KinderJam - Music, Movement, Learning, and Fun!

Monterey Herald Interview with El Brown, KinderJam Founder

2012-01-26T11:09:00.000-08:00

El Brown, third from right, founder of the KinderJam program in

Monterey, joins a parachute game with KinderJam instructor Suzanna Vik,

standing at right, and her class of youngsters and moms at Hilltop

Community Center in Monterey. (DAVID ROYAL/The Herald)

Military mom's KinderJam program a hit in 5 countries
El Brown nominated for spouse of year
By CLAUDIA MELÉNDEZ SALINAS
Herald Staff Writer

With her family unit intact, military wife and stay-at-home mom El Brown didn't notice anything amiss with her 17-month-old son: He was playful, active, energetic.

Then her husband was deployed to Iraq in 2008. A month later, she noticed Ricky II, as she calls her son, wasn't even making attempts to utter words.

"We were on a play date, and the little ones would say words like 'juice,' 'please' and Ricky II wasn't even making any attempts to speak or mimic the words I was saying," Brown, 36, said. "And it was just me and my baby. This just can't be happening. I had nobody to bounce any ideas off. It was a rough time."

Eventually, Brown's professional training as an educator kicked in and she realized Ricky II — eventually diagnosed with a form of autism — may have a special way of learning. Because he was an active child, Brown began teaching him words with music and pantomime.

And KinderJam was born.

Brown, founder of the interactive program for preschoolers, was nominated for 2012 Military Spouse of the Year, an international competition organized by Military Spouse Magazine.

It is a crowded field. There are five candidates per branch of the armed forces: Air Force, Army, Marines, Navy, National Guard and Coast Guard. Candidates are nominated based on their commitment to help military families and the winner is the person who garners the most online votes.

Brown, a Monterey-area resident since 2006, is excited about the possibility of winning the contest as a tool to promote early childhood education.

"I've been working with 1,700 families here, but with this title I could have an in with other bases. It would open doors," she said. "Monterey is a very small military community. I could branch out to Fort Bragg or San Diego, where they have a large military population."

At first glance, KinderJam may seem like just fun exercise for tots — the program promotes "learning by playing and wiggling," according to its website.

But Brown sees it as a vehicle to empower parents. Not only are they their children's first teacher, but for military families on the move, parents are the constant in their lives. And it is important they know the educational vernacular so they can communicate with teachers and other educational experts.

"Although we love our children and we need to celebrate them, we also need to have information in our head" that will click if something isn't right, Brown said.

Born and raised in Florida, Brown earned her bachelor's degree in elementary education from Florida A&M University. She was teaching in the Atlanta public school system when she was recruited to teach at a U.S. naval base in Japan — which gave her a glimpse into what children in military families need. In Korea, her next assignment, she met Ricky Brown, the Army soldier who would be her husband.

"We were only engaged 12 days," Brown said. "He proposed and we found out he was going to Iraq."

With her husband's deployment, she began moving around as well. She moved to Colorado and Oklahoma, and eventually landed in Monterey, when her husband came to study at the Naval Postgraduate School.

It was a month after her husband returned to Iraq that Brown noticed their son wasn't attempting to communicate.

"Although I'm a mom, I'm also an educator. When my son started not meeting his benchmarks, I knew from my prior training something wasn't right," she said.

Brown began using exaggerated gestures and growls to impersonate animals. Then she would say the word: Lion. Bear. Ricky began using simple words.

She discovered "he can use words," she said. "I just have to make it interactive."

Later, Ricky II was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.

At a play date, one of the mothers suggested Brown start a class for military families. Soon, civilians started trying to "sneak" into her classes, Brown said. When families began to be deployed, mothers inquired: How did I start a KinderJam where I'm going? Where do I sign up to learn how to lead a KinderJam?

"Now we have 15 classes in five countries," a beaming Brown said. "Thailand, Japan, Turkey, Singapore and the U.S."

Cathy Nyznyk, director of the Monterey Peninsula College Child Development Center, has known Brown as a student, parent and educator, and calls her a "natural."

"The child's learning is very visible to her," Nyznyk said. "She has a natural ability to hone in on what situation is going on with children."

KinderJam "is lively, it's fun," she said. "We want children to feel good about their bodies. With childhood obesity (so prevalent), we want them to move more."

After a three-year stint as an operations research analyst at NPS, Maj. Rick Brown is being reassigned to Fort Belvoir in Virginia, so the family is leaving in a few weeks. It will be bittersweet, El Brown said, because they have family back east but Monterey feels like home.

"Ricky II was born at CHOMP. This is where I started my business," she said. "It will always be a special place."

Claudia Meléndez Salinas can be reached at 753-6755 or cmelendez@montereyherald.com.
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Health Jam: Love Your Teeth!!!!!

2012-01-20T06:47:00.000-08:00

Make brushing teeth and going to the dentist fun for your kids!

Healthy oral care habits start with daily brushing as a child. LoveYourTeeth.net provides a fun, free, and non-commercial teeth brushing chart for anyone to use to help motivate children to have good brushing habits. By clicking on one of the links below you are taken to a page where you can print a customized brushing chart that is more than just a traditional behavior chart. Children can track their progress every day on their special chart, all the while working towards completing the chart and winning a "prize". The greatest prize of course, is healthy teeth and a solid foundation for a lifetime of wellness.

You can see it in action at http://www.loveyourteeth.net

A Public Service by Dentist Advisor

Recipe Jam: Peanut Butter Play Dough

2012-01-09T06:57:00.000-08:00

This recipe is fun to play with and good to eat!

Ingredients:

1 cup peanut butter
1 cup honey or corn syrup
1 cup powdered milk
1 cup oatmeal
coconut or powder sugar (optional)

Directions:

Help your child measure 1 cup of peanut butter, 1 cup of honey or corn syrup, 1 cup of powdered milk, and 1 cup of oatmeal
Once the ingredients are measured, help your child combine them in a large bowl. As he works with the ingredient, talk about how they are changing as he mixes them. This is hard work!
Once the mix is dough-like he can spoon out some of the play dough and mix it using his hands an fingers. Ask him if it is sticky. If the answer is yes, add small amounts of oatmeal and powdered milk.
Encourage your child to explore the edible play dough. If desired, your child can make "snowballs" by rolling the a rounded ball of dough in coconut flakes or powdered sugar.
As he plays with the dough, remind him that it is okay to eat a little as well!

