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🌟 GIVEAWAY ALERT! 🌟 It's that time of year again - the back-to-school season is right around the corner, and we want to help you start the school year off on the right foot! Fort Wayne Business Journal has teamed up with Read with Mrs. A to bring you an exciting giveaway that you won't want to miss. We're giving away a $40 Amazon gift card to one lucky winner to help with school supplies for the upcoming school year. Whether you need new notebooks, pens, or even a backpack, this gift card will come in handy for all your back-to-school shopping needs. Entering to win is easy: 1️⃣ Follow both Fort Wayne Business Journal and Read with Mrs. A on Facebook 2️⃣ Comment below this post letting us know you've completed both steps. Extra Step for Double Entry: 3️⃣ Share both Facebook posts for double entry into the contest. Your name will be entered twice. Link below: But hurry, you only have until Sunday, July 28th, 2024 to enter! The winner will be announced on Monday, July 29th, 2024, so make sure to keep an eye out for the announcement. Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity to win a gift card that will make your back-to-school shopping a breeze. Good luck to all participants, and we can't wait to see who the lucky winner will be!

It’s hard to believe that summer is officially coming to an end and the school year is among us. Getting prepared for back-to-school can be stressful and overwhelming for parents and students alike. Here are some strategies to help parents and caregivers prepare for the hustle and bustle of the back-to-school season.  Start with Supplies: Check the school supply list and ensure you have everything your child needs. Some common supplies include notebooks, pencils, a backpack, crayons, a pencil box, folders, new clothes, shoes, etc. Make sure to label supplies with your child’s name. Etsy  sells custom name stickers for water bottles and other supplies.  Get Organized: There are a lot of events to keep track of at the beginning of the school year and throughout the year. Meet the teacher, back to school night, special events, and holiday breaks are just some of  the many dates you will want to plug into your calendar. Be on the lookout for communication from the school and teachers. Many teachers have class websites with information or send newsletters. Set up a designated space at home free from distractions for school work. Meal prep lunches to save time in the mornings. Stick to a Routine: It’s time for a consistent bedtime! Getting a good night’s sleep is imperative to students’ cognitive abilities necessary in the classroom such as attention, memory, and focus. Try to have your children go to bed and wake up at the same time throughout the school year. Focus on a routine that includes time for school work as well as any extracurricular activities.  Schedule Appointments: Many schools require physicals and updated medical records prior to the beginning of the school year. Make sure your child has this information before the first day of school. Schedule that dental cleaning, eye exam, and maybe even a fresh haircut if you have not already done so. Talk to your Child: Maybe it’s your child’s first year of school (like mine) or tenth. Starting school can be a big change and adjustment regardless of what year it is. Talk to your child about any worries they may have this school year. Be supportive and understanding of your child’s fears or apprehensions about beginning school. Make sure they know they can always come to you when they have a problem. Discuss how school rules may be different from home rules. A discussion of the signs of bullying and what it means to be respectful are a must.  Check out the Extracurriculars: One of my most exciting parts of school is the opportunity to participate in extracurricular activities. Extracurricular activities can include sports, clubs such as drama or chess, and even teams like speech and debate or robotics. The opportunities are endless. If there isn’t one your child is interested in, talk to them about starting their own! This is a great way for kids to get involved, make friends, and as a bonus, extracurriculars look great on college and job applications. Going back to school can be exciting, but it can also be a stressful or hectic time for some families. By following these strategies, parents and caregivers can help their children have a successful and enjoyable school year. Remember to start with supplies, get organized, stick to a routine, and talk to your child. With a little planning and preparation, you can help your child make the most of their school experience this upcoming year. Sources: Cusack, T. (n.d.). How Sleep Impacts Your Studies . Idaho State University.

Exciting weekend ahead in Fort Wayne! Don't miss out on these amazing events: Junior Achievement Wine & Beer Festival: Enjoy a night of sipping and supporting a great cause! This event is Junior Achievement's largest fundraiser of the year and promises to be a night to remember. Pride Fest 2024: Celebrate love, diversity, and equality at Pride Fest this weekend! Show your support for the LGBTQ+ community and enjoy a day of fun, music, and acceptance. Weigand Construction Duck Race to Benefit SCAN: Get ready to cheer on your favorite rubber duck in this exciting race for a cause! All proceeds will benefit SCAN and help protect children in our community. School Supply Drive by Kekionga Craft Co: Help local students start the school year off right by donating school supplies at Kekionga Craft Co. Your generosity will make a big difference in the lives of children in need. Don't miss out on these fantastic events happening in Fort Wayne this weekend! JA Wine & Beer Festival: 1301 Ewing St Fort Wayne, IN  46802 Tickets: wineandbeerfestival.com Pride 2024: 333 S Clinton St Fort Wayne IN, 46802 Weigand Construction Duck Race to Benefit SCAN: 202 W Superior St Fort Wayne IN, 46802 School Supply Drive @ Kekionga Craft Co: 7328 Maysville Road Fort Wayne IN 46815

