When children use their imagination during playtime the benefits are enormous. Playing dress up, role playing and putting on plays are not just ways for children to entertain themselves, it’s an exercise in language and cognitive skills. Here are some ways you can promote play and learning.
Role-playing
Challenge your children to act out roles.
Boys and girls can play parents, doctors, nurses or other caregivers with some dolls or action figures.
Some books, a pretend blackboard or just pencils and crayons can help your child spend hours role playing a teacher.
With a pair of boots and a raincoat, they can turn into a firefighter to save the life of their favorite doll or action figure.
Playing hotel is a favorite of many kids. Have your child make access cards with old rewards cards. Let them check you into your room and even have them straighten up and clean before their guest arrives (an added benefit).
A Theater Production
Put on a little music and have your child show their best singing and dancing moves. Get all of the kids involved by letting them play the roles from their favorite movie or video. You may have to sit through some off-key singing or less-than-talented dancing but your child will love the attention.
Dressing Up
Many parents are watching their budget closer than ever. You don’t need to spend a lot of money on character dress ups. You would be surprised at what kids can pretend to be with some old clothes. Look through your attic and maybe even grandma’s. Old men’s and women's hats, dresses, and old sporting equipment can really help kids stretch their imagination.
For more information on Goddard Ashburn please visit our website: http://bit.ly/1wYOYNW
Monday, January 30, 2017
Wednesday, January 25, 2017
Online Kids Activities
Cold weather, freezing rain, and snow tend to keep kids indoors during the winter months. Scholastic.com has developed a list of activities, educational puzzles, and games to keep your kids busy for hours. Click here to read the article.
For more information on Goddard Ashburn please visit our website: http://bit.ly/1wYOYNW
Monday, January 23, 2017
Learning to Write
It’s no secret that it takes children some time to learn how to write. Writing is a complex task that involves the development of motor skills and critical thinking. It’s also a skill that develops through building on skills one at a time.
The first stage involves young children scribbling on paper with crayon. This activity leads to the creation of pictures. The pictures are then used by your child to express emotions or events that occurred during their day. Writing takes further shape when your preschooler learns the alphabet and how to spell their name. Once your child reaches elementary school it’s like a whirlwind. Letters form words then sentences and then stories.
Here are a few tips to guide you through learning to write.
• Have paper and big easy-to-grasp crayons available to your child. Tell them to scribble and have fun writing as much as they want.
• Don’t be that concerned if when you child starts writing letters, they are all over the paper. Children learn individual letters first and it takes some time for them to grasp the concept of words.
• Don’t be that concerned if your child spells words without vowels. As kids enter school they are taught the concept of vowels, proper spelling and the difference between the upper and lower case letters. The concepts really begin to develop as a child learns to read.
• Don’t expect handwriting to be neat initially. Motor skills need time to develop.
Of course, if your child’s writing and reading skills seem to be lagging other children, consult your child’s teacher. If your child has a learning problem early intervention can really help.
For more information on Goddard Ashburn please visit our website: http://bit.ly/1wYOYNW
The first stage involves young children scribbling on paper with crayon. This activity leads to the creation of pictures. The pictures are then used by your child to express emotions or events that occurred during their day. Writing takes further shape when your preschooler learns the alphabet and how to spell their name. Once your child reaches elementary school it’s like a whirlwind. Letters form words then sentences and then stories.
Here are a few tips to guide you through learning to write.
• Have paper and big easy-to-grasp crayons available to your child. Tell them to scribble and have fun writing as much as they want.
• Don’t be that concerned if when you child starts writing letters, they are all over the paper. Children learn individual letters first and it takes some time for them to grasp the concept of words.
• Don’t be that concerned if your child spells words without vowels. As kids enter school they are taught the concept of vowels, proper spelling and the difference between the upper and lower case letters. The concepts really begin to develop as a child learns to read.
• Don’t expect handwriting to be neat initially. Motor skills need time to develop.
Of course, if your child’s writing and reading skills seem to be lagging other children, consult your child’s teacher. If your child has a learning problem early intervention can really help.
