Role Playing Builds Language

Role Play: Creative Learning Fun

Role playing, also known as dramatic play, helps children develop creativity, confidence, and language skills that are so important for learning to read.
  The theatre doesn’t need to be fancy. The stage can be steps, under a table, or some chairs. Then add clothes and hats for costumes and stuffed animals or dolls for more characters.
  If you plan to take your children to a new place, practice first at home by creating a little play. Children have amazing talents and creativity. They love to be silly and have fun.

Act Out Everyday Situations

Acting is Fun
  Some situations you might act out include: riding a bus, opening presents and saying “thank you” at parties, taking turns, going to the doctor or dentist, grocery shopping, banking, riding on an airplane, going to a nursing home or church, getting a hair cut, going on a train, to a play or school concert, sports event, or movie.
  To role play a bus ride set up chairs for the driver and passengers. Then take turns being the driver with stuffed animals as passengers. Put on jackets and hats for costumes. Take along backpacks, snacks, stuffed animals, a schedule, map, and fare. 
  Adults, children, and stuffed animals can talk through what will happen and what rules are needed for safety and courtesy. Practice giving the fare to the driver and practice courtesy by smiling and saying, “Hello.” Children may practice entering and leaving the bus, sitting, and saying “thank you” to the driver when they leave. 
  The courteous driver may use a pretend microphone to announce places around town and greet passengers. After the ride sing "The Wheels on the Bus Go Round and Round." If possible, go on a real ride and point out landmarks.
Playing at Home
  Adults sometimes forget there is a new world out there every time children go somewhere for the first time. Role playing at home helps them feel more secure, gives them the words they need to express themselves, and helps prevent tears.
  Take a few pictures while role playing or experiencing the real thing and make a little four page book with a sentence and picture on each page. Preschool children can dictate the story while you write a few short sentences with correct capital and lower case printing. They may memorize the words or tell the story using the pictures, often one of the first steps to real reading.

Museum Characters Make Great Role-Play Models

Children’s Museums and Community Theatre classes have many fantastic opportunities to role play. During your next library visit pick up books about first experiences. At home act out some favorite books, videos, or stories. Include stuffed animals that talk with creative voices. 
Photos: Fran Darling: fdarling fotos
More Ideas and Activities....See the authors’ book “Learning Through the Seasons” at area bookstores and grandparentsteachtoo.org. For more help to prepare young children for success in school see the authors’ web site: www.grandparentsteachtoo.org. Also check our audio Podcasts WNMU Radio, 90; Youtube video activities; and join us on Pinterest
 

Great Gifts for Fun and Learning

Regular LEGOs for older children

 When birthdays and holidays come around, grandparents want to give special gifts little ones. While there are many expensive, electronic and mechanical toys available, often the lasting favorite toys are simple and easy to use. Good toys for young children encourage discovery, learning and creativity. They are sturdy and easily handled by little fingers.Here are some gifts recommended by teachers and parents who have seen these toys in use at home and in preschool.

Teacher Recommended Gift Ideas:
All kinds of art/craft supplies like pencils, drawing paper, crayons, washable markers and paints (with supervision), child scissors, glue, colored paper.
Play-dough (store bought or made at home) and little rolling pins, cutters, etc.
  Large plastic connecting pieces like giant Legos, Duplo 

Large LEGOs or Duplos for smaller children

(Regular sized Lego blocks have too many little pieces for very young children.) About age four kids are ready for regular sized Lego pieces.
  Easy wooden puzzles, bath toys, magnetic alphabet letters and number (with supervision) and easy to catch balls for inside and outside. Inflatable beach balls work well inside during cold months.
   Large cardboard building blocks—perfect for stacking and making all sorts of roads, towers, etc. (Search  for Giant Building Block sets by Imagiday, Imagibricks or Melissa Basic Cardboard Blocks.)
  Sandbox and snow toys—plastic pails, shovels, diggers, trucks, etc.,

