Butterfly Activities for Toddlers

Butterflies are intriguing insects and it's that time of year that they'll start appearing! Here is a compilation of various arts and activities involving butterflies! Below the picture there are links to each project that has instructions so you can do it at home with your kids!

1. Caterpillar and Butterfly Finger Play Songs by CoffeeCupsandCrayons

2. Coffee-filter Butterflies by Craftulate

3. Finger Paint Butterflies by InlieuofPreschool

4. Butterfly Suncatchers by Two-Daloo

Books are the Key to Life Long Learning

Shared Reading

Shared reading involves either reading aloud to children or having older children read aloud to you and taking time to talk about the characters, plots and morals of the stories you have read. Jim Trelease, expert in child literacy said, "The single most important activity for building the knowledge required for eventual success in reading is reading aloud to children." Source

Rhymers are Readers

Research has shown that Nursery Rhymes are extremely important in a child's development. Experts in literacy and child development have seen that if children know eight nursery rhymes by heart by the time they're four years old, they're usually among the best readers by the time they're eight. [Fox, M. (2001). Reading Magic. San Diego, CA: Harcourt.] When children hear nursery rhymes, they hear the sounds that vowels and consonants make and learn how to put them together as well as practicing pitch, volume, voice inflection and rhythm of language. Since nursery rhymes are patterns, they help children learn easy recall and memorization. Children also develop their mouth and tongue muscles by using different sounds in rhymes. 

Mother Goose Rhymes:

     Link 1

     Link 2

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Activities and Ideas

Make Predictions. As you read a story, ask your child what he or she thinks is going to happen next. After the story is over, ask you child if he or she can think of a different way the book could have ended. 

Go on a reading campout. Build a tent in your living room or backyard. Ask your child to bring his or he favorite books and stuffed animals. Grab some flashlights and read together. 

Find a recipe online or in a cookbook. Read the recipe out loud together and follow the instructions to cook something delicious. 

When you open a new board game, read the instructions with your child. 

Have a reading scavenger hunt. Choose a letter of the alphabet and talk about the sounds it makes. Go on a walk around your house or neighborhood and find as many things as you can that start with that letter.

Make your own book. Using photographs and your child's drawings, make a picture book together. Write the words to the story and then read your book together.

Put on a puppet show. Choose one of your child's favorite books and read it together. Then make puppets out of socks or brown lunch bags. Act out the story for family or friends.

Pause as you are reading a book to talk about how the characters may be feeling or what they could be thinking.

Let children pick their own books. Don't worry if they choose the same one over and over. It takes an adult six times to recognize a word; it takes even longer for an infant or toddler.

For babies to toddlers use facial and vocal expression as you talk and play with your child. When repeating rhymes or fingerplays, let children act them out as you say them.

For toddlers, 2-4 years old, help them use all of their senses during an activity. For example, if you go for a walk, have them listen to the sounds outside and feel different objects. Ask them open-ended questions about what they are seeing and feeling. When reading rhyming books, pause to let the child finish the word and tell the story.

When your children are older (4-5) let them hold items and be in charge of activities. Use different materials, such as dress-up clothes, puppets, and pictures to retell a child's favorite stories.

These ideas and activities are available HERE

Book Review: The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein

"Reading to your child helps them become ready to start and stay in school. The fun doesn't have to stop when the reading is done! There are many skills that come can be initiated from reading a book. To build upon these skills, use activities to reinforce the learning."

Book Review: "It has been said that the true example of love is being willing to give of one’s self for the benefit of another. Shel Silverstein tells the story of love between a boy and a tree that is an example of this sacrificial love. From the time the boy is young and needs shade as he plays to growing up and being allowed to climb in her branches to the time when he is older and wants something that may mean the end of the tree, the tree keeps on giving to him- out of love. Though there are many ways to interpret this story, the true message of love shines through. Even when the boy is an old man and long after the tree has been cut down, what is left of the tree is still giving. The old man, once the little boy who played under the tree, now uses the stump of the tree to rest on."