For more information on Goddard Ashburn please visit our website: http://bit.ly/1wYOYNW
Wednesday, January 18, 2017
Breaking Bad Habits
It’s hard to break bad habits that our kids pick up, whether it’s whining, falling asleep without your help, or biting. These habits can be frustrating, but with a little patience and being consistent, you can help break bad habits. Click here to read the article Breaking Bad Habits.
For more information on Goddard Ashburn please visit our website: http://bit.ly/1wYOYNW
For more information on Goddard Ashburn please visit our website: http://bit.ly/1wYOYNW
Monday, January 16, 2017
The Difference between Tattling and Telling
In most cases, kids don’t understand the difference between tattling and telling. And with all the bullying problems as of lately we want to make sure our kids know when to tell an adult.
Stopping unnecessary tattling might be as simple as helping your child understand the situations where it’s important to report about someone else’s behavior versus when it’s not necessary or when they can handle a situation on their own.
Rules are everything to a young child. Their life is so structured and rules-driven that the breaking of any rule no matter how minor is a big deal. To begin to determine the difference in severity of a break in rules they need examples. That is why it is important that the adults around them lead by example.
Here are a few tips you can use to reduce the occurrence of tattling:
• Start paying more attention to your child’s tattling. This will help you understand what your child feels is an important infraction of the rules. Plus you never know when they might be tattling about something important.
• Each time they tell you an unnecessary tattle explain to them why it’s not a critical infraction on the rules.
• Explain to your child how they might have been able to solve the issue for themselves rather than tattling.
• Then reinforce that it’s important for them to continue to bring important issues to your attention. You don’t want to discourage them from confiding in you.
• If tattling persists, try spending a little extra time with your child. Sometimes tattling is another way for your child to get attention.
Hopefully you’ll begin to see your child make their own decisions on what’s important to bring to your attention and what’s not.
For more information on Goddard Ashburn please visit our website: http://bit.ly/1wYOYNW
Stopping unnecessary tattling might be as simple as helping your child understand the situations where it’s important to report about someone else’s behavior versus when it’s not necessary or when they can handle a situation on their own.
Rules are everything to a young child. Their life is so structured and rules-driven that the breaking of any rule no matter how minor is a big deal. To begin to determine the difference in severity of a break in rules they need examples. That is why it is important that the adults around them lead by example.
Here are a few tips you can use to reduce the occurrence of tattling:
• Start paying more attention to your child’s tattling. This will help you understand what your child feels is an important infraction of the rules. Plus you never know when they might be tattling about something important.
• Each time they tell you an unnecessary tattle explain to them why it’s not a critical infraction on the rules.
• Explain to your child how they might have been able to solve the issue for themselves rather than tattling.
• Then reinforce that it’s important for them to continue to bring important issues to your attention. You don’t want to discourage them from confiding in you.
• If tattling persists, try spending a little extra time with your child. Sometimes tattling is another way for your child to get attention.
Hopefully you’ll begin to see your child make their own decisions on what’s important to bring to your attention and what’s not.
For more information on Goddard Ashburn please visit our website: http://bit.ly/1wYOYNW
Wednesday, January 11, 2017
Teaching Preschoolers about Time
Younger children can have difficulty understanding the concept of time. When children ask when they are going to the zoo and you say Friday, they might not completely comprehend that they have to wait 4 days until the trip to the zoo. Education.com offers tips on helping your preschooler understand time. Click here to read the article.
For more information on Goddard Ashburn please visit our website: http://bit.ly/1wYOYNW
For more information on Goddard Ashburn please visit our website: http://bit.ly/1wYOYNW
Monday, January 9, 2017
Keeping Kids Healthy During Cold and Flu Season
It’s cold and flu season. Runny noses, coughs, aches, late sleepless nights, crying, it’s all part of cold and flu season. You might not be able to avoid the cold or the flu, but here are a few tips to help you survive the season and maybe avoid a bug or two.
Establish a Germ Fighting Routine
Use the Vampire Cough – Teach your children to cough and sneeze into the crook of their arm. It’s easier to prevent the spread of germs if they are not contaminating their hands when they cough into them.
