Play is a Child's Work

It's that time of year.  School is starting.  Whether your child is school-aged or not, it may start you thinking about academics and 'being ready' when it is time.  The following websites give good reminders of the power of play.  Play is the work of childhood and does much in getting children ready for later success.

Don't miss the article by Joan Almon which discusses the "steady decline in play" which she has witnessed over the past 30 years in early childhood education.

Alot of what you will find in the following articles is research-based.  If that isn't your cup of tea, jump down to a terrific site which has loads of ideas about play activities.  Just remember to allow for unstructured playtime as well!

 

Why Play is So Important by BabyCenter.com

Play and early Childhood Development by Kronkosky Charitable Foundation

The Vital Role of Play in Early Childhood Education by Joan Almon

The Importance of Play in Promoting Healthy Child Development and Strong Parent Child Bonds by American Pediatrics Association

Free Play in Early Childhood by Play England

 

 http://nurturestore.co.uk

21 Board Books

Here is another resource not to miss at No Time for Flashcards!

http://www.notimeforflashcards.com/2012/08/great-board-books-for-babies-and-toddlers.html

Baby Moves Part 2

Zoom, Zoom, Zoom
Zoom, Zoom, Zoom (rub hands together, back and forth while pointing them up in the air)
We're going to the moon.
Zoom, Zoom, Zoom
We're going to the moon.
If you want to take a trip, (pat legs)
Climb aboard my rocket ship.
Zoom, Zoom, Zoom (rub hands together, back and forth while pointing them up in the air)
We're going to the moon.
5, 4, 3, 2, 1, (hold 5 fingers up and count down)
Blast off! (jump up or toss child up gently in the air)

Baby Hokey Pokey
Arms up, arms down, arms up
And wave them all around
Then tickle tickle wiggle giggle
Everybody knows
That’s how baby’s hokey pokey goes

Legs up, legs down, legs up
And kick them all around
Then tickle tickle wiggle giggle
Everybody knows
That’s how baby’s hokey pokey goes!

The Way the Ladies Ride
This is the way the ladies ride:
Walk walk walk
This is the way the gentlemen ride:
Trot trot trot
This is the way the children ride:
BOOM BOOM BOOM

Bounce the baby on your knee or foot. When the ladies ride, bounce very softly, for the gentlemen, bounce a little more, and then bounce very vigorously when the children ride!

Baby on My Knee
Tune of "Oh Susannah"
Oh I'm looking at a baby that I'm bouncing on my knee (bounce baby throughout)
And it is the cutest baby that I ever want to see!
Oh, my baby, I'll bounce you left and right (bounce baby left & right)
I'll bounce you high, and bounce you low (lift baby up, and lower down toward floor)
And bounce you out of sight! (bounce lightly and rapidly)

Songs from Librarynoise.com

Fine Motor Readiness - Child Development Friday

Fine motor development effects many activities inherent to academic success: from turning pages in books to coloring and writing.  The following link is a great list of activities to enhance fine-motor skills.  The site as a whole is outstanding.  Explore!

http://www.notimeforflashcards.com/2012/08/15-fine-motor-activities-for-kids.html

What to do during the hurricane hour

At Baby Center, they call it the "witching hour".... that time when everyone is home, mom's trying to start dinner, the little ones are hungry and a little cranky.  Whatever the name, it can be a trying time of day to say the least.  I just wanted to share some positive, quick, easy activities for toddlers and preschoolers that are great to pull out during this time of day.

http://www.baby.co.uk/life_and_home/20120803the-witching-hour-rescue-remedy/

What Should My Child Do When?

The Baby Center has some nice developmental charts to answer that question for you.  It's a nice site to explore overall.  Remember that all children develop differently, but these charts give you a good guide.

http://www.babycentre.co.uk/toddler/development/milestonecharts/

Getting Ready to Read

The following link is for a terrific video from Dr. Jean on getting ready to read. The first part may seem geared to educators, but keep watching.  It gives ideas for promoting early literacy at home and if the suggestions are activities you are already doing... pat yourself on the back.  You are raising a reader!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qybjsvDgGhQ