Blog Archives

Back to School Basics

8/26/2013

Here are some proactive ways to talk to your child about what to expect on their first day back to school:

Talk about who their new teacher is.
Talk about which of the same children will be in their class this year.
Show pictures of the new classroom or new school if applicable.
Look at fun pictures from school the previous year to reinforce positive memories.
Prepare together- pack a lunch, snack, and choose an outfit the day before.
Talk about the day's schedule, including what they will do when they get home from school.
Get into a back-to-school sleep and waking schedule a few days prior to the start of school.
Allow yourself at least 15 minutes buffer time for unexpected events.
If your child is new to riding a bus, watch a video on youtube, such as the one below:

8/12/2013

Who doesn't love Jello? This one is fun for everyone!!

Beginning language learners at the 1-3 word levels:

Talk about open, mix, cut, scoop and pour for each flavor of Jello.
Talk about open, mix, cut, scoop and pour at the 2 word level (ex: I pour, Mommy pour, pour water, pour powder, cut orange)

For higher level language targets:

Talk about how the Jello powder dissolves. Discuss other powders that dissolve.
Talk about other fruits you could use instead of oranges. Explore why some fruits are better to use than others- Experiment!
Talk about which ones are your favorite flavors, rate them and compare with friends.

8/5/2013

Wondering what to do with all that fresh summer fruit? How about some delicious and fun fruit kabobs!

Beginning language learners at the 1-3 word levels:

Talk about wash, cut, and push for each fruit
Talk about wash, cut, and push for each fruit at the 2 word level (ex: I cut, cut strawberry, more blueberry)

For higher level language targets:

Talk about why the fruits that need to be peeled, don't need to be washed
Talk about why the berry containers/colanders have holes. Brainstorm what would happen if the holes were bigger.
Discuss what to wash the fruits with and why. Why don't we use dish soap? Why don't we use the kitchen sponge?