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Science Jam: Playdough Volcano

2012-01-02T10:10:00.000-08:00

My son is fascinated by volcanoes right now. So I decided to capitalize on his interest and introduce a fun science project...making a volcano. I first went to Amazon to purchase a kit but many of the customer reviews said, "Don't spend your money. It's easy to make one at home." I searched the internet and found this cute playdough volcano activity. It was super easy and super fun! Best of all, I had all the supplies in my house!

Supplies Needed:

Tray or container(large tupperware/plastic container works well to catch lots of lava mixture after numerous eruptions)
Paper cup
Tin foil
Scissors
Playdough

Step 1.

Instructions
1. Place a paper cup on your tray and wrap tin foil around it, folding the tin foil over the rim of the cup and shaping the remainder tin foil to resemble a mountain. You may need to use 2 or 3 pieces of tin foil for easier shaping.

Steps 2 and 3.

Instructions continued
2. Roll out playdough with a rolling pin and place over tin foil. Fold playdough over rim of cup as well. You may need to use 2 or 3 sections of rolled out playdough for easier shaping.
3. Decorate your volcano with trees, animals and buildings if you wish.

Step 4.

4. Make the lava mixture:

3 tsps Baking soda
1/2 to 1 cup white vinegar
Food coloring

5. After your volcano is built, put the baking soda into the volcano paper cup. Mix the food coloring with the vinegar in a separate cup. Pour the vinegar/food coloring mixture into the volcano and watch the eruption!

Remember to have lots of lava mixture on hand as kids will want to see this again and again!

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Mind Your Manners

2011-12-29T14:23:00.000-08:00

We teach our children to say "please" and "thank you" but good manners require much more than just saying the "Magic Words". Teaching your children good manners gives them lifelong survival skills and the tools to build, strengthen, and maintain relationships with others. Below are some activities you can do with your child to reinforce good manners.

1. Show your children the manners you expect at home first. The next time you eat dinner together, have your children pretend they are eating at a restaurant. How should they talk to each other? What should they say when the waiter brings their food? How do we sit in our seat? What do we do if we finish eating before the rest of the family?

2. The next time your children mentions something nice that another person did for them. Discuss how did that person's actions made them feel. Then suggest they write a thank you note to express their appreciation. A thank you notes doesn't have to be a lot of words; it can even be a picture.

3. You can write short thank you notes to your children for things they do that you appreciate.

4. Explain to your child the importance of taking turns. Practice taking turns with a favorite toy or activity. For example, if your child absolutely loves swinging, practice swinging for a prescribed amount of time then moving on the another activity, in an effort to allow another child the opportunity to swing. This will be a beneficial skill to possess on the playground, and in school yards.

5. Meetings, Greetings, and Good-byes make for a fun family game that can give your child an opportunity to practice polite ways to meet new people, greet people they know, and say good bye. With your child, role play meeting new people (peer, adult, teacher...). How do you greet a friend, relative, or pediatrician? What are some of the ways you can say goodbye after spending time with someone?

Children can benefit from learning that little acts of appreciation, caring, and respect can make others feel really good. And manners are a part of appreciating, respecting and caring for the feelings of other. Try fun learning activities and role playing at home to instill good manners in your child. Good manners start at home and spread abroad.

Alphabet Jam: Commissary/Grocery Store Hunt!

2011-12-26T12:16:00.000-08:00

X,Y, Z is for Zucchini!!! Turn your next trip to the commissary or grocery store into a fun learning experience with our KinderJam Grocery Hunts. Happy Hunting!!!!

For PC: Right click on the image below and select "Print Picture".

For Mac: Right click on the image below and select "Open in New Window". Click on the image to zoom out. Then print.

VideoJam: Make a FREE Personalized Video Message from Santa!

2011-12-24T13:31:00.000-08:00

Today, I witnessed the magic of Christmas in my son's eyes as he watched his very own video message from the Man in Red himself, Santa Claus! Parents, it only takes a few minutes to enter your child's information and upload a couple of pictures to make this wonderful Christmas keepsake.

Visit http://www.portablenorthpole.tv/home to make your child's free personalized video message from Santa!

Merry Christmas!!!!!

Craft Jam: "Christmas is Love" Soup in a Jar.

2011-12-15T06:37:00.000-08:00

Three years ago, I received one of the best Christmas gifts from one of my KinderJammers and her Grandmother. They gave me soup in a jar. I really appreciated the adorably packaged gift and gave my usual thank you. However later that week when I was looking for something to cook for my family for dinner, I decided to make the soup in the jar. It was so yummy and my family absolutely loved it. The next time I saw the Grandmother, I told her how wonderful the soup was and she shared the recipe. That year, my three year old and I made an assembly line and made all of his teachers and our friends and loved ones "Christmas is Love" Soup in Jar. Not only is the soup in a jar an economical gift choice, but it also provides my family with a wonderful activity that we can do together during the holidays. The thing I love most about this gift is that it gives the recipient a gift twice; once when they receive the pretty package and again when it gives their family a warm and yummy hug at dinnertime.

"Christmas is Love" Soup in a Jar

Layers for a 16oz. Jar:

2 tsp. salt
3 tsp. dried minced onion
1/2 cup uncooked long grain rice
1/4 cup dry green split peas
1/4 cup pearl barley
1/4 cup dry yellow split peas
2 tsp. dried parsley
1/4 cup dry lentils
Then add tri-colored pasta up to the mouth of the jar and pack tightly. Then seal the jar.

Items for Packaging:

7"x7" square of fabric
small rubber band
ribbon
gift tag/soup directions

Directions for Packaging:

After the jar is tightly sealed, place your 7"x7" square of fabric over the top of the jar and place a small over the fabric, under the lid of the jar. Trim fabric for neatness if necessary.
Punch a hole in the corner of your gift tag/soup directions and insert your ribbon through the hole.
Tie your ribbon tightly under the lid of the jar. Then tie a bow.

Gift Tag/Soup Directions Reads:

“Christmas is Love” Soup

1. Pour the contents of this jar and 8 cups of your favorite broth into a pot.
2. Chop one stalk of celery. Slice one carrot. Add to the pot.
3. Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer over medium-low heat until the vegetables are tender (about an hour).
4. Before serving, and one cup of diced tomatoes.
From our family to yours, Enjoy!!!!