Wash Your Hands– You have heard it from your mom and now you’re hearing it in public service announcements on TV. Wash your hands. This is the best weapon in your germ fighting arsenal. You should teach children when to wash their hands:
• After using the bathroom
• Before they eat
• After play dates
• When they return to the house after being out
And how they wash their hands makes a difference. Teach the steps below for a proper hand washing:
• Always use warm water and soap
• Sing "Happy Birthday" twice – to make sure your washing for 15 to 20 seconds
• Use hand sanitizing gel if water isn’t available
• When using gel, scrub your hands for about 20 seconds
Lead by Example – Show your kids good habits by following the germ-fighting routine above on your own. This way they are much more likely to pick up good habits instead of germs.
For more information on Goddard Ashburn please visit our website: http://bit.ly/1wYOYNW
Establish a Germ Fighting Routine
Use the Vampire Cough – Teach your children to cough and sneeze into the crook of their arm. It’s easier to prevent the spread of germs if they are not contaminating their hands when they cough into them.
Wash Your Hands– You have heard it from your mom and now you’re hearing it in public service announcements on TV. Wash your hands. This is the best weapon in your germ fighting arsenal. You should teach children when to wash their hands:
• After using the bathroom
• Before they eat
• After play dates
• When they return to the house after being out
And how they wash their hands makes a difference. Teach the steps below for a proper hand washing:
• Always use warm water and soap
• Sing "Happy Birthday" twice – to make sure your washing for 15 to 20 seconds
• Use hand sanitizing gel if water isn’t available
• When using gel, scrub your hands for about 20 seconds
Lead by Example – Show your kids good habits by following the germ-fighting routine above on your own. This way they are much more likely to pick up good habits instead of germs.
For more information on Goddard Ashburn please visit our website: http://bit.ly/1wYOYNW
Wednesday, January 4, 2017
Top 10 Outdoor Winter Activities
As the cold temperatures begin to take hold over the region, it signifies the official start of winter. FamilyEducation.com suggests 10 fun outdoor activities for the family. Remember that winter temperatures and winter sports require special safety equipment and clothing. Be active and safe this winter! Click here to read the article.
For more information on Goddard Ashburn please visit our website: http://bit.ly/1wYOYNW
For more information on Goddard Ashburn please visit our website: http://bit.ly/1wYOYNW
Monday, January 2, 2017
Indoor Activities for Little Ones
With the weather outside being downright freezing, you may be looking for some indoor activities to do with your little ones.
Toddlers
Whisper down the Lane is great indoor game. Not only does playing this game help keep their voices down and bring lots of laughter, it’s also a memory game. Trying to recall correctly what others are whispering helps to develop a child’s short-term memory and ability to follow directions.
Try some arts and crafts, make a Cheerio necklace. This will keep their little hands busy. Then the next time they tell you they are hungry let them snack on their necklace.
Preschoolers
Take a Trip
Tell your child you’re taking an imaginary trip. Ask them where in the world they would like to go. Look up facts on the Internet about the place they pick. Let them pack a small bag with clothes and maybe even pack some food that’s appropriate. Take it one step further and decorate your living room to resemble the vacation spot and play games.
A good game of Simon Say’s can take an hour off the clock. It also helps a child develop memory and listening skills. Preschoolers can learn a lot from simple games requiring them to follow basic directions, a skill that they will need to have to be successful at school.
For more information on Goddard Ashburn please visit our website: http://bit.ly/1wYOYNW
Toddlers
Whisper down the Lane is great indoor game. Not only does playing this game help keep their voices down and bring lots of laughter, it’s also a memory game. Trying to recall correctly what others are whispering helps to develop a child’s short-term memory and ability to follow directions.
Try some arts and crafts, make a Cheerio necklace. This will keep their little hands busy. Then the next time they tell you they are hungry let them snack on their necklace.
Preschoolers
Take a Trip
Tell your child you’re taking an imaginary trip. Ask them where in the world they would like to go. Look up facts on the Internet about the place they pick. Let them pack a small bag with clothes and maybe even pack some food that’s appropriate. Take it one step further and decorate your living room to resemble the vacation spot and play games.
A good game of Simon Say’s can take an hour off the clock. It also helps a child develop memory and listening skills. Preschoolers can learn a lot from simple games requiring them to follow basic directions, a skill that they will need to have to be successful at school.
For more information on Goddard Ashburn please visit our website: http://bit.ly/1wYOYNW
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