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

Singing Helps Young Children

Singing is a wonderful and fun way of interacting with young children.  Rhythm and movement are a part of life. Infant brains are sensitive to the human voice and to musical sounds. Young children relate to the rhythm and flow of music with their whole bodies. Songs with movements are especially appealing and useful. For non-verbal and hearing impaired children, the movements are the musical experience. Children love to tap and clap while they listen to music and while they sing! Check out some children’s songs CD’s from your local library.
Singing Rhymes

deer are here....

   Rhymes, finger plays, and word games can be very motivating.  How many words can you and your grandchild come up with that rhyme with “bat”? How about “can”? Of course, made up words count too! The goal is to have fun with rhyming.  Did you know that children who have a strong sense of how our language works are more apt to be successful readers? The importance of talking and singing a lot with your youngsters cannot be overemphasized. Our brains may be pre-programmed to relate to music.
 The following is a simple chant to enjoy together. Feel the beat on your knees, on your knees (tapping knees with hands). Feel the beat on your shoulders, on your shoulders (Take turns singing and tapping different parts of the body.). Babies like this, too.
Singing Teaches Concepts
 At home families can help teach important concepts. Make up your own tune. A simple song/poem about water can help develop an appreciation of this valuable resource. It’s called “Water Water,

Water, water...everywhere

Everywhere” Water water everywhere and not a drop to spare. Water in the ground and water in the air. Though it may evaporate it never goes away. Stays on top of mountains, melts and floats into the bay. Refrain: Animals need water; people need it too. Keep it clean for me and I’ll keep it clean for you. Second verse: Now you can take a shower in it, you can wash your hair. You can wash your clothes or wash your teddy bear. Really clean water is getting kind of rare. If we want to save it, people have to care. Families can make up their own melody for the words.
    Singing is a great way to transition from one activity to another. You can sing Barney’s famous “Clean up Song” or make up your own when it’s time to do anything. Music gets children’s attention.
   Music can be exciting, motivating and also soothing.  Often babies and preschoolers love to hear the same familiar songs before nap and bedtime.  After reading a favorite book, turn off the lights and help your little ones relax with a few quiet songs. 
Guest writer is Nancy von Burske, Montessori early childhood teacher.
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