Category: Toddler and Preschool Age Learning

Categories
Big Kid Big kid fun Craft Family Activities Gifts Holiday How To Infant/Toddler Learning Kindergarten Age Learning Life Parenting Toddler and Preschool Age Fun Toddler and Preschool Age Learning

8 Fun Monthly Subscription Boxes for Kids: Non-Toy Gifts for Kids

Instead of buying toys for special days, you can consider monthly subscription boxes for kids. These non-toy gifts for kids are fun and won’t clutter up your space as much as toys do.

Helping kids recognize and develop their skills at an early age can give them an advantage later in life. They are already scientists, explorers, cooks, bakers, artists, and many other things. The best thing you can do for your kids is to provide them with what they need to learn and grow in these areas.

***This post contains affiliate links. It costs you nothing extra, but I may receive a small commission.***

monthly subscription boxes for kids, monthly subscription boxes, best gifts for kids, best non-toy gift ideas, best non-toy gifts, subscription boxes, subscription boxes for kids

Monthly Subscription Boxes For Kids

1. Green Kid Crafts

Green Kid Crafts is a nature-based STEAM subscription box for kids aged 2-10. The activities included in the box inspire creativity, discovery, and learning about the world. This monthly box can be the perfect arts and crafts gift for kids.

You can shop by theme on the Green Kid Crafts website, too. The themes include:

  • Arts and crafts kits and projects
  • Fun science experiments
  • Exciting animals and ecosystems
We Craft Box

2. We Craft Box

We Craft Box is geared toward kids between the ages of three and nine. If you have a younger child, they’ll need more help. As kids do the themed monthly project, they’re experiencing creativity and making memories.

All of the materials the child will need, except water and scissors, are included in the box. My favorite part is that each kit comes with enough material for two kids, so it’s perfect for sharing.

Each We Craft Box comes with a story about the project, which helps get your child inspired and feeling creative. It also includes photo instructions that are easy to follow.

We Craft Box, We Craft
subscription box for kids
craft box

3. Bookroo

Bookroo is a monthly subscription book box for kids ages 0-10. It is super simple to sign up, and you can count on awesome books being delivered for your kids. There are three different book clubs you can join including:

  • Board Books (ages 0-3)
  • Picture Books (ages 3-6)
  • Chapter Books (ages 7-10)

Since March is reading month, you could consider starting the subscription box as a way to make National Reading Awareness Month even more exciting.

Amazing books kids love!

4. Coding Subscription Box

This monthly subscription box is best for ages six through 12. The child will receive monthly coding projects, learning how to make video games, simulations, greeting cards, and so much more.

One of the best parts is that each box comes with a guide for grownups and unlimited email support. You won’t have to worry about getting stumped when there’s help and references readily available.

monthly subscription boxes for kids

5. Highlights Magazine Subscription Box

The Highlights subscription box is available for preschoolers, kindergarteners, and first graders. They offer a fun way to learn skills based on their age group and skill levels. Using this box for only 15 minutes a day can improve your child’s skills, and you can track the changes on included progress sheets.

6. History Subscription Boxes

Suitable for ages six through 11, this history box is perfect for kids who love history. Kids can learn about the world around them and other cultures with the included activities. Some of the skills it’ll help children improve are literacy, geography, STEAM, history, and vocabulary.

monthly subscription boxes for kids

7. Monthly Subscription Box for Tweens or Teens

Many of the subscription boxes target younger kids, but tweens and tweens can enjoy this Strong self(ie) monthly subscription box. The tween box is geared towards eight to 12-year-olds, while the teen box targets 13-17-year-olds.

Examples of Tween Boxes

monthly subscription boxes for kids
monthly subscription boxes for kids

Examples of Teen Boxes

monthly subscription boxes for kids
monthly subscription boxes for kids

8. Baketivity Monthly Subscription Box for Kids

The Baketivity subscription box involves a monthly recipe and includes pre-measured ingredients. Each recipe is easy to follow and has illustrations to help the child along.

