If you’ve been following PLAY & GROW for very long, you know one thing for sure about me. I’m more than passionate, closer to obsessed about, providing play-based activities so children PLAY! And why? The reason is twofold. First, PLAY is instrumental for children to gain the knowledge, skills, concepts and capabilities that they need now. Second PLAY lays this important knowledge/skills foundation from which children build upon for use in the future. The basic developmental domains in … [Read more...]
Autumn Leaves & the Great Pumpkin
I know the New England area is renowned for the colors of Autumn, but as I get out and about here in the PNW we can be awfully proud of our own spectacular show put on by the changing of the seasons! What a sensory extravaganza! THAT of course means it's full of learning opportunities for kiddos! Go out on a nature walk! Collect LEAVES: Be sure to look for 1. Different shape of leaves OR 2. Leaves in a variety colors For example, look at this leaf I found.... Its vibrant color stopped … [Read more...]
Indians & Thanksgiving
Autumn has several holidays; one is Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving, in the US, is celebrated on the 4th Thursday in November; in Canada, they come to the table on the 2nd Monday of October. I first learned of Thanksgiving in elementary school—a long, long time ago. Back then, the stereotypical Pilgrims and Indians presentation was given. There is no way to go back in time and undo the terrible injustices suffered by the native peoples. With the exception of those various tribes of original … [Read more...]
Creating Schedules–Managing Stress for Your Child
Pandemics certainly qualify as stressful times for children. Other Life events like divorce, illness (or death), or moving are full of stress too. It’s during times of stress or uncertainty children find comfort in routines. Schedules are routines put to paper, whiteboard chart, or electronically on your phone. It’s the predictability of schedules that lets children know what to expect. CHANGE is the Only Constant in Life... Right now families are in the midst of dealing with the coronavirus. … [Read more...]
“S” is for Summer, Swimming and Safety!
“S” is for Summer, Swimming and Safety! What’s this? Could Teacher Karen have had a change in philosophy? NO! I’m still not fond of ‘letter of the day’ style of teaching for young children. I think it buys into the whole push-down academics model that is so prevalent right now. Kindergarteners and preschoolers should not be expected to master topics or skills that traditionally were reserved for later grades and older children. There are important, foundational steps and accomplishments young … [Read more...]
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