*This is a great idea for teacher, command, or FRG gifts. You can select fabric the base on the occasion of the gift.

Printable Gift Tags:

For PC: Right click on the image below and select "Print Picture".

For Mac: Right click on the image below and select "Open in New Window". Click on the image to zoom out. Then print

Commissary/Grocery Store Hunt!

2011-12-09T08:51:00.000-08:00

W is for Watermelon!!! Turn your next trip to the commissary or grocery store into a fun learning experience with our KinderJam Grocery Hunts. Happy Hunting!!!!

For PC: Right click on the image below and select "Print Picture".

For Mac: Right click on the image below and select "Open in New Window". Click on the image to zoom out. Then print.

Kidpower: Every Child Deserves to Feel Safe

2011-12-04T13:46:00.000-08:00

Kidpower Workshop in Palo Alto, CA

Today my family and I attended a play date with several other families of children ages 3 to 5. We have family outings all the time and generally walk away with wonderful memories and great pictures. However, today we walked away from a play date with life lessons and strategies the will assist my husband and me on our mission to keep our son safe. As adults, we are aware of the dangers that lurk in the world we live in and know we must keep our little ones safe. I battled with wanting to prepare my 5 year old for individuals who would attempt to infringe on his personal safety but I did not want to rob him of his angelic innocence. The workshop that our play date host invited us to today helped me with that battle. The Kidpower workshop gave us a gentle way to discuss and practice personal safety measures that were relevant to our preschooler.

Kidpower is a non-profit organization that works to help kids and adults feel personally safe. They have locations across the nation. I would encourage you to research their organization and plan your next play date with Kidpower, if there is one in your area. It's FREE!!!!! Visit Kidpower at www.kidpower.org.

Video Jam: Fun Cheers for Young Children by Dr. Jean

2011-11-30T11:51:00.000-08:00

Dr. Jean, an Early Childhood expert, has developed some super fun cheers you can do with your little ones and/or students. The first time a saw Dr. Jean's cheers was at my son's preschool during outdoor circle time. I asked his teacher to teach me some of the cheers and I started incorporating them when offering praise and recognition to my little man. (My little guy's favorites are the roller coaster, fire cracker, and gold star.) Then I had the great pleasure of taking a workshop with Dr. Jean and watching her give examples of exciting ways to praise young children and knew I had to share these fun cheers with our KinderJam parents and teachers!

Switch it up a little bit...instead of the same old "Way to Go", "Good Job", or hand claps...try some of these super fun cheers to show excitement for your little one's efforts.

Commissary/Grocery Store Hunt!

2011-11-29T10:34:00.000-08:00

V is for Vegetables!!! Turn your next trip to the commissary or grocery store into a fun learning experience with our KinderJam Grocery Hunts. Happy Hunting!!!!

For PC: Right click on the image below and select "Print Picture".

For Mac: Right click on the image below and select "Open in New Window". Click on the image to zoom out. Then print.

Craft Jam: Candy Cane Reindeer

2011-11-27T15:52:00.000-08:00

Create Santa's reindeer with this sweet candy cane ornament craft for you and your little one.

Supplies:

Low temp hot glue gun
Ribbons
1 wrapped candy cane
1 tiny pom-pom for the nose
2 little wiggle eyes (or paper eyes drawn and cut out)
Brown pipe cleaners for the antlers

Instructions:

Make antlers out of pipe cleaners, wrap them around the candy cane on the curve.
Add two wiggle eyes and a pom-pom nose and ribbon bow tie.
You're done!

Tips:

The reindeer can be hung on trees, tied to packages, given in ornament exchanges, or used as table decorations.

Recipe Jam: Super Easy Butter Cookies

2011-11-27T15:18:00.000-08:00

These yummy cookies are a holiday favorite in my family. My Meme used to make them every year when I was a little girl and their buttery goodness brings back such warm memories. These super easy cookies are a perfect activity for you and your little one. Sprinkle red and green sugar on top and make a cute holiday treat!

50 Butter Cookies

1 lb Butter

4 ½ c. Flour

2 c. confectioner sugar

2 Tsp Vanilla

Bake at 350 for 10 to 15 mins.

*add ins- walnuts, pecans, M&Ms, chocolate chips, butterscotch

Alphabet Jam: Commissary/Grocery Store Hunt!

2011-11-21T07:38:00.000-08:00

U is for Udon Noodles!!! Turn your next trip to the commissary or grocery store into a fun learning experience with our KinderJam Grocery Hunts.
For PC: Right click on the image below and select "Print Picture".
For Mac: Right click on the image below and select "Open in New Window". Click on the image to zoom out. Then print.
Happy Hunting!!!!

Recipe Jam: Grandma Brown's Fruit Cookies

2011-11-18T06:18:00.000-08:00

A couple of weeks ago, while I attended a NAEYC conference in Orlando, FL, my son had a much anticipated visit with Grandma. Every time he goes to Grandma's house, they have daily baking or cooking activities. On this last visit, they made fruit cookies, a sugar free, bite-sized cookie that my son fell in love with.

Earlier this week, I made a fresh batch of yummy peanut butter cookies (my husband's favorite). I tried to give my son one of the delicious sugar-filled cookies and he tasted it and said, " No, I want Grandma's cookies." Wow!! I emailed Grandma, she sent the recipe, and last night we made these delightfully EASY fruit cookies. He gobbled them up!!!

Grandma Brown's Fruit Cookies

INGREDIENTS:

11/2 CUPS APPLE SAUCE


1 3/4 CUPS QUICK OATS

1 1/2 CUPS CHOPPED DRIED FRUIT


3/4 CUP CHOPPED NUTS

1/4 CUP WHOLE GRAIN FLOUR


1/2 TEASPOON SALT


1 TEASPOON VANILLA

DIRECTIONS:

MIX WET AND DRY INGREDIENTS SEPARATELY.THEN COMBINE,STIRRING ONLY ENOUGH TO MOISTEN OATS.


FORM INTO BITE-SIZED COOKIES AND PLACE ON OILED COOKIE SHEET.


BAKE 350 FOR 30-35 MINUTES.

YIELD 28 COOKIES.



ENJOY!

Alphabet Jam: Commissary/Grocery Store Hunt!

