Why Does My Residential Laundry Service Need to Know About Allergies in My Family?

You have several reasons why you should consider outsourcing the cleaning of your clothes to a business that offers residential laundry services. First, you can expect much higher quality results for all types of apparel. Second, outsourcing your laundry to a business such as Laundry Care Express saves you money. You do not have to invest in a washer and dryer. In addition, you benefit from much lower monthly energy bills. Third, Laundry Care Express offers a laundry pick up service, as well as a delivery service that saves you a considerable amount of time. One benefit of outsourcing your laundry to a business that offers residential laundry does not receive the attention it deserves.

Laundry Care Express ensures your allergies do not flare up after getting your clothes back. This means it is important for you to inform us about any allergies that you or members of your family suffer from during any stage of the laundry process.

Let’s see how Laundry Care Express minimizes your exposure to allergens.

We Use Anti-Allergen Detergent

The chemicals used to create most detergents, especially those sold at grocery stores, trigger strong reactions in people who are highly vulnerable to allergy attacks. Although the detergent you have used at home has left your clothes looking clean and smelling fresh, the detergent also might have caused allergic reactions. At Laundry Care Express, we use detergents that do not contain chemicals that trigger allergic reactions, as well as leave no pungent scents behind. We particularly avoid detergents that contain dye, perfume, and/or phosphates.

We Set Wash Cycles to Hot

One of the most important reasons to inform us about any laundry-related allergies afflicting you and/or a family member is the water temperature set for each cycle. If you suffer from laundry-related allergies, you want to have your clothes washed during hot water cycles regardless of the type of apparel. Since dust particles represent a common laundry-related allergen, washing your clothes in hot water eliminates pesky dust particles. For highly sensitive fabrics, we hand wash them in hot water to prevent wrinkles or any other type of fabric damage.

We Keep Our Washers and Dryers Clean

Even if you use an anti-allergen detergent, you also must contend with the threat of your clothes getting contaminated with allergens because of the residue left in your washer, dryer, and/or laundry space. When you outsource your laundry to a business that provides residential laundry services like Laundry Care Express, you can expect us to maintain a clean laundry space, as well as run washers and dryers without clothes to clean each machine before putting your clothes in for processing.

We Ditch Allergen-Carrying Dryer Sheets

It has become part of the laundry ritual to toss in a dry sheet before turning on the dry cycle. However, this habit needs to be broken, as dryer sheets contain allergens that can trigger adverse reactions. You might enhance the fragrance of your clothes, but it comes at the expense of dealing with itchy eyes and bouts of sneezing.

Laundry Care Express ditches dryer sheets to help you avoid allergic reactions.

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5 Exciting Holiday Themed Books Middle School Children Will Love

As the holiday season approaches, there's no better time to ignite the love for reading in Montessori middle school children with festive and captivating holiday-themed books. Whether it's tales of winter magic, heartwarming traditions, or thrilling adventures, these books are bound to captivate young readers and transport them into the enchanting world of holiday storytelling. Check out these 5 exciting holiday-themed books that are cherished favorites for middle schoolers.

1. "The Polar Express" by Chris Van Allsburg

Chris Van Allsburg's timeless classic, "The Polar Express," takes middle school readers on a magical journey to the North Pole on Christmas Eve. The story follows a young boy who embarks on a mysterious train ride to meet Santa Claus. Filled with enchanting illustrations and a narrative that captures the spirit of belief and wonder, this book is a holiday staple that resonates with readers of all ages.

2. "A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens (Middle School Adaptation)

Introduce middle schoolers to the classic tale of redemption and holiday spirit with a middle-grade adaptation of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol." This timeless story follows Ebenezer Scrooge as he encounters ghosts that lead him on a transformative journey of self-discovery and compassion. The adapted version maintains the essence of Dickens' message while making it accessible and engaging for young readers.

