Hand in Hand

I have always believed that education goes beyond the classroom. There’s an old saying, “It takes a village to raise a child.” Well, the same goes with educating that child. We as teachers and parents must partner together! I am amazed at what some of my students already know when they first come to me because of what their parents have already taught them at home. The internet is full of awesome ideas of what could be done at home. I will only list a few of my favorites but I encourage you to not stop there. There are endless ideas of fun activities just floating around on the World Wide Web!

#1 Printable Tracing
Worksheets Handwriting is an important building block in a young child’s education. Tracing is great practice for them. There are numerous websites that have free printable tracing sheets. To save paper, you can laminate the paper and allow them to use a dry erase marker or just use a sheet protector if you are not able to laminate. Below are a few links: http://www.learning4kids.net/2012/04/16/printable-number-tracing-cards/ http://www.kidzone.ws/prek_wrksht/dynamic.htm http://handwritingpractice.net/handwriting/index.html

#2 Sensory Activities
Sensory play is a big part in a child’s learning. It allows them to learn about the world around them through an unstructured learning environment. It encourages them to use their imagination, explore language, develop fine motor skills, etc. Below I have listed a website with different ideas. Again, explore the internet! http://www.prekinders.com/sensory-table/

#3 Alphabet Sponge Letters
This is so cool! You just cut out sponges to shapes of letters. Put them in the tub with your child. When the letters get wet, they stick to the sides of the tub! Your child will have fun and learn at the same time! Below is a link to a website with instructions. They also provide a printable to help you cut out the letters. http://www.learning4kids.net/2011/08/16/alphabet-sponge-letters-bath-time-fun-2/ Again, these are just a few ideas. There are endless possibilities of what you can do at home with your child to help continue that learning process. Remember, let’s work together!