We Are Learning in February |
Now that your child is in kindergarten, there are new ways you can help them learn. Try these activities, then visit your library to check out a book about it. Click here to print this list.
We are learning Scientific Thinking and Technology
Do it!
Cut an apple horizontally through the middle. Talk about the shape found. Can your kindergartner find the star? Pick out the seeds. Plant them in a cup. Talk about what seeds need to grow, such as water, sunlight and dirt. Allow your kindergartner to hold, smell and examine the whole and halves of the apple. Trace the star shape with their finger. Identify other items with the same shapes. Adapt this activity by using two apples, cut one horizontally and the second vertically. Encourage them to look at the difference in each shape they find.
Read it!
How a Seed Grows by Helene J. Jordan. Johnny Appleseed: The Legend and the Truth by Jane Yolen.
We are learning Mathematical Thinking and Expression
Do it!
Discuss the word pairs and what things come in pairs. Talk about what would happen if one was missing, such as shoes, earrings or socks. Provide opportunities for your kindergartner to hold and feel sets of pairs. Try a game to find objects that have a pair and ones that do not. You can encourage them to find the missing pair around the home.
Read it!
One Mitten by Kristine O'Connell George. Two of Everything by Lily Toy Hong.
We are learning Scientific Thinking and Technology
Do it!
Help your kindergartner feel how cold it is in Antarctica. Put ice cubes in a sandwich size bag and have your kindergartner hold it in their hands. How does it feel? For children with sensory issues, demonstrate the effects on yourself by shivering and saying, "Brrrrr, that's cold." Talk about the feeling of cold and show them other things that are cold. Encourage them to observe what happens when the ice melts. Talk to them about the different stages seen as the ice melts and how it feels. Is it cold or warm?
Read it!
Penguins! by Gail Gibbons. If You Were a Penguin by Wendell and Florence Minor.
We are learning Social-Emotional Development
Do it!
Practice counting things by twos with your kindergartner by counting socks, shoes or body parts (such as two arms, two eyes, etc.) By providing hands-on opportunities for them to hold and feel the two objects, they can learn to recognize the shape, texture and weight of the object. Having them match clean socks and count by their pair is another way to count by twos.
Read it!
Junie B. Jones is Not a Crook by Barbara Park. The Doorbell Rang by Pat Hutchins.
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Celebrating Black History Month
During February, celebrate Black History Month to focus attention on the contributions of African Americans to the United States.
Check out these ways you can celebrate with and teach your child about Black History Month.
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Featured Article: Screen Time and Your Child
Studies have shown screen time use in young children may have negative impacts on the brain’s white matter — an area key to the development of language, literacy and cognitive skills. In addition, the use of screen time can limit a child’s time and attention in learning other skills they need for healthy development.
With so many people owning a phone, tablet or television, and screens in doctor’s offices, malls and restaurants, it can be difficult—or seem impossible–to limit the exposure to screen time with young children. Read more.
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Community Inclusion for All
The resource, Pennsylvania Community Inclusion for All, highlights the importance of and provides resources for meaningful Community Inclusion, geared towards Pennsylvania children, ages birth to grade 6, and their families.
The PA Community Inclusion for All web page and public Facebook group can help increase opportunities of meaningful interaction between families and children with and without disabilities. It also provide professionals the resources for Community Inclusion to share with the families they serve and use the resources when practicing coaching in the community with families.
Visit, then share the resources with families and friends to inspire them to create and provide for a more inclusive environment. Read families stories of why and how they are doing it. You can even share your story, highlighting the struggles/challenges, professional support, effective strategies and outcomes of Community Inclusion.
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Groundhog Day is February 2!
Groundhog Day is celebrated on February 2, 2022. It is based on the activities of a groundhog coming out of its winter hibernation to check for their shadow. The legend is, if the groundhog sees their shadow on this day, there will be six more weeks of wintry weather. If they don't, then spring weather is right around the corner.