Activity: From the book message, children learn that planting seeds is giving to others. After reading this with your child talk about why the tree would want to give itself away. Discuss how it feels to give something and the feeling of receiving gifts. Supply a bag of apples and cut one apple in half horizontally. Have your child gather seeds from the apple. 

Make a treat using the apple as the main ingredient. Ask what trees give to the world and how planting each apple seed gives back to nature. Plant a tree or small plant, even though it is a slow process. 

Sources:
Link 1
Link 2

Block Play: The Foundation of Science and Math

Child Development and Block Play

Block play provides an opportunity for building spatial math skills for children. Counting, equality, addition, subtraction, planning, patterns, volume, classification, area and measurement will be learned. When a parent engages with their child in block play if provides teaching moments for social skills, language and exploration.

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Activities and Ideas

Make your own blocks
Gather standard boxes (milk cartons, capri sun, etc.) and cover them with wrapping paper or contact paper. Allow your child to guide the activity and discuss the sizes as you create the blocks.

Invest in a good set of unit blocks
Get sturdy, hardy blocks that will last a very long time. Having a designated shelf or spot for the blocks so your child will know their spot and where to clean them up.

Create your home
Go on a walk and point out the different houses in your neighborhood. After sit with your child and talk about the structure of your home and build it with blocks.

How many blocks high am I?
Put block in a basket and stand up a doll or stuffed animal so children can see it. Ask them, "How many blocks tall is the doll (from her head to her toes)?" Ask your child to remove from the basket the number of blocks he/she thinks the doll is tall. Lay the doll on the floor and lay the blocks next to it to check their guesses. Ask the child to add or subtract blocks to adjust to the height of the doll. You can also do this with your child's height.

The Chain Reaction
With your child, set blocks on end in line, one after the other. Space the blocks like dominos for the effect if one block is moved that it creates a chain reaction. After, ask your child to predict what will happen when the first block is pushed.

Roads, Train Tracks, and Tunnels
Give your child blocks and assist in creating roads, train tracks for mini cars/trains. Cut round boxes in half to create tunnels.

Knock 'Em Down
Use margarine tub containers, and have your child stack them and know them down. Kids loce the drama and repetition of this activity.

Name it
Ask your child to write their initials or first name using alphabet blocks instead of paper and pencil. Stretch it out across the whole room.

Block Maze
If you have a small animal (hamster, etc.) have your child build a block maze, house that they can run around in.

Stuffed Animal Homes
Have your child build a block home(s) to fit their variety of stuffed animals.

Ramp it
Help your child create a variety of ramps. Roll small balls down the ramp.

Mirror Images
Get a table-top three-way mirror. Encourage your child to build with small blocks in front of the the mirror. Children learn the concept of reflection and can use it to build their block design.

Making Patterns
Give your child a variety of colored blocks with different shapes. Create a pattern for your children to mimic.

I Spy a Block
Place a variety of blacks on the floor. Encourage your child to describe the blocks. Use characteristics that help your child to focus on the shape, color, or size. Example: "I spy a triangle block. Where is it?"

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Resource Spotlight: Safe Sleep Practices

Safe Sleep Practices

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An article found at healthychildren.org from the American Academy of Pediatrics names the "2 Most Important Things To Remember About Safe Sleep Practices"

1. Healthy babies are safest when  sleeping on their backs  at  nighttime and during naps. Side sleeping is not as safe as back sleeping and is not advised.

   2. Tummy time is for babies who are awake and being watched. Your baby needs this to develop strong muscles. 

Remember ....Back to Sleep. Tummy to Play.

To learn simple baby sleep solutions go here

Parent Advice from United Way's, Robin Lindsay!

Pretentious, evidence-based parenting advice from our very own: Robin Lindsay, family nurse practitioner and Help Me Grow child development coordinator.

