We packed a ton of fun into the final weeks of the school year! As our time together was coming to an end we said goodbye to our butterflies and talked about travel and transportation.
Our caterpillars emerged from their chrysalises in June and we observed them for a few days before releasing them.
As we prepared to say goodbye to some of our classmates for the summer we discussed where we might be during the summer months and beyond. We talked about taking trips and family vacations, places to visit and how we might get where we are going. We learned about different states and countries and their similarities and differences. We also explored modes of transportation and why we might choose to take a ship or boat when traveling as opposed to a car. We even took a pretend trip to Florida on an airplane, right in our classroom.
As we explored the topic of travel it allowed us to meander into the subtopic of movement. We touched on wind movement and its impact on a sailboat, a plane, a kite, etc. We created sailboats using pool noodle slices, foam triangles and a straw. These water proof materials were perfect for testing our wind theories in the pond. We watched our sailboats move slowly across the water as the wind blew. We also experimented with blowing on the sailboats to see if a more forceful gust pushed our boats along faster. This is a fun and easy activity to try at home and it can be done in any body of water you may have around your home, from a lake or pond to a kiddie pool.
How to Engage Your Preschooler in Developmentally Appropriate Play:
** Social/Emotional Milestones **
Milestone for 2 year olds
- increasingly enthusiastic about company of other children -
** Your child is becoming more interested in other children. They may become excited at the sight of another child and, depending on your child, curiosity may compel them to approach another child. The interaction, if there is one, will probably be fairly quiet and inquisitive at this stage of development. In a play setting the children may play near each other and watch each other from a distance. They are taking in information that will be useful at a later stage of development. Allow your child to observe quietly without input initially. If they look to your for guidance and support you can describe what you are observing and ask a question. "I see (the other child) dumping the pail. What was inside? What happened when he dumped it out?" Be present with your child in the observation. When they are ready to move from an onlooker to parallel play or associative play they will let you know. **
Milestone for 3 year olds
- interested in new experiences -
** Is your three year old suddenly very inquisitive? Are they curious about new things and eager to test boundaries? This is a very exciting time for your child, and it can be an equally nerve wracking time as a parent. Learning to navigate and negotiate new situations, from socializing to scaling the playground equipment are a big deal and despite your best efforts to protect them they will face challenges. These challenges are great opportunities for growth! What can you do to help your child through these new experiences? Be there. Watch, listen and be ready to encourage and guide when necessary. Allow them to try climbing or balancing without your physical support. Instead, guide them with your words. Ask them how they might navigate slippery rocks safely or where they can try placing their foot as they climb. They can figure it out, and knowing that you are confidant in their ability to do things on their own will build their confidence. This goes for social situations as well - give your child the language to express their needs, wants and boundaries. **
Milestone for 4 year olds
- sometimes demanding, sometimes eagerly cooperative -
** As your child develops confidence in expressing himself you may notice that he is more assertive at times. These instances are often complimented by moments of cooperation that have you wondering if your child has an alter ego. This is totally normal! Your child still wants guidance and seeks your approval, but is beginning to better understand routines and expectations and how to get their needs met. There will be moments when they know exactly what they want and there will be moments when they are unsure and welcome your input. They like the feeling of independence and they also long for the connection they find in cooperation. Sound familiar? The desire for independence and cooperation ebbs and flows throughout our lives, from childhood throughout adulthood. Show your child your support in both scenarios by asking questions. If your child demands to have the blue cup ask your child why they must have it? Ask them with honest curiosity. If their demand could have been phrased differently ask them about that. If they need a model, be their model. You can do the same in a cooperative scenario. Let them know you enjoy their company and appreciate their cooperation, and then ask them why they decided to (put their toys away, eat their sandwich) cooperate. These conversations provide you with information and they allow your child to reflect in these moments and work toward understanding themselves as well. **
