At a recent training, our Program Directors and Transportation Coordinators had the opportunity to learn more about life span development and how to assist in children’s activities. Part of the training was a hands on experience with an activity in one of the different age groups. Check out this month’s activities as performed by the staff!
Infants: Texture Box
Materials
- Cardboard box
- Different textures such as carpet, fabric, sandpaper, cotton balls, etc
- Glue
Method
- Glue textures to the outside of the box
- Place box on ground level for infants to access or hold it in your lap and explore the textures together
Outcome
Infants learn about the world by seeing, touching, tasting, and hearing. A texture box is an opportunity for touch sensory and language development. While your baby touches, describe what she is feeling!
Toddlers: Home Made Bubbles
Materials
Method
- Mix materials as described above
Outcome
Who doesn’t love bubbles? Toddlers love to explore their world and learn about cause and effect.
Preschoolers: Shape Shake
Materials
- String
- Cardboard
- Scissors
Method
- Cut shapes from cardboard; cut a hole in the center of each shape
- Put shapes on string
- Tie string to a doorknob or have a friend hold the other end
- Try to shake the shape from one end to the other!
Outcome
Preschoolers gain large and small motor skills, social skills (if done with a friend), and cause/effect skills by experimenting with center holes of different sizes, how fast/hard they shake the string, and how the incline of the string changes how fast the shape travels.
Middle Childhood: The Gift of Community
Materials
- The Gift (free, downloadable book)
Method
- Activities can be found here
Outcome
The Gift (and the matching activities) teach children the importance of a diverse community and respect for all interests.
Tweens and Teens: Healthy Body Image
Materials
- Teen magazines
- Scissors
Method
- See activities here(we focused on Living in a Supersized World)
Outcome
By analyzing media, teens will recognize the messages sent and how they effect self image and self worth.