2011-11-14T06:48:00.000-08:00

T is for Tomato!!! Turn your next trip to the commissary or grocery store into a fun learning experience with our KinderJam Grocery Hunts. Click on the image below and print. Happy Hunting!!!!

A Veterans Day Poem

2011-11-11T06:41:00.000-08:00

Veterans Day

by Cheryl Dyson

On Veterans Day we honor all,

Who answered to a service call.

Soldiers young, and soldiers old,

Fought for freedom, brave and bold.

Some have lived, while others died,

And all of them deserve our pride.

We’re proud of all the soldiers who,

Kept thinking of red, white and blue.

They fought for us and all our rights,

They fought through many days and nights.

And though we may not know each name,

We thank ALL veterans just the same.

Happy Veterans Day!!!!!

Request from the First Lady: Holiday Cards from Military Children!

2011-10-27T08:45:00.000-07:00

This is a wonderful opportunity and a great activity for you and your little ones!!!!

The First Lady is asking military children from around the globe for some personal contributions to the finishing touches on the White House decorations this holiday season. The request is for military children to submit 5x8" handmade holiday cards with words of appreciation for their military parents, as well as pictures and drawings. The White House will display as many of the cards as possible.

Participants are asked to send holiday cards to the following address along with information from where they are sending it by November 16, 2011:

Reservation 1
Attn: Social Office
PO Box 8070
Washington DC, 20032

Recipe Jam: Chocolate & Peanut Butter Acorns

2011-10-13T09:52:00.000-07:00

Chocolate & Peanut Butter Acorns

Looking for the perfect Fall activity for you and your little one?!?!?! Chocolate and Peanut Butter!!! Need I say more? These are a perfect project for tiny fingers!

- Melt 1/2 bag of Mini-Chips {5 second interval in the microwave, stirring really good each time}
- Dip the flat end of the Hershey's Kiss into melted chocolate and top with a bite-size NutterButter.
- Dip the flat end of a Mini-Chip into the melted chocolate and stick it to the NutterButter.

If your child has a peanut allergy, substitute the NutterButter for a Ritz Bitz!

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Alphabet Jam: Commissary/Grocery Store Hunt!

2011-10-12T10:01:00.000-07:00

S is for Spinach!!! Turn your next trip to the commissary or grocery store into a fun learning experience with our KinderJam Grocery Hunts. Click on the image below and print. Happy Hunting!!!!

Alphabet Jam: Commissary/Grocery Store Hunt!

2011-10-02T13:19:00.000-07:00

R is for Raspberries!!! Turn your next trip to the commissary or grocery store into a fun learning experience with our KinderJam Grocery Hunts. Click on the image below and print. Happy Hunting!!!!

Literacy on the Go!

2011-09-28T11:46:00.000-07:00

Many busy moms live in the car, transporting their little ones throughout the day. Trips to the commissary, PX, Target, swim lesson, gymnastics, preschool, play dates, doctor's appointment, dog groomer, post office... Well, you get it...days of endless lists of errands. As a self proclaimed "Queen of Multitasking", I have found a useful way to incorporate literacy into my busy "mommy taxi" days. I have purchased a series of audio books from iTunes that we listen to whenever we are in the car. iTunes has a solid selection of popular and classic Early Childhood titles like, Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Llama, Llama Red Pajama, Corduroy, The Snowy Day, and many more. Some book titles sell for as low as $0.95 Also for long trips, iTunes offers a selection of chapter books perfect for little ears, like my little man's personal favorite, The Mouse and the Motorcycle by Beverly Cleary.

The absolute best element of using iTunes audio books is the ease of use. I download my book selections right to my phone, create a playlist of my little man's library and plug in my phone to my car's auxiliary. Voila!!! Instant literacy on the go!!!!

Extension: If you want to get super fancy with it...download the I Can Read Books and order the corresponding books from Amazon and let your little one follow along with the reader to reinforce beginning reading skills!!

Happy Listening!!!!

Alphabet Jam: Commissary/Grocery Store Hunt!

2011-09-25T09:24:00.000-07:00

Q is for Quaker Oats!!! Turn your next trip to the commissary or grocery store into a fun learning experience with our KinderJam Grocery Hunts. Click on the image below and print. Happy Hunting!!!!

Free Online Preschool by Cullen's Abc's

2011-09-22T06:00:00.000-07:00

Parents, if you haven't visited Cullen's Abc's, you're missing an educational treat!

Free children’s videos that are entertaining and educational, and activity idea videos for you are provided free by Cullen’s Abc’s. Caregivers, parents, grandparents, family, friends, babysitters, homeschoolers, daycare providers, and teachers of preschoolers, can take advantage of Cullen’s Abc’s videos in different ways.

There are two types of videos. Activity idea videos for adults are made for you to watch and discover new activities to do with your children. Cullen’s Abc’s has a vast library of activities that adults can access, watch and then adapt to their children’s interest and developmental stage. Also, most activities can be prepared and completed inexpensively – usually with common household items.

The other type of videos are made for children to watch interactively with you. The children’s videos are interactive, entertaining and educational that stimulate child development and learning. The children’s videos range from singing to reading to art. While the videos are entertaining, each one is also designed to enrich specific cognitive skills. It is highly recommended that you engage with your children while they watch these preschool videos, but you may allow them enjoy them on their own. Either way, you can rest assured that each video has been lovingly created by an experienced preschool teacher.

Cullen’s Abc’s has produced 100’s of children’s videos that have been viewed millions of times.

Learn More about Cullen's Abc's at http://cullensabcs.com/.

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Alphabet Jam: Commissary/Grocery Store Hunt!

2011-09-17T11:17:00.000-07:00

P is for Pineapple! Turn your next trip to the commissary or grocery store into a fun learning experience with our KinderJam Grocery Hunts. Click on the image below and print. Happy Hunting!!!!

Alphabet Jam: Commissary/Grocery Store Hunt!

2011-09-10T19:14:00.000-07:00

O is for Olives! Turn your next trip to the commissary or grocery store into a fun learning experience with our KinderJam Grocery Hunts. Click on the image below and print. Happy Hunting!!!!

Alphabet Jam: Commissary/Grocery Store Hunt!

2011-01-05T08:16:00.000-08:00

N is for Nectarine! Turn your next trip to the commissary or grocery store into a fun learning experience with our KinderJam Grocery Hunts. Click on the image below and print. Happy Hunting!!!!

