March
It is hard to believe that March is upon us! This month bring some really exciting lessons for my group. We are observing our ladybug larvae and painted lady caterpillars which will soon go through that exciting metamorphosis! When the adult insects are ready we will release them to the garden. We are beginning to look at the parts of the insect, several different animal life cycles, studies of Europe as well as the flags of European countries and the artist Georgia O'Keeffe.
Reading
I think we are all aware of how important it is to read to your child. Dedicate at least 20 minutes of your day reading to you little one. If your child is a reader, they should be reading
at least 20 minutes at home per day.
Here is my challenge to you: Turn off the television and keep it off for your child Monday through Friday. One week. Just one week. Allow your child to enjoy weekend TV. In my own home, my child knows T.V. days are Saturday and Sunday. After school time is enjoyed playing outside, painting, drawing, reading, cooking, and many more practical life home activities.
Here are some great ideas to get you going!
Laundry –
1.
Folding clothes – wash clothes & dish clothes.
2. Child can match
socks and roll them up
3. Child can fold
his own clothes and put them in a drawer.
Dusting Show how to move objects carefully,
and dust table tops, shelves (encourage left to right sequence)
Cleaning- Windows, TV, mirrors, etc. – for the
young child you may spray and child may wipe with a towel.
Scrubbing
the sink- In a step by step manner show the child:
1. Wet
sponge and squeeze out.
2. Give
small amount of non-toxic cleanser in a dish.
3. Child
can dip in the cleanser and scrub the sink.
4. Rinse
out the sink.
Washing surfaces with water – Refrigerator, stove,
woodwork, car, etc.
Give the child a small pail of
soapy water and sponge, demonstrate how to squeeze sponge and wash surfaces.
Sweeping -
Give child a child size broom and
dustpan. Demonstrate how to use. Also, try mopping, raking leaves, shoveling
snow (Just making sure you’re still reading.)
Plant care -
Indoor and outdoor plants / garden
work.
1. Give
child a small watering can.
2. Show
how to feel if the plant needs water.
3. Pick
off dry leaves.
4. Clean
dusty leaves (indoor plants.)
Making a Bed -
This may be difficult for a very young child, but try to recognize when
child is ready.
1. Show
child how to pull the covers back.
2. Pull
the sheet and smooth the wrinkles.
3. Fix
the pillow
4. Pull
the covers smooth.
Encourage child to make his own
bed, but make sure the bed is arranged in such a way that the child can walk
around all sides.
Washing
Dishes - Be prepared for some
spilled water. Encourage child to work
slowly and carefully. This activity
should be preceded by pouring water with cups in the bathtub
Drying
Dishes – When demonstrating, use slow, methodical movements. Concentrate on wiping off all the drops of
water from a dish. Don’t rush a child to
finish. Give him a few dishes and plenty
of time.
Sorting
activities – Anything that can be sorted into various groups.
·
Sorting silverware into the drawer sections
·
Sorting laundry into piles
·
Sorting groceries for cupboard, refrigerator,
freezer
·
Sorting buttons in sewing basket
Feeding and
care of pets – place food for pets in containers the child can manage, such
as a small jar of bird food with spoon to fill bird’s cup; a can of dry cat or
dog food with a measuring cup to scoop out the right amount.
Reading Project
Most of you saw this already! I found the idea in Family Fun Magazine and it is so fun! Turn the two sides of the egg to make new words. If your child is not yet reading, designate one egg per sound of the alphabet (in cursive) put them in the basket or have a find the sound egg hunt. The Dollar Tree Store has large packs of plastic eggs!
Dates
3/13 Site Council/PTA
3/14 Mother Son Flip Dunk
3/18-22 Spring Break
3/29 No School
