PLAY is the WAY children learn during the early childhood years. How fortunate that is for parents, caregivers and/or their teachers! Because when PLAY is the basis for learning activities it makes learning not only fun, but something that happens naturally. Plus, as an added bonus, it also creates a desire to continue to want to learn! Focus on the Senses: Provide as many opportunities for your kiddos to engage their senses—and if they use more than one for the same activity all the better! … [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...]
It’s Easy as 1, 2, 3–Why Math Readiness is Important
What is math readiness? For young children it encompasses a handful of principles. Have you ever heard anyone say “I hate math” or “I’m no good at math”? I literally don’t understand those comments. It’s impossible to get on in Life without math. Children, in particular, need to be exposed straightaway to math activities to add to their concrete knowledge base. And by math activities I don’t mean filling in worksheets or completing levels of a computer game. Oh my NO!! Step out your door and … [Read more...]
Give Gifts, a Sensory Activity for Gratitude
It is better to give than receive. You've heard it--we’ve all heard it and, of course, it’s true! I know my heart fills with delight in seeing others truly happy with something I’ve done for or given them. Letting children experience this helps them to develop a sense of gratitude. Giving can be done in many ways: ---------------------------------------------------helping around the house -----------------------------------------------------choosing a special gift; … [Read more...]