This past weekend I was at my local store buying groceries for the week. I did not have my child with me, so I could casually listen as other parents interacted with their children. I overheard one conversation between a mom and her 2-year-old daughter that brought a smile to my face.

It is fascinating to watch a preschooler at play. Their energy, focus and imagination cannot be duplicated in the adult world. A four year old does not understand the courage it takes to create a work of art or produce a sculpture out of playdough; those fears and inhibitions only come with age. Sara Gable, a State Extension Specialist at The University of Missouri writes about the importance of encouraging creativity in children and ideas for promoting creativity in young children.

As our world has become more of a global economy, there are many things to learn outside of the local culture. One of the more important skill sets in understanding other cultures and communities is by learning their language.

Educational opportunities are not limited to just your child’s school, town, state or country. Since 2000, International Education Week has been promoting the benefits of education worldwide. A joint initiative by the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education, International Education Week serves as a platform to prepare American students to live and work in a global environment while encouraging those outside of the US to study abroad.

Educational opportunities are not limited to just your child’s school, town, state or country. Since 2000, International Education Week has been promoting the benefits of education worldwide. A joint initiative by the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education, International Education Week serves as a platform to prepare American students to live and work in a global environment while encouraging those outside of the US to study abroad.

Four Grand Slam singles titles, a #1 world ranking and the first Serbian player to win a Major singles title, Novak Djokovic has achieved much so far in his professional tennis career. Now Djokovic can add early childhood education advocate to his accomplishments as he joins UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund) as an ambassador.

FasTracKids’ CEO and President Nancy Faunce released a Public Service Announcement on becoming an official Reading Partner in Jumpstart’s Read for the Record campaign.

Now more than ever, children have a multitude of ways to access the Internet. Through a parent’s smart phone, at school, at home and with newer devices called tablets, children are curious to see what entertainment is instantly available.

It’s difficult to believe that the school holidays will soon come to an end. Within weeks, children will return to the routine of school with a more rigid and controlled schedule. You still have time to enjoy the holidays, and the best way to do that is sharing a good book with your child. Reading over the school break enhances your child’s ability to reenter school without the typical learning loss and the need for extensive review of content covered prior to the holidays.