Ways to learn through play

I hope you are having fun in the snow today! Here are some things you can do to learn through play.... Enjoy!

• Promote independence, getting ready on his/her own, packing his/her own bag, getting snowpants on.
• Play with letters and numbers, in the tub, in playdough, magnetic letters, foam letters.
• Read to your child as much as you can - even if it’s the same books they always want. They will then memorize the book and be able to “read” you the book - that’s the beginning of reading.
• Make grocery lists together, how many apples do we need? Write a note to Grandma or Grandpa, make a Christmas list together.
• Play rhyming games while driving, or read the signs - what’s the big M? What’s that store with the orange sign? what's the number on the house?
• While eating, what does this word start with, how many carrots do you have?
• Cook together - great for procedural writing later on - measurements, numbers.
• Read licence plates while driving
• More than less than…..who has the biggest tower? which cup has more juice?
• Review concept words when playing….under, over, through, behind, in front….
• Any fine motor activity - painting, playdough, crayons, markers, chalk, white board markers, any paper on a clipboard is always more interesting to a 4 year old! - practice name, sibling names, Mom, Dad, pet.
• How many smarties in my hand? How many coins in my hand? Estimate then count.
• Board games are excellent for turn taking, counting and using dice.
• Playing cards are also excellent for math skills