Introduction To The Internet

LEARNING AT HOME IDEAS: INTRODUCTION TO THE INTERNET

Suitable for: Kindergarten, Multi-Age, Preschool, School Age

YOU WILL NEED:

Computer with appropriate software to block inappropriate sites, a printer

DIRECTIONS:

When your child shows an interest in a subject, sit together and research the topic on the internet. Read and print your findings.

TIP:

Sit at the computer together. If she can, have your child type in the topic that she wants to learn more about (you can spell the words for her and let her find the keys on the keyboard, or let her try to "sound out" the words' spelling). Limit “screen time” and come up with rules together about computer use when an adult is not present.

Carpet Jumping Activity

LEARNING AT HOME IDEAS: CARPET JUMPING

Suitable for: Kindergarten, Preschool

YOU WILL NEED:

2 or more carpet squares (remnants)

DIRECTIONS:

Lay two pieces of carpet a few inches apart on the floor. With your child, take turns jumping from one carpet square to the other. Keep increasing the distance between the squares. With older children, have them measure the increasing distance between the carpet squares and chart it, along with the jumping results.

TIP:

This activity provides a wonderful opportunity for imaginative play. You and your child can pretend that the distance between the two carpet squares is a river or any other liquid your child might not want to fall into.

Bird Feeder Activity

LEARNING AT HOME IDEAS: BIRD FEEDER

Suitable for: Multi-Age

YOU WILL NEED:

Pinecone, peanut butter (or another type of nut butter for children with peanut allergies), paper plate, bird seed

DIRECTIONS:

Have your child help you cover the pine cone with peanut butter. Pour bird seed onto a paper plate and roll the pinecone in it. Hang it outside where you can watch the birds eat from it.

TIP:

Children can help in all aspects of this activity. When watching the birds eat from it, encourage your child to talk about or draw what she sees.

Birthday Tree Activity

LEARNING AT HOME IDEAS: BIRTHDAY TREE

Suitable for: Infant, Kindergarten, Multi-Age, Preschool, School Age, Toddler, Twos

YOU WILL NEED:

Small tree in pot or burlap, shovel, measuring tape, journal or notebook, camera

DIRECTIONS:

On your child’s birthday, plant a tree. Create a “My Tree” journal. Measure how tall your child and the tree are. Write the measurements and date in the journal. Take a picture of your child beside the tree. Add this to the journal. Repeat this each year on your child’s birthday.

TIP:

You can show your child two or three types of trees that grow quickly, like Willows, Sycamores, or Tulip Poplar trees, but let her make the final choice, if possible. Give your child a watering can, along with the responsibility of watering the tree whenever it needs it.  Before planting the tree, point out its root system when you loosen the burlap or take it out of the pot. Once you dig the hole, talk about any fertilizer (food) or compost that you add. Give your child a watering can, along with the responsibility of watering the tree whenever it needs it. Let her decorate the front of the journal. She can draw pictures of the tree throughout the year, especially showing its changes through the seasons. Press leaves to add.

Memory Game

LEARNING AT HOME IDEAS: CONCENTRATION - MEMORY GAME

Suitable for: Kindergarten, Multi-Age, Preschool, School Age

YOU WILL NEED:

Cards showing different numbers, colors etc. (each card needs a matching card that’s exactly the same)

DIRECTIONS:

With your child, take 10 pairs of numbered cards (20 cards) and lay them out in rows, with the numbers facing down. Take turns turning over two cards to see if they are a pair. If one person selects a pair, he goes again.

TIP:

Add more cards to increase the challenge. With very young children, try playing with 6 cards. This can be a fun restaurant activity.

Coin Sorting Game

LEARNING AT HOME IDEAS: COIN SORTING

Suitable for: Kindergarten, Multi-Age, Preschool, School Age

YOU WILL NEED:

A pile of coins and cups, bowls, or plates for each denomination (optional)

DIRECTIONS:

Review the value of each type of coin with your child. Then, ask her to sort your change according to value or size. With your child, take a trip to the bank to get coin wrappers. Once you bring them home, help her wrap the coins based on their value. Help her figure out what the total amount is and either take them to the bank to deposit into an account or figure out how to spend them.

TIP:

Do not allow children under 3 to play with money -- coins are a choking hazard. Make sure children wash their hands after touching coins.

BUG HUNT GAME

LEARNING AT HOME IDEAS: BUG HUNT

Suitable for: Kindergarten, Multi-Age, Preschool, School Age, Toddler, Twos

YOU WILL NEED:

Non-breakable magnifying glasses, camera (optional), containers to momentarily house insects while examining them more closely

DIRECTIONS:

Go for a nature walk. Talk with your child about possible places to look for insects (under rocks and leaves, on tree trunks, etc.). Capture insects in containers. Then, take pictures, observe, and release them. Take pictures of your child discovering them, too. You can refer to the photographs at a later time, too, while creating nature drawings or talking about insects and the outdoors.

TIP:

Magnifying glasses may be purchased at toy, discovery, or stationary stores. Before or after the hunt, read books about insects or look them up on the internet with your child.