3. "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" by Barbara Robinson

In "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever," Barbara Robinson weaves a humorous and heartwarming tale of the chaotic Herdman siblings who unexpectedly take over the annual Christmas pageant. As the community grapples with this unruly group's involvement, the story unfolds into a touching exploration of the true spirit of Christmas.

4. "The Nutcracker and the Mouse King" by E.T.A. Hoffmann (Middle School Adaptation)

Introduce middle schoolers to the enchanting world of Clara and her Nutcracker Prince with an adapted version of E.T.A. Hoffmann's classic tale. This timeless story, famously adapted into the beloved ballet, follows Clara's magical journey to the Land of Sweets.

5. "Holidays on Ice" by David Sedaris

For a humorous and contemporary take on the holiday season, "Holidays on Ice" by David Sedaris offers a collection of witty and satirical essays. Sedaris' unique storytelling style resonates with middle school readers looking for a more comedic approach to the season.

These holiday-themed books for middle schoolers promise to infuse the season with literary enchantment. As middle schoolers delve into these festive tales, they'll be entertained and inspired by the magic and warmth of this special time of year.

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Simple December Craft Ideas That Build Self-Confidence in Kindergarten

As December unfolds, the holiday season offers an opportune time for Montessori kindergarten children to engage in simple yet enriching craft activities that celebrate the festive spirit and build self-confidence. These five December craft ideas are designed to nurture creativity and build self-confidence.

Snow Globe Ornaments

Snow globe ornaments offer a magical craft activity that allows Montessori kindergarten children to create their miniature winter wonderlands. This project not only introduces them to the concept of snow globes but also provides a tangible result they can proudly display.

Implementation:

• Materials Needed - Clear plastic or glass ornaments, white paint or fake snow, small holiday-themed figurines, ribbon, and glue.

• Instructions - Have children decorate the inside of the ornament with white paint or fake snow. After it dries, place a small holiday figurine inside, glue the ornament shut, and decorate the outside with ribbon.

Learning Outcomes:

• Spatial Awareness - Assembling the miniature scene inside the ornament enhances spatial awareness.

• Displaying Creativity - Children take pride in creating tangible, decorative items for display.

Reindeer Headbands

Crafting reindeer headbands provides Montessori children with the opportunity to make festive wearable art that showcases their creativity. This simple craft engages both fine motor and imaginative skills.

Implementation:

• Materials Needed - Brown construction paper, googly eyes, red pom-poms, and glue.

• Instructions - Help children trace and cut out antlers from brown construction paper. Then, attach the antlers, googly eyes, and a red pom-pom for the nose to create reindeer headbands.

Learning Outcomes:

• Fine Motor Coordination - Tracing and cutting contribute to fine motor skill development.

• Pride in Personalized Accessories - Children proudly wear their self-made headbands, showcasing their creative efforts.

Winter Collage Art

Winter collage art allows kindergarteners to explore their creativity through a variety of materials, fostering self-expression. This open-ended craft encourages children to experiment with different textures and shapes.

Implementation:

• Materials Needed - Magazines, colored paper, cotton balls, glue, and markers.

• Instructions - Provide a variety of materials and encourage children to create winter-themed collages. They can cut out pictures from magazines, tear paper into shapes, or glue cotton balls to represent snow.

Learning Outcomes:

• Creative Expression - Collage art allows children to express themselves using a variety of materials.

• Individualized Artwork - Each child's collage is a unique representation of their creative choices, fostering a sense of individuality.

These simple December craft ideas provide kindergarten children with opportunities to express themselves creatively while building confidence in themselves. Each activity engages young learners in a joyful exploration of the holiday season.

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4 Important Reasons It is Critical to Promote Retention Over Winter Break

As winter break approaches, the allure of relaxation and holiday festivities often takes center stage. However, maintaining academic momentum during this time is crucial for students' continued success. Promoting retention over winter break not only reinforces previously learned concepts but also sets the stage for a smoother transition back into the Montessori kindergarten.

