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Opportunities for Growth

Opportunities for Growth

Literacy Opportunities

Here are some things you want to do with your child at home:
  • Read with your child daily.
  • Practice the Alphabet with your child (singing the song, talking about words that begin with a letter sound, playing games in the car, picking out letters on signs and items in grocery store).
  • Read poems and nursery rhymes.
  • Play rhyming word games.
  • Create a mini-library with books.
  • Place books and magazines throughout the house.
  • Visit websites that can be found under "Computer Work Station"
  • Provide materials for your child to create or tell their own stories. Paper, pencils, markers, puppets, and dolls are always good choices.
  • Visit the library-check out books and get your child their own library card.
  • When you read and write, talk to your child about what you read and write.
  • Visit the post office, supermarket, zoo, and then talk/write about the experience when you get home.
  • Display your child's work at home.
  • Answer your child's questions about reading and writing.
  • Have fun reading and writing with your child!

Speech-Language Opportunities
  • Set aside time each day to talk to your child.
  • Help your child "organize" his/her day by:
    • explaining events in the correct sequence
    • remembering important details
    • encouraging new vocabulary
    • using correct grammar
    • repeating difficult words
  • Read to or with your child
  • Play words games such as: definitions, categories, association, and problem solving
  • Give and ask for directions in order building on one-step, then multi-step directions.

Handwriting Opportunities

Please find below some activities to "learn" about handwriting at home:
  • Trace letters in the sand, snow, or dirt.
  • Finger paint letters.
  • Draw letters in the bathtub with soap.
  • Write on the sidewalk with chalk.
  • Create letters using Playdough.
  • Create letter collages with art supplies.
  • Use a variety of writing utensils (colored pencils, markers, gel pens, etc.)
  • Use a flashlight to make letters on the wall.

Fine Motor Skills

Fine motor skills are small movements that are made with the hand. Some excellent activities to help strengthen your child's fine motor skills include:
  • Cutting pictures out of magazines and newspapers.
  • Use toys such as Lego's. Lincoln Logs, and pattern blocks.
  • Use Playdough or clay to create various objects.
  • String popcorn, beads, or buttons.
  • Use a baster and a cotton ball to have a "race" across a table.
  • Use a hole punch and a piece of paper to create a design.
  • Do jigsaw puzzles and pegboard games.