Alphabet Jam: Commissary/Grocery Store Hunt!

2010-12-07T07:49:00.000-08:00

M is for Marshmallow! Turn your next trip to the commissary or grocery store into a fun learning experience with our KinderJam Grocery Hunts. Click on the image below and print. Happy Hunting!!!!

Video Jam: The Medicine Song

2010-11-29T11:07:00.000-08:00

In honor of my little man, who is under the weather today...We want to share some of our favorite "I'm Feeling Icky Today" songs. Enjoy!!

Video Jam: Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast

2010-11-29T08:03:00.000-08:00

In honor of my little man, who is under the weather today...We want to share some of our favorite "I'm Feeling Icky Today" songs. Enjoy!!

Of Montreal on Yo Gabba Gabba! from NickPress on Vimeo.

Craft Jam: Hands and Feet Reindeer

2010-11-28T12:23:00.000-08:00

An easy to make reindeer craft for classrooms, a Christmas party, or with your little one at home.

Hands and Feet Reindeer

Materials:

Large plastic eyes
Large red pom-poms (glitter pom-poms are a fun addition!)
Brown construction paper, craft foam or cardstock paper
Lighter brown or tan paper for the ears (optional)
Construction paper in any color; optional if you would like to glue the reindeer onto another piece of paper.

Directions:

First, with one shade of brown, cut the antlers and reindeer, using your child's handprint and shoeprint as a pattern.
Then, cut the ears with the other brown. You can use a lighter shade of brown to add yet another layer to the ears but that's not necessary.
Glue the antlers together at a slight angle.
Then add the ears,
Glue the head on last.
Glue the eyes and nose the the head and add a smile with a marker.

It's that simple!

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10 Tips to Make Your Home a Place For Young Readers

2010-11-21T19:30:00.000-08:00

Learning to read is an exciting accomplishment in a child's life. Unlike talking, reading doesn't come naturally. Literacy skills take practice and need to be developed over time. The informed parent has ample opportunities to enhance pre-reading skills in their young children. Below are 10 tips to make your home a place for your young reader.

Choose a quiet time for reading to your child, as in before a nap, bedtime, or after dinner.
Choose a special place for family reading, like a comfortable chair or pillows piled on the floor.
Let your child select the book for you to read aloud.
Hold the book so that she or he can see the pictures. If possible, also let her or him turn the pages.
Take time to look at and talk about the pictures. Don't just read the story: talk about it. Let your child point out letters, shapes, colors, and animals.
Understand that reading begins at home. Children read their environments, so make your home a print rich environment.
Read! Don't expect reading to be important to your children if they see that it's not important to you.
Invite your child to read to you. If he or she is a pre reader, he'll often interpret his own story using illustrations and his imagination.
Make lists, lots of them. Make them for grocery shopping, books to buy and things to take on trips.
Read aloud to your child every day.

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Recipe Jam: Marshmallow Pilgrim Hats

2010-11-18T17:14:00.000-08:00

Marshmallow Pilgrim Hats

Here's a treat that looks old-fashioned but is made with two favorite modern-day sweets: marshmallows and chocolate.

Ingredients

24 chocolate-striped shortbread cookies
12-ounce package of chocolate chips
24 marshmallows
tube of yellow decorators' frosting

Instructions

Set the chocolate-striped cookies stripes down on a wax-paper-covered tray, spacing them well apart.
Melt the chocolate chips in a microwave or double boiler.
One at a time, stick a wooden toothpick into a marshmallow, dip the marshmallow into the melted chocolate, and promptly center it atop a cookie.
Using a second toothpick to lightly hold down the marshmallow, carefully pull out the first toothpick.
Chill the hats until the chocolate sets, then pipe a yellow decorators' frosting buckle on the front of each hat.

source

Video Jam: The Alphabet with Elmo and India.Arie

2010-11-17T08:48:00.000-08:00

Enjoy this melodic rendition of the ABC song with your little one today!

Alphabet Jam: Commissary/Grocery Store Hunt!

2010-11-16T21:01:00.000-08:00

L is for Lemon! Turn your next trip to the commissary or grocery store into a fun learning experience with our KinderJam Grocery Hunts. Click on the image below and print. Happy Hunting!!!!

Video Jam: Veterans Day Tribute to Military Children!!

2010-11-11T09:53:00.000-08:00

Arts & Craft Jam:Finger Stamp Place Cards

2010-11-08T20:25:00.000-08:00

These handy little birds are great seat markers and a fun predinner activity. Have the younger set make them for the rest of the family, or let everyone try his hand -- or at least a finger -- at making his own.

Materials:

White card stock
Nontoxic stamp pads in brown, red, orange, and yellow
Glue
Googly eyes
Markers

Instructions:

For each bird, fold a piece of card stock as shown (ours were roughly 3 by 4 inches). Set out nontoxic stamp pads in brown, red, orange, and yellow. Using your thumb or index finger, stamp rings of yellow, orange, and red, and a brown turkey body.
Glue googly eyes in place, then use markers to draw on a beak, snood, and feet and to write a guest's name below the bird.

Tip:

If your duty station has you far away from loved ones during the Thanksgiving holiday. Turn this cute place cards into Thanksgiving cards for Grandma and Grandpa or a deployed parent. Help your little one thing they are thankful for and mail this card in time for the holiday.

source

Commissary/Grocery Store Hunt!

2010-11-08T19:55:00.000-08:00

Turn your next trip to the commissary or grocery store into a fun learning experience with our KinderJam Grocery Hunts. Click on the image below and print. Happy Hunting!!!!

Math Jam: The Shape Hokey Pokey

2010-11-03T08:53:00.000-07:00

Objective: To identify a variety of two-dimensional shapes

Materials:

KinderJam Shape Mats

Scissors

Directions:

Print and cut out the shapes on the KinderJam Shape Mats.
Discuss each shape with your child.
Give your child the shape cut outs.
Sing the Hokey Pokey Shape Song

Song:
Put your circle in,
Put you circle out,
Put your circle in and shake it all bout.
Do the hokey pokey and turn yourself around that's what its all about!

Put your square in,
Put your square out,
Put your square in and shake it all about.
Do the hokey pokey and turn yourself around that's what its all about!

