Theme for the Week - Swimming
Some days it seems like we have our suits on all day, and we're usually at the pool for only an hour, maybe two. It's such a great way to wear your little one out, even if they're just wading in the kiddie pool. Makes for GREAT napping!
Letter of the Week: P - For pool - point out things that start with "P" - pool, pea, pear, pie! Show them a picture of both a capital P and a lower case p. Draw a P on paper, or use their finger to draw it in the sandbox or dirt. Use bath tub or refrigerator letters to show them this letter as well.
Number of the Week: 5 - When you show your child anything say "4 ice cubes" or "4 ice cream cones" and show them a picture of the number 4. Write the number 4 on paper. Show them 4 things at a time and count them - "one" "two" "three" "four" - so your child gets used to the pattern.
Songs of the Week: Songs About Swimming - from Swim Teaching. These are cute little songs about swimming, water, etc that are fun for your kids and help them remember things about swimming.
Story of the Week: Froggy Learns to Swim by Jonathan London - There are tons of Froggy books - this one is super sweet because it's about a frog who doesn't want to swim...but he's a frog. This is a funny concept to me.
Snack of the Week: Healthy Snack from LiveStrong - Watch this video - the doc has a lot of great ideas, just make sure your little one is ready for any of these. Many of his ideas include nuts because they are great protien but may be too slippery and dangerous for your child - same goes for grapes. If you're in doubt, call your doc. Use your judgement.
Spanish Words of the Week: to swim - nadar, swimming pool - la piscina, swimsuit - el traje de baño
Do-It-Myself Activity: Dip You Toe In - If you have a baby pool out back or if you go to the pool, get your little one engaged by having them dip their toes in the pool, lake, ocean, whatever. If you lead by example, it will help them feel more comfortable.
Craft of the Week: Decorate a Starfish - Trace and draw a loose starfish design on construction paper. If you need a template, search for "starfish downloadable template'. After you cut it out, let your little one decorate it - crayons, markers, glue with macaroni (supervise this please), watercolors (put down newspaper and cut more than one because if your child is like mine, he/she will eventually put so much water on the paper it will disintegrate). Be sure you talk about it being a star and show your child other stars so he/she will understand you are discussing the shape.
Yoga Pose: Crab from YogaBasics.com - this is a fun one that your children will like - it's a little challenging for some adults who don't do a lot of yoga...stretch a little before you try it :)
Sign Language Sign of the Week: Swim, Swimming Pool, Beach, Lake from SigningSavvy.com - If your toddler is still learning how to talk, sign language can be a great way for them to communicate.
Most of all - give your little one a hug and say "I love you" as many times a day as you can think of! You can never give them enough love.
