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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 Social Emotional Development
Do it!
Discuss the difference between real and pretend, and use a bear as an example. A stuffed bear can be hugged, but not a real bear. What other differences are there? Close your eyes and feel the teddy bear--use words to describe the texture. How does your kindergartner think a real bear would feel?
Read it!
Corduroy by Don Freeman. Bears by Ruth Krauss and Maurice Sendak.
We are learning Mathematical Thinking and Expression
Do it!
Find pictures of art work or look at art in your house or community. Encourage your child to talk about the colors, shapes and lines they see in the art work. If your child has difficulty with sequencing or communicating verbally, take pictures as you find artwork. After printing the pictures, help put the pics in order of color, size, or shape. Put the pictures on card stock and create a fun memory book to share with friends and family.
Read it!
Art Lesson by Tomie dePaola. The Doorman by Edward Grimm.
We are learning Scientific Thinking and Technology
Do it!
Place some water in a glass, then find a window that the sun is shining through. Hold the glass in the sunlight. A rainbow should appear. Where is it? Can you make it move? Can you make it larger or smaller? Describe what you see. Include words about color, light and movement. Sign the words as you say them. Allow your kindergartner to play with the light and manipulate the rainbow. Look for examples in nature, on the computer and TV in the days to come and remind your kindergartner of the experience. Add the new braille and sign words to your family dictionary.
Read it!
Rainbows by David Whitfield. The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister.
We are learning Social Emotional Development
Do it!
Talk to your kindergartner about bedtime routines. What happens first, next and last? For example, they take a bath, puts on pajamas, then brush teeth. Come up with a visual schedule that includes the steps during the bedtime routine. It's a great visual reminder for your child, so they know what is expected. Ask them to help pick out the pictures to create the schedule. Be sure to add the corresponding written, braille or sign word of each icon to your schedule. The shapes and words can also be traced with puffy glue so they can feel to identify the next step.
Read it!
There's a Nightmare in My Closet by Mercer Mayer. Dreams by Ezra Jack Keats.
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