Smarty Sponsor: Summit School

By Guest Blogger Suzanne Davis Campbell, Summit School, Class of ‘93

Summit is like family, and for me the beginning of this school year is like returning home for a family reunion. When I walked through the door on that first day of Junior Kindergarten my stomach had butterflies…What is it going to be like? Will it be fun? What will the teachers be like? This time, though, the experience was not for me, but for my little girl entering the same doors I had 28 years ago for my first day of Junior Kindergarten. You know the feeling…starting school, graduation, a presentation…all of these things give us butterflies. But once I got through those doors I remembered my days at Summit as a young student and I sighed with relief.

As I walk into the entrance of Summit, I see both familiar and new faces ready to greet me as if I am the same little four-year-old girl so many years ago. But this time they are here to greet my daughter who is stepping into her Junior Kindergarten class, and they are thrilled to see her as well as her classmates, some familiar with the school and some new to the family of Summit.


To me, there are new faces and new facilities at Summit, but the heart and the principles of the school are the same and so is the stellar educational program that prepared me for advanced coursework in high school and at a nationally ranked university. To my daughter everyone is new and the classrooms are new. To me it is still the same comfy,cozy place where I spent 11 years of my life. During that time I was taught French and Spanish at age 4, I spent a day living and working as a pioneer, and I made a speech in ninth grade to the entire school. I had a starring role in OKLAHOMA! and I had a "Big Friend" who was in fifth grade. I participated in a wide range of sports, created amazing art projects, and, most of all, was taught to respect and love everyone for who they are.


So you see, even though everything is new to her, my daughter already sees Summit as family – not only because she knows I spent my childhood here, but also because of teachers like Mrs. Turner and Mrs. Breakstone who give her the biggest hugs when she arrives and when she leaves. They have already made her feel loved and supported, and it is only the third week of school. No matter how new or old you are to Summit, everyone here is family. The teachers are here with open arms from the first day of Jr. K until the day you graduate and even as you bring your own child back. As an alumna, I have been blessed with not only the opportunity to grow up in the Summit environment of strong ethics and education but now I also have the gift of seeing my child join the Summit family and experience the same wonderful opportunities.

Are you part of the Summit School family? Tell us what you like best about Summit!

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Secrets to What Is Going On at School

By Guest Blogger Kelly Gunzenhauser


My older son has started kindergarten. It’s been a big change from cozy preschool. I feel a little lost, and my son has done the big-kid-clam-up. He won’t tell me what happens at school! Lots of kids do this. They just lived it; they do not want to talk about it again. Sheesh, Mom, give it a rest. But I am just so darn curious. OK, nosy. Here’s how I tried to find out what really happened.

First, I learned to ask better questions. The answers for, “How was your day?” do not tell me much. Yes-or-no questions do not really work, either. (“Did you eat snack today?” “Nope.” “Did you do any math?” “Sure!”) So, I have tried to craft better questions, “What was the best/hardest/most fun thing you did today?” pulls out more detail.

Second, I pay attention to when I ask. In the car on the way home is an okay time, but we only have a five-minute drive. Dinnertime is better since we all take turns talking about our days. I try not to do it at bedtime. He’ll talk to me, but thinking about kindergarten keeps him awake. I know this, of course, because of idea #3, which is:

I listen to my kid play alone. After the second night of kindergarten, my son took his cars to bed. (That’s normal, for us. Who cares if they are hard and bumpy to sleep with?) We turned on the monitor and heard, “Who knows what a hockey puck looks like? Raise your hands. Okay, now who has seen a hockey game?” He was “teaching” his cars. This idea led to my fourth idea, which was:

I asked him to play school with me. Oh goodness. Dad, little brother, and I all got in the floor in front of the chalkboard easel. I watched my little five-year-old transform into a teacher. He explained the behavior monitoring system, which took up a huge portion of the “lesson.” He taught us how to transition to centers, how to line up for the bathroom, how loud we could be (level 1 or level 2 voices, everyone!), and then he did a letter recognition exercise. It was hilarious to see him in total control. In fact, when it was time to stop playing and take a bath, he had a hard time giving up the control—and the play—and a meltdown ensued. He is begging to do it again, though.

My little guy is still just three. I know he will spill the beans when he gets home from his first day of preschool today. And he’s that kind of kid, anyway. But hopefully, my older one will want to play school for a while. I learn as much from him playing school as he does at real school!

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It's Almost Time for Preschool!

By Guest Blogger Susan Stephens, Teacher at Knollwood Baptist Church Preschool

This past week, we have focused on Back-to-School posts for our Elementary and Middle School Children. Preschools in the Triad will be in full swing by next week, so if you have a little one who is gearing up for the big day, read our blog below from our loyal reader and Preschool teacher, Susan Stephens.

Well...it's that time of year again!! It doesn't matter if this is your first child to go to preschool or your third child, going to preschool can be both exciting and tearful all at the same time.

Read below to find some helpful tips for you and your preschooler as the start of the year gets closer:

1) Be sure to attend your child's Open House or Orientation with his or her teacher. Most of the time, this is scheduled as a one-on-one (or even a small group) time with the teacher and the assistant right in your child's classroom. The teachers typically want you to bring your child with you -- this gives both you and the child an opportunity to see their new classroom and get acquainted with all the new sights they will be seeing each day this year.

If your child's Open House or Orientation is a one-on-one opportunity, take this time to tell the teacher and assistant about your child. It is always best to be as honest as possible -- the teacher would rather you let her know ahead of time that Julie sometimes tends to bite other children now, so they can go ahead and be prepared. Believe me -- most teachers have seen most everything and nothing will come as much of a shock...so be honest and tell them all the great things about your child as well as any potential issues that might arise.

Finally, be mindful of your assigned time slot for your child's Open House or Orientation. The teachers have assigned these times so that they can spend equal time with all the parents and children, so please arrive on time and be aware of when your time slot is coming to a close.

2) Take your child over to the preschool and walk around before the first day of school. Go out on the playground and let them play. The more they are familiar with the preschool building and setting, the more comfortable they will be once preschool begins. Ask your child's teacher for a class list so you can make plans to invite some other classmates over to the preschool playground to play.

3) More than likely...there will be tears!! It doesn't matter if you are dropping off a 2-year-old or a 5-year-old, children will cry and parents will cry!! The teachers are ready and prepared for this and they are more than OK with you leaving your crying child with them. The longer you stay around, the harder it is to leave (for both you and your child!!) Make plans to say good-bye and leave them in the capable hands of their teacher. If it makes you feel better, most preschools will be glad for you to call back and have someone go check on your child to see if they are OK (and most often -- they are fine!!)

If your child's preschool offers a drop-off option, take advantage of it. Everyone understands walking your child in on the first day of school (I certainly plan to walk my 3rd grader and my kindergartner in on their first day!!), but after that, make plans to use the drop-off line. It may be hard at first and there may be a few tears and struggles, but like saying good-bye, it will quickly pass and you'll be so thankful that your child is gaining independence and growing up!!

4)Finally, if you do have any questions or concerns or just want to check in on your child with their teacher, be sure to e-mail them or give them a call. Generally speaking, drop-off and pick-up times are not always conducive for having a parent-teacher meeting. Every teacher would be love to speak to you about your child and address any concerns you might be having, but they can give you much more personal attention if they are not trying to load or unload children at the same time they are trying to talk to you. Just ask your child's teacher what method of communication they prefer and then drop them a message or give them a call.