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Regaining Control. When your child is losing control, first you must contain yourself and don't add to the to your child's frustration. Hugging and containing techniques are great tools to collect and calm. Your child will know you will hold her till she is calm. Once, the tension has weakened this is a good time to talk about what happened.

Interrupting Children. Children are easily absorbed into a task they are doing and do not like being interrupted. For an easier transition to change focus, give your child a verbal warning, for example "In five minutes breakfast will be over and we will brush our teeth. Now is the time to finish what you are eating." Repetition is important so the child can process the information.

Dealing with Frustration. "Frustration is a healthy force for learning as long as the child's given opportunities to master the frustration." When your child is learning new tasks be patient, it may take time. If she becomes overly frustrated or asks for your assistance, step in. If she does finish the task alone, she will feel empowerment which leads to confidence in conquering other tasks.

Avoiding unnecessary refusals. It's better to use yes over no to your child's requests. Try to avoid using no give them an explanation or choice, for example "I can't go outside with you right now. If you will read or do blocks we can go out in half an hour."

Extending Play. This is a great technique to build your child's problem solving skills. It's important to ask questions about what she's doing, and asking her to describe how she'll use it or what it is called, etc. This stretches development for learning math and reading skills.

Decisions Making Skills. Give your child the choice. Offer many different options for them to choose from. As she gets older and understands you better talk about their choice and if she may choose differently the next time.

Discipline, is meant to be teaching and shouldn't involve punishment. It is to encourage a child to develop self discipline. Discipline requires patience and respect for the child, age appropriate activities, firm limits and rules with consistent follow through, and belief that child and parent both will get better at it.

Book Review: Caps for Sale by Esphyr Slobodkina

"Reading to your child helps them become ready to start and stay in school. The fun doesn't have to stop when the reading is done! There are many skills that come can be initiated from reading a book. To build upon these skills, use activities to reinforce the learning."

Review: Caps for Sale is a timeless classic, in print for over fifty years, and beloved by generations of readers. This easy-to-read story about a peddler and a band of mischievous monkeys is filled with warmth, humor, and simplicity. Children will delight in following the peddlers efforts to outwit the monkeys, and will ask to read it again and again.

Activity: At HomeSchool Creations website in the Preschool Corner there is a free activity packet to go along with Caps for Sale. LINK


A free Tree template to use for an activity

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Playgroup: Playing with Balls - Activity Ideas

Child Development and Ball Play:

Balls bounce, roll, soar, and move. The dynamics of moving balls will help your child learn principles of physics and cause and effect.

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Activities and Ideas:

One-Handed, Blind-Folded Cotton Ball Transfer: Players blindfold themselves by using a spoon held with one hand. The objective is to transfer the most cotton balls in 30 seconds from the bowl to the plate. 

Playing Catch: Use a variety of balls and try these activities:
-Drop a ball, let it bounce and then catch it.
-Throw a ball up high and catch it.
-Throw a ball high in the air and try to clap as many times before you catch it.
-Throw a ball against a wall and catch it.
-With a friend, throw a ball back and forth.

Home Bowling: There can be 2, 4 or 6 players. Divide the kids into two teams and set up each group at a distance on either side of at least five empty two-liter soda bottles. Each team should have at least 3 balls. Each team takes a turn trying to knock down the bottles by rolling the balls into them as quickly as possible. The team first to knock all the bottles down wins. Milk cartons, empty oatmeal containers, empty cans also work for this activity. 

PIG: 3-6 players. Have the kids stand in a circle and throw the ball back and forth in no specific order between players. All players need to be a alert while playing because they will gain on letter of the word PIG every time they fail to catch the ball. When a child collects all three letters he is out. The last player remaining in the game wins. 

Monkey in the Middle: Someone is chosen to be the "monkey" be in the middle of the circle that is formed by all the players. A ball will be passed around in the circle, the person in the middle will attempt to intercept the ball. When this happens, the person in the circle who last touched the ball becomes the "monkey".

