It wasn't on Old McDonald's Farm, but my preschool was housed on a farm. That meant learning and interacting with animals was, by default and design, mandatory. I enjoyed introducing children to and sharing with the joys of being up-close and personal with the farm animals. Just like I enjoy it with my grandchildren! Farm Animals Teach Children So Much! ● The basics like: · their looks; · the sounds they make; · what foods … [Read more...]
Play-Based Activities for Play-Based Learning!
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...]
Why Pretend Play is Important
What's one of the best ways to guarantee your child will thrive? By carefully tending to their creative spirit and infusing a sense of PLAYfulness to their learning. And guess what? Creativity and PLAYfulness come together naturally in pretend PLAY! What is Pretend PLAY? • Starts around 2 to 3 years of age • Scenes and people from family life, school and/or daycare all act as inspiration • It revolves around the acting out of stories. Stories' themes let kids: · explore multiple … [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...]
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