This week in class we participated in songs, signs, and activities around the theme of mealtime. During Toast, Toast we practice Inhibitory Control which is the ability to move or stop moving in response to a cue. This ability is an important step toward developing coordination and self-discipline.We also take time in almost every class to listen. Unlike hearing, listening is an intentional act. It is a learned skill. Our listening activities are brief, focusing on one sound at a time. This allows the children to practice the skills of attention and engaged listening.Below I have some facts about Sign Language and game playing. Before we get into that I want to share some family resources with you.
http://www.bravamusic.net/resources.html We will constantly be adding to this page as we find different activities, vacation spots, recipes, books and etcetera, that are of interest to families. Check back often for fun ideas.http://www.bravamusic.net/africam.html Our family has greatly enjoyed this live webcam in South Africa. We’ve seen baboons, kudus, wildebeests, elephants, and much more. The best time to view this site is between midnight and noon. Be careful! It’s addicting.www.shiawasseecountyfair.com I have it on good authority (from one of our KM families) that this is a great fair. Below is the information our KM mom sent to me.August 5th-11th.Well worth the $3 adult/ $2 kids (6 and up)!
Check out the Entertainment link for the free shows tent and FREE Draft Horse Pull (on Monday).
GREAT 4-H barns!!
Very easy to get to: I-69 to Durand exit, go right (north) to Hibbard Rd. Left on Hibbard. Will be on left 2-3 miles(?).
I’m pretty sure there is a sign to Fairgrounds before you turn on Hibbard.
Keep reading below for more information about Sign Language, games, and the class schedule.
We’ll see you on Monday!
SuzAnne
The Benefits of Sign Language for the hearing child:
Recent studies show that children who use words and signs together display higher literacy rates than children who don’t. Even hearing children who are not exposed to signs until the preschool years go on to display enhanced vocabulary, spelling, and reading skills over non-signing children.
- While the average 12 month old will have 3-5 spoken words, a signing child will have 25 signs and 16 words.
- At 18 months, the average child will have 10-50 spoken words. In contrast, a child who signs will have 79 signs and 105 words.
- In addition, signing children begin to form little sentences at 11-14 months. Compare this to non-signers, who do not begin to combine words into short sentences (e.g., “Da-da car”) until 20 months old on average.
The Importance of Games:
I am not a game person. My children love games, though, and we use them a lot in their schooling and even in their music practice. Playing games within a family allows children to develop social skills in an emotionally secure environment. Games develop good school skills as well. In one study, preschool children taught with games and songs tested 10 to 20 points higher on IQ tests; by age 15 those same children had higher math and reading scores. Through games your children learn the importance of taking turns, sharing, and playing just for fun. For a new twist, divide your family into two groups and play the game as teams—be sure to include the Kangaroo puppets, too.
Remaining Class Dates: July 2, 9, & 16 (Makeup July 30 if needed)