Foursquare: On a concrete slab, divide a 6 feet wide section into a square then into four small  equal-sized squares inside. Number each square with one child on each number (1-4). The child in square 1 begins by bouncing the ball to a different square without hitting the lines. The child in that square must hit the ball into another child's square without bouncing it twice and so on. A child who doesn't hit the ball into the appropriate square or hit the ball before it bounces the second time is out. All children rotate up a number. The objective is to reach square one and hold that position.

The Rhyming Ball Game: Have all players sit in a circle. Hold a ball, say a word then roll it to the next person. The player receiving the ball chooses a word that rhymes with the previous word. Everyone takes turns choosing the first word and the rhyming word. 

Ball Bounce: Have each player hold and stretch the edges of a parachute or large sheet. Place a ball in the center. Demonstrate how to flap the parachute while bouncing the ball. Count out loud to keep track of how long the children can keep the ball going without it bouncing off the parachute. To make the game more challenging add more balls!

Name Ball: Have players stand making a large circle. A player will start by saying his name then gently passes a small ball that is easy to grip to the child on the left or right of them. The child receiving the ball must same their name as they're catching the ball. The process continues until every player has said their name. Next round have each player say the name of the child right or left of them when they catch the ball. You can change up the game by speeding up or using more players. 

Source: Help Me Grow of United Way

"Play is a Child's Work"

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Types of Play

Unoccupied Play: The infant is usually stationary, making random movements and no apparent purpose.

Solitary Play: The child (usually 2 - 3 years) is focused on their play, not noticing others. 

Onlooker Play: The child will show interest in other children's play through observation, but may not become involved in the play. They'll learn and apply what they've seen later in their own play. It is most often a younger child observing an older child.

Parallel Play: Children (infants to preschool age) playing side-by-side with the same types of toys or activity, but not together. 

Independent Play: This is playing with just yourself. This type of play teaches children to be independent and emotionally satisfied. It's important for all children of all ages to learn independent play. 

Associative Play: This involves more social interaction rather then the use of a toy, for example, pipe cleaners become swords. It's common that one child directs the play of the group.

Cooperative Play: This play involves team work and organizational skills to accomplish a goal or task.

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Benefits of Play

• Encourages the use of imagination
• Develop dexterity
• Develop physical, cognitive, and emotional strength
• Create and explore
• Learn to work in groups, to share, to negotiate, to resolve conflicts and to learn self-advocacy skills.
• Practice decision-making skills
• Learn leadership skills
• Encourages physical activity
• Social interaction: build enduring relationships
• Learn communication skills
• Adjust easier to school
• Learn readiness
• Learn problem-solving skills

Sources: 

Parten, M. (1993). Social play among preschool children. 

Journal of Abnormal and Social Psychology, 28, 136-147.

American Academy of Pediatrics link

Baby Sleep Suggestions

Snooze Strategies A to Zzz

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Avoid  Eye Contact: Lasting, animated eye contact is stimulating and can prolong getting a baby to sleep.

Bath-time: Warm water & soft washcloth strokes will likely calm and relax a baby.

Co-sleeping: Babies who co-sleep with their parents develop higher self-esteem & have less anxiety.

Dreamfeed: By feeding a sleeping baby before mom  goes to bed, may buy interrupted sleep.

Empty the Crib: Items in the crib (blankets, toys) can be a potential hazard & cause choking or suffocation.

Fragrance: Essential oils (lavender) has relaxing & anti-anxiety benefits.

GERD: Gastroesophageal reflux disease is known to disturb babies sleep.

Hands-on: When lying a baby in the crib, gentle touches on the head, arms & tummy to soothe her.

Ideal Bedtime: Setting a sleep schedule is important and helps to avoid over tiredness.

Jammies: Pick jammies that fit  snugly & is made of natural fibers to avoid skin irritation.

Keeping Cool: It’s recommended to keep a baby’s room at 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

Lights Out: Create a dark environment for baby to sleep in. Avoid nightlights.

Massage: Babies and toddlers who get a short massage before bedtime fall asleep quicker than those read to.

