Articles & Insights

Explore articles, news, and insights shared by our early childhood experts. You’ll find advice for making your child’s early childhood education a positive and joyful one, fun and engaging activity ideas, seasonal insights, and more!

Private vs. Charter Preschool in Utah: What Orem Parents Should Know

Choosing where your child spends their first years of school is one of the most important decisions you will make as a parent. In Utah County, families typically weigh two options: a publicly funded charter preschool or a private preschool that operates independently....

What to Expect on Your Child’s First Day of Preschool

The morning of your child's first preschool day arrives faster than you expect. You have packed the bag, picked out the outfit, and rehearsed your cheerful goodbye — and yet, standing at the door, you may feel every bit as nervous as your little one. That mix of...

When to Start Preschool: A Guide for Utah County Parents

When to Start Preschool: A Guide for Utah County Parents Few parenting decisions feel as weighty as choosing when and where to send your child to preschool for the first time. Parents in Utah County ask the same questions every spring and summer as enrollment season...

What Is Five-Senses Learning — and Why It Works Better Than Worksheets

About the AuthorMikelle Despain Author at Kids Village Mikelle Despain has contributed expert articles on early childhood education to Kids Village for over a decade. With a background in child care and child development, as well as firsthand experience as a mother of...

Questions to Ask on a Preschool Tour

Choosing a preschool is a big decision. When you tour a school, you are not just looking at a classroom or checking a box on your to-do list; you are trying to picture your child there every day — learning, making friends, building confidence, and feeling safe and...

Talking to Young Kids About Veterans Day: A Parent’s Guide with Fun and Meaningful Activities

At Kids Village, a private preschool and K-3 school in Orem, we deeply value patriotism and take pride in teaching our students to appreciate the sacrifices and contributions made by servicemen and women. Veterans Day provides a wonderful opportunity to introduce...
31 Ideas for Being a Fun Parent

31 Ideas for Being a Fun Parent

Whether your a full-time homemaker or work outside the home, being a parent is no easy task. There are days when you feel like a rampaging “no monster” and others when you’ve got your nose to the grindstone checking off To-Dos. With so much on your plate, it can be...

Age-Appropriate Chores for Kids

Age-Appropriate Chores for Kids

Chores. As adults, it’s often a word that makes us cringe, an activity we want to finish quickly so we can move on to fun. And, as our family grows bigger, the chore list grows longer. Fun rarely seems to happen. Involving your children in chores makes the workload...

7 Social Skills Your Children Should Learn

7 Social Skills Your Children Should Learn

Every child comes with his own quirks and personalities. Some are shy and reserved and have trouble making friends. Some will talk to every stranger they meet and make friends without even trying. Whatever their gifts or talents, every child can benefit from learning...

The Value of Family Traditions

The Value of Family Traditions

Hay rides. Fireworks. Birthday candles and cake. Traditions are not only fun, but they add magic and wonder to our lives. As adults, we might be tempted to scrutinize family traditions and wonder if they’re worth it. They often cost money, time, and can create an...

Humanitarian Haunt 2019

Humanitarian Haunt 2019

We are only a couple weeks away from our annual Kids Village Humanitarian Haunt. Click to read more about this amazing (and fun) service event.

Teaching Determination in Children

Teaching Determination in Children

‘Tis a lesson you should heed, Try, try again; If at first you don’t succeed, Try, try again; Then your courage should appear, For, if you will persevere, You will conquer, never fear; Try, try again. The road to accomplishing good things is often a difficult one....

36 Random Acts of Kindness for Children

36 Random Acts of Kindness for Children

If I can stop one heart from breaking, I shall not live in vain; If I can ease one life the aching, Or cool one pain, Or help one fainting robin Unto his nest again, I shall not live in vain. Emily Dickinson, “If I Can Stop One Heart From Breaking” In The Book of...

What Makes Kids Village Spirit Day Different?

What Makes Kids Village Spirit Day Different?

At Kids Village, we believe that one of the most significant aspects of our school’s atmosphere is the feeling of love, support, and positivity that our teachers and staff create within the village. Our school spirit days reflect this philosophy by reminding each student that Kids Village loves them.

How to Get Young Children to Listen to You

How to Get Young Children to Listen to You

Getting young children to listen can often feel like asking a brick wall to move 3 feet to the left. It can be frustrating at the very least and sometimes even demoralizing. Parents have resorted to begging, yelling, bribing, lecturing, and time-outs just to get their...

Fun Facts About the Declaration of Independence

Fun Facts About the Declaration of Independence

Independence Day is here! Although we celebrate with fireworks, BBQs, and parades, this holiday honors the signing of the Declaration of Independence. This document was created in 1776 by representatives from the original Thirteen Colonies to declare the Colonies’...

Teaching Solo Play in Toddlers

Teaching Solo Play in Toddlers

For parents, teaching solo play to children is a necessity—there are chores to do! For toddlers, however, solo play takes some getting used to. Toddlers naturally want to do everything with their parents and often get upset when they’re not included. Because of this,...