This column will provide useful information for a preschool child starting at a very young age, and up through elementary school. The source of the information is the Coeur d'Alene School District and the U.S. Department of Education.

It includes suggestions from teachers and parents about things they have done to help their child get a good head start in learning. Students are also invited to write what they felt really helped them to be better students.

Send your suggestions to: [email protected]

Helpful hint

Give your child a nice large paper, or a whiteboard and some crayons, marking pens, or water colors and let them create. When they're finished, don't tell them how to make it better or try to improve what your child has created. Ask your child to explain the painting, identify the people in the picture, or explain the background. This is more creative than a coloring book.

Approaches to learning

Encourage active exploration by taking your child to places such as children's museums. Allow plenty of time for exploring and solving problems.

Exercise!

Preschoolers need to learn to control and coordinate the large muscles in their arms and legs. Your child needs to throw and catch balls, run, jump, climb and dance.

Library

The library offers many classes for preschoolers. For the Coeur d'Alene Library, call (208)-769-2315 or visit wwwcdalibrary.org. Go to the calendar section and check out the classes.