Most of all, remember these wonderful days of preschool will be over before you know it!!! Have fun and your child will have fun as well!!

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Lunchbox Face-off!

By Guest Blogger Lisa Witherspoon

It’s about 8:30 pm on any given school night and I am, once again, in the kitchen having a face-off with three empty lunchboxes. Sound familiar?? Packing kids’ lunches is a very basic task that, during the school year, becomes a major source of frustration for me. You see, I have three very picky eaters – a vegetarian third grader, a picky kindergartner, and a SUPER picky preschooler who attends a completely nut-free preschool. Sheesh!! I get a headache just thinking about it!

As the school year gets started again, I thought I would share some of the lessons I have learned and some of my better ideas to, hopefully, help any other parents who get just as aggravated as me with the ever-daunting task of lunch box packing.

One of the most important things is planning. I pack lunches the night before school. (Except for thermoses or things that have to be heated.) This saves a lot of time amidst the chaos of the morning rush. Also, I sit down on Sunday afternoons to plan out my family’s dinner menu for the coming week and make out a grocery list. Last year, I added making a weekly lunchbox menu to that task. It helps in two ways: first, I don’t have to think too much at night when I am already pretty brain dead! I just read the menu I have already written out. Also, I add lunchbox items to the grocery list so I am certain (well, pretty certain) to have everything I need.

Another strategy that helps me is to break down the menu into important components. I usually try to include a protein (meat or dairy item), a fruit or veggie item, a grain (bread, crackers, etc.), sometimes a dessert, and, of course, a drink. This strategy has to be flexible – a peanut butter sandwich is both a protein and a grain, but not a complete lunch by itself – but, it is a good place to start.

I have also learned to think outside the “lunch” box (pun intended!). For example, how about giving kids breakfast for lunch? Why not give them a bagel with cream cheese instead of a sandwich or a thermos full of cold milk and a baggie of cereal to pour in? You can even give them a muffin or French Toast sticks. If it is healthy for breakfast, it is healthy for lunch, right?? It also makes it fun for the children.

Make it a wrap. Almost, anything that can be a regular sandwich, can also be wrapped up in a tortilla. Try flavored tortillas, too!

Try dips. Kids usually like to dip things, so find some recipes for yummy dips to pack in their lunchboxes. Even something as simple as salsa, marinara, or ranch dressing can give flare to a boring lunchbox menu.

Invest in good containers. You can get a good thermos for around $15.00. They can be used to keep soup or Spaghetti O’s hot as well as to keep pasta salad or milk cold. Some small, reusable plastic containers will also save money in the long run.

Go cruising! Cruise around the internet to find fun lunchbox recipes that YOUR children will like. I have found recipes for pizza muffins, tortilla spirals, and other things that I still use.

Share! Are you packing for more than one kid?? Bake a frozen pizza the night before and put a couple slices in each child’s lunchbox. You could do the same with a batch of muffins, chicken nuggets, or some fun pasta shapes with tomato sauce.

Give yourself a break! There is nothing wrong with giving kids “convenience” items once in a while. Lunchables, Uncrustables, and Lance Crackers are always good things to keep on hand for those days when you just don’t have the time or the energy. (We’ve all been there!)

Finally, don’t get so creative that you forget the old standbys. A peanut butter sandwich never goes out of style! (Or turkey, or bologna & cheese, - you get the picture.)

I hope you will find these suggestions helpful as you face-off with the lunchboxes in your kitchen this school year! I am sure there are lots of other creative parents out there who have some great ideas to add, so please share!

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Developmental "Red Flags"

By Dr. Kurt Klinepeter, Brenner Children’s Hospital
Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrician

Many parents worry at some point whether their child is developing normally and when they should be concerned about sitting up, walking, talking and interacting with others. It is commonly stated that children, and particularly siblings, should not be compared to each other. However, because children’s developmental skills develop in an orderly and predictable manner, it is quite possible and appropriate to compare children to the skill set they should have at any age and to be aware of developmental “red flags”.

Gross or large motor skills are the primary developmental skills in the first 12-18 months of life. Even newborn infants should demonstrate some head control. The 5-6 month old is holding his or her head up, popping up on his or her arms in prone position, and starting to sit with support. By 8-10 months of age, infants should be sitting independently and developing mobility (scooting, crawling). They are usually pulling up by at least 12 months of age and walking with, and then without, support a few months afterwards. Muscle tightness, weakness, or any unusual movements are a developmental red flag. The rate of motor progress can vary, but the key is steady progress over time.

Infants develop reaching, grasping, and transferring skills by 8-10 months of age. Most are able to self feed by 12 months of age with further refinement of self-help skills thereafter. Most 2 years-olds help with dressing and bathing. The range of toilet training is 2 to 4 years of age. Toddlers know what to do with a crayon -- making a stroke by 2.5 years-old and a circle by 3 years-old. True handedness is not usually apparent until 3 years of age. Early handedness (right or left), particularly in the first year of life is a developmental red flag.

Babies are social and demonstrate responsiveness to others by 6-8 weeks of age. Their eyes track together by 3 months of age and they are able to localize to voice or environmental sounds by 8-10 months of age. Any failure to respond to visual stimuli by 3-6 months of age or auditory stimuli by 8-12 months of age is a developmental red flag.

Young babies produce vowel sounds and then babble (consonant-vowel sounds) beginning at 6-8 months of age. Failure to babble by 12 months of age is a concern. Single words occur at least by 12-18 months of age. Thereafter, speech/language development literally explodes. Typical two year-olds have a multiword vocabulary and are putting words together. No expressive language by 2 years of age is a developmental red flag. Even limited language should be noted by 2 years of age and closely tracked since speech/language delays are the most common developmental disorder in young children. Children should be talking in complete and lengthy sentences by 3 years of age and in paragraphs with the ability to relate a story by 4 years of age. Speech sound development is not complete until 6-7 years of age. This means that young children predictably mispronounce certain speech sounds. By 3 years of age, approximately 75% of speech production should be understood in a typically developing child. If you find that you are still “interpreting” for your child after that point, a speech/language evaluation may be needed.

Children will look at something that is pointed out to them by 15-18 months of age. Failure to seek, share, and be motivated by social interaction (wanting mom and dad’s attention) after 18 months of age is a developmental red flag.

The bottom line is that children grow and progress in a steady fashion within age appropriate ranges. Any loss of developmental skills at any age is a developmental red flag. Trust your instincts. As a parent you can best serve your child by fostering a good relationship with your child’s pediatrician or health care professional and discuss any questions or concerns that you have at your child’s well-check visits. Development is easily screened in the primary care office and, if necessary, you and the provider can discuss whether a referral for assessment is indicated. Developmental disorders occur frequently and it is well known that the key to the best possible outcome is to identify and treat as early as possible.

Brenner Children’s Hospital houses the only medical and developmental evaluation clinic in the region for developmental delays and disabilities. For more information, call 336-716-2255.

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When Children “Cry Wolf”

By Guest Blogger Lisa Witherspoon

“Wolf! Wolf! Wolf!” We all know the story of the boy who cried wolf, but what do we do when our own children “cry wolf?” Here are some suggestions:

First of all, it is important to understand why children lie. There are several reasons that children may not tell the truth:

•Fantasy: Children, especially younger ones, may tell made up things or things they have imagined and present them as truth. This kind of lying really does no harm as long as children can separate reality from make believe.

•Fear: This one is classic. Two children are playing; a lamp crashes to the floor; they both point at the other and say “He did it!!” This kind of lie happens because children are afraid of the consequences they will face for their actions, so they blame it on someone or something else.