One of my favorite parts of this subscription box is that the kids can watch and follow a chef creating the recipe. It also comes with a chef hat and apron so your child can embrace every aspect of being a baker.

monthly subscription boxes for kids, monthly subscription boxes, best gifts for kids, best non-toy gift ideas, best non-toy gifts, subscription boxes, subscription boxes for kids, monthly subscription boxes for kids

Monthly Subscription Boxes for Kids

Monthly subscription boxes for kids are the perfect solution to having too many toys. Birthdays and holidays don’t have to be all about toys, and these subscription boxes are the best gifts for kids.

What subscription boxes for kids do you love? Leave a comment and let me know!

If you want an adult subscription box, check out my post 10 Reasons to Try Bean Box Award-Winning Coffee.

Categories
Big Kid Health Healthy Living How To Kindergarten Age Learning Life Parenting Toddler and Preschool Age Learning

How to Help Your Kids Get Basic Health and Hygiene Down

As a parent, you likely want to improve your health and improve your child’s basic health and hygiene. It can be a battle to keep your kids clean, especially during the summer when they love to spend all their time outside. Teaching them how to look after themselves early on will set them up for a healthy and hygienic future. Consider these ideas to ensure they can take care of themselves as much as possible. 

Basic Health and Hygiene
Source

Teaching Basic Health and Hygiene to Kids

Positive Reinforcement 

Kids love hearing that they did a good job, whether it’s at school, after playing sports, or any other time. When teaching kids the importance of basic health and hygiene, you can use this to your advantage. Giving them praise or rewards after sitting still during an appointment at places like ÈLAN Dentistry will stop them from worrying about unusual places and encourage them to take care of their teeth to get another reward next time. 

Modeling Behavior 

It is always essential for parents to be role models at home. Your home is where your kids will learn everything they can about life, especially if they haven’t started school yet. If you emphasize healthy living, whether through eating well, exercise, or getting enough sleep, they will copy this behavior. By doing this, they develop healthy habits early on, giving them a fantastic foundation to build on. On the other hand, if you don’t encourage healthy living and spend all of your time sitting on the sofa and eating fast food, it will be no surprise when they follow suit. 

Make Health Fun 

There is something about a healthy lifestyle that many kids want to avoid. They act like it’s not cool to enjoy fruit and vegetables or to exercise. To change this attitude, you need to make health fun. You can find health and wellness activities that your kids will love, and they can teach them about being healthy without them feeling like they are learning. Other options include singing songs about health with them, especially when bathing or brushing their teeth. The songs will help your child associate this routine with something enjoyable, making them more likely to pursue it. 

Basic Health and Hygiene Gives Them Opportunities 

Your kids will never embrace the magic of exercise and activities if you don’t give them the opportunities to do so. Signing them up for sports clubs, such as soccer or basketball, will keep them fit and active. Additionally, consider teaching them how to ride a bike or take them to swim classes. As these are two common skills, it will allow your child to do other things with their friends when they get older.

Healthy and Happy 

It’s no secret that a healthy child is a happy child. By encouraging excellent health and hygiene practices, your kids will grow up feeling good. It minimizes the number of infections or other problems that can impact children who aren’t educated on hygiene.

Basic Health and Hygiene For Kids

Parents know that keeping their child clean all of the time can be quite a challenge. You might feel like you constantly have to chase after them to keep them clean. Fortunately, you can teach basic health and hygiene for kids. While you will have to help your child sometimes, they will be much more independent regarding taking care of themselves.

What are some things you have done to teach your child about basic health and hygiene? Leave a comment and let us know!

Categories
Big Kid Learning Parenting Teenager Toddler and Preschool Age Learning

8 of the Best Back to School Finds for 2021-22 School Year

back to school, back to school finds

As crazy as it seems, back to school is upon us already. With four kids to school shop for this year, I’ve already been buying things and making plans. Amazon is one of my go-to’s for the best back to school finds. I can find deals that aren’t in stores, and they have a wide variety of products to choose from. Plus, I don’t have to leave the house which is super helpful.

***This post contains affiliate links. It costs you nothing extra, but I may receive a small commission.***

back to school, back to school finds

Best Back to School Finds

1. Crayola Washable Project Paint, 6 Count

We always need project paint, so I stocked up on these. I try to avoid rushing out the night before a project is due when I realize we are missing key components.

