Be a storyteller to your kids

By Daily Press staff

Tell your children stories before they can speak.

The Early Childhood Parenting Center, a nonprofit child development organization, is sponsoring a parent education program entitled “Tiny Books for Tiny Tots.” The program is set for Monday, Sept. 11, from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at 1440 Harvard St.

Parents will make a “little book” for their very young, pre-verbal infant or young toddler. The books are designed to be tools to help little ones better understand and make sense of life events — those that are expected occurrences, unexpected surprises, as well as events that are sad, scary or joyous.

Using basic stick figure art and other easy art work styles, parents will learn to become storytellers in very simple terms within the contextual experiences of their child.

To register for the program, call (310) 281-9770 by Sept. 6. The fee is $15, payable at the program. If you are paying by check, make checks payable to Community Partners, FBO, ECPC. For more information, log on to www.parentingtots.org.



Get rid of the ‘brain drain’

By Daily Press staff

Any parent can attest to the challenges of preparing children for a new academic year after the “brain drain” of summer vacation. Many children forget weeks of school instruction over their summer break and have difficulty transitioning back into a learning mode.

“By exercising kids‚ imaginations and creativity, it prepares them for the school session to come,” said Shell Herman, CEO and co-founder of KidzArt. “Programs like KidzArt make it fun for kids but that’s not all. KidzArt also creates opportunities for kids to communicate, brainstorm and express themselves, which can be a great way to get the school year started.”

Studies show that there is a critical link to reading, writing and math excellence in children who are exposed to art, drama and music.

KidzArt teaches kids, preschoolers to teens, easy-to-learn drawing techniques in a nurturing, non-competitive environment. The use of age-appropriate, safe, professional-level art supplies, creative activities and focusing exercises can enhance learning and build skills needed to succeed in the classroom.

After-school programs, libraries, daycare centers, as well as many school districts use KidzArt to enhance their art curriculums. The classes, which include soft music to promote a relaxing atmosphere, are also used as a calming technique to prepare students for standardized tests.

For more information, call (323) 852-0032.