Naps: Are important for a baby’s mental & physical growth and they’ll sleep longer if they nap regularly.

Overnight: Night diapers and diaper cream will make it more comfortable for  baby and hopefully asleep!

Pacifiers: Are a great object to use to help baby soothe themselves to sleep.

Quirky Fixes: Be flexible and willing to try different things to soothe baby, i.e. driving around the neighborhood.

Routines: Choose a bedtime ritual for baby and stick with it. Consistency is key!

Swaddling: “Baby burrito” will save you.  This technique mimics the tight womb and will naturally calm baby.

Telling a Story: Before bed reading or telling a story can be relaxing for you both and be a great time to bond.

Understanding Cues: Watch for baby’s cues and you’ll eventually understand when she's ready for bed.

Voice: Newborns by now know mom’s voice. Speak softly and baby will naturally drift off to sleep feeling safe mom is close by.

White Noise: In the womb there was constant, loud noises. Baby may sleep easier with a fan or white noise machine.

XOXO: Longer and deeper sleep is a result of loves and kisses.

You are my Sunshine: Singing is a soothing technique to calm  sleepy baby.

Zzz: What is that sound? A sleeping baby!

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Book Review: There's a Monster at the End of this Book by Jon Stone

"Reading to your child helps them become ready to start and stay in school. The fun doesn't have to stop when the reading is done! There are many skills that can be initiated from reading a book. To build upon these skills, use activities to reinforce the learning."

School age: Preschool

Developmental Skill: Imagination is foundational skill for children to develop problem solving, independent thinking and creative thinking.

Book Review: By all accounts, this book is a favorite among toddlers and adults alike. Generations will recall their first time reading along as lovable, furry old Grover begs the reader not to turn the page . . . for a monster is at the end of the book! But, of course, the monster is none other than Grover himself. 

Activity: Have your child turn to pages, make sure to add his name when asking them NOT to turn the page. Make sure to use different voices, inflection, and even accents to make the book exciting! While you're reading the book, have your child guess what the monster might look like.

Playgroup: The Very Hungry Caterpillar Activities

"Eric Carle's modern classic, The Very Hungry Caterpillar is complete in every detail, following the ravenous caterpillar's path as he eats his way through one apple (and the pages of the book itself) on Monday, two pears on Tuesday, three plums on Wednesday, and so on, through cherry pie and sausage--until he is really fat and has a stomachache. And no doubt you know what happens next! Kids love butterfly metamorphosis stories, and this popular favorite teaches counting and the days of the week, too." -Karin Snelson

This story is a great representation of metamorphosis that occurs in springtime. There are several activities you can do with your kids relating to The Very Hungry Caterpillar.

Vocabulary learned from this story: 

• Food items
• Numbers
• Days of the week
• Colors

Math-Sequencing Activities

Color Activity

Food Activity

Hand Painting

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PAPER TULIP PICTURE TUTORIAL

      Spring is my most favorite time of year! The smell & sound of rain, harmonious birds, and new plant life - specifically, daffodils and tulips. I always get giddy seeing the first few flowers peek from the thawing earth and when they bloom I go nuts with excitement! I'm looking forward to coloring up my life from this paper tulip tutorial.It's easy, and a creative outlet to enjoy this season. Get crafty with your kids and celebrate! 

 Materials:

• Paper (several colors)
• Scissors
• Glue

Instructions:

• Cut even squares (tulip tops)
• Fold tulip tops into 1/8ths
• Cut a small slit on fold of 4 sides of square
• Fold, manipulate and glue according to pictures

STEP 1 

STEP 2

STEP 3

STEP 4

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Kid-Safety Apps

       We agree that no matter what neighborhood we live in we always need to be aware and cautious of our surroundings. Teaching our children some simple safety skills is very important. Below is a composite of several safety apps that have received outstanding reviews and rating from parents and children. It is said to be "quite worthy of your time and your kid's time." Each app features a specific safety topic and there is sure to be one that fits your desire you want your child to learn!  