Exciting weekend ahead in Fort Wayne! Check out the Indiana Vantage Market with over 50 vintage-styled vendors, the Lawton Park car show, and Artlink art supply resale for all your artistic needs. Don't miss out on these fantastic events happening in our city. Indiana Vintage Market: 120 W Jefferson Blvd Fort Wayne, IN 46802 Lawton Park Car Show: 1900 N Clinton Fort Wayne, IN 46805 Artlink Art Supply Resale: 300 E Main St Fort Wayne, IN 46802

Fort Wayne is set to see a new car wash, Drive & Shine, being built directly next to Mike's Carwash and Take 5 Oil Change at 6309 W Jefferson Blvd, Fort Wayne. This development comes in a market already well-served by various oil changing services and car wash options, ranging from self-service stations to full-service washes, including the well-known Mike's Carwash. Fort Wayne already boasts a large car wash market with numerous facilities catering to different needs. For instance, The Tube Car Wash, with multiple locations including on Illinois Road and Lima Road, offers advanced wash technology and various service packages to attract customers. Mike's Carwash, another prominent name, has established itself with multiple locations and a loyal customer base, emphasizing convenience and quality service. As the car care industry in the area heats up as well as car washes, Drive & Shine is gearing up for some fierce competition. With Take Five Oil Change located right next door, and Jiffy Lube just a half mile down West Jefferson, the pressure is on. Adding to the mix, Valvoline Instant Oil Change is in the process of being built across the street on Covington Road and West Jefferson, making the competition even more intense. Is Drive & Shine ready to showcase their top-notch services and stand out in this crowded market? Customer experience is the area where Drive & Shine seeks to differentiate itself. Amenities like free Wi-Fi, coffee bars, and comfortable waiting lounges are designed to make the car wash experience more pleasant and convenient. Having a one-stop shop for most of your basic car needs could also be an advantage to standing out in this market. By enhancing the overall customer experience, Drive & Shine hopes to build a loyal customer base that values both the quality of service and the added comforts during their visit. Drive & Shine aims to make a mark with its range of services beyond the typical exterior wash. They offer interior cleaning, detailing, and maintenance packages, providing a one-stop solution for car care. This competitive move highlights their intent to attract customers looking for comprehensive services. As Drive & Shine prepares to open its doors, it will be interesting to see how it competes with the existing car wash and oil change options. The presence of established players like Mike's Carwash, The Tube Car Wash, Take 5 Oil Change, and Valvoline Instant Oil Change sets a high bar for new entrants, but Drive & Shine’s unique approach and comprehensive services may attract a loyal customer base.

Looking for something fun to do in Fort Wayne this weekend? Look no further! Start the weekend off at Three Rivers Fest for a weekend filled with midway rides, delicious junk food alley, shopping at vendors, and more! It's the perfect way to kick off a weekend in the city. Craving some comfort food? Don't miss the Mac & Cheese Fest and indulge in all the cheesy goodness your heart desires. And be sure to stop by Powers Hamburgers for their family fun day celebrating their grand reopening! It's a great way to support a local favorite. Lastly, don't forget to check out the Junior Achievement Young Entrepreneur Marketplace, where young entrepreneurs under the age of 21 will be showcasing their businesses. It's a great opportunity to support our future business leaders! Don't miss out on all the excitement this weekend in Fort Wayne! 55th Annual Three Rivers Festival: 333 S Clinton St Fort Wayne, IN 46802 & 1900 N Clinton St Fort Wayne, IN 46805 Family Fun Day at Powers Hamburgers: 1402 S Harrison St Fort Wayne, IN 46802 Indiana Mac & Cheese Festival: 1301 Ewing St Fort Wayne, IN  46802 Junior Achievement Young Entrepreneur Marketplace: 837 Hanover St Fort Wayne, IN 46803

