This week in class we visited the cottage! We had a good time with the one bell jingles as we chanted: One, Two, Three, Four. Jingle at the cottage door! This activity was not only fun but we were also learning Inhibitory Control, which is the ability to stop or start moving on cue. The ability to control one’s own body movements is an important step toward developing coordination and self-discipline.
We also learned some weather signs. Remember, if there is ever a sign you are interested in learning, please let me know. Below you will find some interesting facts about Sign Language for hearing children. We use American Sign Language (ASL) in our classes which is the language of the deaf.
Here are some ideas for some fun activities to do at home that will enhance camp:
Clouds in the Sky: Look at some clouds. What shapes do you see? What do the clouds look like? Draw a cloud shape on a piece of cardboard. Cut out the shape. Dip cotton balls in glue, and fill the shape. Ta-daa! A fluffy cloud!
Make Your Own Puzzle: You and your child can make a simple puzzle–and at the same time develop and affirm his/her creativity by following these simple steps.
First, make a puzzle template for your child by gluing a piece of white paper onto a piece of cardboard. Let dry. Draw lines for cutting the puzzle into 4-6 pieces on the cardboard side. Use markers or crayons to draw a picture on the paper side of the template. With scissors cut along the cutting lines to create 4-6 puzzle pieces. Mix the pieces up, and then put the puzzle back together. Keep all the pieces together in a plastic zippered bag.
Take a trip to South Africa–
Visit http://www.bravamusic.net/africam.html to see baboons, kudus, wildebeests, elephants, and much more. Africam is a live webcam in South Africa. The best time to view this site is between midnight and noon. Be careful! It’s addicting.
Fun Family Activities: 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.
Go the Fair!– www.shiawasseecountyfair.com I have it on good authority (from one of our KM moms) that this is a great fair. She says the $3/adult and $2/child ages 6 and up is well worth it. Check out the entertainment link for the free shows tent and FREE Draft Horse Pull. The 4-H barns are great!
For those of you who are traveling this week, have a safe and fun time.
See you in class!
SuzAnne
Classes remaining: July 3, 10, 17, (Makeup on July 31–All are invited to this class even if you didn’t miss a class.)
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.