if you want to do this don’t forget your shoes.
- They provide shopping carts and wheelbarrows but it’s always advisable to bring your own bags.
- There are food trucks and food stands too available in certain times.
- Parking might be a bit busy during weekends so come early.
Kids Pumpkin Patch Activities

Activities were the same as last year except for the pyramid of hay with pumpkins display right at the center of the farm. This year they have different arrangements, it was pretty easy for kids to play and run around and for parents to take pictures of their little ones.

1. Giant Pyramid of Hay and Pumpkins

How cool is this pyramid?! It was for sure the center of attraction of the farm, the main spot for everyone’s perfect pumpkin photoshoot! Mia stood happily and full of excitement as she waved her hands for pictures, she was so amazed by its height and the pumpkins sitting on top of it.

This was absolutely a great idea since it captures the interest of more families to come back again for the next pumpkin patch!

2. Ride in An Old Farm Tractors

These old farm rides were only for displays, each was designed for pumpkin patch. We’re not really sure if they’re still working but they have stacks of hay and pumpkin displays perfect for kids pictorials!

The Nurse Partnership arranged a tractor ride for all the families who attended the activity, it went around the corn field and all the way back to the pumpkin farm. We seated at the first seat next to the driver and as we moved along Mia pointed out the big wheels of the tractor and says “wow” as it made it sound.

3. Run Around the Corn Maze

This was one of the places that families love at Larry’s farm, a perfect place to chase their little one in the corn maze! Mia didn’t have the chance to play here last year since she was very young at that time but this year she had fun!

At first she was hesitant but when her Papi (Dad) pretended to be a dinosaur and chased her in the maze, she runs as fast as she could. It was a fun play time in the corn field!

4. Corn Kernel Play Area

Another favorite spot for little kids is the corn kernel area where you can find small play tractors. Most of the little ones from nurse family partnership stayed here longer than any other activities. Kids loved swimming on top of the grains and hide their little toes and legs underneath, just what Mia did.

Each of the little ones took turns to play and ride in the small tractors. Mia waited for her turn and when she took her chance she didn’t want to let go of it until she saw the slide!

5. Climb the Hay and Slide on a Big Tube

This slide was not as slippery as an ordinary slide, it was a customized slide made from a big tube on top of hay stacks. Kids climbed the hay to reach the top and slid down to the corn kernel area.

Since our sweet dearie is so fascinated with slides at this age, this was her most favorite out of all the activities. After she had gone once, she asked for more!

6. Colors of Different Types of Pumpkins

Another

We visited 2 farms this year for Mia’s Pumpkin Patch, here at Larry’s and at Clayton Valley Pumpkin Farm and Christmas Trees. I made two separate posts for each since we had a lot of pictures! But I would really recommend Larry’s Produce than the other since they have a lot fresh options in an affordable price and most of their activities are free!

This year was another wholesome family pumpkin patch experience at Larry’s Produce! This place never disappoints us, we’ll surely visit again next year!

Do you have the same tradition like us? If so where did you celebrate pumpkin patch this year?
October 20, 2019
How Can You be The Best Parent For Your Toddler

Your responsible parenting is the most essential part of your child’s growth and development. We all want to be the best parents for our toddler but how?

Toddler stage is the most challenging yet most exciting stage for parents. At this stage, baby begins to explore the world and take risks while learning.

Here are some of the tips and advice you can do with your family including baby.

These are very helpful among first time parents, like us at first we struggled on what to do but these simple ways made a big impact on our parenting journey towards our toddler.

We hope it can do the same for you and your family as well.

Knowing your Child

Think about this, if your child as a toddler can write you a letter what would he/she say to you? Would he/she ask more of “Why’s?” or no questions at all just gratitude and “I love you’s”.

Through this ask yourself, how well do you know your child?

Remember how many times have you had fun time together, what are his/her favorite game to play with you, what are his/her favorite food, how do you take care of him/her and more importantly what are the ways you do to keep him/her safe and healthy.

Being a Parent

Being a Mom or a Dad to a growing toddler is not easy, you should have the patience, kindness and other good qualities like fun, playful, calm, thoughtful, loving, flexible and consistent.

Among all of these qualities, which are you best at?

You might have some other good qualities which you might discover along the way of your parenting journey. You’ll know that you’re showing good once you see your little one is growing happy and healthy.

As what the famous saying goes, “As kids grow, they might forget what you said but won’t forget how you made them feel”. Toddlers like your child are observant and what they see and hear from you, they do!

So be a good model for him/her, be the best reflection of how you want him/her to be when they grow into an adult.

Looking Back…

It’s also good to look back on your parenting journey, what have you learned so far being a mom or a dad. Looking back will make you realize your capabilities to be the best parent you can be.

As a first time mommy, I could say that so far my parenting journey is a smooth sailing learning. I learn almost everyday with my toddler.

I never thought I could have so much patience and extend it way beyond limits.

I never thought I could take care of a new human being and raise her well into a joyful blessed kid.

I never thought teaching is one of the skills I would be passionate about since I want my baby to learn as much as possible and as young as she is.

Like us, these kind of realizations will motivate and inspire you to do more than what you have done before for your child.

Thinking Ahead…

It’s about your dreams for your child, how do you see him/her in the future. Spend more time with your child and explore new ways on how to develop his/her skills and abilities.

It is essential for you to spend more quality time with your growing child since this is the stage where he/she begins to form the foundation of his/her learnings as well as building his/her character.

Know your Family Strength

Like individuals, all families have strengths. These are the things that you do well as a family. The power of working together to be happy and healthy in good and bad times. Do you know what your family strengths are?

As parents, we build this strengths for our family whether it’s about health, safety, life plans for the future, relationships or involvement in the community.

Build a Strong Family Ties

A strong family ties means providing love and comfort within all the members of the family. This is how you communicate and build your relationship towards one another.

It also means support of each members in any life’s circumstances.

Strong ties begins in communication, how well do you communicate when someone is frustrated or upset.

Indeed, listening is the key to understanding. Listen in full attention about each stories and understand their emotions.

Do some new bonding activities that your family will surely enjoy especially your little one. This helps to keep your family happy.

Create and Nurture Family Culture

Creating family customs and nurturing special cultural practices such as traits are good for your toddler. These special customs are learned by your child from older family members and this helps build your toddler’s character.

It would also be nice if your child learns about the history of your family. This helps them understand their roots and be proud of it.

October 2, 2019