My husband used to enjoy watching these crazy television shows where contestants had to make their way through a nearly impossible obstacle course. I can somewhat see the attraction as it was comical to watch these willing participants get covered in mud and goo or be soaked to the bone when a task was not completed successfully along the course.
I am certainly not suggesting you put your child through this same type of embarrassing set of circumstances. However, there is a very easy way to help your child improve his gross motor skills while, at the same time, using his cognitive abilities to interpret a code. All you need is some sidewalk chalk, a sidewalk or paved driveway, and a bit of sunshine.
Begin by creating the obstacle course using symbols to represent actions. )With my children, I used a straight line to represent walking forward as though on a balance beam, “X”s meant to hop on one foot, circles indicated to hop on two feet, and a dashed line meant to walk backwards. ) Explain the symbols, and demonstrate how to complete the obstacle course. Then, give your child a turn, helping him if necessary. Play the game as long as his interested is there. You can have him complete the course in the reverse order when he tires of going in the original direction. Or, simply use a bucket of water to wash off the first course and, when it dries, make a new one!
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Written by Laura on May 1, 2010
As a parent of a young child, it can be hard to stand back and watch your child struggle through any challenge. From tying his shoes to making new friends, life can be tough for a little one. Our first instinct is to jump in and either do it for him or even just give him directions on doing it correctly. However, these moments of difficulty can serve as opportunities for growth if we gather our
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Written by BRWI Staff on January 19, 2010
Playing memory games is a great way to help your child actively develop a pre-reading skill. It may not seem obvious at first, but a good short-term memory is needed in order to read and comprehend what has just been read. There are any number of games you can play with your child that will help to develop this essential skill. Of course, there is the very popular game where you attempt to flip
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Written by BRWI Staff on December 21, 2009
Have you ever gotten to the end of a pile of laundry you are folding and still had a bunch of socks that needed to be sorted? You must then go through the pile matching pairs of socks and putting them together. Although this skill may seem mindless to you, your preschooler may enjoy this simple challenge. The activity also provides your child the opportunity to practice his sorting skills all w
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Written by BRWI Staff on December 2, 2009
As parents of small children, we have all had times where we are in a hurry, and we rushed to get our child dressed and out the door as quickly as possible. However, at the preschool age, it is better if you allow time for your child to dress and undress herself. This simple activity gives her practice in doing buttons, snaps, ties, and more. All, of which, she should be able to do as she is he
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Written by BRWI Staff on November 16, 2009
Once children have entered school, it is expected that they will learn how to read. However, we, as parents, can do much to prepare our young ones for the adventures in reading that lie ahead.
One important skill that can help ensure reading success is book awareness. Many children will pick up on how a book works simply through experience. Reading to your child on a daily basis will allow him
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Written by BRWI Staff on October 21, 2009
Pirates, scalawags, and treasure are popular themes right now. Use this popularity to draw your child’s attention while helping him to develop listening skills. Part of listening is being able to follow directions, which, of course, is a skill needed for kindergarten. A made up treasure map can be a fun way to help your child practice these important skills.
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Written by BRWI Staff on September 28, 2009
Usually, when children first lay eyes on a pair of scissors, they want to scoop them up and start cutting. However, this excitement often dwindles quickly because trying to use scissors when you don’t know how can be very frustrating. In order to entice your little one to keep trying, create the following easy-to-make cutting “worksheets”.
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Written by BRWI Staff on September 21, 2009
Without even realizing it, young children are constantly learning about cause and effect. I once wrote a mock news flash about how my son, then 18 months old, threw a red Christmas tree ornament onto our kitchen floor because he thought it was a ball. He was completely shocked when it shattered into hundreds of little pieces. The effect was not what he thought it was going to be.
Although pres
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Written by Laura on August 22, 2009
One of the most important skills preschoolers should learn in preparation for kindergarten is how to listen. Most children hear just fine, but when you speak to them, you realize where the phrase, “In one ear and out the other” has originated. It may feel as though you are speaking to a wall. This is because they haven’t learned how to listen. Listening involves gathering inf
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Written by BRWI Staff on August 18, 2009
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