•Avoiding a task: Pretending to be sick so he/she doesn’t have to go to school; faking an injury to sit out of P.E. – these are classic examples of lying in order to avoid an unpleasant task.

•For love and approval: Let’s face it – we all like to be praised and told how wonderful we are. Sometimes, kids will stretch the truth in an effort to get this praise. Some children my claim to like a particular sport because they think their father will be proud of them. Others may lie to classmates about having a fancy home or expensive toys in order to impress them. These are typical examples of lying in order to get approval.

Now that we know why children lie, what do we do about it??

•Always model being truthful. Try to avoid telling others “white lies” and don’t lie to your children.

•Talk about values and explain why lying is wrong and that it leads to mistrust. (i.e. Tell them the story of the “Boy Who Cried Wolf!”)

•Enforce logical and consistent consequences for lying such as loss of a privilege.

•Don’t forget to punish the original misbehavior as well. When children lie, parents get angry, but don’t lose sight of the misbehavior that started the cycle to begin with.

•Get to the underlying problem. What are the kids afraid of when they pretend to be sick so they don’t have to go to school? Do they think Daddy won’t love them if they don’t play soccer?? If you can address and fix the underlying problem, the lying is likely to go away.

•Praise them when they tell the truth. Telling the truth can be a scary and difficult thing to do. When your child does the right thing, give them the credit they deserve and praise them for taking the high road!

**Information for this article gathered from:
www.childparenting.about.com & www.life.familyeducation.com/parenting

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Keep Your Children Writing This Summer, Too!

By Guest Blogger, Jennifer Lockert, Assistant Director and Teacher, Reynolda Preschool and Kindergarten

Summer has arrived! Swimming, popsicles, travel, and camps are all on the agenda. We know that leisure time is a desired and necessary plan for our young learners. But parents and teachers also agree that bridging the summer months with fun and meaningful literacy activities provides enjoyment and the necessary practice to keep school skills fresh for when they return in the fall. So, just like incorporating reading into your summer bliss, make a plan for entertaining writing activities, too.

For preschool-aged children it always begins with play. Through play you can promote the two goals of writing at this stage: fine motor skills (so they can produce writing) and language development and thinking skills (so they have something to write about).

Strengthening fine motor skills can be a lot of fun if you are creative. Some preschool-aged children are adept with their small hands and fingers and enjoy coloring or printing small words, while others find the idea of holding a pencil a chore. Children at this age need lots of experience experimenting with many types of materials that help refine hand skills necessary for paper/pencil tasks offered in school. Put together a box of materials that can be utilized often – crayons, pencils, paint, paper, old magazines, staplers, rulers, tape, glue, finger paint, play dough, rollers, cookie cutters, cotton balls, Q-tips, glitter, popsicle sticks – the list is endless. Your child may create a puppet or a recipe or even a self-portrait. Remember, it's all about the experience and the effort at this age. Keep corrections and perfectionism at bay.

You may be asking, "Can my preschooler actually write?" The answer is yes, with your help! Be creative and design open-ended projects that will inspire them to practice writing. Add a pen and paper to play areas so she can take orders at her pretend restaurant or teach school to her stuffed animals. Encourage your youngsters to make birthday cards for family members, presents for neighbors, or keep a scrapbook of summer fun. Delegate the grocery list to your child by having them pretend to write out items or guess letters in food words. Write down a story that your child dictates to you so he has a chance to "write" without writing. Creating purpose behind the project makes it that much more meaningful.


As youngsters get older and have more practice with writing, the challenge is to continue to provide inspiration for writing projects, but to also take the time to practice writing for many different purposes. Like reading, the more your child practices writing, the better writer your child becomes. But school is out, so focus on activities that are more reflective of your child's interests and personal strengths to increase motivation.

Summer writing ideas for elementary-aged children are plentiful: writing postcards to friends and family, keeping a private or shared journal of summer thoughts and happenings, creating a summer memory scrapbook, writing e-mails or handwritten letters, or penning a poem about nature or friendship. Encourage illustrations and photos to accompany and reinforce the purpose of the writing. A little motivation and inspiration go a long way – there is a big difference between mom and dad assigning a child to write a letter to someone they know and working together to design a letter to a local politician requesting a new bench at your favorite park. Remember, it's alright to help them with ideas and editing, but too much parental input may squash the writing process. Let them focus more on producing writing projects than perfecting them.

Some children are reluctant writers. They often feel that they have nothing to write about or they get so caught up in their handwriting or spelling that they struggle getting all their ideas on paper. You can assist your child by engaging in writing projects with her, modeling the enjoyment one gets from writing. For example, keep a travel journal when on a trip and have your child do the same. Share your entries and add events, thoughts, feelings, and opinions. You can also play writing games together. You start a story and have your child finish it or try to out-do one another by creating outlandish characters and plot lines. You could even do the printing or the typing for your child so he can focus on the story creation and not the mechanics.

By investing a bit of time in planning individualized and motivating summer writing projects for your child, you are on your way to a more literate holiday. Perhaps your youngster will be the next best-selling author. A fun-filled, creative time awaits!

Jennifer recently contributed a great blog on how to keep your children reading this summer. If you missed it, here's the link.

Don't forget to register to win a pair of Orthaheel flip flops - a generous offer from Fleet Feet of Winston-Salem. You must be a Triad Smarty Pants newsletter subscriber to be eligible to win. This promotion ends Friday, June 25 and TWO winners will be announced shortly afterwards - just in time for you to sport these sandals at the pool!

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Summer Reading Programs & Free Storytimes

By Katie M

Next time your kid says he has nothing to do or read this summer, keep a printed copy of this blog close by! Summer reading programs are in full swing all over the Triad, and lots of them offer opportunities for your child to win prizes and free books! Beyond these programs, there are a number of ways you can continue to keep those reading skills fresh and sharp. We recently ran a great post - written by a local educator - on this very topic. So, sorry kids. There really are no excuses!

Below you'll find links and information to a variety of places offering summer reading programs and story times. If you know of other places, please add them in the comment section below. One of the best places to start is your local library. All Triad public libraries are running "Make A Splash at Your Library...Read." Some of these summer reading programs have already started (and it's not too late to participate), while others are just getting started.

Keep reading to get all the scoop!

"Make A Splash at Your Library...Read."
Offered at every local Triad public library branch. Here's how they work:

1. Go to any public library branch and have your child pick up a reading record to keep track of the time they spend reading or are read to.
2. After reading for a certain number of hours, your child can place his/her name in a drawing to win a prize. (The Winston-Salem Forsyth County libraries are offering $25 gift cards to Barnes & Noble, for example).
3. Most libraries continue to offer prizes and recognition for achieving hours beyond this first round.

For more information on these programs, visit:

Winston-Salem Forsyth County Libraries
This link will also give you a calendar of storytimes at library branches, plus other fun activities. Additionally, summer reading club participants are invited to swim for FREE at any City of Winston-Salem Recreation and Parks pools during the month of July with an adult's paid admission. Just show your library card!

Greensboro Public Libraries
This link offers other fun ideas for kids this summer including matinees, storytimes, and activities for all ages (toddlers - teens).

High Point Public Libary
This link also offers times and locations for storytimes, crafts, book clubs and special programs.