Easy wooden puzzles

simple to move cars and trucks.
   Baby dolls, simple musical instruments like whistles, drums, horns;  play tools, things for playing dress-up, magnifying glass, piggy banks (Savvy Pig), inside play tent, a snugly blanket, and stuffed animals for imaginary play.
Books Best
  The number one recommendation is BOOKS!  Children need to be read to several times each day if they are to become readers,
  Look for books that introduce the alphabet, colors, shapes other beginning concepts in a creative way like  “Now I Eat My ABCs” by Abrams, “Pets ABC” by Dahl,  “Achoo! Bang! Crash! “By MacDonald, “Chicka Chicka Boom Boom” by Martin, “Click, Clack” by Cronin and “Mouse Paint” by Walsh “10 Little Rubber Ducks” by Carle, “Counting Kisses” by Katz, “Shapes” by Crowther, “Too Big, Too Small, Just Right” by Minters,  “I Stink!” by McMullan, “Yes” and other books by Alborough , and “What Will Fat Cat Sit On?” by Thomas, “Llama, Llama” by Dewdney, “Can You Growl Like a Bear?” by Butler, “Sheep in a Jeep” by Shaw and Apple, “Chickens to the Rescue” by Hillelman, “Corduroy” by Freeman, Moon books by Asch, “Very Hungry Caterpillar” and other stories by Eric Carle,  word books by Richard Scarry, “Where’s Spot?” by Hill,  “Go Dog Go!”, “Put Me in the Zoo” and other titles by Seuss.
  Check book lists at your library, the All-Time Best Books for Preschoolers, Top Books for Toddlers at "http://www.parents.com" www.parents.com, or Trelease-on-reading.com.
Sketches: Mark Nowicki
Photo: Fran Darling, fdarling fotos
More Ideas and Activities....See the authors’ book “Learning Through the Seasons” at area bookstores and grandparentsteachtoo.org. For more help to prepare young children for success in school see the authors’ web site: www.grandparentsteachtoo.org. Also check our audio Podcasts WNMU Radio, 90; Youtube video activities; and join us on Pinterest

Kids Love Photos and “Kahoot.it”

Show Your History - in Photos

Most basements and attics have photographs, loads of snapshots going back several generations. They sit in boxes or layered in photo albums divided between family members.  Photos are a record of how families looked and lived. They are a history waiting to be shared among new generations of young children who are fascinated when someone says, “Look you have the same eyes and smile!”
Take Out Photos
  Winter is a good time to bring those pictures into the sunlight and place them where young children can see them whether they are organized or not. After all, there is always next year.
   Plan a short sharing time. Look for pictures that may be interesting to them. Is there a picture of Mom covered with mud in the sandbox?  Young children can relate to this. Are there photos showing off a string of fish, helping to dress a deer, or sledding down a hill where there are houses now?
  There are probably yearly school,

Remember What Happened?

holiday, birthday, and religious celebration photos with entertaining stories attached.  This is a good time to let young children know that parents and grandparents have had all kinds of experiences happen to them, too. There have been happy, proud, sad, and scary times.
  Are there pictures of family members or loving pets that have died?  Did you know that Fluffy Jason is buried among the raspberry bushes?  Talking through an event and visiting the resting place may help young children who have lost someone or a pet.
  Go back as far as you can into the pictures of your family history. If another family member has one you are missing, put that on your list to ask for copies of the missing pictures so you have a complete set.
  When showing a picture of great grandpa talk about his cutting down trees for heat, raising Belgian draft horses, or going down into the mines.
   If you see an old piece of technology like a dial phone or phonograph, talk about them.  What? There were no on- line videos, cell phones, or TV’s?  What is a typewriter?
  Discussions like these could lead to a family outing at the local museum, library or another trip to the attic or basement.
Kahoot.it
  If there is a teen in the house introduce them to kahoot.it. It is an application to make

View How-To Slideshow (link below)

your own family quizzes when everyone has a cell phone or other device.   Teens can work with grandparents to make a quiz about family pictures and involve all the generations at family gatherings. How much do members know about family pictures and their history? The application is free, fun, educational, and easy to use. Children may have already used it in their classrooms. 
Get Started with Kahoot.it http://www.slideshare.net/mansoorkhan386/kahootit-game-pin
photos: Fran Darling, fdarling fotos
More Ideas and Activities....See the authors’ book “Learning Through the Seasons” at area bookstores and grandparentsteachtoo.org. For more help to prepare young children for success in school see the authors’ web site: www.grandparentsteachtoo.org. Also check our audio Podcasts WNMU Radio, 90; Youtube video activities; and join us on Pinterest

Easy Math Recipes for Kids

Baking For Fun and Learning

Two fun and successful recipes for young children are "Three Ingredient Apple Danish" and "Eggless Cake." These recipes provide math skill practice and talking time for young children without feeling like work.
Dashing Danish
  These are like little apple pies found at fast food places.
You’ll need three ingredients: 2 medium cooking apples like Granny Smith or Golden Delicious, 1/3 cup white sugar, and two sheets ready rolled puff pastry.                 
  Peel, quarter, and core apples.

