Kids And Creativity, Learning at Home, Learning Through Play
Mindfulness seems to be the new buzzword for savvy parents and teachers. Everyone is creating “zen dens” and practicing “moments of mindfulness.” But what is mindfulness and how can you bring it to your children or students?
Read MoreChildren who have respect instilled in them while growing up turn up to be more adaptive conflict-resilient people who find a way from difficult situations much easier. They are also less inclined to bully others in school and more likely to stand up for others. As you can see, respect isn’t something auxiliary, like subtleties of etiquette. It’s an essential value and ability that we must teach our children.
STEM Education / Play, Learning at Home, Learning Through Play, STEM, STEAM
With just a smidgen of creativity, most games can become useful tools to help a child grasp a difficult concept. Games can be used to help teach math, English, geography, and other subjects. Ninety-nine or Bust is a math game in which basic skills are repeatedly used. Deer in the Headlights is a regular game where cards are discarded but this game can be easily converted into a math game. Buying games like these do not have to cost a fortune.
Sometimes it can be easy to forget how much the simple act of reading aloud develops early literacy skills. After all, how much can a child really be getting out of having the same simple picture book read to them again and again. It turns out—a lot!
Games are a great way to trick your brain (or your kids) into some sneaky learning time. While you think you’re spending some time just having fun, your brain is still getting a lot out of everything you’re doing. Time spent playing a game is not really time wasted at all.
Kids love playing outdoors. When you were a kid, you probably loved it too. However, with the advent of technology, the trend might have started changing a little. Children these days spend more time in front of a computer or mobile screen instead of heading out to the nearby ground and running and playing like a bunch. What they don't realize is what they are missing out on. Playing outdoors is so much fun and you gain a lot in the process as well.
STEM Education / Play, Learning at Home, Learning Through Play, STEAM
Summer is here and travel is on the rise! As a school-based Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA/L), I often get asked at the end of the year what types of activities are recommended during the summer. Specifically, parents often ask me for activity recommendations for travel during the summer months.
