Kindergarten readiness- developmental milestones

Kindergarten Readiness – Yes to Fairy Tales

2011/03/01 admin Leave a comment

Since it’s March…the ants go marching 1 by 1. They’re not the only ones that march. The Emperor marched in a parade to show off his new clothes.

Years ago, one older prof at college suggested using fairy tales as a teaching tool. At first, being ‘modern and enlightened’ I dismissed that idea and trashed fairy tales on the basis that they were not politically correct and were gender biased. After all, the differences between boys and girls was because of the way society treated children. When I had my own kids I soon realized that a son and a daughter arrive with significant differences. But, back to fairy tales….Yes, they do have a place in the 21st century and can be used for learning with little ones. They are a super resource for all kinds of kindergarten readiness.

The Emperor’s New Clothes is a great story to use to talk about why we wear clothes, for naming various things we wear, for sorting clothes into what we wear for each season, how some people wear different clothing, and more. Find a couple of minutes to notice patterns and colors. When doing the laundry, match some colors and sizes.

Kids enjoy that the Emperor was tricked and that he marched in his underwear. Children often feel ‘exposed’ and inferior to adults and love that, for once, the child got it right and all the adults were wrong. Share the story, dig out some clothes and have your own dress-up fun. Any other ways to share this story for learning?

Physical Development

Kindergarten Readiness – March into March

2011/02/28 admin Leave a comment

Can February March? No, but April May.

Today is the last day of February and tomorrow is March 1st. Although some parts of the country look as white as a lamb, the old saying about March coming in like a lion and going out like a lamb is not referring to snow. No matter if the weather is still winter or hinting about spring here’s an activity about March that can be done inside or out–marching. Listen to some fun music and go for a march. March around the house or around the block. March upstairs and down. After Marching, try some tip-toeing, some big steps, and some little steps. Maybe, sliding, gliding, skipping, hopping even crawling. Try using different parts of the body, not just feet. Can you march with hands, knees, tummies?

Exploring different ways to move helps children strengthen their large muscle skills and motor coordination. While being part of kindergarten readiness this is also part of growth and development. I won’t suggest running, kids already do lots of that! 1, 2 3 March.
Hmm, could we add our own music?

Holiday Activities, Infant and Toddler

Kindergarten Readiness – Presidents Day/Family Day

2011/02/21 admin Leave a comment

For wee little ones, Presidents Day in the US, or Family Day in some parts of Canada, does not have the same relevance that it will later. At this point in children’s lives, this day may mean that some family members get to stay home, or there is time to go to the playground or to a special community event. And … Continue reading Kindergarten Readiness – Presidents Day/Family Day →