Put your oval in,
Put your oval out,
Put your oval in and shake it all about.
Do the hokey pokey and turn yourself around that's what its all about!

Put your rectangle in,
Put your rectangle out,
Put your rectangle in and shake it all about.
Do the hokey pokey and turn yourself around that's what its all about!

Put your triangle in,
Put your triangle out,
Put your triangle in and shake it all about.
Do the hokey pokey and turn yourself around that's what its all about!

Extention:

For older preschoolers make shapes such as hexagon, octogon, rhombus, and trapezoid to use in your Shape Hokey Pokey.

Commissary/Grocery Store Hunt!

2010-10-29T14:33:00.000-07:00

Turn your next trip to the commissary or grocery store into a fun learning experience with our KinderJam Grocery Hunts. Click on the image below and print. Happy Hunting!!!!

Video of the Week!

2010-10-27T09:42:00.000-07:00

Try this super cute Days of the Week Song with your little one, Today!!!

Arts & Crafts Jam: Tissue Paper Ghosts

2010-10-24T10:08:00.000-07:00

Tissue Paper Ghosts

These tissue paper ghosts are an inexpensive and easy project for you and your little to make for Halloween. Little hand slove making our Tissue Paper Ghosts!

Supplies:

2 facial tissues (white)
Yarn or ribbon (white, black, or orange)
Black permanent marker
Scissors

Directions:

Ball up one facial tissue and place it in the center of the second piece of tissue.
Wrap the second piece of tissue around the ball of tissue and gently tie it closed with the yarn or ribbon, making a bow.
Draw a face. Be creative!

Tips:

No facial tissue in the house...in a pinch you can substitute the facial tissues with paper towels, gifting tissue, or a white wash cloth.
Make spooky decorations. Make several tissue paper ghosts and string them together with fishing line and hang them high.
Make your ghost fly.Tie fishing line to the yarn around its neck. Hang from a ceiling fan blade and turn the fan on low.
Turn your ghost project into a fun math activity. Make several then play the How Many Jam.

Math Jam: Shape Sorting

2010-10-23T12:26:00.000-07:00

Teaching your little one about shapes is an important activity that can be made into a fun play time for you and your little one. Identifying shapes is a necessary skill needed for kindergarten. Make learning fun with KinderJam's colorful shape sorting activity.

Directions:
Discuss each shape with your little one. With your little one, cut out the shapes on Page 2. Match the shape cut-outs to the shape on the shape mat (Page 1). For older children, Print Page 1 twice and cut out the shape boxes on the shape mat and make a fun match game. Enjoy!

Page 1

Page 2

Hints:

*This activity can be use to introduce and reinforce color recognition.

*Print an additional Page 2 and practice scissor skills with your little one.

Recipe Fun: Cookie Witch Hats

2010-10-22T16:56:00.000-07:00

Cookie Witch Hats

Looking for a treat to make with your little one to bring to that Halloween party or just to spend some time with your favorite ghoul or goblin? Use chocolate chip cookies as the brim of this hat, sugar cones can be frosted, decorated and attached to make these deliciously cute cookie witch hats.

Ingredients:

24 sugar ice cream cones
1 container (16 oz.) prepared chocolate frosting, divided
Assorted Halloween decorator sugars and sprinkles
24 Chocolate Chip Cookies
Quart-size plastic food storage bag
Assorted decorator icings (optional)

Directions:

LINE large baking sheet with sides with wax paper. With a small metal spatula or butter knife, spread a thin layer of frosting on each cone (Be sure to save some frosting to adhere cones to cookie hat base! About 3/4 cup will be needed.) Place frosted cones on baking sheet. Sprinkle with sugars and sprinkles. Let stand for 1 hour to allow frosting to set.
MEANWHILE, PREPARE cookies as directed on package. Cool completely.
FILL plastic bag with remaining icing; seal. Cut 1/4-inch corner from bag. Squeeze bag to pipe icing around bottom of each cone; adhere cones to each cookie to form hats. To decorate base of hat, use different colors of decorator icings and sprinkle with additional sugars or sprinkles.

Commissary/Grocery Store Hunt!

2010-10-22T16:19:00.000-07:00

Turn your next trip to the commissary or grocery store into a fun learning experience with our KinderJam Grocery Hunts. Click on the image below and print. Happy Hunting!!!!

Math Jam: The How Many Jam!

2010-10-17T11:48:00.000-07:00

The How Many Jam!
Objective: One to One Counting
Materials needed: Ten hand sized objects, i.e. matchbox cars, blocks, crayons, counting bears, or the like.

Procedures:

Help your litle one line the objectives in a row. The number doesn’t matter. The number of objects your little one chooses to start with will be fine.
Sing the song below to The Adams Family theme song. Where you see (SAY), have children say, rather than sing, "Let's count!" and the numbers.

(SING)
How many cars? clap clap
How many cars? clap clap
How many cars? How many cars? How many cars? clap clap

(SAY)
Let’s count!
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
EIGHT cars!

(SING)
How many cars? (SEVEN cars!)
How many cars? (SEVEN cars!)
How many cars? How many cars? How many cars? (SEVEN cars!)

(SAY)

Yaay!!! You did it!!!!!!

Repeat using a different amount of objects.

Listen to The How Many Jam!

Extention Tips:

Use this activity to work on shapes. Cut out paper shapes and count out the circles, squares, or triangles.
Use this activity to reinforce healthy foods. Count out carrots sticks, raisins, or grapes.

Recipe Fun: Open Faced Jack o'Grilled Cheese

2010-10-17T08:19:00.000-07:00

by Tara

(Breckenridge, CO)

Open Faced Jack o'Grilled Cheese

Tired of all the sugary Halloween treats? Try sprucing up a healthy dinner for the kids. My one-year-old son loves grilled cheese so I put together these cute jack o'lantern style open faced sandwiches. Older kids can assemble them on their own. It's a good way to have fun with veggies and a simple tasty dinner when mom is busy!

makes 4 sandwiches
Ingredients:

4 slices of bread

4 slices cheddar cheese

tomato slices for mouths

olives for eyes

celery for stems

Pumpkin shaped cookie cutter (although a plain circle will do in a pinch)

Directions:

Place slices of cheese on bread slices. Cut with pumpkin shaped cutter.
Slice veggies in a variety of shapes. (see photo for ideas). Let kids decorate their Jack o'Grilled cheese with assorted veggies.
Place on rack in toaster oven or regular oven.
Remove when cheese is melted and enjoy when cooled off enough!

