Sometimes talking to a young child who can’t talk back can seem awkward. Don’t worry, you’re not alone in that feeling. Once you start talking with children, it’s easy to get on a roll. We have some great suggestions below to keep the conversation going. Also, many families use baby sign language to help their Read More
Let’s Talk
It may sound like a given, but talking to your child is extremely important. Since 80% of your child’s brain development happens from birth to age three, words are vital to building that structure. Babies are wired to pick up sounds, words, and gestures. Thankfully adults are ready to provide all of that through baby Read More
Taking Turns and Sharing Activities
Sharing Ball Super simple. Roll a bowl to your child and say “my turn” – when they roll the ball back, say “your turn”. This game will evolve as children get older and have more coordination. Alternative: share bubbles by taking turns blowing and/or popping bubbles Build a tower together (LoveEvery.com) Another simple Read More
Books about Taking Turns and Sharing
Rulers of the Playground by Joseph Kuefler (Preschool, School Age) One morning, Jonah decided to become ruler of the playground. Everyone agreed to obey his rules to play in King Jonah’s kingdom … Everyone except for Lennox … because she wanted to rule the playground, too. A gloriously rendered, hilariously deadpan tale of playground politics. Read More
Charting the Course for Alaska’s Children
This week marked a significant milestone for Best Beginnings as our Board and Staff members gathered to embark on an exciting journey – the development of a comprehensive three-year plan to guide our future endeavors. This provided us with a valuable opportunity to reflect on our organization’s history, delve deeper into our identity, explore the Read More
Winter Stem Tips
Awesome Tips for Young Explorers! STEM isn’t all about coding Sure coding is fun, but STEM does not have to be screen based or super technical. STEM is also learning about animals, following a recipe, observing the weather, building with blocks, sorting objects, and other simple things. Of course, if you have a future Read More
Fun activities to Celebrate Families
Dramatic play is an essential part of early childhood. Watching children play at being a family reveals what they see, hear, and feel in their day to day life. Playing house is one of the most popular themes for young children. Possible props can be dolls, keys, stuffed animals as pets, and other household items. Read More
With Gratitude – A Thanksgiving Reflection
As we gather around our tables this Thanksgiving, there’s an abundance of gratitude filling the air here at Best Beginnings. It’s with a heart full of thanks and a smile on my face that I reflect on the remarkable journey we’ve embarked on over the past year. Filled with treasured moments and milestones we’re honored Read More
Anchorage Mayor Pledges $250,000 Support to Best Beginnings in 2024 Proposed Budget
Anchorage Mayor Pledges $250,000 Support to Best Beginnings in 2024 Proposed Budget Best Beginnings, a leading public-private organization dedicated to early childhood development, is proud to announce a significant boost in funding thanks to the 2024 budget proposals released by Anchorage Mayor Dave Bronson. In an afternoon press conference on Monday, Mayor Bronson revealed his Read More
Books about Daily Routines
This list features books about what a day in the life of a child looks like – can you find the spots where adding some songs fit? What Happens on Wednesdays by Emily Jenkins (Preschool) Young children don’t experience time or schedules quite the same way that adults do. For one little girl, her Wednesday Read More