Math Objectives:
* To introduce the hundreds chart
* To count to 100
* To skip count by 10s (2s, 5s, etc.)
* To recognize patterns within the chart
Materials:
* Hundreds Chart Printable from About.com
* pointer (pencil, stick, etc.)
Procedure:
* Print out the Hundreds Chart. (I had a poster from teaching.) Using a pointer, help your child count to 100.
* Then try skip counting. We did it by 10s to start with. Show your child the patterns/number layouts when you skip count. For example, all of the 10s are in a straight line.
* Continue to use this printable to help your child advance to different skip counting skills.
Technology Objectives:
* To download apps for your IPhone or IPad in order for your children to play and learn at the same time
* To gain educational skills from each game
* To use the fine motor skills involved with touching and swiping the screen
Materials:
* IPhone or IPad
Procedure:
* Go to the App Store on your IPhone or IPad, and search for the apps you would like to install. I have made a list of apps that I have researched and like. Some of the apps I have chosen are free and some cost between $1-$3. All of these are fun and educational, and both of my boys love them! Check them out:
Toddler Teasers: There are multiple Toddler Teaser games that you can download including letters, numbers, shapes, colors, food, transportation, and animals.
Umizoomi Zoom Into Numbers: Based off of my kids favorite Nickelodeon cartoon, this game includes many math activities to help with counting, number recognition, number order, addition/subtraction, and more!
Dr. Seuss Books: There are lots of Dr. Seuss books to download. You can have the book read to your child or your child can read it on their own. These apps are great for vocabulary, rhyming words, and basic reading skills.
Teach Me: These apps come in different levels starting with Toddler and going to 2nd-3rd grade. We are using the kindergarten one right now. Great educational download!
Preschool Memory Match: This app allows your child to play the memory game using cards that include numbers, letters, colors, food, etc. Each level adds a few more cards to help your child use their memory to make matches.
Animal Preschool Circus: This app has lots of lessons on puzzle making, patterning, most/least, and more.
Duck, Duck Moose: There are lots of Duck, Duck Moose apps that include favorite kid's songs with a little twist! We have The Itsy, Bitsy Spider, The Wheels on the Bus, and Old MacDonald.
SingKids: There are tons of these apps available. I think we have almost all of them, and they are fun for the kids to sing along to!
Super Why: Based on the PBS show, this app is great for pre-reading skills! It has alphabet, rhyming, spelling, and sentence building games.
Kids Learn Sight Words: This is a great app for sight word learning. Not only can your child learn to recognize the sight words, but they can write them, as well!
Hope your kiddos have a blast playing these games! And, yes, even a 20 month old can play! :)
Wacky Word Wednesday: Missing Letter Game
Language Objectives:
* To use phonics to sound out words
* To listen to the sounds of the letters in a word and figure out which letter is missing
* To use the fine motor skills involved with writing
Materials:
* Missing Letter Printables from me :)
* pencil
* cookie sheet and magnetic letters (if you have them, not necessary)
Procedure:
* Print out the Missing Letter pages. Have your child look at the picture and say the word. Then help them sound out the letters in the word. Ask them which letter is not printed in the word, and fill it in on the page. Remember to emphasize the sounds of the letters to help them figure it out. You can use magnetic letters to help if you would like.
Thoroughly Thoughtful Thursday: Kelso Choices - Cooperative Behavior
Social Skills Objectives:
* To understand the difference between small problems and big problems
* To recognize different choices you can make when there is a small problem between you and a friend
* To learn how to cooperate with others on your own
Materials:
* Kelso Printable from Kelso's Choice
* Kelso Website
* stuffed frog (if you have one, not necessary)
Procedure:
* Kelso is a cooperative behavior curriculum that I used in my classroom. It is a great way to teach your child to make good choices in working and sharing with other kids. You can look on the website for more information!
* Explain to your child that there is a difference between big problems and small problems when it comes to working/playing with other children. Big problems are situations in which you are hurt or someone is hurting you, if someone is breaking or tearing something up, or anything scary or dangerous. In these cases, it is important to tell an adult. Small problems consist of someone taking a toy away, wanting to play with the same toy at the same time, and someone doing something you don't like. These are problems you can take care of on your own with different choices instead of tattling.
* Introduce Kelso the Frog and the Kelso chart. Talk about the different choices that Kelso tells us to make when there is a small problem. You can role play with your child and create different situations to help them practice making these choices. Encourage your child to make these choices when they are with other children.
Fantastically Fun Friday: Homemade Ice Cream
* To create homemade ice cream in a bag
* To follow a recipe
* To use the fine motor skills involved with stirring and pouring
Materials:
* Directions from 2 Little Hooligans
* sandwich size plastic bag
* gallon size plastic bag
* half and half or milk
* sugar
* rock salt
* vanilla extract
* ice
Procedure:
* Follow the directions from 2 Little Hooligans. This is such a fun, easy way to create homemade ice cream! And, it's very yummy!!! :)