Young children can use a table knife to cut after adults have peeled the apples. Place in a saucepan with a few splashes of water.  Cover and cook over medium heat for about 4 minutes until the apples have softened. The apples are also delicious with morning oatmeal.
  Remove from heat and stir through with the sugar. Add a small amount at a time since you may not want to use all the sugar. Then set to cool.
  Children can cut each puff pastry sheet in half and half again and then into two triangles or any other shape.  Talk about shapes with the kids while brushing each border of the pastry with water. Spread big spoonful of apples on top but not too close to the edges. 
Cut another pastry rectangle as you did before and cut a few slits across the shapes being careful not to cut all the way across. Place over the apple covered shapes so they fit together. Lightly press and firmly press along the edges. Children can use a fork to press down on the edges. Sprinkle each lightly with sugar.  Bake 12-15 minutes in a 220-degree oven or until puffed and golden.
Vegan Cake
  This chocolate cake was commonly made in cities during WWII when eggs were rationed and chocolate was saved for a special occasion.
In one bowl mix 1 ¾ cups nondairy type milk (almond, soy), 2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar, 1 ¼ cups unsweetened applesauce, 2/3 cup canola oil, and 2 teaspoon vanilla. 
In another bowl sift together (or gently mix well with a spoon) 2 cups plus 2 Tablespoons flour, 1 1/3 cups granulated sugar, 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 2 teaspoons baking soda, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon salt. 
Slowly mix (with a mixer) dry ingredients to liquid ones. Children can put their hand on top of yours to get the experience while talking about safety. Mix until very creamy. 
Place in cupcake papers or a cake pan sprayed with cooking spray. Cook in 350-degree oven 25-30 minutes, less for the cupcakes. Check the center with a toothpick.  It should come out clean. 
Let cool. Eat with ice cream and a few raspberries on top.
Sketch: Mark Nowicki
More Ideas and Activities....See the authors’ book “Learning Through the Seasons” at area bookstores and grandparentsteachtoo.org. For more help to prepare young children for success in school see the authors’ web site: www.grandparentsteachtoo.org. Also check our audio Podcasts WNMU Radio, 90; Youtube video activities; and join us on Pinterest

Kids Cooking Creative Veggies

Make Veggies Fun & Creative

Children love to cook when the food is made quickly and looks interesting. Potatoes are a good choice because they cook quickly and can be dressed up or dressed down for picky palettes. They fill kids up with a variety of vitamins and minerals.
  In 1995 potatoes became the first vegetable to be grown in space as an experiment for long voyages. The Incas in Peru started growing potatoes in 8,000 B.C., but the Spanish did not introduce them to Europe until 1536. Later the English brought them to Jamestown, Virginia.
  Thomas Jefferson introduced French fries in 1801. As we know, they taste good but are not healthy. Good alternatives to fries are roasted potatoes easily made with children’s help.
Roasted Potatoes
  Cut the potatoes to look like chunky fries. Adults can do the peeling and cutting into fourths the long way. Then children can use a table knife to

Even Shopping Is Learning

cut them into strips. If they need help, put your hand over theirs to apply a little more muscle.
  Place in a bowl and add a few tablespoons of olive oil, enough to coat the potatoes.  Sprinkle a little salt and pepper and toss until evenly coated. Children will enjoy carefully pushing them around. Then kids can organize them on a cookie sheet in rows one layer thick. Place in a 450-degree oven for 15-20 minutes.  Check and gently stir or turn occasionally. When slightly cooled, children may dip in ketchup.
  For variety try some of the 3,800 kinds of potatoes. In the U.S. potatoes are blue, purple, red along with yellow and white. Add sweet potatoes (not real potatoes) for the orange color. If children will eat them, leave the skins on for more nutritional value.
Dinosaur Spuds
 

Baked Potatoes + Veggies

Baked potatoes can be made into many animals and objects by decorating them with vegetables like raw carrots, cooked peas, beans, and peas. Speed up the cooking time by placing in a microwave.  First cover one thoroughly washed baking potato with olive oil and pierce the skin on each side with a fork. Cook on high in the microwave for about three–five minutes, turn over and cook for about three more.  Test for "doneness." It should be squishy. Check on it or you will have a rock.
  To make dinosaurs cut two wedges off the top of the potato to use them for a dinosaur neck, head, and tail and set aside. Mash up the inside and add butter to melt. Carefully arrange one wedge to like a neck and head sticking out of the potato and add the other for a tail. Children can add little pieces of tomatoes, beans, or sweet pepper for eyes and tail plates. 
Photos: Fran Darling: fdarling fotos 
More Ideas and Activities....See the authors’ book “Learning Through the Seasons” at area bookstores and grandparentsteachtoo.org. For more help to prepare young children for success in school see the authors’ web site: www.grandparentsteachtoo.org. Also check our audio Podcasts WNMU Radio, 90; Youtube video activities; and join us on Pinterest

