LEARNING SHOULDN?T TAKE A VACATION

December 25, 2003

DECEMBER 25, 2003 There are fun activities that promote family togetherness and education

By Sharen Hausmann, Director of Smart Start Georgia 

While we?re busy decking the halls, spreading holiday cheer and crossing off holiday shopping lists this season, let?s remember to take time for activities that promote family togetherness, as well as those that positively impact the development and learning of our young children. Remember, just because school is out, it doesn?t mean that learning should take a vacation too!

Children are learning and processing information continuously; the things you do with your child will impact their understanding of the world around him or her.

Following are a few suggestions to get you and your children started on fun-filled, holiday activities that promote quality at-home learning opportunities during this season?s vacation.

· Studies show that reading with children in a warm environment is more stimulating. There is no better time of year than now to cuddle together by the fireside or on the couch to read a seasonal classic such as ?The Snowy Day? by Ezra Jack Keats. For younger children (infants and toddlers), describe the pictures.

· Save ribbons and bows and put them in a large basket or box for your children to explore. Talk with your children about the colors, textures, and lengths of the ribbons. 

· Make bread or cookie dough; roll it out and let children make alphabet letters out of the dough. Help them spell out simple words or think of words that start with each letter. For younger children, the feel and smell of the dough can be an interesting experience.

· Involve the entire family in playing holiday-themed games and puzzles.

· ?Tis the season to sing! Sing classic favorites, and ask children to make up new holiday songs to sing together. For younger children, sing to them. They love the sound of your voice and will react by smiling and cooing (that?s their way of communicating to you).

· Children notice differences and similarities in holiday celebrations. Share how families celebrate holidays in many different ways. Use pictures, dolls and dress up clothes to enhance the experience.

· Create holiday cards together. Include materials such as scrap paper, doilies, markers, stickers, glitter, glue, scissors, old holiday cards, wrapping paper, ribbon, rubber stamps and other materials. Children can make cards to give away to friends and family.

For more information on how to strengthen your child?s learning skills, please visit the Smart Start Georgia Web site at www.smartstartga.org. Smart Start Georgia develops quality resources, commitments and partnerships between child care providers, government and business leaders to improve early care and education options for all of Georgia's children. 

Sharen Hausmann has dedicated her life to improving the quality of care for all children. Prior to Smart Start Georgia, she served as a consultant, lecturer, teacher and trainer, empowering teachers to promote healthy growth and development in young children. In addition, Sharen is affiliated with a number of state and national early care and education professional organizations nationwide. 

â?? This article posted with permission from the Effingham Herald.