Did you know that when preschoolers play, they learn? It's true! Use these activities to encourage your preschooler to play. Then visit the library to find a book about the activity.
We're learning Language and Literacy Skills
Do it!
Collect different kinds of things around the house that you and your preschooler can use to build. Use objects like pillows, shoe boxes, empty cereal boxes, etc. to create a masterpiece.
Read it!
The Three Little Pigs: An Architectural Tale by Steven Guarnaccia. Iggy Peck, Architect by Andrea Beaty.
We're learning Mathematical Thinking and Expression
Do it!
Help your preschooler draw straight, curvy, wavy or zigzag lines across a piece of paper. Give child-safe scissors for them to practice cutting on the lines. If your preschooler has difficulty drawing or cutting, trace or precut different types of lines using different colors This can also be used as a self-check matching activity. Allow your preschooler sort the different lines and try to match them to their significant color.
Read it!
So Many Circles, So Many Squares by Tana Hoban. When a Line Bends . . . A Shape Begins by Rhonda Gowler Greene.
We're learning Social Emotional Development
Do it!
Help your preschooler make a list of Things I can do myself. Ask them what special things they can do alone. Put a list and post on the refrigerator. Creating a social story book with pictures of your preschooler and special things they can do is a great way for them to see themselves in action.
Read it!
Bear's New Friend by Karma Wilson. Froggy Gets Dressed by Jonathan London.
We're learning Social Studies Thinking
Do it!
Sort laundry together. Sort by color, by types of items (all the shirts together) and by family member.
Read it!
One Watermelon Seed by Celia Lottridge. Big and Little by Steve Jenkins.
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Language Development and Young Children |
A delay in language development can impact the way a child learns, not only while young, but as they get older.
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First Step: Kindergarten Registration! |
What's the first step for Kindergarten? Registration! Although each school district has their own process for Kindergarten Registration, typically families will need to bring specific documents to register their child. This may include:
- The child's birth certificate
- Proof of residency (like a utility bill or copy of a lease)
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Vaccination records (the PA Dept. of Health shares which ones your child needs)
- Any forms required by the school district, like an application or emergency contact list.
- There may be other documents needed, so check with your school district.
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Sparking Children's Imagination and Creativity |
Imagination and creativity can create new worlds, make play a deeper learning experience, and bring life to activities and ideas. Use these tips to help your preschooler develop imagination and creativity.
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Affordable Connectivity Program |
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) provides eligible low-income households a subsidy of up to $30 per month on internet service plans offered by participating internet service providers. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if the household contributes more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price.
Households with income at or below 200% of the poverty level are eligible for the subsidy—about 30 million households, or one in four of all households in the US. However, households are also automatically eligible for the ACP—without the need to prove their income—if at least one member of the household is receiving benefits from certain government assistance programs. See if you quality and get more information.
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Are you ready to try a few new imaginative play ideas and fun activities with your child? Check out the latest set of resources from the Center on the Developing Child: Brain-Building Through Play: Activities for Children, developed with support from the LEGO Foundation.
This series includes a host of age-appropriate activities that are easy to do at home, inside or out!
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April 3, 2023: Give Kids a Smile, Philadelphia |
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Give Kids a Smile is hosting a special event for all children 16 years and younger in the Philadelphia area on April 3, 2023, from 9am-3pm at 3223 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia PA 19140. (Dental Clinic at North Broad and Allegheny) Dental Care includes cleanings and exams plus fun activities and more. Pre-registration is required by calling 215-707-2863. |
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Kid Smiles Oral Health Toolkit |
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The Kids Smiles Oral Health Toolkit is an inclusive digital resource for children, adults, families, educators, and others to learn about the importance of dental health and how to maintain a healthy smile for life. Using videos, animations, infographics, downloadable lesson plans, and more, the Toolkit offers an interactive learning experience for all ages. Explore the Kids Smiles Oral Health Toolkit, interact with the videos, animations, and activities, and share it with others. |
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Eating healthy foods is part of helping your child grow. How knowledgeable are you about fruits, vegetables, grains, protein foods, and dairy? The U.S. Department of Agriculture has five short online quizzes to test how much you know. Click here to take one or all of the quizzes!
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Financial help with your child's medical expenses |
The United Healthcare Children's Foundation can help provide financial help/assistance for families with children that have medical needs not covered or not fully covered by their commercial health insurance plan.
Qualifying families may receive funds to help pay for medical treatment, services or equipment such as surgeries, counseling, prescription medications, wheelchairs, orthotics, eyeglasses, hearing aids and physical, occupational and speech therapies. Click here to learn more.
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Bedroom Safety for Children of All Ages |
A child's bedroom can be a multi-purpose room, used for sleeping, quiet time, or play. The bedroom should also be a safe place for your child. Take time to ensure that your child's safety won't stop at the bedroom door.
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Keeping Your Preschooler Healthy |
Did you know there are vaccine-preventable diseases you can protect your preschooler? You may have almost forgotten about diseases like Diphtheria, Chickenpox, Mumps, Whooping Cough (Pertussis) and others because of vaccines. It's still important for your preschooler to have vaccines though! While these diseases are preventable, they can still exist and infect those who are not vaccinated. Vaccines can help keep your preschooler healthy, and vaccines may be required for your child to attend school or an early learning program. Find out which vaccines your child should receive and when.
For children without insurance, PA CHIP may be able to help. CHIP is short for the Children's Health Insurance Program – Pennsylvania's program to provide health insurance to uninsured children who are not eligible for or enrolled in Medical Assistance. Regardless of the reasons your children might not have health insurance, PA CHIP may be able to help you. Learn more about PA CHIP.
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Top Pins for Preschoolers
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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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