2. Academic Planner

Preteens and teenagers can get organized with a planner, helping them keep track of events and assignments. If they can get organized right from the start of the school year, they’ll have a greater chance of success.

3. Backpack

A backpack is a back-to-school essential, and Amazon has them with built-in USB chargers. What could be better for a middle schooler or high schooler? Plus, this backpack is designed to safely hold a laptop, allowing for easier back-and-forth between home and school.

4. Kindle Kid’s Edition

The kindle has a black and white glare-free screen, intended for reading and not playing games. The Kid’s Edition comes with one year of Amazon Kids+, allowing them to choose books from a wide variety of books. It even includes the complete Harry Potter series! Your child can bring their reading material with them anywhere, and the battery life can last for weeks.

We love this kindle because it allows us to save time on busy weeknights. The kids can get their reading time in while we drive to and from sports practices and other events.

5. Ear Buds

We always need earbuds at home, and they’re on all of the kids’ back to school lists from school, too. These ones work well for the price and you won’t feel bad replacing them (which will happen).

6. Pens and Pencils

Pens and pencils are a back to school must-have. Our middle schooler loves the G2 pens, and the elementary school is requesting Ticonderoga pencils for the littles.

7. Elmer’s All Purpose School Glue Sticks, 60 Count

This mega pack of Elmer’s glue sticks will last the entire school year. You will have plenty to send to school with your child and still keep enough at home. We use glue sticks all the time, so I love when I find a good deal.

8. Involve & Evolve Insulated Water Bottle With Three Lids

Keeping your child hydrated during the school day is easy when you know they have a water bottle. These ones are cute, and each water bottle comes with three lids. You can choose from a stainless steel cap, a push-pull sports cap, or a straw lid. It also comes with two straws.

Back to School Finds

Don’t wait until the last minute and then scramble to find everything at your local stores. Get started now with these back to school finds from Amazon. Have you started school shopping yet? Leave a comment and let me know!

I created a few back to school printables to help you get everything you need. There are different ones for each age range, so check out my post: 8 Ways to Get Ready For Back to School (Free Printables)

Categories
Big Kid Big kid fun Family Activities How To Infant/Toddler Learning Kindergarten Age Learning Parenting Toddler and Preschool Age Fun Toddler and Preschool Age Learning Uncategorized

Have Fun Learning: 4 Mom and Child At-Home Activities

have fun learning

The world has dramatically changed and with it, a lot of negatives and some positives have risen. We don’t need to go into the negatives, that much is obvious. The positives however are more surprising. Technology has rapidly shifted and improved so that remote working has become the norm. With this trend, a few other new possibilities have been born. For one thing, ways to have fun learning have become far more accessible. It’s not just about education like virtual schooling, but other things such as hobbies, activities, and crafts have made it into the virtual world, too. Let’s look at some fun mom-and-child activities you can do at home now.

How to Have Fun Learning Through Mom and Child Activities

1. Online Art Classes

Children love to draw and paint. These creative activities allow their imagination to thrive and develop. Sketching, painting, drawing, learning to shade and draw depth, and bringing a picture to life is a life skill that is so rewarding.

Getting started depends on what type of art you want to create. Here is a list of options.

For sketching – New Masters Academy Arts: They have instructors who have drawn for Disney, Sony, and other Hollywood studios.

For a bit of everything – Art Production Fund’s Digital Art-Making Workshops. They have some famous artists like Ryan Flores, Angelica Hicks, Lucy Sparrow, etc.

For watercolor painting – Nitty Gritty Studio. It’s a YouTube channel run by Merideth. She’s a classic painter and she’ll show you beginner techniques.

2. Language Lessons

Living in a diverse country, learning a new language is always a beneficial idea. If your child wants to learn a popular language, then Spanish lessons are a great option. The language tutor should be experienced, and choosing one that is native in that language is helpful, too. If they are a native speaker, then they can tell you the ins and outs of slang, regional dialects, and anything else you should know.

