It looks like the wonderful spring weather will continue today. We hope you can open some windows or go outside for a while today. Here are a few invitations for you to consider. These were designed with children aged 3-5 years in mind, but appeal to children of many ages. Some materials may need to be modified for children younger than three years.
Fine Motor Invitation: String, yarn, or ribbon play
Invite your child to create with string, yarn, or ribbon. Ask your child what can you create? What does the string remind you of? What can we do with it?
The intent for this invitation is to have the child create something by weaving, tying or anything else they can imagine. This way they are finding ways to use the item creatively, problem solving all while giving those fine motor muscles a work out!
Sensory Invitation: senses collection
Invite your child to collect things from around the house or outside. Using touch, sight, and smell, what can we observe about the objects? Perhaps your child notices they have many objects that are smooth, can they find more objects that are similar? How about different?
The intent of this activity is to have the child focus on what their senses are telling them and in turn relaying those thoughts to us. We have always noticed an interest in textures playing with objects that feel wildly different.
Art Invitation: Paint with cotton balls
Invite your child to paint with not a paint brush, but with some cotton balls. Ask your child how might you use them to make art? Will they use the cotton balls to solely paint, or will they become part of the painting?
The intent of this is to give the child freedom over how they want to use a certain medium. In the classroom we have put out cotton balls, craft sticks, and leaves to paint with and it is always wonderful to observe and hear about the choices they make.
Music/Movement Invitation: Freeze Dance
Play your favorite song and dance. Pause the music any time to stop dancing.
The intent for this is to just get moving and have fun. We often sing, play music during times of transition to engage our bodies in a safe and constructive way.
Outdoor Invitation: Nature Walk
Take a walk anywhere around your home! During a nature walk ask what you notice about the sky, the trees, and ground. What are the signs of Spring?
The intent of this activity is to mirror the adventure walks children in the LACS preschool class go on around the neighborhood. Sometimes the walk is more important than the destination because it is where we observe the most.
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