Monthly Learning Activites To Do With Your Child
January
There is a good chance snowflakes will fly and no two snowflakes are the same, just like people. This is an opportunity to speak to children about diversity. Everyone is different and differences should be celebrated. While there are differences, there are also similarities. This discussion could be about compare and contrast.
February
Our society and culture capitalize on the concept of love for this month. St. Valentine’s Day is widely celebrated, but more importantly children can be taught about kindness and compassion for others. Explain to children that they are cared for and loved. There are safe and secure places that they should feel comfortable.
March
Muddy March or March Madness; either way, spring is coming and the frozen earth will begin to thaw. Show children the three states of matter; frozen, liquid and gas. Many times the mud is frozen and will become mushy with the warm sun becoming higher in the sky. If you are lucky and the sun really penetrates the black road surface, there is a chance steam can be observed. Muddy footprints can happen; be sure to take off your shoes before entering the house. Watch for shadows and play a short game of shadow tag for a few minutes.
April
Living in the northeast; weather changes rapidly. Make a point of telling your child this and dress accordingly. It may be cool in the morning and warmer in the afternoon. Children will want to shed their coats while outside at play and it is a good time to reintroduce good healthy foods with the start of vegetables and fruits coming into season in the supermarkets.
May
May traditionally brings Mother’s Day and is a perfect time to talk about respect of people in children’s lives. It is a time for parents to share their views of the concept of respect of others as well. Personal stories and experiences that involve extended family members children are knowledgeable of make an impact.
June
The calendar indicates the end of another school year. This is a time when students can relate to the nice weather and their surroundings. Speaking to children about the beginning and ending of things such as stories, movies, plants in the garden, the day itself, the alphabet, and a life cycle are all examples children can experience first hand in their environment with the theme of beginning to end.
July
The Fourth of July is celebrated in our country. Timing is judicious for talking about the United States of America. Developmentally, children will lack the understanding of the concept; however, introducing the appropriate music with patriotic themes is totally appropriate. Listening and becoming familiar with the words helps the children with recall not to mention how charming children appear when they wear the country’s colors of red, white and blue.
August
Dog Days of summer usually mean vacation and if not available, consider water play. The water hose with different size containers and a big pail make for entertainment. Children love to fill the containers and pour them into others. Being environmentally conscience, ask children to water the flowers, vegetable garden and be sure to play with water on the grass. Running through the sprinkler may be old fashioned, but children find it non-intimidating and can do this activity with a friend. Remember to mention the benefits of being hydrated by water.
September
As the days cool and grow shorter, children may relaxed and find they have grown out some of their favorite clothes. It could be a good time to talk about growing and new expectations on behavior and trying new things. Meeting new people and using manners come with practice and modeling.
October
Harvest colors with changes in leaves are noticeable. Children like to pick up leaves and talk about the different colors they can be. This time of season is complementary to the world going to sleep and bedtimes for children. Explanations as to why it is important to get rest and eat correctly keep children healthy should be considered. Staying healthy promotes growth and brain activity.
November
Wildly anticipating in the holiday of Thanksgiving parents can talk about how things were long ago, what we have today and predict when children grow up are all discussions that can use imagination. A sense of humor and thankfulness woven with family traditions can increase a child’s vocabulary.
December
This month is reserved for simplicity since schedules can be busy. It is a good time to review with children this growth and accomplishments. Discuss with them, all the wonderful things that they did in the past year. If pictures are available to reminisce and recant is a great way to end the year.