The tutor should also be comfortable teaching virtually. Being familiar with Zoom is a must, and that usually means you’ll want a younger tutor. A younger tutor is also good for the child because they can relate to them, whether it’s with the areas of the language they want to learn like music, reading, artwork, poems, etc., or with another aspect of relatability.

Have Fun Learning, mom and child activities,
Source

3. Gardening

The sun is shining and the warm weather brings the perfect temperatures to learn about gardening. Doing gardening projects with your children helps them learn about nature, taking care of something living, and just getting a little messy and exploring different textures. Online gardening lessons are pretty easy to join. You just select the age group, the type of project you want to do, and the tutor you’d like to work with. If you download the Zoom app on your phone, you can show your tutor what you are working on and receive tips for improvement.

4. Monthly Subscription Boxes

You can sign your children up for monthly subscription boxes based on anything that they want to learn. Using these boxes will help them recognize their passions and develop their skills early on. There are options for book lovers, aspiring artists, science topics, dress-up, pottery, and so much more.

Check out my post 4 Fun Monthly Subscription Boxes for Kids: Non-Toy Gifts for Kids to learn more about this.

Have Fun Learning, mom and child activities, Have Fun Learning: 4 Mom and Child At-Home Activities #funlearning #learningfun #learning #funwithkids #kids #parenting #parents #learningathome #activitiesforkids

Have Fun Learning With Mom and Child Activities

At-home learning with mom and child is a great way to bond and learn something new yourself. Whether it’s language, art, science, or gardening, you can have fun learning at home. Leave a comment and let me know which option you want to try with your kids!

Categories
Big Kid Big kid fun Gifts How To Infant/Toddler Learning Kindergarten Age Parenting Teenager Toddler and Preschool Age Fun Toddler and Preschool Age Learning Toys Toys and Games

4 Tips For Choosing The Best Gift For Your Child

Best Gift For Your Child

In many ways, children bring joy and happiness into your life as a parent. When your child has been well-behaved and respectful, or when they are celebrating a significant milestone, you want to reward them. The idea of buying your child a gift sounds easy enough, but when the time comes, you might struggle to come up with the perfect gift. I’ve been there plenty of times, and along the way I have made note of some my favorite tips for choosing the best gift for your child. Perhaps for the last couple of months, your child has been attentive and obedient, or they attain a significant milestone in life.

Best Gift For Your Child
Source

How to Choose the Best Gift For Your Child

1. Prioritize Interest

While you always have a thousand responsibilities to attend to as a parent, making time for your child is essential to their overall development. Apart from bonding, you learn about your kid’s interests, allowing you to have better insight when choosing the best gifts.

Perhaps your child shows interest in dancing and is often making moves in front of the TV. When the time is right, schedule dance classes that will help your child approach dancing professionally. Likewise, if they are into art, sign them up for art classes. Some of the best gifts are experiences rather than toys and other items.

Ignoring your child’s interests will only deteriorate your relationship, and buying the wrong apology gift makes things worse. Your child wants you to have an interest in their life, and that means paying attention to what they truly love and find happiness in.

2. Ensure it is Age-Appropriate

Although to your eyes, your child will forever remain your baby, this should not mislead you into buying age-inappropriate gifts. Purchasing gifts that resonate with your child’s age increases the interest level and allows for better enjoyment.

For example, if your child is a toddler who can barely put two and two together, you should consider buying kids’ clothes instead of complex gifts intended for older kids.

Similarly, if your child is elementary age, you need to buy them something that will hold their interest. Buying them toys and activities intended for a preschooler will not be exciting for them.

3. Choose Educational Gifts

Educational gifts are always the best as they play a critical part in your child’s mental development process. With education being a never-ending process, there is no shortage of gifts to choose from in this category.

Think of rewards such as puzzles or other problem-solving material that helps sharpen your kid’s mind and taps into their problem-solving skills.

If you run out of creative ideas to educate your child with toys, opt for books instead. Buying reading material for your child ingrains a reading culture in their life that may stick even at an older age. Books are fun because you can buy books you loved as a kid and re-read them with your child.

