Activity….
Time to focus in on discovering something new, work on a new skill, experiment with materials, talk about their discoveries and solve problems. Your activity time should always start in the same location (table in the classroom, kitchen table, circle area). This gives the adult the opportunity to start them off with a reason to be involved in the activity. If you need to move your activity to another location (Outside, to a comfy spot for reading, etc.) do that after you have tempted them with a brief description of the activity. Each child is given their own materials (in a bin or bag) so that they can make their own choices and talk about them with the adult/parent. The activity time should build on your child’s strengths and build on experiences your child might miss. It also gives the adult the opportunity to observe and ask questions to further the thought process.
How to choose an activity:
It’s important to observe your child. They will tell you what they are working on: Balance, climbing skills, holding a pencil, getting ready for a holiday or field trip, etc. This is where you look for what to present to your child. For instance, throwing your child into writing activities before you have enjoyed exercising their small motor muscles is setting both you and your child up for failure and disappointment. Enjoy the learning process. Add in fun and movement! Experiment with different ways of presentation. You will do better at some than others…that’s okay. It’s all good in the name of learning!
Setting up your learning space:
Getting ready for a successful learning experience will help to make the whole experience that much more enjoyable for everyone. First let’s look at the areas you will be exploring and playing in. Below are links to a few ideas you may want to consider.