The Building Block Blog

Back 2 School Week Recap at Nu Building Blocks

Sat, 06 Sep 2025 22:29:14 GMT

A Joyful Start to the School Year

The first week of school is always a special one at Nu Building Blocks, and this year was no exception! Our classrooms came alive with the excitement of returning students and the curiosity of new faces. From the tiniest infants to our energetic preschoolers and school-age learners, every child brought their unique spark to our learning community.

Week One Highlights

Our Back 2 School week was filled with hands-on creative activities, introductions to new routines, and plenty of opportunities for children to connect with teachers and peers. Families also had the chance to see firsthand how our bilingual staff, Abeka curriculum, and supportive environment make Nu Building Blocks a place where children feel safe, inspired, and ready to grow

Building Partnerships in Learning

What makes Back 2 School week so meaningful is the reminder that education is a partnership. Parents, teachers, and children come together to build the foundation for lifelong learning. We’re grateful for the trust our families place in us and excited for all the growth, discovery, and joy this school year will bring.

Enrollment Is Still Open

If you’re still looking for high-quality childcare or after-school support, we are currently enrolling across all three of our Los Angeles locations. With 24/6 availability, Saturday care, and night programs, we’re here to meet the needs of every family’s schedule.

Join Us at the Open House Fair Block Party

Mark your calendars! Our Open House Fair Block Party is coming up on Saturday, September 13 . Bring the whole family for classroom tours, games, music, and enrollment support on site. It’s a free community event designed to connect families, celebrate learning, and show what makes Nu Building Blocks a special place to grow.

Ready to take the next step? Explore our programs right here on the website and secure your child’s spot today.

Choosing the Right Infant Care: What to Look for in a Daycare

Mon, 28 Jul 2025 17:00:00 GMT

When it comes to choosing a daycare for your infant, there’s no decision more important—or more personal. From nurturing environments to strong safety measures, the right childcare center should offer more than supervision; it should support your baby’s development and give you peace of mind.

Key Factors to Consider:

Visit Nu Building Blocks to schedule a tour and discover why families across Los Angeles trust us with their little ones.

Summer Learning Loss: How to Keep Kids Engaged Year-Round

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 13:00:16 GMT

When school doors close for summer break, it’s natural for children to focus on fun, relaxation, and time with family. However, experts warn that extended time away from structured learning can lead to “summer learning loss”—a decline in academic skills and knowledge that many students experience during the long break. The good news is, with a little planning and creativity, parents can help their kids stay engaged and keep learning all year long.

What Is Summer Learning Loss?

Summer learning loss, sometimes called the “summer slide,” refers to the tendency for students to lose some of the skills and knowledge they gained during the school year. Research shows that students can lose up to two months’ worth of math and reading skills over the summer. Younger children are especially vulnerable, but all students can benefit from intentional summer learning activities.

Why Does It Happen?

Without regular opportunities to practice reading, problem-solving, and other academic skills, children may forget important concepts. Changing routines, increased screen time, and less exposure to books or educational activities can all contribute. The result? A tougher transition back to school in the fall.

How Can Parents Prevent Summer Learning Loss?

The key to avoiding the summer slide is to make learning part of everyday life, even when school is out. Here are some practical tips to help your child stay engaged and curious all summer long:

1. Read Every Day

Reading is one of the most effective ways to prevent summer learning loss. Encourage your child to read for at least 20 minutes a day. Let them choose books that match their interests: comic books, graphic novels, chapter books, or magazines all count!

2. Incorporate Learning into Daily Activities

Turn ordinary moments into learning opportunities. Cooking together can teach math and science concepts. A walk in the park can spark conversations about nature. Grocery shopping can become a lesson in budgeting, counting, and healthy choices.

3. Make Math Fun

Practice math through games, puzzles, or real-life scenarios. Play board games, do simple math challenges at the dinner table, or have your child help with measuring ingredients while baking.

