Palmetto Basics Archives - Pickens County First StepsPickens County First Steps

4 Ways “The Basics” Can Help You This Holiday Season!

1:50 pm

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A post from The Palmetto Basics.

The holiday season can be a wonderful time for young children and for those who care for them. The festivities and traditions take on a magical quality when seen through the eyes of a child.

But as we all know, the holidays can also be a stressful and challenging time. Extra treats, later bedtimes, parties, presents, and travel can be disruptive to normal family rhythms. Many parents and caregivers also experience extra financial and family strain during this season.

With these realities in mind, how can we take the “The Basics” (5 fun, simple […]

3 Everyday Ways to Talk About Math with Little Ones

12:29 pm

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Activities, Palmetto Basics, Parenting

The Basics are 5 fun, simple, and powerful ways that every parent can give every child a great start in life! The third Basic has to do with math and you may be thinking: “But I’m not a math person!”

Never fear. Basic #3, Count, Group, and Compare, is already part of your daily life with your baby or toddler. You just don’t realize it. Think about the words you use each day as you talk with your child:

Let’s go up the stairs.

Your diaper bag is heavy.

Eat three more bites and you can get […]

The Brain-Changing Power of Talking, Singing, and Pointing During Your Baby’s First Year!

12:24 pm

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Activities, Literacy, Palmetto Basics, Parenting

A post from The Palmetto Basics.

Children learn language from the moment they are born. Day by day, babies learn that sounds have meaning. Every time you talk, sing, or point, you provide clues to the meaning of your words.

We neglect the power and significance of interactions like talking, singing and pointing because they seem so simple. But simplicity is what makes them so wonderful. Anyone can talk, sing, or point when interacting with a baby or young child.

Researchers found that when mothers communicate with their newborns, babies learn almost 300 more words by the age […]

Free Storytime Fun for Preschoolers in Pickens County!

8:41 pm

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Literacy, Palmetto Basics, Parenting

Pickens County First Steps is excited to share the many early literacy opportunities provided by our local schools and library branches!

With read-alouds, songs, movement, and more, preschool programs incorporate The Palmetto Basics, which help give every child a great start in life!

You don’t need to be zoned for a certain school to participate in their program. Each story time is free and open to the public.

Special thanks to United Way of Pickens County Preschool Pages initiative and School District of Pickens County for their partnership in these programs!

(*If viewing this blog post on Facebook […]

How a Simple Bedtime Routine Can Help Your Child Feel Secure (and help you manage stress)

1:30 pm

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Palmetto Basics, Parenting

A post from The Palmetto Basics.

Young children thrive when their world seems loving, safe, and predictable. Little ones love knowing what to expect!

Predictability helps them feel secure.

It’s why young kids love the same books, movies, and activities over and over again! It’s also why they need consistent boundaries and guidelines. You don’t have to be an organized, “Type A” personality to create simple routines for your family. It may help to think of them as “rhythms” instead of routines.

Here are some things to keep in mind when creating a new routine […]

The #1 Thing You Need to Know About Reading to Your Baby + 7 Simple Tips

1:23 pm

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Literacy, Palmetto Basics, Parenting

A post from The Palmetto Basics.

Perhaps you’ve heard that you should read to your child from the time they’re born. It’s a way to help them develop a love for books and receive the many benefits of reading as they get older. But perhaps you’ve wondered if this is really practical. How can a baby engage with a book or understand a story? How can a baby possibly have a sufficient attention span to get through a story?

When you read to your baby, you have one primary purpose: providing a positive experience with a […]