Reading aloud to preschooler-aged children is the single most important activity for building the knowledge required for young children to eventually learn to read. And giving children direct contact with books is equally important.

It is perhaps a little known fact that thousands of toy-related injuries occur annually and are serious enough to require hospital emergency room treatment. Falls are the most frequent kind of accident, but many serious injuries result from children swallowing small parts or placing tiny toys in noses or ears.

Despite the efforts of manufacturers and safety inspectors, it is impossible to vet every toy. But it is possible for parents and other relatives to check every new toy they buy for possible hazards.

Teachers of young learners are often frustrated by children behaving badly and disrupting the rest of the class. Using the Time-Out technique can be a positive way to curb the bad behaviour of children who are squabbling and displaying behaviour that is really annoying and disruptive. It can be used effectively with children aged 3 to 12. It should be viewed as a calming device, not a punishment. It is just a short, boring period of time away from others.

Feeling welcome is important to children, especially when exposed to the new and strange environment of a new classroom and a strange teacher on the first day of school. When you, as the teacher, let children know that they are welcome and belong, you are building a foundation of trust and mutual respect.