Nemcsa Early Head Start Presque Isle County

12/19/2025

12/19/2025

Reading to children is more than a nightly routine. Research shows who reads matters and how it impacts development. Dads reading bedtime stories help children grow their vocabularies up to 40% faster.

The playful tone, expressive voice, and shared attention from fathers activate language centers in the brain. Kids learn new words, sentence structure, and comprehension skills without even realizing they are being taught.

Mothers reading to their children shows a different but equally powerful effect. Studies reveal stress levels drop by 20%, measured through cortisol and behavioral indicators. Calm presence, gentle pacing, and nurturing tone signal safety to the nervous system.

The key is consistency. Just a few minutes each night builds long-term gains in language, emotional regulation, and cognitive growth. The habit does not require special books, expensive tools, or elaborate setups. It is the quality of attention, voice, and interaction that drives results.

This research highlights that small, intentional actions can have outsized returns. Bedtime reading is one of the simplest and most effective ways parents shape intelligence, reduce stress, and strengthen bonds.

12/19/2025

Peekaboo may seem like a silly game, but it plays a powerful role in shaping a baby’s brain and emotional foundation. According to The Economic Times, peekaboo helps babies develop object permanence, the understanding that something still exists even when it’s out of sight. This is a major cognitive milestone typically reached between 9 to 12 months of age.

But the benefits go deeper. As developmental psychologist Dr. Aliza Pressman explains, the rhythm of “I’m gone… I’m back” teaches babies that separation isn’t permanent, reinforcing feelings of trust and safety. Each time a caregiver reappears with a smile, the baby learns that moments of uncertainty can be followed by joy, laying the groundwork for emotional regulation and secure attachment.

According to Family Style Schooling, this pattern becomes a blueprint for how children handle stress, build relationships, and bounce back from setbacks, even before they learn to speak.

12/19/2025

Make your own wreaths using a paper plate. Cut out the centre and stick tissue papers around the perimeter. Finish off by adding pom poms or buttons to represent berries!

Give it a go!
Love Amy x x

12/19/2025

Check it out! We're doing an All Holiday Decor Drop & Shop at the Rogers City Library this January! Looking to switch up your yearly holiday decorations? Bring your old decor to the library for drop-off the week of January 5-10th. We'll sort through your gently used, working and intact decorations and organize everything! Then stop by for the Swap and Shop open January 26-29th!

12/19/2025

Rhythm is more than music. Studies show that children who can clap or move to a steady beat tend to learn to read faster than their peers.

Rhythm skills help wire the brain for language. Clapping to a beat strengthens neural connections between auditory, motor, and language regions, creating a foundation for processing words, sounds, and syllables efficiently.

This connection explains why musical activities and rhythmic play can boost early literacy. Children who practice rhythm develop better timing, sequencing, and attention skills, all of which are essential for decoding text and understanding language.

Parents can support this naturally. Simple activities like clapping to songs, tapping along with nursery rhymes, or drumming on pots and pans engage rhythm and reinforce language skills in a fun, interactive way. Consistent practice strengthens the brain pathways responsible for reading and comprehension.

By integrating rhythm into play, children not only enjoy music but also gain an advantage in literacy development. These early experiences show that learning can be playful, multisensory, and effective. Encouraging rhythm-based activities helps children build reading skills while also boosting coordination, focus, and confidence.

12/16/2025

12/12/2025

SNOW SLIME

What a fun gift idea!

https://www.notimeforflashcards.com/2015/12/snow-slime-in-a-jar-homemade-gifts-for-kids.html

12/11/2025

The holidays can be a stressful time of year. Remember that you don’t have to create the “perfect” holiday season for your child. For your little one, it’s special just to be able to spend quality time together.