Here's a tip - cut extra veggies and let kids play around with the faces for a while before cooking. Otherwise, they will want to make 3 or 4
source

The Hip Hop Tooty-Ta by Jack Hartmann

2010-10-16T10:11:00.000-07:00

Parents, you asked for it and here it is!!!! Jack Hartmann's Hip Hop Tooty-Ta is a KinderJam favorite!!!! For more fun and educational music by Jack Hartmann visit his website filled with CDs and DVDs your little ones are sure to enjoy!!!

Commissary/Grocery Store Hunt!

2010-10-16T09:23:00.000-07:00

Taking your little one to the commissary or grocery store can be a daunting task for all parties involved. Turn your next trip grocery shopping into a fun learning experience with our KinderJam Grocery Hunts. Click on the image below and print. Happy Hunting!!!!

KinderJam Rock!!!!!

2010-10-16T08:12:00.000-07:00

Take a peek inside a KinderJam class! Then Come Join the Fun because we Can't Wait To See You!!!!! To find a KinderJam near you and your little one visit us at Find a Class.

We're Back!!!

2010-10-16T07:51:00.000-07:00

Hello Friends,

KinderJam's blog has been away for a while but we are back with a face lift and ready to provide fun learning activities for you and your toddler and preschool aged child. Bookmark, follow, and visit us often for our super fun Commissary Hunts, kinesthetic activities, videos, recipes and more! Come Join the Fun Online!!!! We Can't Wait To See You!!!!

El Brown

Commissary/Grocery Store Hunt!

2010-03-02T07:06:00.000-08:00

Commissary/Grocery Store Hunt!

2010-02-16T08:59:00.000-08:00

Spotlight on KinderJam!

2010-02-08T06:47:00.000-08:00

KinderJam has quickly become my life's work. I have been fortunate enough to discover my absolute passion, working with young children and their families. KinderJam has allowed me to take the best of everything I love and turn it into a thriving business. Additionally, I have met and had the privilege to work with a wonderful team of professional from various industries. One of which is an extremely talented young writer, who has recently spotlighted KinderJam in an interview. Read the Spotlight on KinderJam and check out Mocha Writer at http://mochawriter.com/.

Have a WONDERFUL Monday!!!

Commissary/Grocery Store Hunt!

2010-02-08T06:17:00.000-08:00

Parents as Teachers Heroes at Home program

2010-02-05T09:07:00.000-08:00

When my hubby was in Iraq, Parents as Teachers came to our home and was instrumental in helping me identify the some of the skills where my little man needed a little extra encouragement. The parent educator also brought fun, developmentally appropiate activities for my son and informative handouts for me. The program is free to qualifying military families. Look for Parents as Teachers in your area.

Parents as Teachers Heroes at Home program

parent education and family support for young military families

Military families are increasingly impacted by repeat deployment, demands at home and the stress of being away. This program brings professional parenting support and child development information right to the homes of these young families.

The Parents as Teachers Heroes at Home program began in 2006 as a partnership with the Department of Defense and the Department of Army with 12 pilot sites. Since that time it has grown into a contract-based program serving more than 1,000 families and 1,500 children across 36 Military installations across the U.S.

Administered by U.S. Army Family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation, Child, Youth and School (CYS) Services.

Visit Parents as Teachers Heroes at Home Program

Commissary/Grocery Store Hunt!

2010-01-24T11:27:00.000-08:00

Check It Out!!

2010-01-24T10:33:00.000-08:00

My little one is so intrigued by the computer…probably because Mommy spends so much time on her laptop. So every now and again, I like to visit websites that are preschool friendly. Preschool websites make for a fun 10 – 15 minute activity that you can enjoy with your little one. Another one of our favorites is Billi Bear. My little guy's favorite activities are the Hide and Seek and the ABC's. Click on the image and Check it out!!

Commissary/Grocery Store Hunt!

2010-01-17T11:50:00.000-08:00

Cooking Fun!

2010-01-15T07:14:00.000-08:00

Cooking is a great kinesthetic activity to do with your little one. It may get a little messy in the kitchen with your extra set of little helping hands but educational value and the fun factor in tremendous!!!! Not only is cooking a wonderful experience for the tactile learner but it is also a wonderful opportunity to introduce and reinforce basic math skills...like counting, addition, measurement, and more and less. While cooking with your little one, be certain to narrate each step. Call out the name of each ingredient and give your little one the opportunity touch and explore the different texture of each ingredient. Also open up a dialogue while mixing your ingredients. Say things like: “Let’s point to all of the white ingredients.” “Do we have more water or pizza sauce?” “Which spoon is bigger, the table spoon or the teaspoon?”

Most importantly enjoy the activity and live in the moment with your little one!

Ingredients
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon white sugar
1 cup warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
½ cup Pizza Sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Toppings (place 3-5 toppings in little bowls to give your little the option of choosing what he would like to put on the pizza)

Directions

Combine flour, salt, sugar, and yeast in a large bowl. Mix in oil and warm water. (Let your little one mix the ingredients together with their hands to enjoy the gooeyness and the change in texture.)
Spread out on a large pizza pan.
Spread your pizza on your dough.
Sprinkle on your cheese
Now have lots of fun discussing, selecting, and placing your topping on your pizza!
Bake at 375 degrees C (190 degrees C) for 20 to 25 minutes.
Enjoy!

Commissary/Grocery Store Hunt!

2010-01-10T11:41:00.000-08:00

Video of the Week!

2010-01-08T10:26:00.003-08:00

Noodle Writing

2010-01-08T09:27:00.000-08:00

Pasta is an excellent tactile manipulative for little ones. You can find Pasta in all different sizes, shapes, textures and colors. One of my family’s favorite activities is Noodle Writing. With Noodle Writing, you use pasta right out of your pantry to create shapes, letters, and words. Pasta is the perfect tool because it come curved and straight varieties. Try Noodle Writing with your little one and make learning Super Fun!!!!!

