Abacus Mom

Too Much Publicity about ERB Prep?

Yes.  With the New York Times article about ERB prep books, the cat is out of the bag.

Prepping for kindergarten admission is rampant.  NYC private school admissions directors, who meet regularly to discuss admissions policies, are not going to sit idly by.  For many years, they have explicitly discouraged prepping.  Many parents (and educational consultants) haven't been listening, and now the news has hit the paper of record.

No admissions director likes getting snowed.  I predict that this year, while scores will still matter, children's performance at interviews and school reports, as well as parents' credentials, will be examined more carefully than ever. 

In my Preschoolers' Prep and other personalized programs, I continue to help families help their kids in ALL realms, and help parents present themselves in the best possible light.  If you are interested, please call ASAP because my September schedule is almost completely booked.  (For 2011 kindergarten admission, please call in late fall or Jan.)

Best Guide to Afterschool Activities in NYC

Time Out offers a great introduction to NYC with kids, and has the best listings of enrichment, party venues, etc.
Time Out New York Kids Magazine subscription

Good guides to raising a baby to preschooler in Manhattan and Brooklyn.
City Baby NYC
City Baby Brooklyn

Coming soon, the sequel:
City Kid New York: The Ultimate Guide for NYC Parents

Best Magazine for Preschoolers / Little Kids

Looking to get your child a magazine subscription?

As you may remember from your own childhood, kids love getting mail.  When I was a girl, receiving my Ranger Rick magazine was a thrill.

Even in the computer age, many kids like magazines.  If you want to get your preschooler or kindergartener a subscription to a quality magazine, this is the best one my clients and I have found:

Click

Click teaches kids about music, science, and nature, often including excerpts from quality picture books as well as original features such as "Click and the Kids".  

Best ERB Prep Toys?

These are the best-known and most popular kindergarten ERB prep toys: 

Mighty Mind

BrainQuest Cards

Parents always ask me: are they any good?

Or, do these prep toys provide productive test prep? 

While I have more effective toys in my clients' ERB prep arsenal, I do give both these toys a thumbs up if you want to give them a try.  Your kid should like playing with Mighty Mind, and talking with you about the card questions in BrainQuest.