Also in Winston-Salem, "mini libraries" have been set up by the main public library to help promote its summer reading program. These include:

Salvation Army Boys’ & Girls’ Club
Each Monday, Wednesday, and Friday participate in storysharing, arts, crafts, and D.E.A.R. TIME. The Forsyth County Public Library Summer Reading Program will begin at the Salvation Army Boys‘ and Girls‘ Club Monday, June 14th ending July 30th, 2010.

YWCA Best Choice Center
Each Tuesday and Thursday participate in storysharing, arts, crafts, D.E.A.R. TIME and related activities at the YWCA Best Choice Center. The Forsyth County Public Library (FCPL) Summer Reading Program (SRP) will begin at the YWCA Best Choice Center Tuesday, June 14 through July 30th, 2010.

And beyond the library, you can find great summer storytimes, contests and programs at the following locations:

Barnes & Noble

Borders Double Dog Dare
For kids ages 12 and under. Read 10 books and get one free.

Chick-fil-A
Peacehaven Road, Winston-Salem
Every Thursday morning from 9 am to 10:30 am is storytime for preschool children. They offer free coffee to moms while your children sit on a special rolled-out carpet filled with pillows and props.

Barnhill's
811 Burke Street, Winston-Salem
Children's storytime every Saturday at 10:30 am and 1:00 pm.

Where else can we keep our kids reading this summer?

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Keep Your Children Reading This Summer

By Guest Blogger, Jennifer Lockert, Assistant Director and Teacher, Reynolda Preschool and Kindergarten

As a teacher of young children a common question I get is, "How do I get my child reading over the summer?" All children desire and need a break from the routine and demands of the school year, but teachers will tell you that children who participate in reading activities over the break have an easier transition in the fall. So how can families balance their summer activities and schedules with reading? Easy! Just make a game plan that suits your child's interests and your family's agenda.

For preschool-aged children it all begins with play. Continuing to provide independent and group play, structured and unstructured play times, taking excursions in your neighborhood, and participating in meaningful conversations with your youngster will heighten vocabulary and thinking skills, which enhance reading development. Isn’t is reassuring to know that simply sitting in the grass with your child and talking about clouds is helping her prepare to read?

Read with your child daily, maybe a specific time each day, using a variety of books. Grab a large basket, fill it with picture books, rhyming book, non-fiction books, predictable books, fairy tales, nursery rhymes, and how-to books, and park yourself under a tree to read. Even if your child wants to read the same story over and over or seems to want to look at the pictures in one book for hours on end, this is reading. Rejoice! Keep a book basket in the car and add some audio books or books with CDs. Match book choices to experiences. For example, if you are going to the beach, peruse books about the beach to help your child make connections. Visit the local library or book store and enjoy story time or just relax in the air conditioning and read. Refresh your choices every week or two and keep the favorites on hand.

Homemade and store bought games like alphabet bingo, puzzles with letters or words, searching for letters on license plates or words on road signs while on a drive, or playing Go Fish with alphabet cards are fun summer activities that keep the learning going.

For elementary-aged children, this is a wonderful time to get children to delve into personal interests and passions. Do you live with a nine-year-old who is crazy about dolphins? Indulge in books and websites that foster this interest and encourage him to join a group that protects dolphins and their habitats. Accessing the public library, new and used book stores, or trading books with friends is a great way to build a repertoire of reading experiences. Passionate readers can start a book club with friends or family, complete an author study, or challenge themselves to complete a set number of hours of reading over the summer.

For the reluctant reader, find materials that will motivate her to read, even if it may not appear as challenging as you may wish. Comic aficionados or pre-teen drama enthusiasts may be more likely to read books they choose over prescribed “classics,” and above all we want them to read, read, read! (Of course, parents should monitor material for age-appropriateness.) Parents should also continue to read with their older children when possible. Elementary-aged children still love the intimacy that comes with hearing their parents read to them. And this is a great chance to read a novel that you choose or may be a little too hard for them to get through independently.

Don’t hesitate to participate in school, library, or bookstore summer reading incentive programs that offer rewards for participation. Keeping track of reading activities at any age is tangible and motivating. You can even set this up at home; create a chart in which your child can keep track of time spent doing reading activities and decide how these accomplishments can be awarded. Perhaps your child will earn new books, an ice cream party, stickers, a movie night, or computer time.

Speaking of computers… parents are often wonder about how much time is appropriate for children to spend on games and websites. When allowing computers, consider how your child balances this activity with others and how they are using the computer. Help your child select websites and games that enhance reading development and then monitor their time. When used appropriately, the computer can be an asset to reading growth.

Finally, reading is spurred by experience and modeling. Taking your children to interesting locations – a park, a science museum, or the pool – can all inspire knowledge, questioning, and language development, the foundation of reading progression at all ages. Modeling your interest and commitment to literacy is deeply connected to your child’s participation. Let them see you peruse a magazine, check out books from the library, scan newspaper articles, and discuss good books with others. Your actions and enthusiasm set the tone for a season rich with reading.

What other smarty tips can you provide?

Our June Giveaway ends TOMORROW! Register to win a free birthday party for your child at Funigan's! Please be sure you are first a newsletter subscriber (enter email address in the box in the upper right corner). Then you can click here to read about the giveaway and register!

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I'd Rather Stick Pins in my Eyeballs

By Rachel H
One day when I asked my daughter to do something that she wasn’t too crazy about doing, she looked at me and replied with a bit of sass, “I’d Rather Stick Pins in My Eyeballs.” You might be thinking. “Oh, she is going through the teenager attitude phase right?” No, the girl is FOUR! I couldn’t believe when that came out of her mouth! Initially, it struck me as funny and I could not help but laugh. Then I asked her where she had heard that and she replied, “High School Musical.” I know what you are thinking – “It is HIGH SCHOOL musical, Rachel, not PRESCHOOL musical, of course she is going to hear things like that and mimic what they do.”

I guess I have just always tried to be laid back and consider that I ran around the house singing, “Push It” and “Like a Virgin” when I was a kid having no idea what they meant and I think I turned out OK! (Enter zinger comments from my friends here!) I watched Three’s Company, Grease, and other things that had “suggestive” plots , but never really caught on.

But then other times I wonder if I am totally warping their minds when I let my kids watch shows or movies like this. My son’s new response when I ask him to clean his room or pick up his things is, “Got it, girl!” Far cry from the “Yes, ma’am” that many parents would expect, huh?

Personally, I think most of these sayings and actions are harmless and more than likely they are catching on to my own personality and common sayings more than anything from TV! As long as my children are respectful to others and to themselves, I think that is the number one priority, but it still brings me to the topic that I wanted to discuss today – which TV shows and movies do you think are inappropriate for your kids?

I personally love Noggin – good, clean, fun, but needless to say, my son who is almost seven is absolutely over that channel, which means my daughter only watches it when he is not around. I also like Boomerang because it brings back memories of my childhood when we watched the Flintstones and the Jetsons. I am not crazy about Cartoon Network, and even Disney sometimes has shows that I am not too happy about letting my kids watch. Don’t even get me started on Nickelodeon.

I may need to throw in here that we do not have DVR, so there is no advance planning for shows. If we are home on a weekday, my children get about an hour of TV, so it totally depends on what time homework is done, if we have any other activities, etc. What they watch just depends on what happens to be on television at the time that we have a free hour.

And what is up with the dark and dreary movies for kids lately? Have you seen Corraline? What about the remakes of Alice in Wonderland, A Christmas Carol, and Where the Wild Things Are? Why do they have to be so creepy, dark, and dismal?