4. Explore STEM Activities

Try easy science experiments at home or visit a local museum. Encourage your child to ask questions, make predictions, and discover how things work.

5. Get Creative

Art, music, and creative projects stimulate the mind and help kids express themselves. Try drawing, painting, crafting, or even making up stories together.

6. Stay Active

Physical activity boosts brain health. Get outside for bike rides, sports, or family walks. Many games and activities, like scavenger hunts or hopscotch, also involve counting and problem-solving.

7. Set Goals and Celebrate Progress

Work with your child to set small learning goals for the summer. Maybe they want to finish a certain number of books or learn a new skill. Celebrate their achievements to keep motivation high.

8. Join Community Programs

Many libraries, community centers, and childcare programs (like Nu Building Blocks) offer summer reading challenges, workshops, and educational events. Take advantage of these local resources.

Keep Learning Fun

The most important thing is to keep learning enjoyable and stress-free. When children associate learning with positive experiences, they’re more likely to stay curious and confident, even after summer ends.

At Nu Building Blocks, we believe that every season is an opportunity to nurture your child’s growth. Reach out to us to learn more about our year-round programs and summer activities designed to keep young minds active, engaged, and ready for success!

Preparing for Your Child's First Day at Day Care

nubuildingblockspreschool@gmail.com (Paige Solomon) — Sun, 06 Jan 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Preparing for the First Day

Before Your Child's First Day

Review the Daily Schedule
Talk to your child about what a typical day at daycare will look like. Use clear, reassuring language to explain activities like playtime, meals, and nap time. The more your child knows what to expect, the more comfortable they’ll feel.

Ease Into the New Routine
Begin adjusting your child’s sleep and wake times a few days before daycare begins. This helps their body get used to the new rhythm and reduces stress on the first morning.

Take a Tour Together
Familiarity builds confidence. Bring your child to visit Nu Building Blocks ahead of time. Let them explore the classroom and meet the teachers. Encourage them to walk around freely at their own pace. Remember, we have an open-door policy—you’re always welcome to stop by.

Create a Positive Send-Off
Consider giving your child a small “first day” gift—like a new lunchbox, backpack, or special note. A thoughtful gesture can make the transition feel like an exciting new adventure.

On the First Day

Arrive a Little Early
Give yourself time to help your child settle in. Invite them to show you around the classroom, then offer a warm and confident goodbye. Keep goodbyes short and positive—this helps your child feel secure.

Send a Comfort Item

If needed, pack a familiar item from home, like a small toy or blanket, to provide comfort during the day.

At Pick-Up Time

Be On Time

Especially during the first week, punctuality matters. Knowing you’ll be there right on time gives your child a strong sense of security and trust in their new routine.

12 Reasons for Play Based Learning

nubuildingblockspreschool@gmail.com (Paige Solomon) — Wed, 05 Dec 2018 15:49:45 GMT

"Children don't learn through play, but practice what they have learned through play," Professor Tina Bruce.

Professor Tina Bruce states, “play transforms children because it helps them to function beyond the here and now. They can become involved in more abstract thinking about the past, using the past, and into imagining the future, or alternative ways of doing things. It helps them to problem solve, and to experiment. It helps them to work out what they think and feel.”

Bruce identifies 12 “Features of Play”:

Children use first hand experiences from life;
Children make up rules as they play in order to keep control.
Children symbolically represent as they play, making and adapting play props.
Children choose to play – they cannot be made to play.
Children rehearse their future in their role play.
Children sometimes play alone.
Children pretend when they play.
Children play with adults and other children cooperatively in pairs or groups.
Children have a personal play agenda, which may or may not be shared.
Children are deeply involved and difficult to distract from their deep learning as they wallow in their play and learning.
Children try out their most recently acquired skills and competences, as if celebrating what they know.
Children coordinate ideas and feelings and make sense of relationships with their families, friends and cultures.