Adventure Buds

Author: Kate Thompson

Major Program: Stories, Songs, and Stretches

This pandemic year caused much disruption in children’s lives-socially and academically.  The lack of face-to- face instruction from the coronavirus has had negative effects on children’s education.  Over the summer, kids can also experience a loss of learning.  One study found that the average student lost 17–34% of the prior year’s learning gains during summer break (American Educational Research Journal).  In an effort to offer social and academic l

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Laugh and Learn

Author: Karli Giles

Major Program: Stories, Songs, and Stretches

The Jessamine County Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Agent began a monthly Laugh and Learn in February and the efforts are still ongoing at the Jessamine County Extension Office. The program is for caregivers and their child(ren). Laugh and Learn is a kindergarten readiness program that incorporates story time, craft, healthy snack, and free play. The activities engage gross motor skills, fine motor skills, and early literacy skills.Based on observation, 18 children improved their gross m

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FCS to Increase Kindergarten-Readiness Through Laugh and Learn Playdates

Author: David Weisenhorn

Major Program: Stories, Songs, and Stretches

“School-readiness” is a broad term that refers to multiple precursor cognitive, physical, and social-emotional skills that indicate young children are prepared to learn and thrive in the school environment. However, as noted in the “Improving Kindergarten Readiness Rates in the Commonwealth” presentation by Amy Neal from the Governor’s Office of Early Childhood in 2021, Kentucky has remained at only 50% kindergarten ready for the past six years, indicating a need to

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