                     

                       Chugginton: Be Safe!

'Think Safe, Ride Safe, Be Safe!' This app includes an interactive Chugginton traffic safety pledge, a traffic safety game, coloring activity and more! 


Price: FREE
Rating: 4+ (out of 5 stars)

Let’s Be Safe: A Safety Game for Kids

A 1980 board game that teaches children about safety! Each card in this game have problem for kids which they regularly face in and out of home. And the problems which they really need for the parents to teach their children about safety. 

Price: FREE
Rating: 4+

                                   Clara City

Clara and her sisters are back with a new and exciting adventure in the city! This time, dad has asked us to find a series of objects that we'll have to add to our backpack.

• Acquire the skills and behaviors needed to move around the city safely.
• Learn the correct way to cross the street and respect traffic lights.
• Identify different items used in everyday life.
• Educate ourselves in personal hygiene habits.
• Practice basic knowledge about shapes and colors etc. 

Price: FREE
Rating: 4+

                   Safety for Kids by Tinyapps

Home and Road safety! This app will help educate your kids on the dangers at home and on the road and how to keep themselves safe. As basic as they may seem, simple safety tips could end up saving your child's life. 

Price: FREE (upgrade for the full version: $.99)
Rating: 4+

            4bambini: Safety for Kids

This is an only available on Android phones. This safety app is a game of question and answer cards. These cards teach children about home, school, nature, traffic, sport, and health safety. This game encourages memorization on safety. As a reward of a completion your child will receive a coloring page diploma.

Price: $1.99
Rating: 4+

Get downloading and get safe!

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Book Review: "King Bidgoods in the Bathtub" by Audrey Wood

"Reading to your child helps them become ready to start and stay in school. The fun doesn't have to stop when the reading is done! There are many skills that come can be initiated from reading a book. To build upon these skills, use activities to reinforce the learning."

School Age: 1st to 2nd grade

Developmental Skill: Imagination is a foundational skill for children to develop problem solving. Independent thinking and creative thinking.

Book Review: King Bidgood is a merry old soul with an unruly beard, a flashing eye, and an unquenchable desire for his bath. Neither knight nor queen, duke nor courtier, can coax him out of the tub, so he invited them into it. Only the court page has the wits to beach the scrub-a-dub king in this playful, gleefully illustrated tale.

Activity: Read the book and then have your child come up with some other ideas to get the kind out of the bathtub. See if your child can see the sequence of the day or the many interesting things such as noticing that when they are getting ready for the Ball that the Knight has the battleship on his head. See if your child notices that the items are all related to what they do in the tub. Remember, differentiating reality from imagination is a learned skill and takes a lot of practice.

Come join us at the Help Me Grow FREE Family Event!

Come with your kids and enjoy fun activities! You are welcome to invite anyone you'd like!

Resource Spotlight: Everyday Learners of Utah County

Education matters. And you can help. 

In 2010 Three out of Ten Third Graders in Utah County were not Reading at Grade Level.

That means that by 2019, 2,500 students in Utah County are more likely to drop out of high school. Read more...

 

What's the Solution?

 

YOU ARE. And now, United Way of Utah County invites you to lend a hand to the cause of education by counting yourself as an EveryDay Learner.

 

What is an EveryDay Learner?

 

By 2014, United Way of Utah County plans to have 10,000 residents of Utah County counted as EveryDay Learners. An EveryDay Learner is simply someone who makes education a priority in their life. That might mean an extra hour a week doing formal volunteering such as reading, tutoring or mentoring. But it might also meanadvocating for education in ways that take little to no extra time.

 

The Benefits

 

However you choose to get involved, by counting yourself as an EveryDay Learner you are showing support for the important cause of education. You will also receive a monthly newsletter with activity tips and ideas on what others are doing to be EveryDay Learners.

 

ACT NOW. Stand up and be counted. Be an EveryDay Learner.

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