Infant Research Study - cooperation, sharing & helping in infancy

They need your help!

Early Learning Lab (ELLA) at the University of Auckland is looking for participants for their new study into Exploring the roots of cooperation, sharing & helping in infancy.

If you have a baby less than 11 months old, you're eligible to sign up and take part.

This study will be using a range of activities to look at the development of prosocial behaviours. For example infants will be asked to play fun, game-like activities, watch a series of videos of people completing various actions, or they might even be asked to play with you! 

Your infant will receive a prize, you will be entered in draws for $50 gift vouchers, and of course, we have parking covered.

For more information visit the Under 5s website.

Ballet for toddlers and pre-schoolers

Young children love to dance and want to be the next Angelina Ballerina!

However, don't rush to enrol your little ones into ballet classes. Formal ballet training should not be introduced too soon as a child's bones are too soft for the physical demands and exercises of formal ballet. Also children under 3 have a limited attention span.

Instead, how about taking them along to a ‘music and movement’ or a ‘pre-ballet’ class? These classes serve as an early introduction to formal ballet.

Pre-ballet classes allow kids to use their body to communicate certain actions, emotions and feelings. By following a teacher's instructions, they will develop physical skills and use their imagination. Most babies and toddlers respond to the sound of music with lots of enthusiasm.

For more details and suggested classes visit our website www.under5s.co.nz.

Learning and teaching kids the alphabet

Families and caregivers play an essential part in teaching early childhood literacy skills.  

Being able to read is a vital life skill, so make the early stages of learning the alphabet as fun as possible for your little ones. Young children learn and develop best through using their whole body, all of their senses and their natural environments. You’ll find that most children begin to recognise letters when they’re about 2-3 years old, and are able to identify a large number of letters between 4 and 5 years old.
   
When teaching a child a new letter of the alphabet, ensure that the child can:

• HEAR the letter 
• SEE the letter  
• SAY the letter 
• TOUCH the letter  
• CREATE the letter 
• READ the letter 

For the full article head over to the Under 5s website and check out our other articles too!

A guide to finding suitable presents for kids

Do you find it difficult to know what presents to buy the small children in your life?

Do you want to buy something that is not only fun, but also encourages early childhood education too? A present that will suit a child’s age, hold their interest and encourage learning through play?

Check out our gift guides with present ideas for babies, toddlers and pre-school kids. Perfect for birthdays and Christmas.

Kids birthday present ideas

Christmas present ideas

Article written by Under 5s www.under5s.co.nz. Remember to check out Books & Toys category too! 

Kids' Car Seat Expiry

Something that’s come to light recently is that kids’ car seats expire! 

The life span of kids’ car seats (including capsules, convertibles and booster seats) does not depend on how well the seat was looked after, how many children have used it or even how often it has been used. Instead, look for the embossed stamp on the seat which tells you when the seat expires or when the seat was manufactured.

In general, kids’ car seats expire after 5 – 10 years from the date of manufacture.

Check out the full article over at Under 5s.

This article was written by the team at Under 5s. Have a read of our Kids Car Seat Safety article too!

 

Planning kids birthday parties

Kids birthday parties are always so much fun and such a special time! From birthday cakes to party themes, party accessories, entertainers and venues. We've got it covered! 

Check out our handy articles to help plan and organise your day and make it one your kids will always remember.

Our articles cover:

• Birthday cake tips
• Birthday party themes
• Kids birthday present ideas
• Party Planning Checklist
• Birthday party food ideas
• Birthday party games
• Planning a birthday party
• Create your own Mermaid Party!
• Vanilla or Chocolate Cupcakes
• Birthday Party Photo Tips
• Treasure Hunts
• Opening Birthday Presents
• Party food and tableware tips

Don't forget to check out the NZ small businesses we have on board too for birthday party supplies, entertainment, venues and more!

• Party supplies
• Party entertainment
• Party hire
• Party venues
• Party planners
• Birthday cakes

 
 Article written by the team at Under 5s.



 

Cloth Nappy Week 2013 NZ

Cloth Nappy Week this year runs from 1-10 April 2013.

Cloth Nappy Week 2013 is dedicated to educating and celebrating the benefits of stylish, eco-friendly cloth nappies in New Zealand.

For more information about Cloth Nappy Week and events happening near you, visit the Cloth Nappy Week website.  

The website also includes in information on:

• The styles of cloth nappies
• Cloth nappy basics
• Nappy liners
• Nappy rash
• Cloth nappy washing guide
• Cloth nappy workshops

If you’re feeling inspired or are passionate about cloth nappies, check out the cloth nappies & nappy products we have on board over on the Under 5s website.