Fine Motor Skills

 What is Fine Motor Skills?

 

Think of it as strength building for your hands.  Normal development demands that children are able to accurately and effectively use the intrinsic muscles of their hands.  These muscles will be used for the rest of their lives and are for everyday essential and functional activities.  So much this strength building is overlooked in thinking that this is a normal process and does not need to be exercised. 

 

Fine Motor Skills help in holding and using writing tools like pencils and crayons.  Holding and cutting with scissors.  Tying shoes, fastening buttons and zipping zippers. 

 

Many time when a child starts kindergarten, this skill is overlooked.  Kindergarten is so fast paced now a days that students are required to have these skills mastered.  Teachers may have a hard time finding time in the day to focus on these skills.  Incorporating these skills into centers (rather fun or work) can be essential in helping students. 

 

Activities for Fine Motor Skills

 

 

Beading/Stringing

Start with larger beads and work down to smaller beads.  Use any stringing material you may have such as yarn, twine or thread for the child to bead with.  Yarn works better for little hands since it is larger to hold.  *Tip* put a piece of tape on the ends of the yarn to help with fraying and for the bead to get on easier.  Themed activity: you can use for unit of Chicka Chicka Boom Boom or during learning the alphabet.  You will need alphabet beads (buy, have donated or make).  Have the students string their name on the yarn (either to keep as a necklace or not). 

I will post another blog on making the alphabet beads so make sure you are subscribed to my blog or check back from time to time.

 

  Lacing or Threading

 

Lacing cards are a great activity for work or play centers.  You can incorporate them into your theme.  Rather they have to complete one or five cards this activity  really builds those muscles. 

The top picture shows a lid to an old Parmesan cheese bottle.  If you do not have the shapes you want for the lacing cards you can make them very simple. All you need are some foam pieces, a die cut machine, a hole puncher and some yarn.  Die cut the foam into the shape you want and then hole punch around it.  Turn your foam into alphabet foam pieces for letter recognition as well as a fine motor skill activity.

 

 

Cutting with Scissors

 

This is probably one of the hardest for small hands to learn.  It is also one of the activities that are becoming obsolete.  We have so much technology that cutting is just one of those things that we put aside.  It is a very important skill though to have.  Taking the time to teach a child/student how to hold and use a pair of scissors is an important lesson.  Just like anything else, this requires practice.  Just cutting strips of paper can be a center.  Many projects require small pieces of tissue paper, so just if they are cutting tissue paper this can be used for future craft projects.  Check out the worksheet below that you can copy to help your student or child practice cutting lines.

 

 

Writing

 

The most valuable tool that any one person can have.  This task is a essential for everyday use and one that will be used your entire life.  Holding the pencil or crayon correctly is another important lesson in itself to master.  Determining if the child is left or right handed will be helpful in this process.  If you are not left handed or right handed, having a person who knows that hand skill will be a good idea to come and show your student.  Coloring skills is another lesson to be taught.  There were many students who I had in the past who did not know how to color.  Taking that time means a lot.  In early stages of writing and coloring any marks are great.  This is a strength builder working up to writing. 

 

 

	
	I hope you have enjoyed this blog of ideas for fine motor skills.  I would love to hear your ideas as well.  You can share in the comments section.  Thanks!

 

Labor Day

What is Labor Day?

 

 

The first week of school goes by and then all of a sudden you are out the next Monday for a holiday called Labor Day.  For most Labor Day is a holiday where you are out of school, off of work and you "close out" summer.   Check out this link for the history of Labor Day. 

http://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/us/labor-day

 

 

How do you celebrate?

 

We all celebrate differently, but for many on Labor Day cook outs with family and friends are pretty traditional.  You may go to the beach one last time of the summer.  Your last swim in the pool or that last visit to your favorite water park may be in store. 

 

 

What every you choose to do to enjoy this holiday, be safe and have fun!

Letterland Thursday 8-29-13

Letterland Thursday

 

Come along with me each Thursday as we take a visit to Letterland!

 

What is Letterland?