Fun and Thoughtful Fall Art

Make a Family Tree

Late fall is a good time to do family activities with small children that teach kindness and caring for one another, especially for family members who may be ill, alone, or lonely.  This Thanksgiving project creates a family tree full of pictures and messages.
  You’ll need some brown wrapping paper, colored paper, children’s scissors, glue, markers, crayons, and family and pet photos.
Caring Family Tree
  Draw a tree with a trunk and branches using markers and crayons. The tree can be very large or the size of two pieces of computer paper.  It can be sent in pieces in a large envelope ready to be put together at its destination.
  Young children will enjoy coloring the bark and adding squirrel holes. To make leaves, trace hands on colored paper and cut them out. Print family members’ names on the leaves with messages of love, sentences remembering good times, and reasons to be thankful.  Children can dictate sentences about  good times with relatives. Fun and humorous times like swimming, fishing, or playing ball will bring smiles to someone who needs them.

Glue Photographs to the Leaves

  Draw
  Children  can add drawings or glued on photographs to the leaves. Do this activity over a few days in very short periods of time since children need time to think and draw. Take a break often and do an active fun activity or snack and read if you want good quality drawings.
   Adapt this idea for different ages.Very young children can make circles and color them or add string for balloon. They can trace their little hand on a bigger leaf.
All ages can dictate short sentences to an older child about something fun they did with Grandpa and Grandma like visiting the fair, attending a college football game, or cooking.  It’s a good chance for older children to practice penmanship.
 Include the family pet.  They can make paw prints on the leaves. Children may add a few messages of love from the pets. Trace their paws or if you’re adventurous, dip their paws in poster paint.

Write Messages on the Leaves

If mailing a tree, a few leaves may be cut into large puzzle pieces while keeping the rest the intact. Relatives offer need help putting up the family tree so offer to visit and bring along the children. Young children can be taught how to visit someone who is ill and what to say and do to bring them comfort.
  Children may want to add little extra decorations like a squirrel, a few birds, or bird’s nest in future visits.
  The leaves may also have quotes from famous people like Mark Twain or Yogi Berra. “When you come to a fork in the road, take it.” “Take it with a grin of salt.”
Photos: Fran Darling fdarling fotos 
More Ideas and Activities....See the authors’ book “Learning Through the Seasons” at area bookstores and grandparentsteachtoo.org. For more help to prepare young children for success in school see the authors’ web site: www.grandparentsteachtoo.org. Also check our audio Podcasts WNMU Radio, 90; Youtube video activities; and join us on Pinterest

Keeping Children Happy Traveling

Everyday Objects - Great Discussions

Grandparents often need to transport children around town for shopping, to activities, the library, and home from school. These car seat times can be frustrating for both children and driver unless there is a plan for the trip. Of course, you can take along snacks, drinks, favorite blanket, toys, and books to help pass the time.  With the addition of verbal games children stay interested, take turns, and learn while the driver does not need to take eyes off the road no matter how long the trip.
 Discussion Games
   One game is called “What Do You Know?”  The adult makes up simple questions and children take turns giving their answers.  Questions are based on the age/interest/vocabulary and experience level of each player.  For example: Driver (for the younger child): “How many colors do you know?” or “What are the names of the people in our family?” or

What Do You Know?

“What are the names of the seasons?” or “What foods are orange?” or “What do we call a person who takes care of us when we get sick?” or “Who grows food for our grocery stores?”
  For the older child, the questions could be related to geography, history, etc.  Example: “How many states can you name that begin with the word New?” or “How many bird names can you remember?” or “Name a holiday for each season”, or “What is 9 X9?”  Once you get started, you will think of many, many possible questions.
  Another car game is called, “I’m Thinking of

Something” (pick a color). Children watch out the window to find something this color.

  Reading signs is a great way to encourage signal and word awareness.  “Can you find a sign with a number or an arrow or the name of a store?” “Can you find a sign that starts with the letter “S”,  etc.?”

Find a Sign That Starts With...

