A nature stroll to collect leaves can end with a math, science or literacy lesson! Have your children collect leaves then discuss how the transformation of leaves occur from green to the many beautiful colors of autumn as a science lesson. If you need a little help explaining photosynthesis and the entire leaf changing process [...]
Fall is a great time to explore the outdoors! There are endless learning opportunities as well as fitness fun during this season! Take a hike through the crunchy leaves! Bring a few back leaves to the picnic table in the backyard and do some leave rubbings or put some paint in a pie tin and [...]
Looking to make some homemade Halloween Ghosts with your little ones? Paint the bottom of your child’s foot with some white child safe paint and let them step on a piece of black construction paper add a few dots for eyes when it dries. Now, your child has had some sensory fun, a special time [...]
What are some of the ways preschool helps a child grow? By Child psychiatrist Joshua SparrowFor some children this may be the first time they're going into a group setting where the attention by caregivers will be divided among several children. Learning to share the relationship to the teacher will be a major new gain. [...]
The transition to preschool is often marked with two steps forward, one step back, as your child grows and learns in amazing ways — but at the same time, regresses in some behaviors, too. In Scholastic for Parents, Child psychiatrist Joshua Sparrow, M.D., is an assistant professor at Harvard Medical School professor and co-author, with [...]
Because children are naturally curious, they can learn many lessons through gardening and associated activities. What child doesn't like to play in the dirt, make mud pies, or check out the bugs and worms? Aside from this, other educational aspects of gardening might include: • Science - Talk to your child about the life cycle [...]
Here is a great way to work on literacy skills and shape recognition in the summer, while enhancing creativity, too. Put a big squirt of shaving cream on your picnic table and let your young artist explore. You can add to the sensory fun by making shapes with the shaving cream or the letters of [...]
Painting – Be creative! Instead of just using a paint brush, let your child paint with different instruments such as rollers, matchbox cars, q-tips, or even their fingers!You can even use those old apples to do stamp painting by cutting the apples in half and dipping them in paint. If messy projects aren’t your favorite [...]
Here is an activity that will give you a sense of accomplishment while your child is having a fun sensory experience. Get a big bucket of water and the doggie shampoo and wash the dog together! You can teach your child about the fascinating chemistry of how the bubbles form (if you need a little [...]
Remember “Silly Putty” and “Slime?” If you enjoyed playing with either of these as a child here is a homemade version called "Goop" that you can make with your child. You may be encouraging a future scientist! Goop1. Two cups white glue 2. One cup liquid laundry starch Mix together to an even consistency and [...]
