Pre-K Learning With Ms. Liz: Fun Facts About Groundhogs and Groundhog Day

Hello Outschool Families!

My name is Liz Stone, better known as Ms. Liz, to my Preschool and Kindergarten friends.  Did you know that reading aloud to kids has clear cognitive benefits? For example, brain scans show that hearing stories strengthens the part of the brain associated with visual imagery, story comprehension, and word meaning. 

Experts from the National Center on Early Childhood Development, Teaching and Learning also explain that reading books to kids helps expand the number and variety of words they use. Think about it: The books you read often contain words you might not otherwise use in your everyday communications.

While reading a book, you might end up using more specific names for different plants or animals or use more adjectives  altogether. And this adds up.

One 2019 study from the National Library of Medicine estimated that children who are regularly read to in the 5 years leading up to kindergarten are exposed to 1.4 million more words than children who aren’t read to during those years.

Another study found that kindergarten children who were read to at least three times a week had a “significantly greater phonemic awareness than did children who were read to less often.” 

I created The Pebble Academy, an online learning and play experience for 3-6 year olds, after I fell in love with teaching and learning with Pre-K kiddos as I watched my own kids grow-up. I'm the mom of three and an early childhood educator who wants to help make reading togther and creative learning for 3-6 year olds more accessible!  I've observed the confidence my students gain when I encourage them to participate in an online learning and play experience that is welcoming, comfortable and tailored to them.

In my 30-40 minute interactive classes, I ​will introduce your children to new ideas with activities like picture book reading, songs, show and share and themed activity pages and projects we work on together. Most of my classes include in class activities or ideas for post class at home activities and all my classes ​incorporate ideas that promote pre-reading skills, early math strategies, nature, community, family, arts and crafts, music and physical activity.

Over the past 16 years, I have worked as a teacher and Site Coordinator for Northwestern University’s Weekend Enrichment Program, I’ve taught in my community's Early Childhood Program, I’ve been a lead teacher for 3 year olds at a local early childhood center and I created The Pebble Academy! 

Incorporating fun into reading and learning is what it's all about! For me, nothing compares to sharing an “Aha!” moment with a student. I hope we have the chance to learn together soon and I look forward to meeting you in one of my classes!

**If my posted class schedules don't work for you, I'm happy to try and schedule a class that is more convenient for your learner!