1. Upholding Educational Gains

One of the primary reasons to promote retention over winter break is to prevent learning loss. Extended breaks can lead to a decline in academic skills and knowledge, commonly known as the "summer slide" when referring to longer breaks. By engaging in educational activities, reviewing materials, or participating in targeted exercises, Montessori students can combat this decline and return to school with their educational gains intact.

2. Positive Reinforcement

Retaining knowledge over the winter break contributes to students' confidence and motivation. When students realize they remember and understand previously learned material, it fosters a sense of accomplishment and reinforces their belief in their academic abilities. This positive reinforcement can be a powerful motivator for continued engagement and success in the Montessori classroom.

3. Facilitate a Smooth Return to Learning

The period immediately following winter break can be challenging for students as they readjust to the academic routine. Promoting retention over the break helps ease this transition. Students who have engaged in educational activities are better prepared to resume their studies, as they have maintained a mental connection with the material.

4. Instill a Growth Mindset

Promoting retention over winter break contributes to the development of lifelong learning habits. By instilling a growth mindset that values continuous learning, students are more likely to approach their education with curiosity and enthusiasm. Consistent engagement in educational activities during breaks fosters the belief that learning is a year-round endeavor to:

• Encourage Curiosity - Inspire students to explore topics that genuinely interest them.

• Connect Learning to Real Life - Demonstrate how academic concepts relate to real-world situations.

• Create Lifelong Learners - Students develop a mindset that values learning beyond the classroom setting.

Promoting retention over winter break is a strategic investment in students' academic success and overall learning habits. By addressing the potential for learning loss, building confidence and motivation, facilitating a smooth return to learning, and nurturing a growth mindset, educators and parents can contribute to the sustained educational momentum of students. Winter break then becomes not only a time for rest and celebration but also an opportunity to reinforce the foundations of knowledge and foster a lifelong love for learning.

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4 Ways to Determine Whether Your Montessori Middle Schooler is Getting Enough Rest

Ensuring that your middle school children gets enough rest is crucial for their overall health, well-being, and academic success. The adolescent years are a time of significant growth and development, and sleep plays a vital role in supporting these changes. However, it can be challenging to gauge whether your child is getting adequate sleep, especially when they have increasing responsibilities and a busy schedule.

1. Assess Their Daily Energy Levels

One of the most straightforward ways to gauge whether your child is getting enough rest is by observing their daily energy levels. Middle schoolers require an average of 9-11 hours of sleep per night for optimal health and functioning. If your child consistently appears tired, lethargic, or irritable during the day, it may indicate that they are not getting enough sleep.

2. Monitor Their Sleep Duration

One of the most effective ways to ensure your Montessori middle school student is getting enough sleep is by tracking their sleep duration. Keep a consistent schedule for bedtime and wake-up time, even on weekends, and make sure it aligns with their age-appropriate sleep needs. If your child struggles to wake up in the morning or regularly stays up late to complete homework, it may be a sign that they are not getting adequate rest.

3. Observe Their Academic Performance

Sleep plays a pivotal role in cognitive function and academic performance. If your Montessori middle schooler is not getting enough rest, it can impact their ability to concentrate, retain information, and excel in their studies. If you notice a decline in their academic performance or a sudden decrease in their ability to focus on tasks, it might be due to inadequate sleep.

4. Assess Their Physical and Emotional Well-Being

Insufficient sleep can also affect a child's physical and emotional well-being. Pay attention to any physical symptoms your middle schooler may experience, such as headaches, frequent illness, or weight changes. These could be indicative of sleep deprivation. Additionally, keep an eye on their emotional state. If your child is experiencing emotional and physical symptoms that are out of the ordinary, it may be a sign that they need more rest.

Maintaining a healthy sleep routine for your Montessori middle schooler is essential for their overall well-being, academic success, and emotional stability. If sleep-related issues are identified, it is crucial to implement strategies to establish healthy sleep patterns that support their growth and development during these formative years. Adequate rest is a vital component of a healthy and balanced life, and it is a responsibility that parents, caregivers, and educators should prioritize to ensure the well-being of their children.

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