Content by Audrey Rider

An adult and several children's hands at a table planting a seedling in a container.

Grow Getters: Garden-Based Education for Preschool-3rd Grades

The “Grow Getters” series consists of lessons and resources to engage youth and families in hands-on, at-home activities related to gardening—even without a garden!

teacher with a small group of children learning at a table

Growing Active Readers

These lessons and activities bring together evidence-based environmental and behavioral changes to promote improved long-term health outcomes.

A young woman in workout clothes stretching on a pink yoga mat.

There are so many opportunities to squeeze in activity during the day. The current Physical Activity Guidelines say that any activity counts towards meeting the recommended 150 minutes of activity each week. So, get creative, find what you enjoy and keep your body moving as much as possible every day.

A young male student studying at the kitchen table with an older sister.

Managing Child Care Options When Schools Close

As schools and some child cares close across South Dakota, many parents are left scrambling for child care options.

A young female child with red hair running outside alongside a puppy.

Running Around Like Crazy! It’s Ok!

Who remembers hearing their dad say, “You kids should go outside and run around and let off some steam?" This statement couldn’t be truer today than it was 20-40 years ago. Even if you live in town and don’t have direct access to nature, go visit a playground or park and spend time outdoors in a natural environment.

Young girl pretending to cook in a children's play kitchen.

Let Kids Pretend!

Pretend play is as natural as eating and sleeping to kids and should not be dismissed. It is teaching them to practice being in the world and problem solving.

A young woman carefully placing her infant child in a crib on his back.

Safe Sleeping Methods for Infants

Safe sleeping positions and methods have come to light in the local news after an infant death in a daycare setting that could have been avoided.

A young girl playing with colored wooden blocks.

Playing With Blocks

Who remembers building glorious structures and towers with wooden blocks? And then having a sibling knock them down and having to rebuild it over again? There are so many learning experiences with building and making mistakes in block play.

Two young girls in winter clothing riding on a sled.

Let Them Play During Christmas Break

As we are quickly approaching Christmas break and kids will have time off and will be acquiring new toys and activities during this Christmas season, I want to encourage parents and providers to let children play.

Lunch room in a daycare facility with plates set on the tables and fall decorations in the background.

Importance of Proper Nutrition and Physical Activity in Early Childhood

Childcare outside the home is relatively common in the United States, as a majority of children ages two-to-five attend some type of childcare and spend roughly 30 hours per week in others care. Due to this, both parents and early childhood educators are responsible to ensure children are receiving the nutrition they need for proper childhood development.