4. Go For Durability

The best gifts last a lifetime and evoke positive emotions every time the receiver reflects on them. Your child deserves at least one gift that they will remember you by for years to come. Whether the memorable gift is a family heirloom that you pass down as a gift or something simple like a bicycle doesn’t matter, the essential thing is that it lasts.

5. Consider Sharing

If you have a small child who loves to play outside with other children, you should think about shareable gifts. Shareable gifts may include things like board games or multiplayer video games that they can play against friends. These types of gifts will help your child with socializing, too, which is a definite bonus.

Best Gift For Your Child

Choosing The Best Gift For Your Child

It is always hard to choose the best gift for your child. With so many options out there, it can become overwhelming. Use these tips for choosing the best gift for your child and you will have an easier time choosing something your child will love. Do you have any tips to add? Let me know in the comments!

Categories
Big Kid Classroom Infant/Toddler Learning Kindergarten Age Learning Toddler and Preschool Age Learning

5 Cool Devices and Tools Your Kids Need for Virtual Learning

tools your kids need for virtual learning

COVID-19 quarantines and lockdowns have caused many disruptions to children’s education. It’s (hopefully) not going to be a regular occurrence because scientists have already developed Covid-19 vaccines, but in the meantime, it’s crucial that parents offer some form of home-based learning for their kids. With that in mind, you may be wondering what the best ways to engage with your children are. One answer is through the use of technology, and there are many helpful devices and tools your kids need for virtual learning.

***This post contains affiliate links. It costs you nothing extra, but I may receive a small commission.***

tools your kids need for virtual learning
Pixabay

Devices and Tools Your Kids Need for Virtual Learning

1. Virtual Reality (VR) Headset

A cursory look on YouTube will reveal many VR-ready videos that allow viewers to enjoy an immersive viewing experience. The available video content ranges from rollercoaster rides and views of Earth from space to close-up videos in wildlife reserves.

VR headsets allow children to feel like they are at the heart of the action and enjoy a truly interactive and immersive experience. One fact about VR headsets is they are affordable. Inexpensive VR headsets start from $10 and can range up to around $500 for an Oculus headset.

2. Noise-Canceling Headphones

When your child has virtual school lessons via Zoom or Skype, they can learn and focus better in an environment free of distractions. Setting up your child’s computer in a quiet room is one way to do that. Sometimes, especially if you have a large family like we do, there are no quiet areas in a family home, though.

In these cases, it’s better to equip your child with noise-canceling headphones. They’re available to suit various needs, and it’s also possible to get headphones for autistic children who find it hard to concentrate when there are noisy distractions around them.

3. Tablet

It’s no secret that we all live in a digital age. Most people, even kids, have several electronic devices they use for communication and productivity. Tablets are essential for kids these days, and they’re easier for little ones to use than other computers. It’s smaller, cheaper, and more interactive to use than a laptop.

Your kids can use tablets as part of their virtual learning as you can download apps for productivity, video conferencing, and more with ease. Of course, you should moderate each child’s time on the tablet, so they cannot access online content unrelated to their learning.

Make sure your children are being safe online!! Check out my blog post, Keeping Kids Safe Online – 8 Simple Tips for tips and advice.

4. Touchscreen Pen

You will undoubtedly include creative learning as part of your child’s home learning curriculum. It’s for that reason touchscreen pens (also known as Stylus pens) make sense and are the perfect complementary accessories for their tablets.

With a touchscreen pen, each child can draw and color with ease on their tablet screen. Touchscreen pens help to foster your children’s creativity by letting them make artistic digital creations. Plus, if your child’s learning requires that they write words, sentences, or numbers, a touchscreen pen can help them do so neatly.

5. Activity Tracker

Finally, an activity tracker such as a smartwatch is ideal for kids who are taught physical education from home. Activity trackers are wearables that monitor a child’s physical exercise and give you and them an overview of their physical activity during a sports session.

Activity trackers are also useful for encouraging and motivating children during physical play as they can quickly check their progress. Plus, such progress can get reported via a linked fitness app on their tablet. It will help them get enough exercise and movement each day, and it can encourage them to set and meet goals.

