Turn on your child’s fascination with how things work with a simple homemade game.  • Catalog or magazine pictures of different types of large and small machines and appliances your child recognizes • small basket or container • oaktag or index cards • large sheets of paper (chart paper or newsprint) • drawing paper • glue stick • scissors • markers • crayons […]
Use a flashlight to see shapes! • flashlight • big piece of white paper • construction paper • tape • pencils • crayons Help your child cut different shapes out of construction paper (circles, stars, hearts, diamonds, triangles, and so forth). Tape the big piece of paper to the wall. Shine the flashlight on the white paper while your child holds up […]
The physical sensation of this letter activity gives an added learning punch.  • large letters cut from magazines or letters drawn on paper • tray or box • scissors • golf tees • Styrofoam block (saved from an appliance or electronics box) • child-size hammer With your child, find different size and shaped letters in a magazine or catalog, or […]
  Make stamps perfect for little hands.  • potatoes (smaller white potatoes work best) • knife (adults only!) • tempera paint • paper plates • construction paper (different colors) • aluminum foil (optional) Prepare for this activity by cutting potatoes to a size small enough for your child to grasp. Next, cut away the outside of the potato so that […]
 • family photos • postcards, tickets, and greeting cards • 8″ x 10″ piece of cardboard • picture frame for an 8″ x 10″ photo, with mat • crayons • fabric, paper scraps, or other decorative items • child safety scissors • glue Read a book about families, such as The Family Book, by Todd Parr. Talk about your own family. How […]
 A new way to teach “hot” and “cold.”  • several smooth stones • old crayons • ice cubes • newspaper • box Take your child outside and find a few rocks. Point out their various shapes and sizes. Help your child select 7 or 8 smooth rocks about the size of your fist and bring them into the […]
For both you and your toddler, better communication means smoother sailing. Â Once your toddler starts to use even a little language, everyone benefits. There is more accurate and pleasurable communication between the two of you, for one. More important, though is the feeling of mastery and control your child begins to have over his […]
Like food and shelter, a child’s need for sleep is basic. The healthiest, happiest kids are the best rested. A child’s ability to learn, imagine, create, and socialize are all linked to getting a sound night’s sleep, as rest gives a growing body and brain a chance to consolidate experiences, archive the day’s memories, and […]