Realistically, most parents do not have the time to sit with their children and monitor every TV show, or prescreen every movie before we allow them to watch it, so let’s help each other out here – what shows and movies are appropriate for what ages?

Again, my top recommendations for children ages 4-7 are the Noggin shows and Boomerang Channel. I also think the PBS shows are great for younger kids. For movies, we recently saw How to Train Your Dragon. It was so cute. A great DVD ... I thought Kung Fu Panda was so cute for adults and kids without being too scary or sad. And the classics ... I love The Parent Trap (old and new versions).

You can also check out our past blog on TV ratings for kids here. Tell us what you think!

Got a kid who loves soccer? Register here to win a $100 gift certificate to Triad Elite Soccer Club or Camp! Giveaway ends on Friday, May 21st.

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Discover Burkhead United Methodist Church Preschool

By Guest Blogger Sue Ellen Bennett

Are you or someone you know looking for just the right preschool? Come check out Burkhead Preschool on Feb. 1 from 6:00 P.M. -7:00 P.M. My youngest son’s preschool is hosting an Open House for families looking to find the perfect fit for their child. There will be childcare and a light supper provided during this open house event.

I am a mother of three boys, ages 3, 6 and 12. My youngest son has been attending Burkhead since he was a toddler, and is currently in the three year old class. My Kindergartner attended Burkhead from age 3-Readiness. I can’t say enough wonderful words about Burkhead Preschool. If I were limited to just a few words to describe our school and our experience they would be joyful, happy, fun, warm, lots of learning, creative, nurturing and loving...

There are many things that drew me to Burkhead Preschool. Top on my list was the fact that there is virtually no teacher turnover and the families that enroll their children stay. My children have, and are still, creating amazing relationships with other children that will last a lifetime. As a mom and a former educator of young children, I was able to evaluate the school from two different angles. What I see as a mom is the loving and nurturing piece that I find so important. As an educator I am very impressed with the quality and experience of the teachers at the school, as well as the developmental, hands on approach to learning in a safe and loving Christian environment.

Another fantastic feature is the small number of children in each class. The smaller numbers allow each teacher to genuinely nurture, teach and love each child. My kindergartner was in a class of 7 for his Readiness experience! As a former kindergarten teacher I do not believe you can get much better than that! I say to myself often,“What’s the point of Readiness if there are 15-20 children in the class?” With smaller numbers, it is truly a readiness program with substance and focus. By the way, our readiness teacher has 17 years of experience!! In fact, the 12 staff members have a combined 109 years of teaching experience.

Due to an overwhelming demand for another preschool in the Sherwood Forest area, several preschool teachers and a preschool director pulled together, enlisting the help of Burkhead United Methodist Church to build this extraordinary and very special program. Burkhead United Methodist Church, www.burkhead.org, has been so welcoming to our children and their families. The church has been very generous in providing a safe, clean, loving and Christian environment to house our preschool. Burkhead United Methodist Church has made a commitment to serve young children and their families in our community. Their commitment to our preschool is evidenced in their continual financial and personnel support.

Burkhead preschool opened its doors in the fall of 2006 with classes starting at age 12 months through readiness. It is open 5 days a week from 8:50-12:00 with early care and lunch bunch offered. There are various class options for each age. The great thing about their offerings is that if the printed schedule does not fit your needs the director will work with the families to make a better fit. The willingness and desire to be as flexible as possible to meet the needs of each family is absolutely terrific.

In addition to the outstanding staff, the preschool offers Stretch-n-Grow, Fabulously Fun Fitness for Kids!, Creature Teacher, Inc and a weekly music program. The four and five year olds have chapel once a month with the minister of the church, Kathie Sherrill. You can go to their website to get more specifics about the schedule, class offerings, tuition and more.

Burkhead has an excellent, safe, fenced in playground. If it is raining the children are able to use the large fellowship hall to run, play and ride indoor riding toys. It is definitely a plus to have both an indoor and outdoor active play area that is safe and that provides toys and materials for free play. All toys and materials in the school are age-appropriate, and you will always find that children are actively engaged in work or play.

I just love the location! The school is located at 5250 Silas Creek Parkway on the northwest corner of Silas Creek Parkway and Pensby Road, in old Sherwood Forest, between Robinhood and Yorkshire. The entrance is on Pensby Road. It is easy to access the school from all areas of town. After drop off, I can get right on Silas Creek and easily access I40 to get to the Y on time for that most important exercise class. Or, I can stop at the grocery, bank or pharmacy on Robinhood Rd. without feeling like I am back-tracking. Even better I can get to preschool for pick up quickly via Silas Creek if I am at the mall, Target or a doctor’s appointment. What is really nice for the families that have older siblings at Sherwood Forest Elementary is the close proximity to the Preschool. Parents can drop off their child and head to the Elementary school to volunteer or have lunch with their child and know they are not too far away to be on time for pick up.

When starting preschool each year there is always angst on both the parent’s and child’s part. I love the fact that Burkhead provides an opportunity each fall to meet and greet the teacher prior to the first day of school. The children and their families come to school at an appointed time to meet one-on-one with their child’s teacher, see the classroom and the school. The children are able to explore the classroom and be introduced to their teacher. This is a magnificent opportunity for the parents to give information about their child that would not normally be on a registration form. It also provides superb insight for the teacher as she begins the beautiful journey of teaching that particular child. The teachers take this opportunity to listen, answer questions and provide information about the program and expectations. The meet and greet truly makes the first day and the transition easier for both parent and child.

Later in the year there is also an opportunity to meet with the teacher again to conference, one-on-one, about your child’s progress. However, the teachers are always available, easily accessible and eager to meet with you at any point during the school year at your request.

Here are just a few testimonials from former and existing families at Burkhead United Methodist Church Preschool.

“My son had a wonderful preschool experience at Burkhead. The small class sizes allowed him to receive a lot of attention from the teachers. Linda, the preschool director, was always at the front door greeting the children as they arrived at school each day. It was very obvious how much the staff cared for the students. “ Becky DeBruhl

“When our son was diagnosed with Autism, the staff, families, and students at Burkhead were so wonderful! We have had their support every step of the way. We send both of our children there, and they love it!” Wendy Milner

“The class sizes were a selling point for me. The one-on-one personal attention that was given to my children was immeasurable.” Michelle McAdams

“Burkhead Preschool is a wonderful place for children to attend preschool! From the excellent teachers and staff, to the facilities and warm friendly environment, my children could not have been happier and more loved!” Debbie Burns

“I feel blessed to have found Burkhead Methodist Preschool. The dedicated teachers always go the extra mile to ensure a nurturing, creative, and positive learning environment. My son loves the unique crafts, outdoor playtime, storytime, music classes, visits from the Creature Teacher, and participating in the Stretch and Grow fitness program. I am truly grateful for the love and caring they have shown my children.” Gabby Greenwood

“I cannot say enough about Burkhead UMC preschool. As a two-time parent at the school, I sing its praises every chance I get. The students get such great individual attention. The teachers are more than qualified, bringing creativity and experience to their classrooms. My children have enjoyed every minute they have spent at Burkhead. Burkhead UMC Preschool is a happy place.” Leigh Munley

I encourage anyone interested in finding just the right preschool to come to our Open House on Feb. 1. Burkhead will be providing a light supper and childcare. For more information about our preschool and our open house visit our website at www.burkheadpreschool.net Click on the “application” button to find the information about the Open House. The preschool asks that you help in planning by calling or emailing ahead to let them know you are coming. 765-6590 director@burkheadpreschool.net.