If you choose a smartwatch as your child’s activity tracker, there are additional benefits, too. Many times, you can set up the watch to receive calls from recognized numbers (such as yours or a grandparent’s). Plus, you can track your child’s location in case you accidentally get separated from them.

Devices and Tools Your Kids Need for Virtual Learning

There are many devices and tools your kids need for virtual learning. You might already use some of these devices, and you can simply add the other tools to help your child out. This is an incredibly uncertain time and it is essential that we don’t let our children’s education suffer.

What devices and tools do you use for your kid’s virtual learning? Tell me in the comments and let me know if you recommend them!

Categories
Big kid fun Family Activities How To Infant/Toddler Learning Learning Parenting Toddler and Preschool Age Fun Toddler and Preschool Age Learning Toys Toys and Games

What Are Some Of The Ways You Can Encourage Imaginative Play?

imaginative play

Encouraging your child to use their imagination is very important. After all, this is an essential step in their learning process as it helps them develop skills and learn. The best way to get your child’s imagination working is through imaginative play. After all, if something seems fun, then your child will instantly be more responsive and involved.

imaginative play, pretend play, parenting, learning and fun, fun and games, pretend play for kids

Luckily, there are quite a few imagination-based toys available in stores and on the internet. Even better, many toys for imaginative play are popular with young children. You’ll be able to find the perfect one for your kiddo that they will love.

***This post contains affiliate links. It costs you nothing extra, but I may receive a small commission.***

Click these links for a few ideas for pretend play that your kids will love:

There are also online play options and virtual school assemblies. This means that you are not faced with a shortage of options to choose from.

This blog post aims to give you a helping hand with this by simply providing you with some tips and suggestions regarding the promotion of imaginative play.

Figure Out What Type of Imaginative Play Your Child Likes

The key is to try out a few different things to discover what type of imaginative play your child likes. Stick with things that let them use their mind to unlock the door of their imagination.

There are lots of great toys available that are based around role-playing. One of the most popular options to go for is a kid’s kitchen. This gives your child their very own area of space where they can pretend to cook and create different meals.

This helps them because they will be able to become more familiar with different kitchen activities. Plus, they can use their imagination to create different scenarios.

Buy a Dollhouse

Another good option is to buy a dollhouse. These are great because they promote creativity as well as imagination. Your child will be able to decorate the rooms in the house and think of different scenarios between the dolls. Plus, this helps the child learn about family dynamics, the roles of different individuals, and the makings of a household.

Encourage Imaginative Dress-Up

There are lots of different dress-up costumes available from toy stores, and it is another good option to go for. After all, what better way to let your imagination run wild and get into true character than dressing up as something? The choices for dress-up are never-ending, and it is a good idea to let your little one pick which outfit they likes best.

Consider Other Play Home Items

If you are looking for something which is smaller or more affordable than a play kitchen, then there are lots of scaled-down sets. These sets encourage kids to learn different life skills. You can get cake baking sets, laundry sets, coffee making sets, and much, much more.

imaginative play, pretend play, parenting, learning and fun, fun and games, pretend play for kids

As you can see, there are several different ways in which you can get your child’s imagination working. Hopefully, the tips to promote imaginative play given in this article will have provided you with some ideas and inspiration. What are some ways your kids enjoy imaginative play? Leave a comment and let me know!

Categories
Infant/Toddler Learning Learning Parenting Toddler and Preschool Age Learning

Child Developmental Milestones Every Parent Should Know

Child Developmental Milestones Every Parent Should Know
Child Developmental Milestones Every Parent Should Know
Pexels – CC0 License

Raising a child is complicated business. It’s not just a practical matter of changing diapers, feeding them, and making sure they go to school. It’s also about checking that they reach certain milestones at specific times in their lives. 

For instance, children should be making attempts to communicate by age one, and they should be able to understand that other people have feelings by age two. 

Unfortunately, most parents don’t know specifically when these skills kick in. And it can mean that a few kids miss them without their caregivers noticing. 

In this post, we take a look at some critical child developmental milestones that every parent needs to know as their child grows up. 