Learning Games
  Car games can help develop curiosity and improve thinking and speaking abilities, in addition to making the ride more fun and enjoyable for everyone.  Recalling facts, comparing, putting things in categories, reading signs, counting items, listening and taking turns, are important skills that will help prepare children for school
  Sing favorite songs, and make up your own words. Sing along with favorite children’s cd’s.  Look for cows, horses, and trucks of a certain color.  Retell a favorite storybook or movie.  Discuss favorite foods or places to visit. Think about how two things are the same or different. Example “How are a bird and an airplane the same or different?” Photos: Fran Darling, fdarling fotos
More Ideas and Activities....See the authors’ book “Learning Through the Seasons” at area bookstores and grandparentsteachtoo.org. For more help to prepare young children for success in school see the authors’ web site: www.grandparentsteachtoo.org. Also check our audio Podcasts WNMU Radio, 90; Youtube video activities; and join us on Pinterest

Learning Children’s Milestones

  Children go through many developmental stages as they grow to maturity. 

Support Language

Families can look for these stages and share progress with their doctor at every well-child visit.  Physicians stress that it is never too early to help our children learn at every developmental stage by talking, reading, and singing.
Support Language
  From birth to two months babies make gurgling sounds and turn their heads toward sounds.  Families can respond to babies and reinforce that behavior. When babies smile, gurgle, and coo they are talking to us and it is important to talk back and smile. Physicians encourage families to hold them, cuddle, smile, and read to them in soft friendly voices.
  At four months babies begin to babble with expression and copy sounds they hear.  Talk back to them in their babbling language and with adult language. They may often babble when you read to them like they are reading along.
  By six months babies respond to sounds by making sounds.  They will respond to their own name and start making the “m” and “b” sounds.
  They understand “No” by nine months and make many different syllables like “mamama” and ” bababa.” Families can see language developing and can help by reading, talking and singing at meals, while playing, dressing, riding in the car, preparing for nap time and before bed. Hold them by a window and tell them about their world.
  By 12 months toddlers shake their heads “no” and wave “bye bye.”  They will copy words they hear.
Read, Talk, Sing
Single recognizable words appear about 18 months and they point to what they want. When they point, fill in the words. “Oh, you want the red ball.” Help children turn pages of thick cardboard books and point out pictures while describing them.

Read, Talk, Sing

By two years, children will point to things or pictures when named. They will often say sentences with two to four words and follow one-step simple instructions.
  In the third year, children may follow 2 and 3 step instructions. They can carry on a conversation with two or three sentences.  Non-family members unaccustomed to their speech may understand them.
  By four years old they can tell stories.  They know some basic rules of language grammar as long as adults continue to use correct language around them.
By five years they mostly speak

Stages are Milestones

clearly and can use future tense like “Grandpa will be here soon.”
  If families are ever worried about milestones physicians urge them to discuss this with their physician. Acting early makes a difference.
  For more information check the cdc.gov/Concerned and cdc.gov/ActEarly websites. 
Photos: Fran Darling, fdarling fotos
More Ideas and Activities....See the authors’ book “Learning Through the Seasons” at area bookstores and grandparentsteachtoo.org. For more help to prepare young children for success in school see the authors’ web site: www.grandparentsteachtoo.org. Also check our audio Podcasts WNMU Radio, 90; Youtube video activities; and join us on Pinterest

Riding Google Maps Magic Carpet

Practice First

Take a magic carpet wide with children and Google maps. You will need an ordinary rug for a magic carpet, a computer, and Google Maps found by typing it in the Google search window.
  Explain that it’s time for imaginary magic carpet rides like the ones Aladdin takes.   Sit on a rug and pretend you are going around your neighborhood high above the trees rather than in the car. Lean to the right and left to make a turn and dodge trees, dogs, or any obstacles children can imagine.
  When it is time to use Google Maps with children use a laptop rather than a desktop, if possible. Bring it on the floor to the magic carpet so the experience is more realistic. Some grandparents have magic couches if the floor is a bit too low for the knees.
Practice First
 Navigating Google Maps may take a little practice before playing with children. Go to Google.com.

Type in an Address

Type in Google Maps in the search rectangle.
  Click on Google Maps and type your house address into the search rectangle in the upper left of your screen. Then click on the search magnifying glass. Click on the satellite picture on the lower left of the screen to see a satellite view.
  Explain to children that you are all going on a magic carpet ride to look at their house the way a bird sees it and pretend to drop a heart picture on the steps.
 Show your children the map that appears. You will see an aerial shot of the neighborhood with trees, roads, and water features.  Click the plus sign on the screen’s right side several times to see a close up of the rooftops. Click on the screen and move the mouse very slowly to get the feeling that you are hovering over the rooftops.  Find your house and pretend to drop the love note.  Family members might place the exact message on the doorstep ahead of time and later children can find it.
Find Famous Spots
   Slowly move the mouse arrow around to travel down the street to landmarks children might recognize like a playground, school, or parking lot. Street names will usually be labeled making it easier to follow a route. If you’re lucky, there may be cars in driveways or parking lots.

