All Categories - Little Beats - Early childhood program

Tummy time tips

2/1/2019

Tips for being on the floor and why

Understanding baby's brain

1/27/2019

And the many things caregivers can do to set your baby up to thrive

Why baby sign helps

9/26/2018

Using just a few common signs can make a world of a difference in enabling your child to communicate. Your baby's language development is happening LONG before they can talk. Communication includes non-verbal language as well as music. Baby is reading your face, following your actions, and trying to imitate you earlier then you think. (So set a good example :)) Studies have shown that babies are perceptive to rhythm, tempo, and pitch even from the time they are in the womb. This is why they respond so well to nursery rhymes, songs, and high-pitch voices. All of these things help a little brain absorb new language skills.

Sign is useful from about 7-18 months because this age has SOO much to say but are not yet able to talk. Empowering your baby with tools for communicating before they are able to speak also can mitigate major drama during a frustrating time in their lives. Don't worry about learning a million signs, here are the ones you'll use most: 'MORE,' 'MILK,' 'EAT,' 'ALL DONE,' 'BOOK,' AND 'PLAY' you can learn these signs and more here!

I remember feeling so silly signing to my baby all the time (especially in public) but a little embarrassment was totally worth it because by 9 months old, my baby was signing and by 14 months, she was saying the words while signing. Ever since, she has blown us away with her language skills. She also always felt 'in-the-know' about what we were doing or what activity was coming up next and this gave her a sense of security and confidence from age 1-2 making her a much more enjoyable little tyke! But the key is to do it OFTEN, repetition is the only way baby will learn.

What's the Worry with W-sitting?

9/21/2016

Visit any preschool classroom and you will probably hear the teacher correcting students who are “W-sitting” to sit criss-cross applesauce. While there are many opinions on w-sitting, most occupational therapists agree that it is something that should be addressed. Children typically choose this posture because it is more stable for them. W-sitting allows them to concentrate at the task at hand rather than trying to balance their little bodies as they attempt to rotate their trunks and reach for things on the floor. For those with a weak core, or turned in thighbones, this is a more comfortable option.

The downside of w-sitting is the stress that it inflicts on hip and knee joints - the tightness that develops often leads to walking “pigeon toed” which can later result in pain in the pelvis and back. Sitting this way may also delay development of the core muscles and postpone bilateral coordination. According to ‘The Inspired Tree House': "Every motor skill a child develops is a product of developing the milestone before. So, if a child has difficulty developing bilateral coordination, s/he may then demonstrate delays in skills such as developing hand dominance, skipping, throwing, kicking, etc."

For more information on w-sitting and how to help your child knock this habit check out these articles:

http://theinspiredtreehouse.com/child-melting-look-w-sitting/

http://www.skillsforaction.com/w-sitting

Pan Mass Challenge Party!

8/8/2016

Thank you to all who attended our Party for PMC in support of the Pedals for Pediatrics team from Boston Children's Hospital! We had a blast playing with our Little Beats friends, painting with The Paint Bar, and snacking on yummy treats from New England Soup Factory, Brugger’s Bagels, and Indulge.

We are proud to announce that our Dance Academy Alumni, Jillian Gundersheim, surpassed her goal of $4,500 and raised $5201.88! Way to go Jillian and Pedals for Pediatrics - you are making a difference in the lives of others and we were so honored to help you along the way!

Welcome Miss. Dani!!

7/15/2016

Have you seen this face around the studio lately? Help us give a ginormous warm welcome to our New Assistant Director! Find out why we are SOO lucky to have Miss. Dani onboard to make lucky year three at Little Beats the most AMAZING one yet!!

Little Beats Yoga hits the town!

7/12/2016

We had so much fun meeting our Little Beats friends on the grass of Temple Emanuel for a free Yogi Tots class!
Catch us again at the Newton Free Library on Monday July 25th, 4:30pm.

Did you know? Like dance and music, Yoga is for ALL ages! Here are just a few benefits. Little Beats is proud to be adding Yogi Tots to our class offering AND bringing it to preschools this fall!

How Parents Teach By Example

12/9/2015

"We often only worry about showing our kids what not to do but what we really should be focusing on is what we ARE doing in front of our children." Here are some tips from expert Speech Therapist, Ivy Schantz on how you can better facilitate your child's learning simply by being more aware of the way you speak.
By guest blogger, Ivy Schantz M.S.,CCC-SLP

Teaching emotional intelligence early

12/8/2015

Emotional Intelligence is something we'll be discussing in our Intellidance® Babies class this week but can be a beneficial discussion for ALL parents so I wanted to share this out!

Benefits to Learning About Body Parts!

12/8/2015

When we think back to our school days, or even days earlier if we can, we never really remember learning our body parts (except of course the song "Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes" which will never leave our memories). In the Intellidance® curriculum, we are deliberate in our teaching and understanding of the body from our brains to our toes, shaping children who are appreciative, aware, and in full control of their bodies.