What You Need:

Penne Pasta (for straight lines)
Elbow Pasta (for curved lines)
White School Glue
Construction Paper

What To Do:

Write your shape, letter, word on a piece of construction paper. Make sure make your shapes and letters large enough to give your little one ample space to place several pieces of pasta. Also if writing a word, make sure you give enough space between letters, to avoid crowding once your little one glues the pasta to the paper. Remember when writing proper nouns, such as your child’s name, start with a capital letter and make the remaining letters lowercase.
Before you begin, go over the shape, word letter with your little one. Trace it with your finger. Then have your little one do the same.
Next model the use of the penne pasta for the straight lines and the elbow pasta for the curved lines. Have your little one try it a couple of times before adding the glue.
Now, you are ready to use the glue. With your little one, squeeze the glue while following the line for your shape, letter, or word. Once the glue is down, add your pasta. Place the penne pasta on the straight lines and the elbow pasta on the curved lines.

Your little one will love this activity so much that it will asked for by name, like in my house. Keep plenty of pasta in the pantry because you will soon have an entire gallery of Noodle Writing!!!! Enjoy!!!!

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Noodle Name Writing

Commissary/Grocery Store Hunt!

2010-01-02T10:24:00.000-08:00

Check It Out!!

2010-01-02T07:30:00.000-08:00

My little one is so intrigued by the computer…probably because Mommy spends so much time on her laptop. So every now and again, I like to visit websites that are preschool friendly. Preschool websites make for a fun 10 – 15 minute activity that you can enjoy with your little one. One of our favorites is starfall.com. They have great interactive phonics activities that are wonderful for Early Childhood and ESL students. Click on the image and Check it out!!

Video of the Week!

2010-01-01T08:27:00.000-08:00

What is Kinesthetic Learning?

2010-01-01T08:02:00.000-08:00

Simply put, kinesthetic learning is “learning by doing”. As parents and teachers, we know that playing is what toddlers and preschoolers do best! So Kinesthetic learning for a toddler or preschooler is “learning by playing”.

Children have an innate enthusiasm for learning. Learning takes place when a child is in an absolutely positive state of mind…so let’s meet them at their “Happy Place”. Children learn best by moving, wiggling, exploring, and playing. In a kinesthetic learning environment children are allowed the freedom to move about in an effort to make learning tangible and fun.

Kinesthetic learning activities can be easily prepared by any parent or educator. Simply decide what skill you would like to introduce or reinforce then figure out a way to make that skill come alive. For example if you are focuses on farm animals this week, Make your home our classroom an imaginary farm. Have your little ones become the animals you wish to teach. Moo and graze like a cow...quack and waddle like a duck...gallop and neigh like horse...and watch your lesson come to life and your little ones' faces light up.

In our KinderJam blog we will share simple and fun activities that you can do in your home or classroom to make learning come to life for your little ones. Enjoy!

Video of the Week!

2009-12-07T06:12:00.000-08:00

KinderJam - Music, Movement, Learning, and Fun!

Monterey Herald Interview with El Brown, KinderJam Founder

Military mom's KinderJam program a hit in 5 countriesEl Brown nominated for spouse of yearBy CLAUDIA MELÉNDEZ SALINAS Herald Staff Writer

Health Jam: Love Your Teeth!!!!!

Recipe Jam: Peanut Butter Play Dough

Science Jam: Playdough Volcano

Mind Your Manners

Alphabet Jam: Commissary/Grocery Store Hunt!

VideoJam: Make a FREE Personalized Video Message from Santa!

Craft Jam: "Christmas is Love" Soup in a Jar.

Commissary/Grocery Store Hunt!

Kidpower: Every Child Deserves to Feel Safe

Video Jam: Fun Cheers for Young Children by Dr. Jean

Commissary/Grocery Store Hunt!

Craft Jam: Candy Cane Reindeer

Supplies:

Instructions:

Tips:

Recipe Jam: Super Easy Butter Cookies

Alphabet Jam: Commissary/Grocery Store Hunt!

Recipe Jam: Grandma Brown's Fruit Cookies

Alphabet Jam: Commissary/Grocery Store Hunt!

A Veterans Day Poem

Veterans Day

Request from the First Lady: Holiday Cards from Military Children!

Recipe Jam: Chocolate & Peanut Butter Acorns

Alphabet Jam: Commissary/Grocery Store Hunt!

Alphabet Jam: Commissary/Grocery Store Hunt!

Literacy on the Go!

Alphabet Jam: Commissary/Grocery Store Hunt!

Free Online Preschool by Cullen's Abc's

Alphabet Jam: Commissary/Grocery Store Hunt!

Alphabet Jam: Commissary/Grocery Store Hunt!

Alphabet Jam: Commissary/Grocery Store Hunt!

Alphabet Jam: Commissary/Grocery Store Hunt!

Video Jam: The Medicine Song

Video Jam: Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast

Craft Jam: Hands and Feet Reindeer

10 Tips to Make Your Home a Place For Young Readers

Recipe Jam: Marshmallow Pilgrim Hats

Video Jam: The Alphabet with Elmo and India.Arie

Alphabet Jam: Commissary/Grocery Store Hunt!

Video Jam: Veterans Day Tribute to Military Children!!

Arts & Craft Jam:Finger Stamp Place Cards

Commissary/Grocery Store Hunt!

Math Jam: The Shape Hokey Pokey

Commissary/Grocery Store Hunt!

Video of the Week!

Arts & Crafts Jam: Tissue Paper Ghosts

Math Jam: Shape Sorting

Recipe Fun: Cookie Witch Hats

Commissary/Grocery Store Hunt!

Math Jam: The How Many Jam!

Recipe Fun: Open Faced Jack o'Grilled Cheese

The Hip Hop Tooty-Ta by Jack Hartmann

Commissary/Grocery Store Hunt!

KinderJam Rock!!!!!

We're Back!!!

Commissary/Grocery Store Hunt!

Commissary/Grocery Store Hunt!

Spotlight on KinderJam!

Commissary/Grocery Store Hunt!

Parents as Teachers Heroes at Home program

Commissary/Grocery Store Hunt!

Check It Out!!

Commissary/Grocery Store Hunt!

Cooking Fun!

Commissary/Grocery Store Hunt!

Video of the Week!

Noodle Writing

Commissary/Grocery Store Hunt!

Check It Out!!

Video of the Week!

What is Kinesthetic Learning?

Video of the Week!

Military mom's KinderJam program a hit in 5 countries
El Brown nominated for spouse of year
By CLAUDIA MELÉNDEZ SALINAS
Herald Staff Writer