Here’s the rundown: 

Child Development At Two Months

At two months, your child should be able to make cooing sounds and be able to smile. They should also be able to calm themselves briefly and start looking at the parent. 

Children at this age have something called directionality. It means that they can turn their heads to face their caregivers and react to noises. 

Parents need to ensure that they react to loud stimuli in the environment. If they don’t, it could indicate a blocked ear canal – something that can affect their ability to develop language later on. 

Children should also be able to hold their heads up from about the age of two months – although you’ll still need to support them. And you may notice that they start acting “bored” or “fussy” – a good sign, despite the hassle. 

Child Development At 1 Year

The first year of development is a whirlwind for children. At this point, they can respond to simple spoken sounds and use head gestures like shaking their head and waving bye-bye to other people. They’re often able to say things like “mama” and “dada” at this stage while also making exclamations, like “uh-oh.” 

Cognitive development really starts to take off at this stage as well. For instance, children at one year of age can put things in containers and let go of objects in their hands without outside help. You may also notice that they start copying your gestures. 

Child Developmental Milestones At 2 Years

Child Developmental Milestones Every Parent Should Know
Pexels – CC0 License

Once children get to around two years of age, they’re really beginning to get the hang of speech. Often, they are able to complete sentences of nursery rhymes with only a small amount of prompting. They’re also able to construct sentences with a subject, object, and verb. Sometimes children need speech therapy at this stage to correct any problems and set them up for the future.

At two years, you should also notice your child starts to be able to do other things too. For instance, they may be able to point to things in a book or repeat things they overhear in conversations between parents. They can also build towers of more than four blocks and play simple make-believe games. 

Child Development At 3 Years Old

At three years old, children should be able to carry on conversations, forming two or three consecutive sentences. It won’t be like having a full-blown conversation with an adult. But once they’re relaxed, they should be able to communicate their basic ideas and talk to strangers. 

You may also notice that their ability to solve puzzles also improves. They should be able to fit jigsaws together and use their hands to turn the pages of books one page at a time. 

Child Developmental Milestones At Four Years Of Age

Children should be able to use scissors at four years of age – something that requires a great deal of manual dexterity. They should also be able to remember parts of stories and how the concepts of “same” and “different” differ from one another. 

You may also notice changes in their physical development. For instance, children at the age of four should be able to stand on one foot and hop. They should also be able to pour their own drinks and catch bounced balls. 

On the social and emotional front, they should now be able to play the roles of mom and dad themselves in games of make-believe and cooperate with other children. Sometimes they can’t tell what’s real and what’s not still, but they should slowly gain this capacity. 

  • Child Developmental Milestones Every Parent Should Know
  • Child Developmental Milestones Every Parent Should Know

Keeping tabs on your child’s development is essential. You need to be able to ensure that they develop in the proper manner. Catching problems early can help you ensure healthy development in the future.

Categories
Infant/Toddler Learning Kindergarten Age Learning Parenting Toddler and Preschool Age Fun Toddler and Preschool Age Learning

How Do Musical Instruments Relate To School Performance?

musical instruments, toy instruments, kids, music and learning
musical instruments, toy instruments, kids, music and learning

By introducing children to the world of music using toy musical instruments, you are opening the door to endless possibilities. You are giving them a great basis for the future and an excellent chance to excel in various areas. This is because the process of learning to play music enhances many other areas of their development.

As stated, learning to play a musical instrument can create various knock-on effects. This means it offers benefits to many individuals, and the best time to start is at a young age. You can find lesson plans (check out https://studentreasures.com/teachers-lounge/lesson-plans/kindergarten/) that you can use at home to blend music and education effectively. For example, use one of the brainstorming sessions as part of your music lesson. 

musical instruments, toy instruments, kids, music and learning

But, why musical instruments?

Improves Math Skills

Learning to play music is very similar to mathematics. The rhythm of the music is based on time being divided into various fractions. Many researchers have found that those children who play toy musical instruments are better at solving mathematical problems. So, it is not surprising that children who have been introduced to music are better at mathematics. This can help them in accounting and business-related areas, as well.

