Yes, fun at the playground can even help build prereading muscles. This is a simple and appealing book for preschool and kindergarten kids. Maisy, the mouse, goes to the playground and has fun, of course. At home, you can read what Maisy does and then go off a playground and do those things, too. Talking about the experience with your child is extremely important. For example: Did Maisy go on the swing? Did you go on the swing? Did Maisy do anything that you didn’t do? Did you do anything that Maisy didn’t? The picture of Maisy’s playground is different than your playground. Which one do you think you like better? I didn’t see any animals on the slide at our playground. Is Maisy a real mouse or an imaginary mouse? etc. Reading the story and sharing a playground experience creates a meaningful connection between the text and what your child already knows. This shared meaning gives reading power. Your playground fun has made a significant deposit in your child’s readiness account, for physical coordination and reading and language development.
Do you know any other stories about kids and playgrounds?
Talking about what you might need and making a list can be great fun. Are you going somewhere warm? Check with your child if you will need snowpants. Talk about the items that need to be included on the list. Ask some crazy, silly questions mixed in with some sensible ones. Imagine the things you might be doing and what things are important to pack. Will you be skating? Are parachutes a good idea?