Jul 12 2018

Nature Exploration Play Activities for Kids

Children love to explore nature and the evolution of nature at a very early age. My toddler granddaughters and early elementary grandkids love to play in the garden and explore nature, smell various flowers, dissect plants, and observe insects and bugs per the following activities:

Materials:

The Very Hungry Caterpillar book
Bug box
Dual lenses magnifying glass
Big Bunch of Bugs kit
Mini rake and scooper
Kits for raising insects (i.e. Lore Original Butterfly Garden)

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Jul 03 2018

Welcome to the GenParenting Summer Blog Reading Series!

Welcome to our six-week summer blog reading series for parents and their children. Starting on Tuesday, July 10 through Thursday, August 16 we will provide three blogs each week using the Common Core Standards and STEAM activities per the following schedule:

July 10, 11, 12: Nature exploration blog, reading activity, and family play for preschoolers and early elementary children (Automobuild Workshop on August 2 from 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.)
July 17, 18, 19: Transportation and construction blog, reading activity, and family play for preschoolers and elementary children (Automobuild Workshop on July 19 from 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.)
July 24, 25, 26: Get ready for school with siblings, twins, and multiples blog, reading activity, and family play for infants and preschoolers (Automobuild workshop on August 9 from 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.)
July 31, August 1, 2: Promoting family literacy blog, reading activity, and family play for elementary children
August 7, 8, 9: Career explorations blog, reading activity, and family play for middle and high school children
August 14, 15, 16: Talking about death and difficult subjects blog, reading activity, and family play for preschool and early elementary children

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Jun 26 2018

Talk About Cultural Sensitivity

During 4^th of July celebrations, we typically discuss the diversity and cultural sensitivity of our nation’s population. Through these discussions, I have learned:

“When people show you who they are, believe them” per Maya Angelou.
Be open to embrace other cultures.
We may not know a person’s cultural norms.
Listen and trust that a person does not mean ill will unless their actions speak differently.

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Jun 19 2018

Your Child Hurts Himself and Doesn’t Want to Cry

Your Child Hurts Himself and Doesn’t Want to Cry!

One of my friends brought her child over to my home to play with my grandson. While running around the backyard, my friend’s son, Nathan, stumbled and fell hard on his knee. The knee was severely bruised and bloody. Shockingly, Nathan withheld any emotion although he was in extreme pain. My friend and I were alarmed that he was too self-conscious and afraid to express his true emotions. When approaching Nathan about his injury, my friend responded to his distress by:

Encouraging him to express how he felt
Telling him it was OK to cry
Reassuring and cuddling her son
Having her son help when washing and applying medicine on the knee

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Jun 05 2018

Catch a Bad Case of the Travel Bug

Normally, I wouldn’t wish a germy bug on anyone, but hey, infect me with the travel bug anytime! And I’ll be the first to say that I’ll eagerly pass it on to my kids as well. Think of the many benefits of travel: You’ll gain a sense of wonder and eagerness to explore the created world. You’ll learn to appreciate different cultures and the historical significance of your chosen destination. You’ll meet new people and you’ll experience new foods and customs. So, readyto embark on a family adventure?

List dream destinations

Allow your kids to consider locations without restrictions. This will enable them to broaden their horizons and dream big. Think about local day trips, short jaunts within your geographic region, or extended domestic and international destinations. Even if international travel is out of your budget this time around, you can keep it on your wish list!

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