Scotia Child Enrichment Center

11/24/2022

Absolutely!
via Childhood Resource Center

09/04/2022

Crossing the midline plays a part in everything we do! Reading, writing, catching a ball, getting dressed, sitting cross-cross-applesauce, play, self-care...everything!

So, what exactly is midline? Midline of the body is an imaginary line that drops from the middle of the head, strait down over the nose, to the belly button and divides the body into left and right sides. Examples of crossing midline include:
👈Moving the left hand/arm/foot/leg across this line to the right side (and vise versa). Twisting the body in rotation around this imaginary line
👉Leaning the upper or body across the middle of the body
👈Touching the opposite side of the page when reading, writing, or cutting.
👉SO much more!

Here are fun ways to address and develop this skill:

https://www.theottoolbox.com/crossing-midline-march-gross-motor/

09/03/2022

Did you know that a 3-year old (top left image) and a 6-year old (top right image) have significantly different skeletal structure in their hands?! Notice the bones in the wrist of the 3-year old -- many of them are still mostly cartilage! Look at all the spaces in between the bones where muscles and tendons will change through the years. Even the difference between a 6-year old and a 14-year old (lower right) is huge!

Preschoolers have SO much development to do before they can write the way school-aged children or adults can!

Please do NOT stress if your preschooler does not want to write or draw. Some love it and some don't.

While they are growing, strengthen those little bones and muscles! Here are some great pre-writing, muscle-strengthening activities:

* painting, drawing, coloring
* playdough
* tearing and cutting
* gluing
* poking holes in things (try toothpicks and paper!)
* digging in dirt
* building with LEGOS, marble runs, or other blocks
* beading (try beads, cut straws, or even bobbins!)
* puzzles
* squeezing (try stress balls, squeezing water in a sponge, or using a pipette)
* picking up and throwing balls (use different sizes!)
* playing with toys (watch what their little fingers do when they pick up and move little cars, marbles, action figures, etc!)
These all strengthen and help develop little hands, muscles, and bones. When they are physically ready to write, it will be so much easier than if they were pushed when they didn't want to and weren't ready!

06/24/2022

Developmental stages of writing along with fine motor activity suggestions to move from each stage. Love it! 💕

https://destinationkindergarten.blogspot.com/2010/10/can-play-dough-help-my-child-be-better.html

05/10/2022

Read aloud tips ..
Via 🌀 Dolly Parton's Imagination Library

05/03/2022

A great block play handout!
PDF at Tufts Developmental Stages of Block Play

04/28/2022

Outdoor play doesn’t need to stop once the sun sets. These kids’ outdoor activities to do in the dark can be fun and exciting for all!

To read all 12 of our suggestions, check out our post: https://getthekidsoutside.com/kids-outdoor-activities-in-the-dark/

04/27/2022

04/04/2022

via I Heart Arts n Crafts

03/07/2022

What is your child reading?

02/17/2022

It's natural to head inside after the sun has set, but have you considered outdoor activities that can be done after dark? We have a few ideas!

Star gazing and sky watching are always fun (full moon, meteors, eclipses are always awe-inspiring), but there are also several games you can play to in the dark. Extend your outside time and experience the outdoors in a different light (pun intended).

https://getthekidsoutside.com/kids-outdoor-activities-in-the-dark/