 

 

Letterland is a unique, phonics-based approach to teaching reading, writing and spelling.. The Letterland characters transform plain black letter shapes into child-friendly pictures and they all live in an imaginary place called Letterland.
Simple stories about the Letterland characters, explain the full range of dry phonics facts so that children are motivated to listen, to think and to learn. These stories explain letter sounds & shapes, allowing children to progress quickly to word building, reading and writing.

Who are the characters?

 

Here is a list of the new (and old) characters

 

Letter	New Letterland Name	Classic Letterland Name
A	Annie Apple
B	Bouncy Ben
C	Clever Cat
D	Dippy Duck
E	Eddy Elephant
F	Firefighter Fred	Fireman Fred
G	Golden Girl
H	Harry Hat Man	Hairy Hat Man
I	Impy Ink
J	Jumping Jim
K	Kicking King
L	Lucy Lamp Light	Lucy Lamp Lady
M	Munching Mike
N	Noisy Nick	Naughty Nick
O	Oscar Orange
P	Peter Puppy	Poor Peter
Q	Quarrelsome Queen
R	Red Robot [New Character]	Robber Red [Old Character and Former Character]
S	Sammy Snake
T	Talking Tess	Ticking Tess (formerly Ticking Tom)
U	Uppy Umbrella
V	Vicky Violet [New Character]	Vase of Violets [Still appears in the later series alongside Vicky Violet]
W	Walter Walrus [Wicked Water Witch now in the form of a Walrus known as Walter]	Wicked Water Witch [Old and Former Character]
X	Fix-it Max [Just Max on his own as Maxine is not always around to be with Max]	Max and Maxine - Kissing Cousins - as it was in the 1990s
Y	Yellow Yo-Yo Man
Z	Zig-Zag Zebra



Next Thursday we will start learning about each character. 



First week of Kindergarten name games

 

When you have a classroom with 18 to 22 (or more) students it can be difficult to learn everyone's name quickly.  Putting a face to the name makes it easier as well as lots of practice.  If learning the students names can be difficult, imagine how it is for the little ones. 

 

There are many fun games you can play with your students the first week of school to help them (and you) to learn the names of their new friends.

 

Games:

 

1.  "It's for you":  You will need a play phone for this game.  Have students sit in a circle.  Make a "ringing sound" if you don't have a play phone that automatically does it.  Answer the phone and pretend someone is asking for one of your students.  Hold the phone in front of you and say...."It's for_______!!  When the student hears there name called they stand up.  Then it's there turn to answer the phone and pick a friends name to say "It's for ________. 

 

2.  "I'm looking for":  Either have students stay at their desk or sit in a circle.  Teacher asks: "I'm looking for ________".  Student stands up and says "I'm ______".  If student is shy they can just stand up.

 

 

3.  Name Train:  The leader starts in the center of a circle making train noises. The leader goes up to each student and says, “Hi, I’m ___” and shakes their hand. The kid responds with their name and the leader asks them to ‘hop on board!" – the student stands behind the leader with their hands on their shoulders making a train. With each introduction, the leader says over their shoulder “it’s ____!” and each ‘train car’( student) repeats it. The last ‘train car’ in line says ”hop on board ____!” Eventually the whole group is in on the train, and everyone has invited someone to hop on!

 

*Tip*....Take pictures at open house or the first day of school.  Include all students and teachers name on your word wall with their pictures beside of the name.  This helps students to identify faster.

 

These are just a few to get you started.  There are many more online.  If you have a favorite name game please share it in the comments below. 

 

First Day of Kindergarten Poem

 

 

What's stylish in Kindergarten

What's the style in Kindergarten?

Most of the time at this age parents are still picking out what their child/ren will be wearing to school.  We always want our children to be well dressed and neat, especially when going to school.  So, what are you dressing your child in for kindergarten? 

Here are some tips on what to think about before sending your little one off to school in that designer outfit.

These are ONLY suggestions expressed from experience.

Always check with your teachers first on what dress code your school has.

