Ring in the New Year
(Tune: “We Wish You a Merry Christmas”)
Let’s all do a little ringing, (Shake hands as if ringing bells.)
Let’s all do a little ringing,
Let’s all do a little ringing
It’s a Happy New Year!
Let’s all do a little clapping… (Clap hands.)
Let’s all do a little dancing… (Dance around.)
Let’s all do a little smiling… (Smile.)
When is your birthday?
When is your birthday?
When is your birthday?
Stand up and cheer.
(Say months of the year.)
January, February, March…(Children stand up on their birthday month.)
Let’s all be a little kinder… (Pat friends on the back.)
For a Happy New Year!
Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow
*You could also let children make a time line of their lives. (Writing Standard W.3)
Soaring in 2024
What I Didn't Get for Christmas!
Step into 2024
You'll need is some funky duct tape for this project. Each day write some information you want to reinforce on a sheet of heavy paper and tape it to the floor with the funky tape by the classroom door. Children repeat the information each time as they go in and out the door. For example:
Letters - children say the letter and something that starts with the sound
Math facts - children say the answer
Sight words - children read the word
*Hint! You could also make letters, numbers, or shapes on the floor with the duct tape.
Home Learning Adventures
Home Learning Adventures for Parents and Children
Photo by Freepik
In today's fast-paced world, parents often search for meaningful ways to connect and engage with their children. While the importance of formal education is undeniable, the role of home in a child's learning journey is equally significant. It's here, within the familiar walls of the home, that parents can create enriching, interactive educational experiences that not only impart knowledge but also strengthen bonds. This article, shared by Dr. Jean and Friends, explores a myriad of creative ideas that parents can easily implement at home, turning everyday activities into exciting learning opportunities.
Experiment with Household Wonders
Imagine the sparkle in your child's eyes when they witness the eruption of a homemade volcano or the creation of a rainbow in a glass of water. Simple, safe scientific experiments using household items are not only fascinating but also immensely educational. Parents can guide their children through experiments like making a baking soda and vinegar volcano, exploring density with oil and water, or even creating a homemade compass. These activities teach basic scientific principles, encourage curiosity, and develop a love for learning.
Cooking Up Knowledge
Cooking is another excellent way to blend education with fun. In the kitchen, children can learn about measurements, fractions, and the importance of following instructions. Baking a cake, for example, can become a lesson in measuringingredients accurately or doubling a recipe, which involves simple multiplication of fractions. These activities also improve fine motor skills and introduce children to the concept of chemical reactions in cooking, like yeast causing dough to rise.
The Magic of Gardening
Creating a small garden or even a window box garden offers numerous educational benefits. Gardening teaches children about plant biology, the importance of environmental care, and the responsibility of nurturing living things. It's a hands-on experience in science, an opportunity to discuss nutrition, and a perfect way to connect with nature. Even in urban settings, a small container garden can be a source of wonder and learning.
Artistic Explorations
Art projects are a fantastic way to encourage creativity and self-expression. Engaging in activities such as painting, crafting, or sculpting allows children to explore different mediums, understand colors, shapes, and textures, and express their emotions and ideas visually. Parents can participate by providing materials, suggesting themes, or even joining in the creation process, making it a collaborative and bonding experience.
Writing and Imagination
Collaboratively writing stories or creating a family journal is an excellent way to develop language skills, creativity, and imagination. Parents and children can take turns writing sentences or paragraphs, building a story together. This activity enhances vocabulary, encourages creative thinking, and can become a cherished family memory if documented in a journal.
Mathematics Made Fun
Using games to make math fun is an effective educational strategy. Board games, card games, or even simple games like hopscotch can be tailored to include mathematical challenges. Counting, addition, subtraction, and even more complex operations like multiplication can be taught through these playful methods. It makes learning math less intimidating and more engaging for children.
The Path to Educational Leadership
For parents who find themselves deeply invested and passionate about teaching and learning at home, there's a broader horizon to explore. The world of education and educators is vast and ever-evolving. There are numerous opportunities for shaping change in educational systems and methodologies. By pursuing further education in this field, such as obtaining a relevant degree, parents can dig into the offering of transitioning from home educators to professional roles that impact a wider audience. This path not only allows for personal growth but also contributes to shaping the future of education for more children.
The home offers a plethora of opportunities for educational engagement between parents and children. Through simple, yet creative activities, parents can instill a love for learning, foster curiosity, and strengthen familial bonds. These educational experiences at home lay a strong foundation for lifelong learning and may even inspire parents to delve deeper into the world of education. Ultimately, it's about making learning an enjoyable and integral part of everyday life, thus preparing children for a future where they view the world with wonder and knowledge.
