Learning for Life: It’s All About Balance

By Tanisha Turner

Children start learning from the moment they are born, soaking up information from observing, discovering, and eventually exploring the world around them. Research shows that the first five years of a child’s life hold the most potential for development. During this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for learning, parents, caregivers, and educators can help children build a foundation for future success by providing a rich balance of learning experiences.

“The first five years are the best time to engage children’s minds and help them develop skills that will allow them to thrive later on in life,” says Gloria Julius, Ed.D., vice president of education and professional development at Primrose Schools. “There is no one-size-fits-all approach to teaching and learning, so an ideal learning environment for young children balances purposeful play with nurturing guidance from adults and offers a variety of experiences.”

The Snellville Lions Club

Continued from page 8

“We’re the world’s largest service organization,” Lion Cheryl shared. The Snellville Lions Club meets on the first and third Thursday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at the Walton EMC on Lenora Church Road. They always seek more members and volunteers to reach, and service more people and organizations in need within the Snellville community.

Helen Keller beseeched the Lions at the 1925 International Convention saying, “Will you not constitute yourselves Knights of the Blind in this crusade against darkness?”

It’s clear this organization wasn’t meant to exist simply to help local citizens see more clearly in the literal sense. Perhaps it was also destined to help those in need be able to see a better life and future for themselves through the exhaustive love, support, and resources provided by the Snellville Lions Club.

We all know a lion need not roar to demonstrate its power. Its mere presence can cause anyone to stand up and take notice. More information at https://www.facebook.com/SnellvilleLionsClub.

One Man’s Opinion Continued

from page 17

Kemp did something few in his party seem capable of doing. Without directly criticizing Trump, and while acknowledging support for his campaign in 2020, Kemp stood by the Georgia law and election results and would not engage or respond to whatever the former president threw his way. This independence resounded particularly well with independent and non-party-aligned Georgia voters in 2022. This would also place Kemp, along with Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger and a few other GOP officials in other states, atop the Trump enemies list.

The 2022 rematch with Abrams seemed anti-climactic. Abrams would be out-polled by two of her own fellow nominees down-ticket on the Democratic ballot. She admitted late in the campaign to having a particular challenge locking down black male voters. Her margin of loss was 8 percent, and this time she did concede on election night.

Georgia may remain one of the few original thirteen colonies with only one U.S. President, Jimmy Carter. And while his track record as former president has been unparalleled, Carter also found Washington more than a bit unwelcoming. Brian Kemp is our governor, and he is delivering for Georgia. The choice of course, is his to make, but I think we would like to keep him here.

Bill Crane owns the full-service communications firm CSI Crane. More information at www.CSICrane.com

Learning occurs as children play freely and interact with their environment, as well as through guidance and modeling by adults. Childcare and preschool environments that blend both approaches to learning while balancing different skills and subjects – from science to music to lessons in kindness – help ensure every child reaches his or her full potential.

Of course, learning is not limited to the classroom. The following fun at-home activities also nurture important skills and developmental areas for little ones. Best of all, you can do them together!

Exercise decision-making and critical thinking skills by playing with puzzles together. Let your child try out different pieces rather than showing him or her the right ones.

Build language and literacy skills by writing a story with your little one. Let your child add the illustrations and contribute to the storyline.

Develop important motor skills by tossing a ball with your child or chasing each other in a game of tag. Being active together helps children build a love for physical activity.

Explore science and nutrition by planting a fruit and vegetable garden together. Your child’s natural curiosity will spark questions and exploration as the planted seeds grow and transform.

Model important character traits, such as compassion, kindness, and generosity, for your child. Volunteer at your local animal shelter or share veggies from your garden with a neighbor so your child can witness and learn firsthand the joy of giving back.

Every experience can be a learning opportunity for children. Encourage them to explore, observe, investigate, and ask questions. Allow lots of time for play and provide guidance along the way to take learning to the next level.

Tanisha Turner is Owner of Primrose School at Sugarloaf Parkway. More information at www.PrimroseSugarloafParkway.com

Continued from page 13 and many more misconceptions. Freemasonry is usually labeled a “secret society.” If that’s true, we’re doing a lousy job of hiding. Our lodges are well marked, and many of our members wear jewelry, hats, and more that identify them as Masons. Freemasonry also has a well-documented general history, and notable individuals like Benjamin Franklin, Samuel Langhorne Clemens (Mark Twain), and Brad Paisley have been members of this ancient Fraternity.

We aren’t a religion – though our members must believe in a supreme being and the immortal soul. In fact, our lodge prohibits the discussion of religion and politics during meetings. We are simply a Fraternity of men seeking to better themselves.

Mountain Park Masonic Lodge 729 was born after Master Masons from lodges in Gwinnett County and Stone Mountain sponsored the formation of a new lodge. Our charter was granted on October 25, 1961 by the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Freemasons in Georgia, and we’ve been here ever since. While you’ve probably heard of other branches of Freemasonry like Shriners International, York Rite, Scottish Rite, and the Knights Templar, those members first had to be part of a Masonic Lodge just like ours. Our lodge currently has 131 members dedicated to improving their community.

Each year, our community-wide fundraisers allow us to present multiple donations to Lilburn’s elementary and middle schools. These funds allow school counselors to provide much-needed support to children and families facing food insecurities, financial difficulties, and other hardships. We are always proud to serve our community, especially when we can help those in need.

Beyond Lilburn’s borders, we sponsor a child at the Masonic Home of Georgia in Macon – a residential living facility that helps children overcome difficult living circumstances. They provide a safe haven and the educational, spiritual, and mental support needed for these children to thrive and reach their full potential.

We hope we’ve demystified our organization and hope you’ll join us for dinner on the first and third Thursday of each month, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. sharp.

We look forward to meeting you soon, neighbor!

More information at mountainpark729@gmail.com or www.mpl729. org.