Find Famous Spots

  Continue moving the screen to find a gravel pit, river, or lake. Children will be able to see the light colored shallow water and the darker deeper water. They will also enjoy seeing Glacier National Park, the Grand Canyon, Disney World, the White House, or relatives’ houses around the world. Satellites and thousands of planes crisscrossing the Earth have taken these images.
Screen Shots: Google maps
More Ideas and Activities....See the authors’ book “Learning Through the Seasons” at area bookstores and grandparentsteachtoo.org. For more help to prepare young children for success in school see the authors’ web site: www.grandparentsteachtoo.org. Also check our audio Podcasts WNMU Radio, 90; Youtube video activities; and join us on Pinterest

Making, Raking, and Painting Leaves

 

Take a Walk to Collect Leaves

Young children’s minds are wondrous creative gifts. We sometimes forget how much they can absorb. Fall is an excellent season for science and art learning fun and they don’t take much time.
  You’ll need coffee filters, paper towels, child safety scissors, watercolors, a dinner plate, and leaves
  Take a short walk and collect some colorful leaves. Explain how leaves are nature’s food factories.  They take water from the ground through their plant roots.
  Introduce a few science terms. Young children learn long dinosaur names and master a DVD controller so why not a little science?
Science Concepts
  Leaves take a gas called carbon dioxide from the air (that we exhale) and use sunlight and water to turn this gas into glucose (sugar) for the plant and oxygen for us to breathe. A green chemical called chlorophyll helps make it all happen and covers up other beautiful leaf colors.  Plants use the sugar as a food for energy. This is photosynthesis meaning putting together with light.
  In fall the tree gets ready to rest for the winter and live off the sugar. There is less sunshine and no need for chlorophyll so the tree shuts off water to the leaves with  little walls and we get to see all the colors that were hidden by the green as leaves die and fall to the ground. Children can act this out.
Watercolor Fun
  Help your children identify all of the leaf colors before placing leaves in a heavy book to press.

Identify Colors Along the Way

Then take out a few absorbent coffee filters, watercolors, and a plate of rinsing water. Teach the kids to rinse off their bush to keep it clean.
  To make maple leaves, children can spread fingers and trace their hand on a filter. For oak leaves trace their foot or palm with fingers snug together.
  After checking that your children are grasping the scissors correctly, help them hold and cut out the filter leaves. If they cut out jagged leaves, no problem.  They are doing the best they can right now.
  On a paper towel make a few water colors they observed on real leaves like red, yellow, purple (red and blue) orange (red and yellow) brown (orange plus a little blue or green plus a little red.
  Children can now paint their filter leaves.

Continue to Use Science Words

The watercolors will blend together. Allow the leaves to dry and press in a book or gently iron, if curly. Tape them in a sunny window or glue on a cardboard circle to make a wreath.
 Use the science words at least six times on future walks and discussions together.  Encourage them to explain to someone else how leaves turn colors.
Photos: Fran Darling, fdarling fotos

More Ideas and Activities....See the authors’ book “Learning Through the Seasons” at area bookstores and grandparentsteachtoo.org. For more help to prepare young children for success in school see the authors’ web site: www.grandparentsteachtoo.org. Also check our audio Podcasts WNMU Radio, 90; Youtube video activities; and join us on Pinterest

Teaching Kids Anytime Anywhere

Name the Colors

Many young families are working in a little bit of reading and math teaching with children as they go about daily errands. They have great ideas to share. Here are a few....
Sneak in Reading
   While shopping, practice the alphabet and their sounds.  At the grocery store point out fruits and vegetables and ask for beginning sounds that are one consonant.  Ask children to find letters you name on signs or familiar words like in, out and checkout.
   A little of this goes a long way or you’ll never finish the shopping, but some teaching is a good habit anywhere. Soon young children will expect teaching while doing errands. 
  As soon as possible, teach children to read labels. One parent last week gave each of his three young children a box of cereal. They were expected to find the sugar, salt, and protein content in grams on the nutrition label. Then he skillfully guided the discussion to decide what cereal was best to keep them healthy. He also had the oldest child help write and read the grocery list. Impressive!
  Children can learn many words at the grocery. However, avoid saying, “Sound it out”

Lots to Learn Here!