There are so many options these days.....too many cute things to dress our little ones in.  It is easy to pick out those cute little frilly things without even thinking (guilty).  Since we are picking out the clothes, we want to keep in mind what works best for our child (who will be wearing it).

Things to ask yourself before putting them in those outfits.

1.  Is it weather appropriate?  Check the weather every morning to see what weather appropriate outfit you will be putting your child in.  You don't want to dress the in a sweatshirt and jeans if the humidity is up and the temp is going to be in the 80's.

2.  Is the material ok?  Is your child comfortable in the outfit for a 6-8 hour day.  Are there any "itchies" that are on the outfit that will bother them?  Does it make them scratch or wiggle?

3.  Fasteners?  If the pants, dress or whatever they are wearing will need to be undone to use the restroom, can they do it?  Most teachers will certainly help your child with this (I hope anyway).  You want them to feel confident, so make sure if there are fasteners they need to deal with that you show them how and continue to practice.  Many times students will feel embarrassed and not ask for help and refuse to go to the restroom, causing accidents. 

4. Does it fit?  Being a mom, I know the value of buying something that is going to last.  Make sure the outfit is not so big or so small that it makes the child uncomfortable.  You do not want the clothes to be painful to them when they sit and play or do you want them to hang to loose, which can cause a tripping hazard . 

5.  What shoes are the best?  Plain and simple tennis shoes are the best for school!!  Most students have PE (physical education) and play on the playground on a daily basis.  Tennis shoes are the most comfortable and safe option for these activities.  Many teachers will help students tie shoes (or I hope they will).  There are some teachers who will put a deadline on how long they will help them.  Tying shoes are a big deal.  It can be tricky for little fingers.  This is something that you should start practicing daily. 


Remember to talk to your child's teachers if you have any questions.  Some teachers will allow students to change shoes before PE and outside time.  Just remember that this takes time away from your child's learning. 

*A few tips*
Pack an extra bag of clothes for your child in case of accidents.  Include in that bag: shirt, pants, socks, and underwear.  You may want to change this bag out during the different seasons.

Coats don't always make it back home, so make sure you write your child's name inside on the label.  Tell your child to remember their coat at the end of the school day. 

For the girls:  Cute hair bows often do not stay in (either by choice or not).  Instruct your child to ask the teacher for help if they cannot get it back in.  If they choose to not put it back in the teachers may have them put it in their book bag or cubbie to bring home. 

Again, these are only suggestions of experiences that I have. 

 The jacket and two outfits you can find on www.zulily.com

What to expect for Kindergarten open house

 

If you have never been to an open house you know what to expect or at least you think you do.  If this is your first time attending an open house for school this might help you prepare for what to expect.  Of course every school is different and each grade or class varies on what they hope to achieve at their open house.  I will outline what open house is based on my experience. 

 

Time:

Like I said before each school is different and times will vary, so make sure to check what time your open house will be.  When an entire school or school system has their open house on the same night and time, it can be difficult, so plan accordingly.  If you have more than one child, you probably have more than one classroom or even school to attend.  From my experience, if times are the same attend your youngest child's class first.  This will help in case they get over stimulated or get tired.  Open houses usually last a couple of hours.  You may think you want to try to get their early, which is sometimes wise for parking, however, your teachers may not be ready or even there yet.  From experience the last thirty minutes are more calmer then the first thirty minutes are.

 

*Tip*  Open houses are crowded, so immediate family only should attend (parents, child and sibling)

 

 

Classroom:

There should be signs and staff members who can help you locate your child's classroom.  Most classrooms will have a class roster outside the class in case you do not know which class your child will be in. 

 

There are usually at least 20 (few less or few more) students in a classroom, so there will probably be several other people in the room.  If the teacher/assistant teacher are busy you can look around.  Look for a welcome or instructional table.  Many classrooms have scavenger hunts for you and your child to participate in to help you locate things in the classroom.  Go ahead and get started, your teacher (should) come around and greet and talk with you.  If there is not an information sign or a scavenger hunt, look for your child's desk or table.  There probably will be a folder with lots of information on it for you to look at, fill out and return as well as things you need to take home.  Make sure you fill out and return any paper work immediately.  There will probably be a few forms that the school and teacher will ask you to fill out that night. 