Develops Memorization Skills and Promotes Concentration

Moreover, learning to play different tunes requires memorization skills. A child will enhance their ability to memorize things easily and this will prove especially beneficial during tests and exams.

A child will be able to intake information just as easily as they can memorize a melody. Learning different tunes also requires concentration, so the child will also develop a deeper level of concentration.

Improves Self-Esteem

Another beneficial factor is that toy musical instruments can increase a child’s self-belief, confidence, and self-esteem. These elements are essential for children, especially in this day and age.

Many individuals fail to excel in life because they fear that they could fail and do not believe in themselves. When children learn to play a musical instrument, they realize what they are capable of achieving. They also experience the intense happiness they feel when they achieve it. This will encourage them to take the same attitude towards different areas in their life. 

Improves Creativity and Musical Ability

Of course, learning to play a musical instrument will directly improve their creativity skills and their musical ability. They will develop their own musical tastes and may even take a particular liking to the subject.

You may find you have the next Mozart or Chopin on your hands and your child may excel in the area of music. If you had never introduced them to toy musical instruments, then this may have never been the case. 

Why wouldn’t you want to give your child an extra outlet and an extra avenue for future success?

Whether they take to the world of music or not you will definitely see benefits in other aspects of their life. Overall the advantages are there for all to see. Musical instruments provide endless amounts of fun to people of all ages and the benefits are too good to ignore.

musical instruments, toy instruments, kids, music and learning
Categories
Craft crafts Infant/Toddler Learning Kindergarten Age Toddler and Preschool Age Fun Toddler and Preschool Age Learning

Fall Crafts for Kids – Handprint Leaves

fall craft for kids, easy fall craft, handprint craft for kids, fall handprint craft, cute craft for kids

You guys, fall is RIGHT around the corner. Can you believe it? That means it’s time to get started on our fall crafts for kids!

I love so many things about fall. Bonfires, the smell of October, crisp fall air, and the falling leaves in bright colors are just a few of my favorite things. My all-time favorite part, however, is making memories with my kids.

Fall is the perfect time for family traditions and fun. Doing crafts is something we do for each season or holiday, so of course, there will be fall-inspired crafts.

This handprint leaves craft is one I first did years ago. I loved it so much I started doing it every year. I love seeing how much the kids’ hands have grown each year, and I can update their scrapbooks with the handprint leaves.

How to Make Handprint Leaves With Kids

This is a super simple craft that you can do with kids of every age. The required materials are minimal, and there isn’t much mess involved.

fall craft for kids, easy fall craft, handprint craft for kids, fall handprint craft, cute craft for kids

Required Materials:

Directions:

  1. Begin with a blank piece of white paper.
  2. Using a clean paintbrush, paint the child’s hand orange.
  3. Quickly and firmly place the child’s hand flat onto the white paper.
  4. Carefully lift their hand, being careful not to smear the handprint leaf.
  5. Repeat steps 2-4 for the red paint and yellow paint.
  6. Allow the paint to dry.
  7. Using a thin paintbrush and brown paint (or a brown marker) draw the stem lines onto the leaves.

What Do You Think?!

Tell me what you think of this easy fall craft! Which fall crafts do you plan to do with your kiddos?

Share pictures of your fall crafts for kids in the comments! Feel free to drop a link to your fall craft blog posts in the comments, too! I’d love to see them!

Check out other fall crafts and activities by clicking the following links:

Simple Fall Handprint Crafts for Kids

Easy Fall Sensory Bin With Dyed Rice

Foil Printed Fall Art For Kids

Fall Bucket List – Free Printable 

Other Important Fall Tasks

While we’re on the topic of kids and fall, I want to remind you to label all of your child’s coats, jackets, snow pants, and anything else they might lose. I’ve spent too much time and money looking for or replacing these items, so I label them each year. If you want a label that will last, I urge you to visit dutchlabelshop.com. They offer custom labels that you can sew onto your child’s clothing and outdoor gear. You can even choose a label with your child’s photo.

fall craft for kids, easy fall craft, handprint craft for kids, fall handprint craft, cute craft for kids