Schools have been closed until after Easter. Parents and children are stressing about a variety of very real issues. As a parent, I know that this time away from school can have devastating affects on your child's development. Taking time off in December and January is the closing period between two years. The kids need the rest and the new year usually starts fresh with lots of revision and prior knowledge application. With the new demands from the department, Term Two is going to be a stressful one with regards to getting all of the required work completed in such a short period of time. I also want Nunu to be engaged for the self-isolation period, not glued to the TV for hours each day as we try to fill the time.
I have compiled 3 lessons to do with your toddler or pre-schooler. All of these lessons can be adapted to suit your child's level and are not meant to be done all in one day! Spread them out and really make them valuable learning experiences.
Many of the resources are from Twinkl. This is usually a paid for service, but due to school's closing world-wide they have kindly offered a free month of membership!
1) The very hungry caterpillar
Click for resources here.
Read: Read aloud the story: The very hungry caterpillar. (Story also available on YouTube here)
Colouring in: Pages are available for free during this month.
Small world play: Have you ever tried building a 'small world'? It is great for building your child's imagination! Click on the photo below for a beginner's guide to Small World Play. These little world usually include sensory play too! You could stick with the garden theme for The Hungry Caterpillar, or choose another suitable theme.
2D Shapes: Create a little 2D shape treasure hunt around the house. Show your kiddo an example of a 2D shape eg. a circle and then ask them to find concrete examples of that shape around the house.
2) Jack and the Beanstalk
Click for resources here.
Read: Read aloud the story: Jack and the Beanstalk. (Story also available on YouTube here)
Natural Science: Plant some beans with your child in cotton wool. CD cases work well as you can see the development of the radicle quite nicely.
Maths: Below I have attached a very cute counting printable from Homeschool Giveaways. Click on the picture to download.
Building blocks: Use lego / building blocks and see how tall of a tower you are able to build. Can you reach the clouds?
Sensory play / edible paint: Mix a little green food colouring with natural plain yogurt. Sit your child in the bath and let them draw the scenes of the story using the paint and the sides of the bath.
3) Autumn
The season is changing - time to get creative with the pending cooler weather!
Nature: Time outside has been encouraged, as long as you are not in contact with other people. Take a quick stroll outside and find some fallen, brown leaves. Discuss how autumn is different to other seasons. What makes it special? Create a collage by sticking down as many leaves as you can find.
Craft: Create an autumn handprint tree.
You will need: various shades of brown, orange and yellow paints, cardboard and a clean hand.
Paint your child's hand brown. Press down on a piece of paper to create the trunk and branches.
Now use the other paint colours and use your fingerprints to make the leaves.
Fine motor skills: Crayon and pencil control is important. There are many downloadable resources for this skill, but to create your own is easy. Create dotted lines in straight lines/ patterns which your child must follow with a pencil or crayon.
Baking: What is autumn without some delicious home-baked biscuits? Here is the link to the 'easiest ever biscuits'.