for every word. Many English words cannot be sounded out. The individual sounds won’t blend together to make the word. “Through” is a good example. If children can sound out one or more syllables correctly and get stumped simply tell them the word and its meaning. They will learn that trying to figure out words is fun.
   Keep a variety of library books, a clipboard, drawing paper and colored pencils in a small plastic bin in your car so children can read and draw pictures. 
Stealth Math
  Family math teaching can also be done anywhere, any time. Back in the grocery store children can pick out fruits and vegetables based on characteristics you list for them. Picking out something based on certain traits and finding likenesses and differences are important math skills. Young children can choose ripe dark ripe purple plums and place six in a plastic bag, for example.
   They can also count out a nice bunch of five bananas based on your criteria. If you have time, place fruits and vegetables on the scale and

Count the Shapes!

have the kids read the numbers.
   Children can read the aisle numbers and simple money signs. They can count out small boxes or bags of goods for the cart.
  Help them understand what a gram looks like.  It weighs as much as a paper clip. If there are nine grams of sugar in a cereal serving show them a pile of nine in a spoon so they can picture and remember when they make food choices.  
photos: Fran Darling, fdarling fotos ; sketch: Mark Nowicki
More Ideas and Activities....See the authors’ book “Learning Through the Seasons” at area bookstores and grandparentsteachtoo.org. For more help to prepare young children for success in school see the authors’ web site: www.grandparentsteachtoo.org. Also check our audio Podcasts WNMU Radio, 90; Youtube video activities; and join us on Pinterest

Lacing Cards Fun and Helpful

Materials

Sometimes families need quiet time and easy activities to help provide that peacefulness.  Lacing string through holes of colorful cardboard pictures is a cheap quiet activity for many developmental stages.
Materials: 
  Cardboard or paper plates, hole puncher, yarn or string, scotch tape, colored picture or paper, markers, and glue.
What to do:
  Gather sturdy paper plates, or eight- inch square pieces of cardboard or cereal boxes.
  To prepare the lacing backgrounds, decorate one side. Children may cut out colorful magazine picture of one large object and glue the picture on one side of the cardboard. They may also color a large simple picture from a coloring book like a pumpkin, butterfly, train or person. Once colored and cut out, glue it on.

Color, cut glue...

Another possibility is to draw a circle, star, square or other geometric figure with a fat marker. In all cases, reinforce the back of the cardboard background with tape where the holes will be so the cardboard will not tear.
   Use a hole puncher to make holes one to three inches apart along the outline of the picture.  Young children will probably not be strong enough to do this part.
  If desired, frame the picture with holes around the edge and about two inches indented for older children. They can experiment making yarn or string designs as frames.

Prepare Lacing Backgrounds

One can also add a bit of math, pre-reading, and organization aid by numbering or placing the ABC’s next to the holes. This step will help children create a beautiful lined picture when complete.
  Gather one or two foot pieces of colorful strong yarn or string that will easily fit through the holes. Shorter is better than longer to avoid entanglement of string and children. It is easy to start a new short piece, but frustrating to untangle a long one. Encircle each end of the yarn with tape similar to shoelace ends.
 For storage, place each lacing card in a plastic bag and tie the required strings in a big loose knot to keep them from being a knotted mess.
Learn to Tie
  Show young children how to sew in and out to avoid wrapping the string around the card.  They may need help following the numbered and lettered holes Sometimes they may want to make their own path.
  Older children may like sewing on a large button between two punched holes. They may enjoy using a large blunt tipped plastic needle to sew from hole to hole.  
  Older children may enjoy using two longish pieces of yarn hanging from the squares to practice making knots or making bows for their shoes.  For tying shoes use the easier bunny ears method. 

Photos: Fran Darling, fdarling fotos

More Ideas and Activities....See the authors’ book “Learning Through the Seasons” at area bookstores and grandparentsteachtoo.org. For more help to prepare young children for success in school see the authors’ web site: www.grandparentsteachtoo.org. Also check our audio Podcasts WNMU Radio, 90; Youtube video activities; and join us on Pinterest

Parfaits Perfect After School Snacks

more than just a fruit treat!!

Are you looking for recipes to make with children or
they can make themselves? Parfaits are the perfect choice for any age because they are naturally simple, slightly messy, and taste really great. It must be the variety of colors and textures, too. They can be eaten for an easy after school snack, a meal, or dessert.
   Parfaits have mostly nutritious ingredients that children like. They are made by layering yogurt or pudding with fresh or thawed frozen fruits and berries and topped with something crunchy.
Creamy Snack
  The next time you go shopping have parfait
ingredients in mind. Look for low fat vanilla, plain, or strawberry yogurt. Greek yogurt is the best because it is very creamy. Fage is one kind that has a 0% fat and tastes very creamy and fattening, but it is not. It is not sour like many other plain yogurts. This yogurt also comes with higher fat contents, if desired.

