Cognitive « ECE made Easy

Spring Nature Walk

By Deb, on May 8th, 2011%

It is always great to take young children for walks around the neighbourhood, to a local park or ravine. These walks can turn into “teachable” moments. Spring walks are a good time to observe what is happening in nature. Here are some ideas for discussion:

buds on trees and shrubs that become leaves birds nests . . . → Read More: Spring Nature Walk

Easter Egg Hunt

By Deb, on April 17th, 2011%

I have some ideas to organize your scavenger hunt and give it a little twist… . . . → Read More: Easter Egg Hunt

Toddler Crafts Made Easy

By Deb, on April 13th, 2011%

As I have mentioned in earlier blogs, toddlers in home childcare settings are hard to include in crafttime activities. They like to be part of the action and are certainly aware of what is going on. I have put together some easy ways to involve the toddlers while the older kids are making their crafts.

. . . → Read More: Toddler Crafts Made Easy

Birds of a feather

By Deb, on March 8th, 2011%

Kids love to manipulate objects, sort and classify things. This activity combines learning colours, matching them and making a fun craft too. . . . → Read More: Birds of a feather

Make your own jigsaw puzzle

By Deb, on March 7th, 2011%

This craft is suitable for older preschoolers and school-age children. The children first draw a picture on a white piece of bristol board. “Good” puzzles should have different colours and lines (thicker, thinner, wavy, straight etc) to help figure out which pieces go together. . . . → Read More: Make your own jigsaw puzzle

Baby Animals on the farm song

By Deb, on March 7th, 2011%

Spring has sprung!! Let’s talk to the children about what is happening in nature at this time of year. Farm animals are familiar to preschoolers and I like to use the change of season as an excuse to teach the kids that babies are born in the spring. . . . → Read More: Baby Animals on the farm song

Grocery shopping with kids made easy

By Deb, on February 26th, 2011%

We have all been there with small children, the dreaded grocery shop! Up and down the aisles with whining, fighting over the cart seat, trying to get every treat item they can see. Here are some ways to keep the kids involved and eliminate the stress of shopping. . . . → Read More: Grocery shopping with kids made easy

More indoor games

By Deb, on February 14th, 2011%

…the Chair Game: Arrange chairs in an open space; one for each participating child. Each child sits on a chair to begin. The leader calls out commands and the children must follow the instructions… The “What is it?” Game: Gather some interesting household/kitchen objects into a container…Each child takes a turn reaching for an object. The leader asks “What is that? What do you think it is used for?” . . . → Read More: More indoor games

Fun with Beads

By Deb, on January 23rd, 2011%

Bead Box

I think every child care provider and E.C.E. should have a collection of beads and gimp (plastic string) for lacing them. I keep my beads sorted by colour in a plastic container (see picture). Small beads are a choking hazard and not recommended for children under 3.

For home-based providers, I recommend . . . → Read More: Fun with Beads

Quiet indoor games

By Deb, on January 23rd, 2011%

Sitting and waiting is very hard for young children. There are times when you may have the children in a group waiting, for example for lunch or for you to set something up in the room. Here are some quick games to make the transitions a little easier.

What’s Missing Game- Gather a few household . . . → Read More: Quiet indoor games

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