Kids Corner Fall 2018 Happy Fall, and welcome to the latest edition of “Kids Corner.” In the last publication we talked about creating lifelong readers. In this edition we will look further into developing a love for reading in your child. Providing rich experiences for your child will also create an enthusiasm for the written word. I hope you will find many useful ideas for creating those experiences here! Blessings, Kim Hering, Director of Early Education
Making Everyday Activities into a Learning Experience
Here are 5 fun ways to turn regular, every day activities into learning experiences.
1. Fun with Numbers: Kids love to count! Use these simple ideas to foster simple math concepts:
Let’s count to 10 while you wash your hands! Will you get 2 eggs out of the refrigerator? Find 4 of your favorite toys.
How many Goldfish did I give you?
2. Fun with Letters: Identifying letters is the first step to reading literacy. These ideas will help grow this skill:
Point out letters on cereal boxes, on signs, and in books. Have your child trace letters in dirt, water, or sand. Work on recognition of his or her own name and identifying letters in your child’s own name.
Write your child’s name on a piece of paper and let him or her trace it with his or her finger or crayon. (Hint:
using a crayon provides resistance that is helpful to the early writer.)
When driving, ask your child to find a letter on a sign. 3. Fun with Shapes and Colors: Understanding shapes and colors
will help your child to grow in understanding of fundamental math and reading concepts. Use the following activities to help your child practice these skills:
While your child is brushing his teeth or washing her
hands, ask him or her to locate a square in the bathroom. Ask him the color of his toothbrush.
As you drive, have your child name the shapes of street signs and colors they see.
Play “I Spy” with shapes and colors around the house.
Have your child trace shapes in the sand, water, or dirt. While dressing, ask your child to name the color of their items of clothing.
4. Fun with Sizes and Comparisons: It is important for your child
to know comparison words, such as bigger and smaller, shorter and taller, and heavier and lighter. Here are some examples of questions you can ask your child to help them to learn these concepts:
Which cup is bigger?
Is one plate smaller than the other? Which person is shorter?
Which bag or groceries is heavier?
Have your child describe how items are different from one another.
5. Fun with Conversation: Person-to-person interaction is one of
the most important activities for a child’s brain development. The more you talk with your child, the more vocabulary they will learn. Following are some ways you can engage your child in meaningful conversation that will increase their vocabulary tremendously: Talk about what you see as you walk or drive.
Point out signs, buildings, animals, and colors. Tell your child what you see, and ask them what they see. Talk about your day or about what you are doing.
Tell your child stories from when you were a child.
Ask your child about his or her favorites colors, animals, or people. Ask your child why he or she likes that item the best.
Reading books together can also be a great way to begin conversations.
http://scfirststeps.com/5-simple-ways-to-turn-everyday-moments-into-learning-opportunities/
Whoooo Said Reading Can’t be Fun?
Reading provides a critical foundation for success in school.
Studies show that students who read well are more likely to do well in other subjects because reading broadens their creativity, vocabulary, and comprehension.
Ways to make reading more fun for your child include: Pick the right books.
Ask your child what kinds of stories he or she likes to read.
Read aloud.
Be expressive when you read to your child. Try adding silly voices for each character.
Act out the stories.
Have your child act out a story, draw a picture or make up a puppet show.
Encourage all forms of reading.
Magazines, graphic novels, maps, and newspapers are another great way to make reading fun.
Chose books about his or her interests. Create a reading space.
Make a fun area in your house where your child can
Make connections between books and real life. (for example before going camping read an adventure book to your child)
Let your child choose.
Let your child pick the book he or she would like to read.
Listen to audio books.
Children who find reading frustrating may find an audio book much more enjoyable.
Start a series.
Book series are a wonderful way to catch your child’s interest and make reading more enjoyable.
Have a “reading hour.”
Schedule a daily or weekly time for your child to sit down and read.
Take a trip to the library.
Take your child to the library on a regular basis.
Click here for more information on creating lifelong readers!