The most important groundhog is Punxsutawney Phil who lives in a burrow called Gobbler’s Knob near Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania.
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Celebrating Literacy
February kicks off with two special awareness days! Reading early and often your preschooler will help them learn about the world around them and develop important skills needed to prepare for kindergarten.
February 5 is the Annual Take Your Child To The Library Day. It is a great time to build upon your child's love of reading and learning. Contact your library to see what books they have for your child. Find a library near you.
Share a photo of you and your preschooler reading a favorite book and tag PA's Promise for Children! Find us on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram!
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Free At-Home, Rapid COVID-19 Tests Available
To help ensure Americans have tests on hand if a need arises, a half-billion free, at-home, rapid COVID-19 tests are available for order and will be mailed directly to households. The initial program will allow four free tests to be requested per residential address. Tests will typically ship within 7-12 days of ordering. Visit www.covidtests.gov for more info or to request tests.
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Assistance with Heating Costs
Winter is still here for Pennsylvania, and many families may struggle to pay for heating their homes. The 2021-2022 Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is available to help families living on low incomes pay their heating bills in the form of a cash grant. Households in immediate danger of being without heat can also qualify for crisis grants.
The cash grant is a one-time payment sent directly to the utility company/fuel provider to be credited on your bill. These grants range from $500 to $1,500 based on household size, income, and fuel type. This is a grant and does not have to be repaid.
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State Parks and Forests Offer Abundance of Activities During Winter
With many people still limiting their indoor activities due to COVID-19, Pennsylvania state parks and forests continue to offer access to activities -- even during the winter months.
A lot of people don’t think about spending time outdoors in winter due to the colder temperatures; but with proper clothing and other safety precautions, there are plenty of benefits to spending some time outdoors now.
What makes winter recreation special? The scenery! The bare trees and vegetation in forests help make spotting wildlife easier, provide additional scenery from vistas, and uncover the vast rock formations that make up Pennsylvania’s varied natural landscapes.
You also don’t have to travel far to enjoy the health benefits of exercise and fresh air in the winter. Pennsylvanians are fortunate that with so many state and local parks and forests they can find an opportunity near them.
The winter season provides opportunities for activities that cannot be enjoyed year-round. Take advantage of some of these unique outdoor recreation opportunities. Read more.
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Finding the Right Healthcare Professional for Your Child
Don't underestimate the importance of choosing that first healthcare professional. They will shape the feelings your child has of healthcare visits. If your child is in need of specialty care or if there are a lack of health care professionals in your area, this could be challenging. However, a little homework prior to deciding on a healthcare professional may make for a more positive experience you and your child.
Get tips on how to find the right Healthcare Professional for your child and read about Angie who addresses a concern about her son with his healthcare professional in Be Your Child's Champion. |
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February is National Children's Dental Health Month
How many time a day does your child brush their teeth? Do they floss? It's never too early to teach your child how to take care of their teeth. During February's National Children's Dental Health Month (NCDHM) learn how you can help your child practice good dental health.
This year's theme is “Sealants Make Sense.” This month-long national health observance brings together thousands of dedicated dental professionals, health care providers and others to promote the benefits of good oral health to children and adults, caregivers, teachers and many others.
The NCDHM Program Planning Guide offers program coordinators resources to promote the benefits of good oral health to children. The guide includes easy-to-do activities, program planning timetable tips, a sample NCDHM proclamation and much more.
Tooth decay is the most common chronic disease among children in the United States. The good news is it can be prevented with the help of CHIP! CHIP coverage includes teeth cleanings, check-ups, x-rays, fluoride, dental sealants, fillings, orthodontia services when medically necessary and much more. Get more info at CHIPcoversPAKids.com .
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Our Top Pins for Kindergartners!
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The Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) provides families access to high quality services to prepare children for school and life success.
Find more information about Quality Early Learning in Pennsylvania
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