Preschool registration is just around the corner, beginning Feb. 22, so come take a peak on February 1!

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Smarty Approved Preschools

By Katie M

Wow! We smarties love our preschools! Thank you so much for all the wonderful nominations! We recently did a call-out to all our readers to submit their favorite preschools and to tell us why they love them. The response was incredible! With preschool registration just around the corner, this makes for a great blog. If you are a parent looking for a preschool in Greensboro, Winston-Salem, or High Point, check this list before you do any other research. Every school below comes with high ranks from our readers making them "smarty-approved."

We will keep this information archived on our site indefinitely under the "Preschool" category on the left-side of our page. Feel free to add any other nominations below in our comment section. And, if by chance, any information below is inaccurate, please email us here immediately so we can correct it.

Thanks again, loyal readers! In no particular order, the nominations for "smarty approved" preschools are...


Greensboro

The Early Childhood Center
I love the Early Childhood Center ("ECC" as it is known around town) for several reasons: First and foremost, the center is consistently rated a 5-star center! The teachers and administrators are kind and loving with the children and prepare them well for entry into kindergarten. They follow the "Conscious Discipline" model of handling behavior. I am constantly impressed with the way they lead and manage the children. I have learned a lot from them - especially when I had a two-year-old on my hands! The center is open year-round and offers half-day, full-day, and after-school programs. This is very convenient, as it provides flexibility for parents whose schedules may be changing. The center is affiliated with West Market Street United Methodist Church, though the preschool is managed as a separate non-profit entity. Essentially, this means that children are in a loving Christian environment overseen by a church that wants to offer quality childcare in downtown Greensboro. - Leslie M.
312 West Friendly Avenue, 27401
(336) 378-6093

Our Children's House Preschool
We love Our Children's House Preschool in Greensboro because the philosophy there is so child centered and a follows multi-age concept, that it feels like the children are in their "home away from home"! - Kim M.
1105 Magnolia Street
Greensboro, NC 27401-1425
(336) 272-8882

Weekday Preschool Center at First Presybterian Church
We LOVE the Weekday Preschool Center at First Presbyterian Church in Greensboro. They have a wonderful director, and caring, educated, experienced teachers who provide fun, developmentally appropriate learning experiences in a warm & happy environment. Chapel, Kindermusik, an art teacher & art room, and visits to the church's children's library are all part of the program. They constantly strive to be the best they can be for our children. - Jennifer K
617 N. Elm Street
Greensboro, NC 27401
(336) 478-4771

Starmount Presbyterian Church Preschool
Both my kids have loved attending Starmount Preschool. Every teacher is so warm and loving! My 1st grader still talks fondly about "her old school" and my three year old asks every morning, "I get to go to school today, Mom?" - Emily H.
3501 W. Market St.
Greensboro, NC 27403
(336) 299-3564

St. Francis Day School
My children (3 yo and 20 mos) attend St. Francis Day School, and we have been so thrilled with the experience. The teachers are wonderful and caring, and my daughter (3) especially loves art classes with Ms. Sharon. The director, Rae Augustin, has done a fantastic job of creating a quality school experience to help them prepare for elementary school. - Lesley C (Additional nominations came from Kathleen I and Midge S)
3506 Lawndale Drive
Greensboro, NC 27408-2839
(336) 288-4740

Centenary Weekday School
Centenary Weekday School is cozy program that offers children a wonderful environment to grow, learn,sing, play and make friends. The caring, experienced staff foster children's imaginations and also have them well-prepared for starting elementary school. – Laura E
2300 W. Friendly Ave
Greensboro, North Carolina 27403
Please Debbie Robinson, Director at (336) 292-7515 for further information.
Email: weekdayschool@centenaryumcgreensboro.org

The Early Childhood Engagement Center of Temple Emanuel
Greensboro, NC
This is a new pre-school that offers a Reggio Emilia inspired program for children ages 2 – 5. We are currently enrolling children in three and five day programs for the fall. For more information, please contact Louise Van Schaack @ 292-7899 or lvanschaack@tegreensboro.org

Winston-Salem

Reynolda Presbyterian Preschool
I cannot say enough about Reynolda Presbyterian Pre School. I have had 4 children attend and wouldn't trade those memories for anything. The school has a warm loving enviroment which is top on my list. My children go on a regular Tuesday/ Thursday schedule, but they offer the flexibilty if there is available room in the class, to do drop off on other days and pay a daily fee. The director, Emily Wagner is top notch and the teachers are the best. The thing I love most about Reynolda is the Biblically based curriculum. My daughters are coming home with a new verse a month, pledge of allegience, learning to write their name.. i could go on and on!! – Beth W (Additional nominations came from Laura B, Tara B, and Molly K)
2200 Reynolda Road
Winston-Salem, NC 27106
(336) 723-0716

Burkhead United Methodist Church Preschool
Burkhead United Methodist Church Preschool is a well kept secret located at Silas Creek and Pensby in Sherwood Forest, right beside Epiphany. My 2 youngest sons attended and still attend this warm, caring, fun, loving and developmentally appropriate preschool for ages 12 months- Readiness. The teachers are fun, warm and loving. There are always sounds of laughter and joy and colorful art displays as you walk the hall. Although the rooms may be small the learning is BIG! The smaller class sizes (number of children in a class) are a plus too. - Sue Ellen B (Additional nomination by Leigh S) Burkhead is also a Smarty Sponsor! Read more about this wonderful school here.
5250 Silas Creek Pkway
Winston-Salem, NC 27106
(336) 765-6590

Clemmons Moravian Preschool
My son attends Clemmons Moravian Preschool. I truly believe you cannot appreciate the greatness of the school during a tour. This year is a transition year for the school; their "normal" building has been torn down and is being renovated, and this year classes are being held at Centenary United Methodist Church, a few miles from the original site. All the teachers participate in the drop-off/pick-up process; they all know my son by name and tell him they've missed seeing his face in the hallway if he's been sick (It is not a small operation, either. There is more than one class of MMO, 2s, 3s, and 4s, as well as one readiness class. That's a lot of kids to know!). The director, Edna Harding, is fabulous and knows all the students and their parents by name. My son has had excellent teachers his two years at the school. His teachers went above and beyond this holiday season: due to the current facility, the school could not hold it's annual Christmas program. They made the parents a video of each child talking about the holidays, classroom time, and music class. It is an instant keepsake we will always treasure. - Sara M
Address:
PO Box 730
Clemmons, NC 27012
Regular Location:
3560 Spangenberg Ave
Clemmons, NC 27012
Current Location:
5280 Hampton Road
Clemmons, NC 27012
(336) 766-4460

Clemmons First Baptist Preschool
Clemmons First Baptist Preschool has some caring, wonderful, and smart teachers that work with your child. Along with fun activities, learning, and teaching good morals and values, my kids have benefitted well. It has a low student teacher ratio. It's also very reasonably priced. It has the option of 1,2,or 3 days for toddlers(2), and 3 day 3's, 4 year olds along with a 4 day 4's, and a 4 day readiness class. My daughter started kindergarten this year after completing the 3 day 4's class and was ahead of the game when she entered school. She still has the craving to learn and has done extremely well. My son is in the 3 day 3's and loves learning, and playing with his friends. He looks forward to going to school. I will miss this school when my son finishes. I have truely enjoyed watching my kids grow in their experiences at CLEMMONS FIRST BAPTIST PRESCHOOL. – Anonymous
3530 Clemmons Road
Clemmons, NC 27012-8726
(336) 766-1335