 

Transportation is a biggie in kindergarten.  Make sure you write down or tell your child's teacher/assistant teacher how your child will be going home (bus rider, car rider etc).  This is probably one of the most important details you can give.  If your child will be riding a bus, make sure they have him/her signed up for that bus.  Teachers should have this information, but if they do not the school's bus coordinator will have it.  Usually, there is a place designated the night of open house to find out this information.  Check with your child's teacher first though before going to stand in those lines (they are long).  Many times parents will sign their child up for how they will be usually going home, which is perfect.  Just make sure that if your child is going home a different way that first day that you mark that down.  This is one thing teachers worry about on the first day of school......making sure those sweet babies get home the way they are suppose to. 

 

*Tip*  Take bulk or heavier supplies that will not fit in your child's book bag the night of open house.

 

 

Fees and accounts:

Your school may ask for a supply or an instructional fee.  You usually can pay it the night of open house or send it in with your child to school.  From experience I have found that open house goes more smoothly if fees are sent in with your child on their first day or within the first week of school.  School fees should be paid separately from cafeteria fees.  If you are writing a check for these, write two....one for the fees and one for the cafeteria.  The cafeteria is a separate account and they do not go to the same place. 

 

*Tip* any money that you send to school should be placed in an envelope or sandwich baggie with the following information on it.

Child's name

child's teacher name

what the money is for

(do not put amount in case lost)

Put this envelope in your child's everyday folder that gets turned in each morning.  Instruct your child to leave the envelope in the folder that the teacher will get it.  Many times if the envelope is left in the book bag it will not get seen. 

 

Each student has his or her own cafeteria account number (for most schools).  This number should be written on any check that you write for your child's cafeteria account for lunch/breakfast/snack needs.  Check with the cafeteria at open house for information on prepaying on their account or signing up for prepaying online.  Many times there are discounts for prepaying for so many lunches. 

 

Tour the room:

After you have filled out the paperwork and got the transportation handled, walk around and look at the classroom.  If you had a scavenger hunt you may have had this opportunity all ready to look and locate areas around the room.  If not, look for and show your child where he or she will hang their book bag and coat.  Find their cubbies where they will most likely put papers and maybe their lunchboxes.  Show them where the bathroom is.  Be respectful of others and the teachers and do not allow your child/ren to play and or run around.  Do not let them play in the centers (unless teachers have said it is ok). 

 

Talk with the teacher/assistant teacher:

Most of the time in kindergarten your child will have two teachers.  Both teachers are very important to your child's education.  The main teacher and then the teacher assistant.  Talk with both of them and let them meet your child (their student).  Your child may be shy and want to hide.....this is very common.  Do not push it.  Allow your child to stand close to you as you finish talking to his or her teachers.  Ask any question or address any concern that you have.  Be mindful though, remember your child is not their only student and there are other parents there.  If you do not get to address all of your questions or concerns, you can always email or send a note in. 

 

*Tip* write your child's name on everything

 

 

Health/Medicine:

If your child has a health issues or will be taking medicine at school make sure you speak with your child's teacher/teacher assistant and stop by and talk to the school nurse.  If your child has any allergies make sure to list them.  There will be forms that you will need to pick up and have your child's doctor fill out.  Any health plan should be discussed with all staff who will interact with your child. 

 

Time to go:

It is always a reunion at open houses.  Parents and students want to find out who will be in their class or whose class their neighbors or other friends have.  As humans, we are curious!!  Your older child may want to go visit past teachers (which teachers love).  Just limit their visit to a brief hello or hug and then off you go.  Do not take time away from current students or their families. 

Once you have completed everything and had a look around it is time for you to go.  Your open house experience should last anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour depending on what papers are filled out to how many classrooms (other places) you have to visit. 

 

This is an open house based on my experience.  Remember, all open houses vary.  I hope that these points have helped you and will make your kindergarten open house an easy success.

 

Remember to subscribe to my blog.