Early childhood experiences from birth to the age of 8 affect the development of the structure of the brain. These experiences play a crucial role in shaping a child's development and lay the foundation for future academic success and overall well-being. Research has shown us the key components to include in any early child education program. Early childhood education programs should provide a well-rounded curriculum that includes all subjects from language arts, math, science, and social studies to creative play. Socialization and Play: Early childhood education is an important way children can develop social skills. Children learn social skills necessary for the rest of their educational careers and lives. Some of these skills include learning how to share, taking turns, following instructions, listening, and even how to articulate emotions and feelings. Children often learn to socialize and problem solve through play-based activities. Learning to socialize early on increases positive social behaviors in elementary school and also can increase a child’s self-esteem. Early Language and Literacy Development: Studies have shown that early language and literacy development are essential for later reading success. Children who are exposed to rich language environments and who engage in early literacy activities develop the foundational skills necessary for becoming proficient readers. It is essential to expose children to letters and sounds at an early age. Reading aloud, storytelling, and playing with print are all ways children can develop these important skills. Reading to children is especially important in helping young students learn early listening comprehension skills and expand their vocabulary knowledge. Phonological awareness activities are especially important in early childhood education programs. Phonological awareness is the ability to recognize and manipulate sounds in spoken language. Early childhood programs should incorporate daily phonological awareness activities such as listening activities, alliterations, rhyming, and working with syllables and onset/rimes. Children who have strong phonological awareness skills are better able to decode words and understand the meaning of what they read. Phonics, which involves learning the relationship between written letters and sounds, is another essential aspect of reading instruction. Formal phonics instruction typically does not begin until kindergarten, but phonological awareness activities will help students be more successful when advancing into phonemic awareness and phonics skills in elementary school. Math, Science, and Social Studies: Math and science are essential for children's development. These subjects help children learn how to think critically and solve problems. Early childhood education programs should provide opportunities for children to explore math and science concepts through hands-on activities and real word experiences. Social studies also helps children learn about the world around them. It can give them an understanding of different cultures and perspectives. Early childhood education programs should provide opportunities for children to explore social studies concepts through books, discussions, guest speakers, games, and even field trips. Conclusion: Early childhood education is an important and exciting time for a child’s development. These experiences play a critical role in the brain’s development and can improve readiness for school and future academic performance. It is important to choose an early childhood education program that provides a well-rounded curriculum that includes all subjects and has a strong focus on creative play and early literacy skills. By providing children with a solid foundation in all subjects, research has shown that early childhood education programs can help them succeed in school and life. Sources: Gray Group International LLC. (2024, April 6). Early childhood development: The crucial role of Quality Education. Gray Group International. https://www.graygroupintl.com/blog/early-childhood-development#:~:text=Early%20childhood%20education%20is%20essential%20for%20healthy%20development%20because%20it,future%20academic%20and%20social%20success. Top Five benefits of early childhood education. Brighter Futures Indiana. (n.d.). https://brighterfuturesindiana.org/blog/top-five-benefits-of-early-childhood-education What is early childhood education and why is it essential?: American Public University. APU. (2024, May 22). https://www.apu.apus.edu/area-of-study/education/resources/what-is-early-childhood-education-and-why-is-it-essential/ Why early childhood matters. NCDHHS. (n.d.). https://www.ncdhhs.gov/about/department-initiatives/early-childhood/why-early-childhood-matters

Looking for something fun to do this weekend in Fort Wayne? Enjoy open mic at Union Street Market on Friday where you can showcase your talents, promote your business, or simply share whatever is on your mind or catch the TinCaps baseball game against the Lugnuts followed by a spectacular firework show. Don't miss out on all the excitement happening in our city! ALL THINGS Open Mic: 1620 Broadway Fort Wayne, IN  46802 TinCaps vs Lugnuts: 1301 Ewing St Fort Wayne, IN 46802

Looking for weekend plans in Fort Wayne? Look no further! 🎉 This weekend, June 28-30, there are so many exciting events happening in our city. Kick off the weekend with Rock & Road at the zoo - a live music experience for those 21+! Enjoy all the fun of a carnival with games, and tasty treats for the whole family at Silver Birch on Cook Road. On Saturday Celebrate 75 years of magic with Stoners Funstore at their anniversary event or Indulge in delicious wings, cold beer, and mouth-watering BBQ at the Wing, Beer, & BBQ Fest and don’t forget to swing by Lawton park to step back in time with a vintage baseball showcase - a unique and nostalgic experience for sports fans of all ages. Don't miss out on all the excitement happening this weekend in Fort Wayne! Which event are you most excited to attend? Rock & Roar: 3411 Sherman Blvd Fort Wayne, IN 46808 Silver Birch Carnival: 3731 W Cook Rd Fort Wayne, IN 46818 Stoner’s 75th Anniversary Block Party (Albert Stoner Day): 712 S Harrison St Fort Wayne, IN 46802 Wings Beer & BBQ Fest: 333 S Clinton St Fort Wayne, IN 46802 2024 Vintage Baseball Showcase: 1900 N Clinton St Fort Wayne, IN 46805

City BBQ is set to make a flavorful debut in Fort Wayne, Indiana, with its new location opening soon in Jefferson Pointe at 1727 Apple Glen Blvd, 46804. This exciting addition to the local dining scene that is being constructed in the building that formerly housed Hardee's and Subway, bringing a fresh and savory option to the area. City BBQ is known for its authentic, slow-smoked barbecue, which is sure to heat up the competition with nearby Smokey Bones. While Smokey Bones has been a local favorite for its variety of smoked meats and vibrant atmosphere, City BBQ brings its own unique edge with a focus on traditional barbecue methods and recipes. On the menu, patrons can look forward to signature dishes like slow-smoked pulled pork, hand-rubbed and smoked brisket, and perfectly smoked sausages. The St. Louis-cut ribs and smoked turkey breast are also standout options. In addition to its meat-centric offerings, City BBQ also provides a variety of sides such as mac and cheese, baked beans, and coleslaw, ensuring there's something for everyone. The arrival of City BBQ in Jefferson Pointe is sure to please barbecue enthusiasts and food lovers. Its authentic, slow-smoked flavors and diverse menu options add a fresh choice to Fort Wayne's dining scene. As it competes with local favorites like Smokey Bones, City BBQ promises to offer a distinctive and delicious experience that will surely become a new favorite for many. Whether you're a barbecue aficionado or just looking to enjoy some delicious comfort food, City BBQ is a must-try destination.