New Philadelphia Moravian Preschool
I love this preschool. This is my daughter's third year and we have been very pleased throughout our experience. Their class ages range from infants 3 months and up and span up to a kindergarten readiness class. I love the fact that all the teachers and administrative staff are great, they have a drop off and pick up line so you have to walk in, the playground is shady and the children get regular exposure to exercise, art, spanish and music. - Kim C (Additional nominations came from Marybeth B, Angela Smith, and Beth)
4440 Country Club Road
Winston Salem, NC 27104
(336) 768-4844

Little Stars Preschool
Little Stars preschool is my daughters' home away from home. They adore their teachers and receive love and structured learning each and every day. Since starting there, my girls have taken great strides in their independence. I especially appreciate how the teachers emphasize Christ in everything they do. Any child who is fortunate to be part of the "Little Stars family" is blessed indeed!!! –Jenna G
1355 Jonestown Rd.
Winston-Salem, NC 27103
(336) 306-5475

Mt. Tabor United Methodist Preschool
Our daughter has gone to Mt. Tabor for 4 years. We actually moved her this year to another Preschool so she would be attending Kindergarten with some friends from the new Preschool but after two months moved her back to Mt. Tabor. There was no comparison to how Mt. Tabor loves, disciplines, teaches - academically & Biblically the children. You can see everyday what the children are learning and how happy they are. The director & staff are outstanding and they know all of the students by name. I could go on & on about how great this school is... – J, T & E.C (Additional nominations came from Holly H, and Cynthia W)
3542 Robinhood Rd
Winston Salem, NC 27106
(336) 760-2326

Messiah Moravian Preschool
Messiah Moravian Preschool is a close knit community of families. The teachers are loving and truly care about the child. Not just their development but their hearts as well. It is a safe and nurturing Christian environment where I happily drop off my 5 year old twins four days a week. The staff is committed to growing each child individually into the person God is creating them to be. The school has a music program, creature teacher, spanish and stretch n grow each month. We are blessed to have an active family group, called FAM, that organizes activities such as Fall Carnival, Breakfast with Santa, Easter Egg Hunt, Cookie Swaps, and more. At Christmastime the children participate in the Moravian tradition of a lovefeast with the Messiah Moravian congregation. Classes begin at 12 months to readiness classes. The school will be hosting informational sessions on January 20,27 at 10am and February 10,17 at 10am. Registration for new families will begin March 1. We love our preschool family and know our children are learning and growing into wonderful little people! - Sally T (Additional nomination came from Becky J)
1401 N. Peace Haven Road
Winston-Salem, NC 27104
(336) 765-5652
Email address is info@mmpreschool.org

Our Lady of Mercy Catholic School
Our Lady of Mercy PreK is a fantastic place where children learn and grow in a loving and supportive environment. Mrs. Cancro builds a unique bond with each child and teaches them to be better listeners, good citizens, caring friends, and still manages to prepare them for Kindergarten! Children learn colors, counting, letter recognition, letter formation, and letter-sound associations through a variety of hands-on experiences. At Our Lady of Mercy, you are family and you feel the genuine warmth and compassion from all the staff. I have 2 children at the school and have been there for 3 years. I truly cannot wait to send my last 2 children for this wonderful experience. – Rebecca S
1730 Link Road
Winston-Salem, NC 27103
(336) 722-7204

Montessori School of Winston-Salem
I am a mother of 2 year old twins and my kids attend the Montessori School of Winston-Salem (though it is located in Clemmons). They started here at 18 months of age and I cannot say enough wonderful things about the school! All of the wonderful things that I cherish about the school are as a result of the Montessori philosophy of education, which emphasizes each child having freedom to explore ideas and concepts that are of most interest to them. Montessori also emphasizes teaching children in such a way that they can become part of the environment that surrounds them. An example of this is seen in the preschool classrooms in which many of the activities provided include sweeping the floors, cleaning the windows, pouring beans into containers, crumbing the tables, etc. While as I wrote these things I automatically thought that I am making the school sound like a school to turn children into houseworkers, but it’s not at all like that. If any of you have toddlers or remember what toddlers are like, they absolutely LOVE to participate in the activities that they see the adults doing in the house. Also, activities such as pouring beans and crumbing tables develop hand and eye coordination that so many additional skills will build upon as the children age. What you won’t see in Montessori classrooms are electronic toys that light up and give feedback to the child following every button press. Instead the kids learn how to complete tasks through trial and error and feedback experienced by themselves and given by the teachers. The facilities are wonderful and new, plenty of outdoor space for the kids to run and explore in, and the teachers there are just fantastic! Plus, there are multiple hand washing sinks in each classroom at the exact height for a toddler, which I mention because I credit this for keeping our kids healthy this year. Since we have begun school there (Aug. 2009), we haven’t made a single sick visit to the doctor or missed one day of school because of illness! Erin S, Ph. D.
6050 Holder Road
Clemmons, NC 27012
(336) 766-5550

Knollwood Baptist Preschool
Knollwood Baptist Preschool is a fantastic Preschool! My first son went all the way through and my second son is halfway through. The teachers are all wonderful and truly care about the kids. It's a wonderful place for fun and learning!! - Laura S
(Additional nominations came from Kelly G and Ashleigh P)
330 Knollwood Street
Winston Salem, NC 27104-4198
(336) 724-6676

Maple Springs Preschool
Maple Springs Preschool at Maple Springs UMC is awesome! As a new mom, I was worried about taking my son to a preschool but I have had no concerns about him while he is at Maple Springs. The entire school has a very nurturing atmosphere. The teachers are wonderful - very competent and so loving! The individual classes (infants thru readiness) always seem to be doing a fun activity and the facility is top-notch. - Shannon H
2569 Reynolda Road
Winston-Salem
(336) 722-7563

The Special Children's School
The Special Children's School is an outstanding environment for ALL children. It's a inclusion program for children with special needs as well as children who are developing typically. My oldest 'graduated' almost 4 years ago and my youngest is currently enrolled. Not only are the children academically and socially prepared for kindergarten, but they are given the opportunity to live, love, and learn with children of all abilities-- as it should be! LOVE IT. - Chanel J (Additional nomination came from Sarah H)
4505 Shattalon Dr.
Winston Salem, NC 27106
(336) 924-9309

St. Paul’s Preschool
I'd like to nominate St Paul's Preschool as a Triad Smarty Pants approved school. I taught there for two years and have had my kids there for the past 4 years. It's an excellent school, in a beautiful building with huge sunny windows and wonderfully comfortable, fun-filled classrooms. It's run by an incredible director that puts the children first in everything she does. We've loved every minute at SPP and would recommend it to anyone and everyone! Thanks for the forum to recommend wonderful schools, there's no more important decision for a new mom than where to send your kids to preschool. I know I had to visit every school in Winston in order to decide! - Wendy R
520 Summit Street
Winston Salem, NC 27101-1195
(336) 723-4395

St. Leo’s Preschool
I currently have my second child at St. Leo's preschool. Mrs. Wilson is a fantastic teacher! She is always so happy and the children pick up her great enthusiasm. The philosophy of the program is based on developing positive self-concepts through a foundation of faith and the discovery of each child's special gifts and talents. Not only do they work on kindergarden readiness skills, but the children also bring home some amazing keepsake crafts. They receive a prayer partner from the "big school" who meets and plays with them on the playground throughout the school year. The children are exposed to Spanish, music and PE on the main campus of the school so transition to Kindergarden is a snap! - Leslie S
333 Springdale Avenue
(336) 748-8252

