Season’s Greetings to Family, Friends and Followers
May you enjoy the day with your family,
Sharing and caring,
Loving and giving,
Growing and learning.
Merry Christmas, Barbara Allisen
Christmas
Readiness for Kindergarten – Holiday Learning Fun; Seeing
During the first two weeks of this month, I showed how toys and play can help children with all kinds of learning and readiness for kindergarten. Since there’s 5 posts left this week, that seems just right for exploring the 5 senses. Christmas is a feast for the 5 senses and appeals to the child in all of us.
The holiday season is a visual treat. There is so much to see. When you are out with your child check out the shapes of things and their colors. Shapes are fairly straightforward to learn, but not colors. There are so many variations for each one. Many kindergarten readiness checklists include being able to identify colors because this gives an idea of a child’s level of thinking skills. For babies, just focusing on one object can be a challenge, especially if it is moving. Older kids may be able to pick out patterns in holiday decorations and lights: red-green; red-green; red–hey, why are there 2 reds? Oh, oh–a green light burned out. Are there letters and numbers? Some things are big, like trees, and some are so little, like snowflakes.
At home, there’s lots to see, as well. What shapes are the packages and decorations on your tree? Is there something new to see that wasn’t there before? Think of some ways that you can talk about all the things to see with your little one. You might want to play I Spy. Dimming the lights turns the darkness into magic.
Can you suggest some other activities to light up your child’s visual learning?
Kindergarten Readiness – Twinkle Star
Twinkle, twinkle little star. How I wonder what you are? It’s hard to believe but this star is made of 3 toilet paper rolls. Instructions for this fun project follow.
Some parents think that children need to learn specific information for kindergarten readiness. Many people think that it is the school’s responsibility to be ready for the children. That is indeed the case to some extent. But just like any other event, parents can help get kids ready. After all, we prepare kids for the dentist by explaining what it’s all about. Adults get ready for Christmas, prepare for new tasks, etc. Readiness for kids is helping them learn and do all kinds of things so they can shine like the stars they are. Now, on to the craft, helping your little one as much or as little as needed.
1. Unroll 3 tissue rolls. 2. Flatten them as much as you can. A quick wipe with a damp paper towel helps. 3. Paint them, stamp with bingo dabbers, color with felts or crayons or cover with foil. The paint will help straighten them or a heavy book. 4. When dry and flat either glue them like a star or staple in the middle. 5. A photo can be attached to make a 2-in-1 star! Can you shine?
Kindergarten Readiness – Holiday Memories
Tomorrow is New Year’s Eve so here is one last Christmas kindergarten readiness activity for this year. Ask your child to draw a holiday picture. When the picture is ready, have your child tell you one thing abut the picture. Print that out and then read it by pointing to each word. Encourage your child … Continue reading Kindergarten Readiness – Holiday Memories
Kindergarten Readiness – 5 Senses Holiday Treat
The holidays have been so busy and so wonderful! For some holiday fun with your little one today, take 5. 5 senses, that is. When you have a minute, wherever you are, ask your child what s/he can hear. Are there jingle bells or music? Crunchy snow? Have your child tell you what s/he can see. … Continue reading Kindergarten Readiness – 5 Senses Holiday Treat
Kindergarten Readiness – 1Q, 2Q, 3Q, 10Q
1Q, 2Q, 3Q … 10Q. You’re Welcome. (Hint: 10Q = tenQ or thank you) When I was little, I remember my mother making me write thank you notes after Christmas. I never knew what to say and I found copying and printing very difficult. However, when I became a mom, I made my kids do … Continue reading Kindergarten Readiness – 1Q, 2Q, 3Q, 10Q
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 … Continue reading Kindergarten Readiness – What Does Santa Do?
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
‘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 … Continue reading Kindergarten Readiness – Christmas Books & Stories
Kindergarten Readiness – Santa Action Song
How does Santa get in shape for Christmas Eve? Well, like the reindeer and the elves he does the Hokey Pokey, too, (see previous blogs). His special getting ready action song goes like this: (to the tune of Old Macdonald had a farm) Santa gets ready for Christmas Eve, this is how it goes. With … Continue reading Kindergarten Readiness – Santa Action Song