Summer time means lots of playing, hiking, biking, camping, and so much more. One of our favourite times too! However, it also means learning loss occurs as well. But it doesn't have to! Here are some fun and easy summer learning activities to do with your kids.
Being a mom of three and educator for many years, I have come to determine that the best gifts for Mother's Day have to not only be thoughtful but have to be either a gift that gives mom some time with her family or time alone!
This is the yummiest M&M’s Cookie, tested and approved by every family member. And they loved the first, second, and third batches... I mean you have to be thorough in your yummiest M&M cookie testing, right?
As parents, we often notice that our children have certain habits and behaviors that may seem unusual or repetitive. One common behavior that many children exhibit is the tendency to repeat words or phrases. While this may be concerning at first, it is actually a normal part of language development in children.
One of the main reasons why children repeat words is because they are in the process of acquiring language skills. Children learn by imitating the sounds and words they hear from their parents, siblings, and other caregivers. Repetition helps them practice and reinforce these new words in their growing vocabulary.
Repeating words also helps children build confidence in their ability to communicate. By repeating words, they are able to practice the pronunciation and intonation of different sounds. This repetition allows them to become more fluent in their speech, which is an essential skill for effective communication.
Children may also repeat words as a way to express their thoughts and ideas. When they are learning new concepts or trying to convey their understanding, repeating key words can help them solidify their understanding and communicate their thoughts more clearly.
Repeating words and phrases helps children develop language patterns and structures. By hearing and repeating the same words in different contexts, children begin to understand the rules and patterns of language. This repetition is an important step in their language development journey.
In some cases, children may repeat words or phrases as a way to seek attention or engage with others. They may notice that when they repeat certain words, they receive a reaction from those around them. This can be a way for them to connect with others and initiate interaction.
Repeating words can also be a natural part of a child's cognitive development. It helps them process and organize information in their minds. By repeating words, children are able to reinforce their understanding of new concepts and remember important information.
In some cases, children may repeat words as a coping mechanism for anxiety or stress. Repetition can provide a sense of comfort and security, helping them manage their emotions in challenging situations. If you notice excessive or persistent repetition, it may be helpful to consult with a healthcare professional.
Lastly, children may simply enjoy the sound and rhythm of certain words. They may find pleasure in saying them repeatedly, similar to how we might enjoy listening to a catchy song or rhythm. This is a natural part of their exploration and appreciation of language.
Repeating words is a common behavior in children and serves various purposes in their language development. It helps them acquire language skills, build confidence, express thoughts, develop language patterns, seek attention, process information, cope with stress, and appreciate the beauty of language. As parents, it is important to encourage and support our children's language development while also being mindful of any excessive or persistent repetition that may require further attention.
Warmly,
Learning music is a popular extracurricular activity for children, but is it really worth the time and effort? The answer is a resounding yes! Music lessons can have a positive impact on a child’s development and overall well-being.
Here are some of the many benefits of music lessons for children:
Research has shown that music lessons can improve a child’s cognitive skills, including memory, attention, and language. Learning to read music requires a child to use both sides of their brain, which can strengthen neural connections and improve overall brain function.
Learning to play an instrument requires a great deal of hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. Practicing scales, chords, and songs can help a child develop their dexterity and control over their fingers, hands, and arms.
Music lessons can also have a positive impact on a child’s self-esteem. As they progress in their lessons and learn new skills, they gain a sense of accomplishment and pride in their abilities. Performing in recitals or concerts can further boost their confidence and self-assurance.
Playing an instrument can be a great way for children to relieve stress and unwind. The act of playing music can be meditative and calming, and can provide a healthy outlet for emotions and feelings.
Participating in music lessons or ensembles can also improve a child’s social skills. Working with other musicians in a group setting requires communication, cooperation, and collaboration. It can also provide a sense of community and belonging.
Music is a form of creative expression, and learning to play an instrument can foster creativity and imagination in children. As they become more proficient in their skills, they can begin to experiment with different styles and genres of music, and even begin to compose their own pieces.
Finally, music lessons can have a positive impact on a child’s academic performance. Studies have shown that children who study music tend to perform better in subjects such as math, science, and reading.
Overall, music lessons can have a wide range of benefits for children. From improved cognitive and motor skills to boosted self-esteem and creativity, there are many reasons why parents should consider enrolling their children in music lessons. Not only can it be a fun and rewarding activity, but it can also have a positive impact on a child’s development and well-being.
Warmly,
When summer is here, kids are excited to have fun and enjoy their vacation. However, it is essential to keep their brains active during the summer months to prevent the "summer slide", where they lose academic skills. Here are some summer activities for kids that help maintain their brains:
Reading is an excellent way to keep the brain active during the summer. Encourage your child to read books that interest them, whether it’s fiction or non-fiction. You can also sign them up for a summer reading program at your local library to keep them motivated. Reading helps improve vocabulary, comprehension, and critical thinking skills.
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) activities are a great way to keep kids engaged and develop critical thinking skills. You can find many STEM activity books or kits that allow kids to build and experiment with different projects. You can also search for STEM camps or classes in your area.
Note: Easy Daysies visual schedules for kids help foster STEM thinking patterns as well!
Getting outside and being active is not only good for physical health but also mental health. Outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and swimming can help improve concentration, memory, and creativity. Encourage your child to explore nature and learn about the environment.
Art projects can help develop creativity and problem-solving skills. You can provide your child with different art supplies and let them create whatever they want. You can also find art classes or workshops in your area that focus on specific techniques like painting or sculpting.
Mind games like puzzles, Sudoku, and memory games can help improve cognitive skills like memory, attention, and problem-solving. You can find many free online games or apps that challenge the brain.
Cooking is a fun way to teach kids about nutrition and develop math and measurement skills. You can let your child help with meal planning and preparation, or you can find cooking classes in your area that cater to kids.
Learning a foreign language can help improve cognitive skills like memory, attention, and problem-solving. You can find many free online language courses or apps that make learning a new language fun and interactive.
Playing an instrument or listening to music can help improve memory, attention, and spatial-temporal skills. You can encourage your child to learn a new instrument or attend music classes in your area.
These are just a few summer activities for kids that help maintain their brains. Remember to keep it fun and engaging, and your child will continue to learn and grow during the summer months.
Warmly,
Need some Spring Break ideas? Yay! No more making lunches for two weeks! Yippee! Extra snuggle time with the kids! Spring break means that it is time to come up with fun ideas without having to spend a lot of money. It means being creative when going to Disneyland is not an option this year. […]
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Being a part of the family means each person contributes to its happiness, livelihood and its success. Chore charts can help – if done right! Doing chores is a natural part of being a family. It is also part of being an adult, so the earlier your children become accustomed to chores, the better they […]
The 3 types of learning, and how Easy Daysies enhances the 2 more effective types for helping kids to “listen” One of the most common questions I get from parents is: “How do I get my kids to listen?” Parents are just so tired of telling their kids the same thing over and over […]
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