Pine Grove Weekday School
We LOVE, LOVE, LOVE our boys' preschool!!! It's a church-related, morning-only program with the option for Lunch Bunch, They've both been there since they were in the PMO (Parents' Morning Out) room as infants, and one will graduate from there this May. The teachers there -- every one of them -- are kind, love on my boys as if they were their own, give them fantastic snuggles and hugs, correct them gently when necessary, and overall just have true hearts for the children. Extras like movement class, Spanish, and music are included in the tuition (not extra), so we don't have to try to decide if it fits our budget. It says a whole lot when your kids hear they are going to school in the morning and race to put their shoes and coats on, cheering all the way! – Kristin R
1130 Jonestown Road
Winston-Salem, NC 27103
(336) 765-4694
They do not have a web address

Ardmore Baptist Church Weekday Early Education Program
I can not say enough about my 2.5 year old daughters experience at Ardmore. The staff is creative, educational and bring so much joy to my little girl…she adores her teachers. In addition, it has one of the most sanitary environments and my child rarely has the “preschool sicknesses” I hear from other mothers. – Ashli N
501 Miller Street
Winston-Salem, NC 27103
(336) 725-8767

Centenary Child Care Center
I can’t say enough nice things about Centenary – they have great teachers and staff who are patient, kind and supportive – and who really love children. The place is spic and span – seriously so clean you could eat off the floors. And convenient – I pop in there from time to time to eat lunch with my kids. If you are looking for a full time day care look no further. Although I think they now offer ½ per-k. – Jennifer C
646 W 5th St
Winston-Salem, NC 27101
(336) 723-0189

First Baptist Church Children's Center
My husband and I both adore the pre-school our son attends - First Baptist Church Children's Center. This is the second daycare he's attended and they win hands down. Every single member of the staff is loving and knows him by name. They all were excited when he started walking into daycare and cheered him on. The school is so clean and they provide wonderful meals. They also work in conjunction with the church to provide parenting classes. I could go on forever about how wonderful they are. Everyone should be so blessed to have somewhere like FBCCC. - Mary H (Additional nomination came from Gray)
501 W. Fifth Street
Winston-Salem, NC 27101
(336) 723-7071
Director: Shawn Martin

St. John’s Lutheran School
Our 3 year old son is in preschool at St. John’s Lutheran School (preschool-8th grade). We (and he) love his preschool! The preschool and pre-K director, Brandi Lovejoy, is doing an outstanding job of running a high quality program. We have been impressed with so many things, but the director and staff are absolutely at the top of that list! There is always clear communication about what the children have done and will be doing. If any challenges arise, the lines of communication are always open and the staff wants to help you work through those challenges with your child. There is a very good balance of structured activities versus free play (a hot topic for many folks and I believe Dr. Satterwhite had a post on your blog about the value of play…a post that I loved), something that is so important developmentally. The Christ-centered education has been a true blessing for us as well.

The preschool and pre-K children each have a partner from an older grade (preschoolers get a 3rd grade partner). Each child sits with his/her partner at Chapel on Wednesdays. Additionally, they spend about an hour one day a week doing an activity (craft, game, etc.) with their partner. Our son loves to tell us all about what he did with his partner. It’s such a thrill for a 3 year old to know someone in the 3rd grade. I’ve seen my son’s partner in the hall occasionally and he always makes a point to acknowledge us. What a boost to the ego that is for a 3 year old!

St. John’s uses an online system called Fast Direct for communicating with parents. The system is great for communicating event information to a broad audience, send out reminders about needs for the Thanksgiving Feast of Christmas parties, etc. This has been a wonderful thing for us as we both work full-time. My husband typically drops our son off in the morning and I pick him up in the afternoon. I rarely cross paths with our son’s lead teacher since her day ends before I arrive at pickup. The Fast Direct system has been an asset in helping us to communicate. There have been a few questions I’ve had or things she noticed that we were able to communicate about through that system. There are parent-teacher conferences throughout the year and I certainly feel comfortable speaking with his teachers, but sometimes I have just a few questions and don’t need to ask face-to-face.

St. John’s offers great flexibility in terms of your child’s “day”. The tuition and hours are different depending on which type of “day” your child has (half-day, school-day, full-day). They do have a cafeteria and meals and snacks are included in tuition for those children whose “day” includes lunchtime and snack-time.

St. John’s is absolutely “smarty-approved” and deserves recognition! – April B
2415 Silas Creek Parkway
Winston-Salem, NC 27103
(336) 725-1652

Temple Emanuel Preschool
I have been with Temple Emanuel Preschool for 7 years (the last 3 years as a staff member). I initially chose the prechool because of the small classes and the educational philosphy of children learning through play. I have remained here because of the loving and caring environment for my children and the unexpected bonus of feeling that we've all gained a family, not just a preschool. – Laura C
201 Oakwood Drive
Winston-Salem, NC 27103
(336) 722-6640

High Point

Child Enrichment at First United Methodist Church
My son is 6 months old and attends Child Enrichment at First United Methodist Church in High Point. This is actually where I went to preschool when I was a little one! Even though my son is young, he loves going to school and interacting with other children and the teachers for a few hours a week. They also do lots of things for parents to be involved with, for example, we had a Thanksgiving lunch where all the kids did a little program for the parents and grandparents and then the school cooked turkey and parents brought a side dish. They do lots of these activities throughout the year for parents to be involved with teachers and other parents. They also have a fire truck come and visit, as well as, a person that brings various animals throughout the year for the children to see and maybe interact with! - Ashley W
512 North Main Street
High Point, NC 27260-5086
(336) 889-3103
Director: Kim Myers

Laurel Oak Children's Center
Laurel Oak Children's Center: A wonderful daycare center that our son began attending when he was just 4 months old. It is a local family run center, and they also do an afterschool program at a neighboring church. We were happy with the childcare and the center has installed webcams you can access from your computer at work!!! I loved it! – Jayna P
1004 Old Plank Rd
High Point, NC 27265-9247
(336) 885-5622

Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church Through-the-Week School
I believe they are a half day program that accepts children as young as 6 weeks. I had looked into the program for my children, but because they were only a half day program it did not work for us. - Jayna P
1225 Chestnut Drive
High Point, NC 27262-4666
(336) 884-8067

We also received the following submission below, but did not receive an address or any other information - and could not find it online. Marcia or anyone who knows, please let us know where this school is located and its web address!

Rehobeth Preschool
I love the teachers and the school! My oldest went there and my youngest is in her last year. They are just a great group and the kids come out of there more than prepared for Kindergarden. - Marcia L

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Smarty Alert: Be Cool to Your School

By Katie M

If you're someone who cannot say enough good things about your child's preschool, then you need to air some of that applause here on Triad Smarty Pants. We will compile a list of all the "smarty-approved" preschools around the Triad, and publish it as a blog prior to preschool registration (early February). As part of the school's listing in the blog, we will include one to three sentences from you as to why your preschool is so wonderful - and give you credit for that claim. (We won't list your full name, but will list it as we do with most of our guest bloggers, ie: "By Katie M"). The listing will also include the full name of the preschool, its address, phone number and its web site address (if applicable).

Not only is this a fun way to be cool to your school, but it's also an opportunity for your preschool to promote itself on Triad Smarty Pants (for free!). Please email us here a few sentences about your school (be sure to include the full name, address, phone number and web address of the school) by January 8 for consideration.

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