 photo by Rachel |
You can do a lot of hands-on learning in 30 minutes this spring. Hang a hummingbird feeder, plant some bulbs, take photos of trees in blossom, and fly a kite. Whatever you do, have fun!
Children never do stop learning, do they? Their little hands are constantly exploring while they touch, try, grab, goudge, rub, ruffle, pull, push, lift, sift, pick, poke, untie, unravel, examine and explore! This what we call "hands-on" learning, and it can drive you a little crazy sometimes.
Actually, hands-on learning is vitally important at this stage. As children explore their world, they are storing memories of textures, shapes, sizes and more. Later, when they read about or study shapes and textures, their brain kicks in a photographic recall of their hands-on discoveries.
Next time those busy little hands exasperate you, take a deep breath, count to 10 and remind yourself, "Okay -- this is a necessary stage of learning, so I will be patient when she thinks she has to touch everything in sight ..."
Of course there are limiitations, and children need to learn to leave certain things alone if you say so and - in general - listen and obey. But it's a big part of our job as parents to understand this craving need -- this built-in drive -- to explore with the hands.
Next time you're outdoors with your preschoolers, compare and contrast things you see. What is the same about an ant and a caterpillar? They both crawl, they both have legs, etc. What is different? One is soft and fuzzy, the other is slick. One likes to eat bread crumbs, the other eats leaves and plants.
Other fun spring activities and ideas: fly a kite, make a collage, blow bubbles, plant flowers, play at the park and read favorite books outdoors on a quilt. In other words, enjoy quality time with your preschooler this spring!
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