Theme for the Week - Canada
Canada! Since May is when Canadians celebrate Victoria Day, we'll celebrate the great country to our north. Victoria Day is named for England's Queen Victoria (1837-1901) and celebrates her birthday. This week, we'll make a fun handprint Canadian flag, sings some Canadian children's songs, read Winnie the Pooh (inspired by a Canadian bear named Winnipeg) and much more!
Apparently, the Atlantic provinces don't necessarily recognize Victoria Day, we still thought learning more about the country to the north will be fun for the week.
Letter of the Week: V - for Victoria. Point out things that start with "V" - vase, vacuum, van. Show your toddler a picture of both a capital V and a lower case v. Draw a V on paper and let him/her trace over it, or use your child's finger to draw it in the sandbox or dirt. Use bath tub or refrigerator letters to show him/her this letter as well.
Number of the Week: 24 - When you show your child anything say "24 grapes" (or whatever you are counting). Write the number 24 on paper or show your toddler a flash card. Show your child 24 things at a time and count them - "one, two, three, four..." - so your child gets used to the pattern. If nothing else, hearing the number is good for him/her. Don't be afraid of talking about 2-digit numbers.
Songs of the Week: Canadian Kids' Songs - here are a whole bunch of songs that are supposed to be from Canada. See which ones are familiar and which ones are new to you.
Story of the Week: Winnie the Pooh- A. A. Milne's son Christopher was fascinated by a bear at the zoo named Winnie after Winnipeg, Canada. When I need books from my local library, I search the catalog on-line and placed holds on all the books I want. In a couple of days, they are ready to pick up. Instead of trying to browse the shelves with a busy toddler, I pick them up, check them out and I'm on my way. Here's a link to public libraries in the United States if you'd like to see if your local branch is here.
Snack of the Week: Canadian Snacks - Some of these are familiar and some are interesting to think about trying a taste of - ketchup-flavored chips anyone?
Spanish Words of the Week: maple - arco, leaf - la hoja, beaver - el castor, north - norte.
Do It Myself: Identify Red and White - Start with one color and show your child everything you can with that color. Once he/she gets this down - either by the sign (Red or White) or by the word. Then you're ready to start the other color.
Activity of the Week: Handprint Canadian Flag - Again from one of my favorite mom websites - No Time For Flashcards. Such a fun little project. I might suggest making a slightly smaller version since your little one is so young.
Yoga Pose: Leaf- For the Maple Leaf on the flag. PS - Our kids always liked the Yoga Kids series if you'd like more ideas for doing yoga with your toddler.
Sign Language Sign of the Week: Canada, Leaf, Beaver, Queen . If your toddler is still learning how to talk, sign language can be a great way for him/her to communicate. And as they get older, they'll pick up signs faster and it can be more of a fun thing versus a way to communicate.
Remember to give your toddler/preschooler a hug and tell him/her you love them. Hope you have a wonderful week!