Children can help look for fresh or frozen berries like blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries.

Shop together for yogurt, berries, fruits

They can help pick out fresh or frozen peaches, plums, grapes, pears and bananas to cut into small pieces with a table knife. Children may also like to add a layer of raisins or craisins.
  Parfaits look most delicious in a see through plastic glass. Start with any ingredient and add colorful layers. Repeat the layers to make a beautiful, nutritious work of art.
  Top with a layer of something crunchy like Cheerios, granola, cookie or graham cracker crumbs. Sometimes they might add a little whipped cream and a cherry for a special occasion.
  If the parfait is not eaten at one sitting, it can easily be stored in the refrigerator. Only the crunchies may not be so crunchy, but still tasty. Children especially like to eat them with a long handled sundae float spoon.
  If you don’t mind a little chocolate surprise, add a bit of chocolate syrup or chocolate chips. A tiny spoon of peanut butter can be a fun surprise among the other textures. Check for allergies first though.
Yogurt Pudding
  As long as children are not allergic to it, peanut butter is a go-to protein ingredient for after school snacks.  Children can make an easy peanut butter pudding by mashing one banana cut into chunks, adding ½ cup Greek yogurt, and ½ cup peanut butter. Mash the banana with a fork or potato masher. Mash in the yogurt. Mash in the peanut butter. Better yet, with adult supervision combine all ingredients in a blender until smooth. Pour into serving dishes and refrigerate or just eat immediately.     
 photos: Fran Darling, fdarling foto; sketch: Mark Nowicki

More Ideas and Activities....See the authors’ book “Learning Through the Seasons” at area bookstores and grandparentsteachtoo.org. For more help to prepare young children for success in school see the authors’ web site: www.grandparentsteachtoo.org. Also check our audio Podcasts WNMU Radio, 90; Youtube video activities; and join us on Pinterest

Toddlers Are So Fun to Teach

Toddlers seem to grow and change daily

Toddlers ages 12-24 months seem to grow and change daily. They make great strides in every area of development.  It is an exciting time for families to share activities.  What are some of the milestones of this age and how can we encourage our toddlers along the way?
  One of the most noticeable changes is the increase in vocabulary and development.
They are learning new words daily.  They will begin by pointing to objects such as their favorite blanket.  Encourage your children to use words even if you know what they want.

They are learning new words daily

Add additional words of your own such as “You want your blanket. Daddy will get your blue blanket.”
  There’s nothing like reading with your toddlers to help increase vocabulary and understanding.  It’s also a great time to give your toddler some choices.  Do you want to read “Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?” or “Good Night, Moon”?  Do not give choices when they don’t exist.  For example, “It’s time for your bath.” rather than “Are you ready for your bath?” They may say,” No.”
  Your toddlers are learning about emotions by reading your face.  They respond to the expression on your face and the tone of your voice.  Feel free to be over expressive.  For example, “You found your teddy bear! Let me give you a big hug!” or  “Stop! We need to stop, look both ways, and listen before we cross the street.”   Toddlers are just beginning to recognize and manage their feelings.  They have a wide range of emotions and may respond with a tantrum when tired or frustrated.  The best way to prevent tantrums is to distract them by suggesting another activity or offering a source of comfort such as a teddy bear.
  Toddlers are beginning to understand imaginative play.  They may imitate what you are doing

Play is important...

in the kitchen or out in the garage.  Play kitchens or tool sets are good toy choices for this stage.  They may also use objects in different ways.  For example, a block might become a truck or a telephone.  Offer opportunities to   play with sand, water, and play dough as well as drawing materials. 
  Provide safe play areas in your home and yard where your toddlers can move around freely.  Take walks outdoors and visit parks and nature centers where you can explore the environment. Seek out

Visit parks and nature centers

playgrounds where your toddlers can interact with other children and adults.
 Enjoy this special time with your toddlers.  They are so open to learning, especially when it’s with the people they love most.  Talk, laugh, and move around together. Share the fun of learning! Take photos of block building, art, and other projects and send them to relatives.
photos: Fran Darling, fdarling fotos - sketch: Mark Nowicki 


More Ideas and Activities....See the authors’ book “Learning Through the Seasons” at area bookstores and grandparentsteachtoo.org. For more help to prepare young children for success in school see the authors’ web site: www.grandparentsteachtoo.org. Also check our audio Podcasts WNMU Radio 90; Youtube video activities; and join us on Pinterest