Holiday Activities

Kindergarten Readiness – What Does Santa Do?

What does Santa do after Christmas? He plays in the Snow!! That’s where we’re going. Snow angels, Fox and Geese, Down the Hill, and home for hot chocolate. No matter where you live the best part of the holidays is time to play outside. All that play is a form of kindergarten readiness: exercising muscles and promoting their growth, developing and practicing coordination, enjoying nature and more. Play is kids’ work and adults need it, too. Maybe you’ll see Santa. What other things does he do outside?

Kindergarten Readiness – 1 2 3 Merry Christmas

Knock, knock.                                      Knock, knock.
Who’s there?                                       Who’s there?
Mary.                                                    Holly.
Mary who?                                           Holly who?
Merry Christmas.                                  Happy Hollydays.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from Barbara Allisen

As a holiday gift to 1 2 3 Kindergarten readers click on the Download tab for a special report of kindergarten readiness and holiday survival ideas called Holidays or Crazy Days.

Kindergarten Readiness – Christmas Books & Stories

Once upon a Christmas time...

‘Twas the night before Christmas when all through the house, the whole family was reading even the  mouse….Reading books and sharing stories is  the most valuable of all kindergarten readiness activities. A few reasons are language, imagination, visualizing, attention, concentration, sequencing, letter and sound knowledge and more. Words are our vehicle for learning. (Plus, it’s lifelong. Just yesterday my mom talked to me about a new book at the club at the seniors’ center.) 

The stores all have selections of special kids’ books for those who celebrate Christmas and for families of other cultures and religions. The gift isn’t the book, it’s the reading and the magic of relationships. Are the kids nestled all snug in their beds? What will you be reading tonight?

Q. What Christmas carol is parents’ favorite? A. Silent Night

Kindergarten Readiness – Getting In Shape For Holidays

What shape should we get in? The different meanings for the word shape and the play on words is a great reminder that kids (and adults) need to play. For some playtime today, exercise the body in different shapes: make circles with different parts of the body, bend arms and legs like triangles, stand and … Continue reading Kindergarten Readiness – Getting In Shape For Holidays

Kindergarten Readiness – ‘Writing’ Tags & Cards

To date, for December activities we have explored shapes, thought of words that rhyme, matched initial sounds, and used oranges for science and imagining combined with simple Christmas preparations. All these authentic activities have lots of learning and help children develop kindergarten readiness skills. Is it time to wrap presents and label gifts? If your … Continue reading Kindergarten Readiness – ‘Writing’ Tags & Cards