Monday, May 11

It's hard to believe that this will be our last week of preschool for the year.

It certainly has been one that was out of the ordinary.

Don't forget to pick up your child's things today!
9:00-10:00 a.m. - ALL 4s
10:00-11:00 a.m. - ALL 2s
11:00 a.m.-12:00 noon - ALL 3s

EVERYONE

Did you know that according to a 2013 survey, the average preschooler asks more than 300 questions in a day??  A 4-year-old girl beats out everyone else below the age of 10 with close to 400 queries per day!

Of course you knew that, because you're the parent of a preschooler.  I know some days is seems like your child is the one who hits that mark before breakfast.

Let me tell you why it's important to allow, and encourage, your child to ask questions and how to handle the onslaught.

Children make sense of the world by asking questions.  They build concepts, skills, vocabulary and understanding of the unknown through question and answer.  Answering their questions fosters learning, plain and simple.

You are your child's primary source of information about the world an how it works.  Answer questions now and they will continue to turn to you for answers in the future.

Here are five ways in which you can support your child.  Most importantly, answer simply and honestly.

1. Gauge your answer by your child's age and interest.

Are they really looking for an in-depth answer, or seeking an uncomplicated one?  In other words, do they want to build a watch or do they just want to know what time it is?

2. Turn the question around and ask your child what they think the answer might be.  This helps deepen your child's thinking.

3. If you don't know the answer, that's okay.  Tell your child that you're not sure and investigate it together.

4. Ask your child questions first.  'Why do you think dogs bark?'  'Why do have to wash our hands?'  'Where do you think that plane is going?'

5. Motivate Higher Order Thinking.  This means encouraging your child to use the information that they already know to find solutions to new problems.  HOT is a life-long skill children can begin to develop now.

2s:  Number 5

1. The Numeral 5

I love Storybots!  Watch their video about the number 5: The Number Five


And here's a Sesame Street compilation of the Number 5: Sesame Street Number 5

2. Decorate

In your bag, you'll find a cut out number 5.

Have your child use their finger to trace around the numeral.

Now, have your child decorate the cut out.  You can use paints, stickers, crayons, thumbprints, anything!

3. You Have 5 Fingers and 5 Toes

Use a piece of paper and a marker or crayon to trace your child's hand and foot.
You can also paint their foot and stamp it on the paper!

Show your child that they have five fingers on their hand and five toes on their foot.

Ask your child to find you five of something - Legos, stuffed animals, books, rocks, etc.

Encourage your child to show someone else their fives.

3s; Numbers

1.  One to Ten

Watch the Storybots sing about the numbers 1-10: Storybots - Counting to Ten

As you're watching, pause the video and ask your child if they know what number comes next.

2. Number Bingo

From our website, print out the 3s Number Bingo.

You'll need something for markers.  A handful of pennies works well.

Cut apart the cards with the dotted lines from the last page.

Look at the numeral cards with your child.  Let everyone choose a board.  The numerals 0-10 are played with, though not all boards have all the numerals.

Tip: Don't point out the numerals for your child.  If they are unsure, let them hold the card and compare it to every space on their board until they have found the match.

You can also have them show you 'how many' with their fingers for each numeral.

Take turns drawing cards and announcing the numeral.  Keep playing until your board is filled up. The first person to fill their board is the winner!

3. Numbers and Numerals

From our website, print out the Numbers Puzzles activity.

Look at the sheets with your child.  Each numeral has a number of objects next to it.  Have your child count the number of objects and see if they match the numeral.

Cut apart, or have your child cut apart, the puzzles on the lines.  Mix up the numeral sides and then mix up the picture sides.

Have your child draw a numeral.  Can they identify it?

Now, have them find the picture that has the correct number of objects on it.  Ask them to count out loud to make sure.

Put that pair aside and have your child finish all the matches.

4s: Review

1. Alphabet Bingo

From our website, print out the Alphabet Bingo activity.  You'll need at least 2 people to play.

Cut apart the calling cards on the second to last page.  You can cut out and use the pips on the last page or it's easier to just use a handful of pennies.

Mix up the calling cards and let your child choose one of the playing boards.

Have everyone put a pip on the center.

Draw a card and show it to everyone.  If you have the letter, put a pip on it.

The first person to get 5 in a row, wins!

2. Let's Get Moving!

Bop Til You Drop

3. Following Directions

From our website, print out the Flowery Types activity. 

Point out to your child that there is a color code to follow.  The activity is available in color, but your copier may make red and orange look too similar.  You can underline the color words for you child. 

When you look at the color words with your child, ask questions.  We'll use 'red' as an example.  You can ask 'What is the first letter of this color word?', 'What sound does it make?', 'What color word do you think this is?'.

Have your child color the flowers one color at a time.  Once the flowers are all colored, they can color the rest of the picture!